I am 100% Finn. All of my ancestors came from Finland and I still consider it to be my ancestral homeland. (I am, first and foremost, an American, however.) I am very proud to be of Finnish descent. Because the US doesn't have a large, or widely dispersed, population of Finns, many people don't know a lot about the country or its people. Here are some things to know about Finland and Finns:
--16% of the population of the UP of Michigan is of Finnish descent. The UP has the largest concentration of Finns outside of Europe.
--The UP of Michigan is very close in climate and geography to Finland. This is one of the reasons so many Finns settled here.
--Finland has about 5.2 million people.
--According to the World Audit study, Finland is the least corrupt and most democratic country in the world as of 2006.
--Finland is home to the world's leading mobile phone company: Nokia. (Guess what kind of cell phone I own! :))
--In the Finnish language, every letter of every word is pronounced. The first syllable of every word is accented. The rules of pronunciation are consistent. The Finnish language is quite easy to read--I was able to read it when I was in elementary school--but it is a difficult language to understand and speak.
--Finland is the only/first country to pay its war debt to the United States.
--Finland has a woman president.
--Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
--Reindeer are herded by the Sami (Lapp) people of northern Finland (Lapland.)
--Some famous Finns:
--Linus Torvald, creator of the Linux computer operating system.
--Paavo Nurmi, Olympic champion long distance runner.
--Jean Sibilius, composer.
--Alvar Aalto, architect.
--Eero Saarinen, architect.
--Renny Harlin, director and producer.
--While Finland has an ancient history, it has embraced the modern world in many ways. Much of the architecture and design is very modern. Marimekko Corporation is a leading textile and clothing design company. Bright colors and bold designs are 'very Marimekko.'
--Iittala is another company that produces very modern design items.
"Iittala creates objects that are thought through in form, function and quality. Objects with a clear thought, created to achieve long lasting everyday use and inspiration. Whether in metal, wood, porcelain or glass, Iittala design objects are tools for contemporary living."
My favorite Iittala design is Ultima Thule. Gorgeous!
--The Finnish sauna is a very big part of Finnish culture. The first thing built when a Finn had his piece of land was a sauna. Here is a very good article on the sauna--much of it I can relate to. And, no, entire families DIDN'T sauna together when I was growing up--nor do they today. :)
--There are 40 or more Finnish born NHL players.
--Both Sweden and Russia 'owned' Finland during its history.
--Finland declared its independence in 1917.
--Finnish and Swedish are both official languages of Finland.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Saint Urho
Today, March 16, is the day we celebrate the patron saint of Finland, Saint Urho. The legend says he chased the grasshoppers out of Finland and this saved the grape crop and the jobs of the vineyard workers. He did this by saying--in Finnish--(a loose translation) "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to Hell!" We honor Saint Urho on this day by wearing the colors green and purple.
Of course, Saint Urho is just a myth--the day is all in fun. You can go here and read more about the legend and how it came to be.
Of course, Saint Urho is just a myth--the day is all in fun. You can go here and read more about the legend and how it came to be.
HAPPY
SAINT
URHO'S
DAY!
SAINT
URHO'S
DAY!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Spring--Gotta Love It!
Two days ago it was 74 degrees on my backyard thermometer (the official temp was 66) and the sun was shining. Today it is 24 degrees and it is snowing. Ya gotta love springtime in the UP!
They Took The Second
The Red Wings looked good tonight--not great, but damn good! They won over Nashville 4-2 and showed a glimpse of what they could do during a playoff game. I was so pleased to see more of the Wings getting physical--hell, even Datsyuk got in a couple of heavy checks! Their physical play from last night seemed to help tonight--that little pissant Tootoo wasn't NEARLY as much of a problem tonight. This is exactly what Detroit has needed to do: show the other teams that they can't push them around. It will be interesting to see if they can continue with this style of play--they really need to if they are to get the Cup.
With this win, Detroit is now at the top of the standings--by only one point, but still. I am not as concerned about the standings as I am about them beating Nashville--it is just a good feeling when that happens.
Hudler played another amazing game. He is another one that can go far in the NHL. Filppula got hit in the foot with a puck and didn't play the third period. They SAY it isn't anything serious, but another player had a similar thing happen earlier this year and his foot was broken--he JUST came back to the team after being out for more than a month. Hope they are right that it isn't bad.
With this win, Detroit is now at the top of the standings--by only one point, but still. I am not as concerned about the standings as I am about them beating Nashville--it is just a good feeling when that happens.
Hudler played another amazing game. He is another one that can go far in the NHL. Filppula got hit in the foot with a puck and didn't play the third period. They SAY it isn't anything serious, but another player had a similar thing happen earlier this year and his foot was broken--he JUST came back to the team after being out for more than a month. Hope they are right that it isn't bad.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wii Just HAVE To Get One!
Okay, so the title of this post is a pun--sue me! Anyway, when Nintendo came out with the Wii just before Christmas, I decided to wait and get mine later. It now is later and I still don't have one. I call Shopko, Target, and WalMart and I can't get one. I surf the 'interweb' and try all of the usual places and I can't get one. I MIGHT be able to get one if I go to Ebay, but I WILL NOT pay the rip-off prices there. (For crying out loud, someone is selling the EMPTY box for $50!) No one can tell me when new shipments will come in--or how many systems they will get when they come in. I cannot do a 'pre-order' and I cannot have them hold one for me if I happen to call when they have one in stock. I DO have the game 'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' and I DO have the players' guide--I just don't have the machine on which to play it! I am getting frustrated. At this rate, it will be summer before I get my Wii. I am NOT a happy camper!
Thank you for letting me rant. I'm feeling MUCH better now.
This Was BIG!
The Wings won against Nashville tonight 5-2--AT NASHVILLE! Hot damn. Tomorrow night they play again, but in Detroit. Hope they do as well. My boy got an assist and a goal tonight--he played very well. Calder got a goal again, as well as two assists--I really am liking the way he has been playing. Getting him has really proven to be a good thing. I sure hope the officiating is better tomorrow night--they let that little piss-ant Tootoo get away with far too much tonight. Don't like him at all. GO WINGS!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
One Word Answers
I took this from burg...it is SOOOOOO hard to do...I kept wanting to go on and on with my answers...I just DON'T know when to shut up...as my life is rather boring, don't expect much from this...and here are the answers to the latest meme...
Answer with only one word…
1. Where is your cell phone?
Kitchen
2. Your Vehicle?
Jimmy
3. Your hair?
Dyed
5. Your father?
Absent
6. Your favorite thing?
Food
7. Your dream last night?
None
8. Your favorite drink?
Coke
9. The room you’re in?
Computer
10. Your ex?
Who?
11. You are?
Unsettled
12. What do you want to be in 10 years?
Me
13. Who did you hang out with today?
Cat
14. What you’re not?
Content
15. Muffins?
Cranberry
16. One of your wish list items?
Wii
17. Where is the ______ ?
Fun
18. The last thing you did?
Vacuum
19. What are you wearing?
Comfort
20. Your favorite TV show?
Many…
21. Your pet(s)?
Lazy
22. Your computer?
Adequate
23. Your life?
Routine
24. Your mood?
Hungry
25. Missing?
Variety
26. What are you thinking about right now?
Food
27. Your Shoes?
Comfortable
28. Your work?
Home
29. Your summer?
Yuck
30. Your favorite color?
Blue
Monday, March 12, 2007
Just Monday
--I really felt like crap last night--thought I was coming down with something. However, a good sleep helped a lot. I still have a headache, but that just may be from the smell of the Glade Plug-in I have here in the computer room. I have to be so careful because smells nauseate me so easily--and they don't particularly have to be what one would call BAD smells. Oh, well.
--K had an appointment with the internist this morning and all seems well. They still are working at getting the cholesterol lower, but he doesn't need to see him for three months. On Friday K got a letter from his nephrologist saying that he will be leaving the area! Thankfully there are two or three other ones in the same office, so he won't have to start from scratch.
--The weather has been so warm here that there is bare ground wherever K has moved the snow from. Now, of course, we are left with the lakes in our backyard and the water seeping into the basement. Spring is very fun around here.
--Talking about weather: it is very grey and gloomy today. I am really wondering if part of my not feeling right today has anything to do with my SAD. Maybe.
--The NHL decided to suspend Chris Simon for 25 games because of the hit he made on Hollweg. He will miss the final games of the season and all of the playoff games the Islanders play. Depending on how many playoff games they actually play will determine when he can start again next season. There are some forums/blogs/articles that are wondering if he will just throw in the towel and retire. He DEFINITELY doesn't want to be in this situation again: after all, this is the 6th time he has been suspended!
--After yesterday's atrocious game, we are hoping the Wings will be extra hungry when they meet Nashville tomorrow night. Go Wings!?!?
--K had an appointment with the internist this morning and all seems well. They still are working at getting the cholesterol lower, but he doesn't need to see him for three months. On Friday K got a letter from his nephrologist saying that he will be leaving the area! Thankfully there are two or three other ones in the same office, so he won't have to start from scratch.
--The weather has been so warm here that there is bare ground wherever K has moved the snow from. Now, of course, we are left with the lakes in our backyard and the water seeping into the basement. Spring is very fun around here.
--Talking about weather: it is very grey and gloomy today. I am really wondering if part of my not feeling right today has anything to do with my SAD. Maybe.
--The NHL decided to suspend Chris Simon for 25 games because of the hit he made on Hollweg. He will miss the final games of the season and all of the playoff games the Islanders play. Depending on how many playoff games they actually play will determine when he can start again next season. There are some forums/blogs/articles that are wondering if he will just throw in the towel and retire. He DEFINITELY doesn't want to be in this situation again: after all, this is the 6th time he has been suspended!
--After yesterday's atrocious game, we are hoping the Wings will be extra hungry when they meet Nashville tomorrow night. Go Wings!?!?
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Too Depressing
Today's game was just too depressing for me to even comment on. The Wings lost to Boston: 6-3. That's all.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Appropriate Punishment
On Thursday night, New York Islander's player Chris Simon used a two-handed stick attack against New York Ranger Ryan Hollweg. He caught him on the chin, which caused a cut requiring several stitches. While the written word makes the attack seem not too terribly bad, the video suggests otherwise. Hollweg could have been very seriously injured in what was a retaliatory act by Simon. Hollweg had hit Simon just moments before and 'got away' without receiving a penalty for what he did. In some ways, you can say that Simon was just defending himself, but it is very hard to justify what he did, and in no way excuses him. Simon was suspended indefinitely and had a hearing earlier today to determine what punishment he will, ultimately, receive. No decision has been announced. Most opinions are that he will miss the rest of the season and at least some of the playoff games. His suspension may be even longer. I don't know what would be appropriate punishment and am happy I don't have to make the decision.
In past years, when a player would make a cheap hit on another player, as Hollweg did to Simon, the hittee would challenge the hitter--the sticks would fall to the ice, the gloves would come off, and there would be a shoving and boxing match. FIGHT, FIGHT! Today, in the 'new NHL,' fighting is discouraged very much. This, IMO, keeps players from 'blowing off some steam' and sets the stage for retaliation--such as what Simon did. Fighting has always been a part of hockey and it seems as if the 'powers that be' listen to non-fans or new fans when it comes to demands to ban fighting. Long-time, true hockey fans understand fights--and, for the most part, don't mind them. The majority of fights don't do any harm to the players--they just have too much padding and the majority of 'fighting' is a lot of pushing, pulling, and not particularly hard punches. The players get it out of their system, get some penalty minutes assessed, and play on. Case closed. Today when a player is disrespected--whether actual or imagined--he can let it get under his skin and it can boil up and become a very serious problem. If a player has a short fuse, he can cause some serious damage to another player, and that is NOT what the game of hockey needs. Too much messing with the game of hockey is hurting it--and if it is to survive, the 'powers that be' must leave well enough alone before it is irreparably damaged.
In past years, when a player would make a cheap hit on another player, as Hollweg did to Simon, the hittee would challenge the hitter--the sticks would fall to the ice, the gloves would come off, and there would be a shoving and boxing match. FIGHT, FIGHT! Today, in the 'new NHL,' fighting is discouraged very much. This, IMO, keeps players from 'blowing off some steam' and sets the stage for retaliation--such as what Simon did. Fighting has always been a part of hockey and it seems as if the 'powers that be' listen to non-fans or new fans when it comes to demands to ban fighting. Long-time, true hockey fans understand fights--and, for the most part, don't mind them. The majority of fights don't do any harm to the players--they just have too much padding and the majority of 'fighting' is a lot of pushing, pulling, and not particularly hard punches. The players get it out of their system, get some penalty minutes assessed, and play on. Case closed. Today when a player is disrespected--whether actual or imagined--he can let it get under his skin and it can boil up and become a very serious problem. If a player has a short fuse, he can cause some serious damage to another player, and that is NOT what the game of hockey needs. Too much messing with the game of hockey is hurting it--and if it is to survive, the 'powers that be' must leave well enough alone before it is irreparably damaged.
They Pulled It Off
Come on, now! LA is at the bottom of the Western Conference and yet Detroit couldn't do any better than a 3-2 win--IN OVERTIME! I know I sound like a broken record, but they have to start playing more than 20 minutes of good hockey if they expect to get anywhere in the playoffs! We'll have to see how they do tomorrow--12:30pm Eastern time, NBC's Game of the Week. They will be playing Boston, a team that doesn't have a snowball's chance of making the playoffs. Let's hope they can FINALLY get their sh*t together, or the players will be playing golf VERY early again this year.
It was good to see Hasek and Samuelsson playing again. Samuelsson came back with a vengeance: he got the winning goal. Hasek even managed to get an assist on Lebda's goal--something that is fun to see.
It was good to see Hasek and Samuelsson playing again. Samuelsson came back with a vengeance: he got the winning goal. Hasek even managed to get an assist on Lebda's goal--something that is fun to see.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Toilet Paper
I have quite a few quirks in my personality--as if THAT wasn't apparent!--and one of them has to do with having 'enough' stock of various items. For example, if I don't have 6 cans of green beans on the shelf in the pantry, then I feel as if I am running out and NEED to purchase more. Depending on the item, the amount I need in this house at any given time varies. I MUST have four large cans of tomato soup, but I only need one can of Comet--other than the one in use. I don't really know how I came up with how much of each thing I need, but the 'rules' serve me well. That is until Charmin started screwing around with their toilet paper. I no longer know just what size roll I need--I don't want to have to change the roll too often! There now are 4 different size rolls that you can get and depending on which size I purchase, the amount I need in the house changes. Because determining the equivalence between each size roll requires a form of higher math--which I very rarely do these days--I now keep at least two packages of TP in the house at all times, and just pray I don't run out. Now, as a public service, I am posting a guide for buying Charmin--I don't want anyone else to have to go through the hell I have!
Charmin Roll Size Guide
1 Regular Roll--176 sheets
This size roll is for the single man who has no visitors other than his mother once a year. Let's face it, anyone who has done a man's laundry has seen the 'skid marks' in the skivvies. A single man will NOT go through a lot of toilet paper.
1 Big Roll--352 sheets (equals 2 Regular Rolls)
A single woman who has gone through menopause will do nicely with this size roll. Seeing as she no longer has extra 'cleanliness' issues, having twice as much TP as a single man should work--and she will STILL have to change rolls 10 times more often.
1 Giant Roll--440 sheets (equals 2 1/2 Regular Rolls)
Single women before menopause, or married couples, can use this size. Just because a man is in the house makes no difference: see the first comment.
1 Mega Roll--704 sheets (equals 4 Regular Rolls--AND needs a special 'extender' for the holder)
Anyone who has kids cannot get anything smaller than this. The chances of the kids going through this in less than one day are slim--mothers KNOW how long a kid is supposed to be in the bathroom! No matter if the kid is doing some extra 'paperwork' or trying to see just how plugged up s/he can get the toilet, the mother will get there before the entire roll is gone.
I realize that according to my guide, I should not have to buy anything bigger than the 'Giant Roll,' but that is becoming a problem for me. See, I usually buy my TP at WalMart, but they have not carried this size for awhile. So, after all of the calculating I had to do, I'm left with having to buy the 'Mega Roll.' Trouble is, it is so big that I have to be careful that the paper doesn't yellow with age before I get a chance to use it all! NOTHING is easy.
Charmin Roll Size Guide
1 Regular Roll--176 sheets
This size roll is for the single man who has no visitors other than his mother once a year. Let's face it, anyone who has done a man's laundry has seen the 'skid marks' in the skivvies. A single man will NOT go through a lot of toilet paper.
1 Big Roll--352 sheets (equals 2 Regular Rolls)
A single woman who has gone through menopause will do nicely with this size roll. Seeing as she no longer has extra 'cleanliness' issues, having twice as much TP as a single man should work--and she will STILL have to change rolls 10 times more often.
1 Giant Roll--440 sheets (equals 2 1/2 Regular Rolls)
Single women before menopause, or married couples, can use this size. Just because a man is in the house makes no difference: see the first comment.
1 Mega Roll--704 sheets (equals 4 Regular Rolls--AND needs a special 'extender' for the holder)
Anyone who has kids cannot get anything smaller than this. The chances of the kids going through this in less than one day are slim--mothers KNOW how long a kid is supposed to be in the bathroom! No matter if the kid is doing some extra 'paperwork' or trying to see just how plugged up s/he can get the toilet, the mother will get there before the entire roll is gone.
I realize that according to my guide, I should not have to buy anything bigger than the 'Giant Roll,' but that is becoming a problem for me. See, I usually buy my TP at WalMart, but they have not carried this size for awhile. So, after all of the calculating I had to do, I'm left with having to buy the 'Mega Roll.' Trouble is, it is so big that I have to be careful that the paper doesn't yellow with age before I get a chance to use it all! NOTHING is easy.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
...and then they WON!
Considering both Nashville and Detroit were playing without key players, the game was quite good. But, then, any game that they can win is good in my book. I just wish they would have won during regulation--or at the least, overtime--but it went to a shootout. They definitely haven't been very impressive during shootouts, so tonight was nice. The final score was 4-3. I am impressed with the play of the 'Grand Rapids' guys and Kyle Calder certainly is doing VERY well for the Wings--he got another assist tonight, so he has at least one point in every game since coming to Detroit.
Tonight's game brought a couple of milestones. Mike Babcock won his 100th game with a team--the second fastest to reach that point. Mathieu Schneider joined the '200 club'--he got the 200th goal of his career.
So, they play Los Angeles on Friday, Boston on Sunday (the NBC game of the week), and then they play back-to-back games against Nashville next week. It definitely is nerve-racking! We're coming into the home stretch now and EVERY point counts!
Tonight's game brought a couple of milestones. Mike Babcock won his 100th game with a team--the second fastest to reach that point. Mathieu Schneider joined the '200 club'--he got the 200th goal of his career.
So, they play Los Angeles on Friday, Boston on Sunday (the NBC game of the week), and then they play back-to-back games against Nashville next week. It definitely is nerve-racking! We're coming into the home stretch now and EVERY point counts!
Afternoon Comments
Talked to C today and they have had a busy/good day. First, it is her husband's birthday, so they will be doing a little bit of celebrating. She is making lasagna for dinner and baking him a cake. I wish she would have invited me! 
Then, she got her acceptance letter into the nursing program at the school she is attending! She was so pumped! And, finally, the final hearing was today and her husband has completed the adoption of her girls! Now they will all have the same last name and be a complete family. I'm so happy for them.
Then, she got her acceptance letter into the nursing program at the school she is attending! She was so pumped! And, finally, the final hearing was today and her husband has completed the adoption of her girls! Now they will all have the same last name and be a complete family. I'm so happy for them.**************************************************************************************
If I believed in conspiracy theories, I would say the Red Wings have one heck of a good one going on. Now Tomas Holmstrom has an injury! This now makes SEVEN of their players that are out with injuries. Is this their way of being able to make excuses when they are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs? Interesting!
I don't know if the injuries are going to be THAT much of a factor against Nashville tonight, however. They also have four or five players out tonight--one of which is Forsberg! I'm not too surprised, with his history of injuries. What surprises me is that he has played this long WITHOUT being injured. We'll just see how everything plays out tonight.
If I believed in conspiracy theories, I would say the Red Wings have one heck of a good one going on. Now Tomas Holmstrom has an injury! This now makes SEVEN of their players that are out with injuries. Is this their way of being able to make excuses when they are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs? Interesting!
I don't know if the injuries are going to be THAT much of a factor against Nashville tonight, however. They also have four or five players out tonight--one of which is Forsberg! I'm not too surprised, with his history of injuries. What surprises me is that he has played this long WITHOUT being injured. We'll just see how everything plays out tonight.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Ghost Tales
I believe in ghosts. I know they exist--I just am not too sure exactly what they are. I was once told that they are actually demons posing as loved ones! Nevertheless, WHATEVER they are, I believe. The reason for my believing? I've seen them. First, a little background and then my story.
My grandmother died less than 3 months after giving birth to my mother. After being passed around from family member to family member and being abandoned by her father, she finally wound up with her maternal grandparents, who raised her. They lived in a 'company house'--one which was built by the mining company which my great-grandfather worked for. I guess you could call this house a 'duplex,' as it was one building, divided into two mirror-image homes. There was a basement; a kitchen, dining, and living room on the first floor; and three bedrooms on the second floor. The living room was at the front of the house and the stairs going up to the second floor were accessible through a door. The dining room was in the middle of the two other rooms and the basement door was here. The kitchen was in the back of the house and the door outside was here. While my mother was being raised, the household consisted of her grandparents, a bachelor uncle, and herself. (There were various other people at different times, but none of them are relevant to this story.)
When I was about 7-years-old, my great-grandmother died. I was quite close to her and even stayed with her at times while my uncle was on night shift--she was becoming a bit forgetful and I was able to 'keep an eye on her.' At least as well as a 7-year-old could! To this day, I'm not too sure how the two of us managed: I only spoke English and she only spoke Finnish! But, managed, we did. Her ghost was the first one that I saw.
Some time after my great-grandmother (g-g-m) died, my mother, her aunts, and some of her cousins were sitting around the kitchen table at the family home. (My g-g-m died in the dining room of the house.) I am not quite sure, but I believe this was just after the funeral. Anyway, the women were all visiting, laughing, drinking coffee, just having a good time, when the kitchen door slammed shut--HARD! Everyone got startled and my mother went to scold my brother for slamming doors--he was outside playing--when she saw him on the other side of the front yard. He definitely wasn't close enough to have closed the door and this got the ladies talking and asking each other how it happened. I then piped up and said, "The lady in the blue dress closed the door!" This got everyone's attention, as my g-g-m was buried in a blue dress. I still don't know why I didn't recognize her, but this was the first appearance of a ghost in this house. (NOW I realize it was my g-g-m, because I remember the dress she had on and it WAS the same as the 'lady' was wearing.)
My mother and brother were at the house by themselves one day several weeks later, when he asked my mother who the lady was that just went from the basement through the living room and to the upstairs. As he was only about three, my mother questioned him about this woman--and she got one answer that stood out: the woman was wearing a blue dress.
Within a year of my g-g-m's death, my great-grandfather died. He had been in a medical care facility for several years. My g-g-f had severe arthritis and walked with metal canes, which made a very distinctive sound when used. My mother continued to do the cleaning at the family home for my uncle, who lived there till his death. Awhile after g-g-f's death, my mother and brother were at the house when they heard my g-g-f clear his throat (something everyone who knew him was familiar with) and walk from one upstairs room to another. She took my brother and left very quickly.
The uncle (great-uncle, actually) that lived in the family home was an alcoholic. He would drink himself blind and then call my mother, complaining about all of the people in the house. He would complain because he couldn't get through the living room to go to bed. Usually, the people in the house were holding church services and singing hymns, and he would get freaked. (My great-grandparents were very religious people. G-g-f was a lay preacher and they were founding members of the church that K and I were married in.) I'm sure my uncle would be stricken with bouts of guilt when he drank--my g-g-p's were VERY opposed to drinking--and his sightings could have been explained away as a drunkard's delusions. That is, except for one thing: the people who lived on the other side of the duplex. The woman called my mother MANY times and told her of all of the noise, singing, and people she heard next door in the middle of the night. My uncle didn't get company--he was a loner and he drank in secret, never admitting to anyone he ever even took a drink. BINGO! Someone outside of the family knew of the strange goings-on in that house!
My grandmother's oldest sister lived and worked in Detroit till she retired. She decided that she had had enough of city life, so she came 'home' to live with her brother--my uncle--and 'do for him.' After my uncle died, she lived in the house till she could no longer care for herself. She was one of my all-time favorite relatives, ever since I was a young child, so I would visit her often--usually with my mother. One evening we were at the house and I was sitting in the living room by myself, watching TV. All of a sudden, a cold wind went past me. I whipped my head around to see if the upstairs door was open, and it wasn't. WoooooooOOOOOOoooooo! Several times while visiting there, the wind chimes that were hanging between the living room and dining room would suddenly start chiming--this happening WITHOUT doors or windows open and no one in either of the rooms. Again, WoooooOOOOOOOOooooooooo!
These were just some of the 'highlights' of the haunted family home. The strangest part of it all: as soon as my aunt moved out of the house, the sightings and noises stopped.
Now, my ghost tales don't stop at the family home. We have a ghost in this house. Here is the background. Several years before we bought this house, a woman shot her husband in the living room. I still am not sure if he died in this house, or not, and I'm not too sure I really want to know. Anyway, I think he is haunting this house. Following are several stories.
We have a very tiny hallway off of our dining room. Two bedrooms, the bathroom, and the stairs going to the second floor have doorways going into this hallway. The bathroom doorway is directly opposite the stairs going up--if you are short enough, you can JUST see the upstairs room from the bathroom. BOTH of my daughters would stare up the stairs whenever I was drying them off after taking them out of the bathtub. (This was when they were quite young.) It freaked me out, and both of them answered the same way when I asked what they were looking at upstairs: "The man."
When my youngest was an infant, she would wake up in the middle of the night. One night I was standing in the kitchen, in front of the TV, rocking her back to sleep. Suddenly, someone put their hand on my shoulder. I turned, thinking it was K, and no one was there.
MANY times I have 'seen'--from the corner of my eye--someone walk through my house. Of course, when I go to see who it is, no one is there. Both of the girls have had the same thing happen to them when they lived here. K has never said anything--but, then, this isn't something he would admit happened to him.
So, think what you will, but as far as I am concerned, there are such things as ghosts--and I am a true believer!
Colorado 4, Detroit 3 (OT)
I am disappointed that the Wings lost today--and to top it all off, it was COLORADO they lost to! DAMN! As bad as they played the first two periods, they tried to redeem themselves in the third. They actually did very well in the third, but, once again, they can't expect to win the Cup if they only play 20 minutes of hockey per game!
I am happy to see the young guys getting more ice time--the reason for this is the injuries, but still... Hudler is showing just exactly what he has--I can see him being a star some day. And what can I say about 'my boy?' He got another goal today--it just goes to show how being on a line with Datsyuk and Holmstrom can bring your game to a whole different level!
Calder is still impressing me--I think they got a good player in him. Again, his dismal record in Philly had more to do with the team than with his abilities, IMHO, and being a Wing will let him play up to his abilities.
Chris Chelios became the third oldest player to play in the NHL at 45 years, 38 days. If he plays again next year--which is probable--he will move into second place. As Gordie Howe was the OLDEST ever to play--at age 52--I don't really think it is likely that he will become number one!
--Detroit Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom, left, of Sweden, and teammate Pavel Datsyuk (13) of Russia, congratulate teammate Valtteri Filppula, of Finland, on his goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of their NHL hockey game on Sunday, March, 4, 2007, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)--
I am happy to see the young guys getting more ice time--the reason for this is the injuries, but still... Hudler is showing just exactly what he has--I can see him being a star some day. And what can I say about 'my boy?' He got another goal today--it just goes to show how being on a line with Datsyuk and Holmstrom can bring your game to a whole different level!
Calder is still impressing me--I think they got a good player in him. Again, his dismal record in Philly had more to do with the team than with his abilities, IMHO, and being a Wing will let him play up to his abilities.
Chris Chelios became the third oldest player to play in the NHL at 45 years, 38 days. If he plays again next year--which is probable--he will move into second place. As Gordie Howe was the OLDEST ever to play--at age 52--I don't really think it is likely that he will become number one!
--Detroit Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom, left, of Sweden, and teammate Pavel Datsyuk (13) of Russia, congratulate teammate Valtteri Filppula, of Finland, on his goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of their NHL hockey game on Sunday, March, 4, 2007, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)--
Friday, March 02, 2007
And They Won
Despite all of the injured players they have, the Red Wings won tonight. It WAS a win against Chicago, but it was a win nevertheless. I'm still feeling optimistic about the 'young 'uns'--I think they did a very good job tonight, again. We'll have to see how I feel after they play Colorado on Sunday and Nashville on Tuesday. 
One of the best things to happen in tonight's game was Robert Lang coming out of his slump--he made a goal and three assists! Glad to see him playing better. The young guys--Filppula and Hudler--played very well, getting a goal apiece. And we saw some good action from the 'Grand Rapids' guys, so there is hope! And--FINALLY--Lidstrom got his 200th career goal! He has waited too long for it to happen.
--Nikolai Khabibulin #39 of the Chicago Blackhawks stretches across the crease as Valtteri Filppula #51 of the Detroit Red Wings moves in for a scoring chance during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena March 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)--
One of the best things to happen in tonight's game was Robert Lang coming out of his slump--he made a goal and three assists! Glad to see him playing better. The young guys--Filppula and Hudler--played very well, getting a goal apiece. And we saw some good action from the 'Grand Rapids' guys, so there is hope! And--FINALLY--Lidstrom got his 200th career goal! He has waited too long for it to happen.
--Nikolai Khabibulin #39 of the Chicago Blackhawks stretches across the crease as Valtteri Filppula #51 of the Detroit Red Wings moves in for a scoring chance during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena March 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)--
What A Difference A Day Makes
Wow! We sure got hit with some snow overnight! The best estimates are over 12"--and I really think it was more. When K came home from work, he had to park on the street because he COULDN'T get into the driveway. He was out there blowing snow for about an hour and he STILL can't get the truck out for him to take it to work tomorrow. The really bad thing about this snow is the fact it is WET, HEAVY stuff--hard to move and hard to drive through. And now, here are the pictures I promised yesterday:
(I took these pictures from my back window, through the screen, so they aren't as clear as they should be. BUT, you should be able to tell how much snow we got.)
Around 5:00 pm on Thursday, this was the view from my window:
On Friday morning around 9:00 am, this is what our backyard looked like:
The biggest problem is, we still are supposed to get snow through the weekend, at least. I don't think we will get more than a couple of inches a day, but it DOES add up quite quickly.
(I took these pictures from my back window, through the screen, so they aren't as clear as they should be. BUT, you should be able to tell how much snow we got.)
Around 5:00 pm on Thursday, this was the view from my window:
On Friday morning around 9:00 am, this is what our backyard looked like:
The biggest problem is, we still are supposed to get snow through the weekend, at least. I don't think we will get more than a couple of inches a day, but it DOES add up quite quickly.
Trade Deadline and More
On Monday evening, with the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the Red Wings announced their acquisition of Kyle Calder from Philadelphia, as part of a three-way deal. Jason Williams went to Chicago as part of the deal. The whole deal seemed to be a lateral one--Calder is about the size of Williams and doesn't really have good stats this year. Actually, Calder's plus/minus was a very dismal -31! Damn. But, then he WAS playing for the Flyers--and they are the last team in the league this year. One can always hope.
Tuesday night, Calder was already suited-up and getting ready to play his first game as a Wing. Five seconds into his FIRST shift, he scored! I wouldn't have been more surprised if you would have slapped me in the face with a dead fish! Hot damn, but that was a nice surprise. And to make it even nicer, he got an assist later in the game. Welcome to Hockeytown, Kyle Calder--glad to have you. Now, I don't expect he will be doing that EVERY game, but it was nice to see how well he played that night. Actually, the entire team seemed to be a bit revitalized on Tuesday--maybe the fresh blood did it!
Until the pre-game show on Tuesday, I thought Calder was it for Detroit in terms of trades. Then they announced that Todd Bertuzzi was coming to town. Now, if anyone thinks THIS news didn't cause one heck of a firestorm on the message boards, then they don't know hockey. In 2004, Bertuzzi hit an opposing player--a cheap shot, probably (I've never seen video of the hit, I'm just reporting what I have read)--and broke his neck, ending his career. Bertuzzi was fined, suspended, and vilified for what he did. He apologized and is still facing a civil suit because of his actions. As I said, I never saw video on the hit, so I have to try and stay neutral as far as that is concerned. We'll have to see how he plays, but everyone hopes he learned his lesson--as I'm sure he did. Other than the 'incident' looming over him is the fact that he hasn't played a game since his back surgery in November! It will be interesting to see if he comes back after this. Detroit didn't pay much for him, so if he doesn't work, at least there won't be much in terms of money or future talent wasted. Bertuzzi is expected to begin playing in about two weeks.
Going back to the game on Tuesday. I was surprised at how well the team played, considering all of the injured players that they have. Cleary is out with a knee problem for about two weeks. Samuelsson is still out with his foot--not sure when he'll be back. Kopecky probably won't be back for the season with his collarbone. AND, worst of all, Zetterberg is out for about two weeks with a back problem! It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the team steps up and works to make up for the loss of Hank. At least, hopefully, they all (with the exception of Kopecky) will be healthy for the play-offs--and Bertuzzi will be there, too.
Tuesday night, Calder was already suited-up and getting ready to play his first game as a Wing. Five seconds into his FIRST shift, he scored! I wouldn't have been more surprised if you would have slapped me in the face with a dead fish! Hot damn, but that was a nice surprise. And to make it even nicer, he got an assist later in the game. Welcome to Hockeytown, Kyle Calder--glad to have you. Now, I don't expect he will be doing that EVERY game, but it was nice to see how well he played that night. Actually, the entire team seemed to be a bit revitalized on Tuesday--maybe the fresh blood did it!
Until the pre-game show on Tuesday, I thought Calder was it for Detroit in terms of trades. Then they announced that Todd Bertuzzi was coming to town. Now, if anyone thinks THIS news didn't cause one heck of a firestorm on the message boards, then they don't know hockey. In 2004, Bertuzzi hit an opposing player--a cheap shot, probably (I've never seen video of the hit, I'm just reporting what I have read)--and broke his neck, ending his career. Bertuzzi was fined, suspended, and vilified for what he did. He apologized and is still facing a civil suit because of his actions. As I said, I never saw video on the hit, so I have to try and stay neutral as far as that is concerned. We'll have to see how he plays, but everyone hopes he learned his lesson--as I'm sure he did. Other than the 'incident' looming over him is the fact that he hasn't played a game since his back surgery in November! It will be interesting to see if he comes back after this. Detroit didn't pay much for him, so if he doesn't work, at least there won't be much in terms of money or future talent wasted. Bertuzzi is expected to begin playing in about two weeks.
Going back to the game on Tuesday. I was surprised at how well the team played, considering all of the injured players that they have. Cleary is out with a knee problem for about two weeks. Samuelsson is still out with his foot--not sure when he'll be back. Kopecky probably won't be back for the season with his collarbone. AND, worst of all, Zetterberg is out for about two weeks with a back problem! It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the team steps up and works to make up for the loss of Hank. At least, hopefully, they all (with the exception of Kopecky) will be healthy for the play-offs--and Bertuzzi will be there, too.
Time Flies
Being a stay-at-home, it always amazes me that time moves just as quickly for me as it does for those out in the 'real world.' Once again, I am faced with the 'where has the time gone' dilemma! I noticed that the last time I posted was on Monday--I couldn't believe it! Anyway, here is what has been happening:
--I did make it to my doctor appointment on Tuesday. As it was just a quick check-up, I didn't expect any problems--which there weren't. My blood work came back fine--the anemia is gone, my thyroid is fine, etc. He also is very happy with my blood-pressure numbers. Hoo-ray! I don't have to see him again until October--I just have to stop in for a blood-pressure check in June. I can handle that.
--The 3-year-old granddaughter had her hernia surgery on Thursday. Everything went well until she woke up and then she absolutely freaked because of the IV. I guess the more they tried to calm her down, the more freaked she became! When the IV was finally removed, she was fine. Almost immediately she asked for something to eat, so she was happily scarfing down popsicles and juice and other various fun-type foods, and then she vomited. Nothing unusual after surgery, but it DID keep her in the hospital for an hour or so longer. They finally let her go home and she has been doing well since.
--I talked to C tonight--to continue on with the 3-year-old's recovery--and she said the girl was kicking the sh*t out of her little brother. Now, before anyone gets upset, the younger brother is only 10 months younger and he is many pounds and a few inches bigger than the girl, so she can't really do much damage. With five kids, C lets them fight their own battles as long as there is no bloodshed. Obviously, the surgery didn't knock the wind out of her for very long--if at all.
--K is on his long weekend--and he's working every day. I was hoping for a road trip, but that is not to be--this month anyway. He thinks he is going to NOT work as much after this stretch of days--we'll see about that. It keeps him busy, at least. :)
--It probably was a very good thing that we didn't plan a trip for this weekend: we are getting DUMPED on with snow right now. Since 6:00pm or so, we have gotten around 12 inches of snow--and that is on top of freezing rain. K said he will have to take the Jimmy to work, as his truck doesn't have four wheel drive. No problem on my part--I'M not going anywhere in this weather! I took pictures of our backyard before the snow started and will take pictures tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I will post them later.
--Talked with the youngest daughter and THEY are getting dumped on, big time, in St Paul. She didn't have to go to work this afternoon, and with all the cancellations she was hearing, the chances that she will have to go to work at all tomorrow are slim and none. For all intents and purposes, the Twin Cities and surrounding areas are closed till further notice! I think the UP of Michigan will be closed, too.
--I was born and raised here in the UP of Michigan. Other than extremely brief periods of time, I have lived here all of my life. I KNOW what snow is all about and don't really mind it. HOWEVER. I like the snow to start when it should--sometime around October or November--and continue falling in a nice, normal pattern until spring--sometime around April or May. This is the way it should be, this is the way I am used to it happening, this is the way I like it. We will get various blizzards and storms throughout the winter--this I can handle, and even welcome during the winter. I don't like the kind of winter we have had so far. Sure, it was nice and wonderful having almost no snow for the beginning of winter--till sometime in January, actually. We really didn't have any big-time snowstorms until last weekend. And now we are getting another one in less than a week--albeit, this one is MUCH more severe! It is hard to accept so much snow this late in the season--and we STILL have another couple of months where we can get more storms! Unbelievable.
--I did make it to my doctor appointment on Tuesday. As it was just a quick check-up, I didn't expect any problems--which there weren't. My blood work came back fine--the anemia is gone, my thyroid is fine, etc. He also is very happy with my blood-pressure numbers. Hoo-ray! I don't have to see him again until October--I just have to stop in for a blood-pressure check in June. I can handle that.
--The 3-year-old granddaughter had her hernia surgery on Thursday. Everything went well until she woke up and then she absolutely freaked because of the IV. I guess the more they tried to calm her down, the more freaked she became! When the IV was finally removed, she was fine. Almost immediately she asked for something to eat, so she was happily scarfing down popsicles and juice and other various fun-type foods, and then she vomited. Nothing unusual after surgery, but it DID keep her in the hospital for an hour or so longer. They finally let her go home and she has been doing well since.
--I talked to C tonight--to continue on with the 3-year-old's recovery--and she said the girl was kicking the sh*t out of her little brother. Now, before anyone gets upset, the younger brother is only 10 months younger and he is many pounds and a few inches bigger than the girl, so she can't really do much damage. With five kids, C lets them fight their own battles as long as there is no bloodshed. Obviously, the surgery didn't knock the wind out of her for very long--if at all.
--K is on his long weekend--and he's working every day. I was hoping for a road trip, but that is not to be--this month anyway. He thinks he is going to NOT work as much after this stretch of days--we'll see about that. It keeps him busy, at least. :)
--It probably was a very good thing that we didn't plan a trip for this weekend: we are getting DUMPED on with snow right now. Since 6:00pm or so, we have gotten around 12 inches of snow--and that is on top of freezing rain. K said he will have to take the Jimmy to work, as his truck doesn't have four wheel drive. No problem on my part--I'M not going anywhere in this weather! I took pictures of our backyard before the snow started and will take pictures tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I will post them later.
--Talked with the youngest daughter and THEY are getting dumped on, big time, in St Paul. She didn't have to go to work this afternoon, and with all the cancellations she was hearing, the chances that she will have to go to work at all tomorrow are slim and none. For all intents and purposes, the Twin Cities and surrounding areas are closed till further notice! I think the UP of Michigan will be closed, too.
--I was born and raised here in the UP of Michigan. Other than extremely brief periods of time, I have lived here all of my life. I KNOW what snow is all about and don't really mind it. HOWEVER. I like the snow to start when it should--sometime around October or November--and continue falling in a nice, normal pattern until spring--sometime around April or May. This is the way it should be, this is the way I am used to it happening, this is the way I like it. We will get various blizzards and storms throughout the winter--this I can handle, and even welcome during the winter. I don't like the kind of winter we have had so far. Sure, it was nice and wonderful having almost no snow for the beginning of winter--till sometime in January, actually. We really didn't have any big-time snowstorms until last weekend. And now we are getting another one in less than a week--albeit, this one is MUCH more severe! It is hard to accept so much snow this late in the season--and we STILL have another couple of months where we can get more storms! Unbelievable.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Continuing The Chain
Burg stole this meme from Jenn who stole it from...so, anyway, I am continuing the chain!
How tall are you barefoot?
BARELY 5 foot 1 inch.
Have you ever flown first-class?
Yes, but only because I could only get a first-class connecting flight. I was on the way to visit K during the Easter holidays when he was in the Navy.
One of your favorite books when you were a child?
Don't remember what was a favorite when I was very young. When The Brother was young, I LOVED the Dr. Seuss books.
A good restaurant in your city?
Casa Calabria--great Italian food!
What is your favorite small appliance?
A tie between my Bunn coffee maker and my Senseo coffee maker. (Are you sensing a pattern here?) The Bunn for when I need a full pot, the Senseo for when one cup will do.
One person who never fails to make you laugh?
My oldest daughter--she just cracks me up.
What was the first music that you ever bought?
That is soooooo long ago--I'm talking vinyl albums, people! The Beach Boys? The Monkees? How embarrassing!
Do you do push-ups?
That involves physical activity, right?
What was one of your favorite games as a child?
Red Rover.
When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Probably a doctor or medical researcher.
Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Chili?
Have you ever met someone famous?
ONLY local 'celebrities'--and they certainly don't impress.
Date of Birth?
November 28.
From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
Has to be the internet.
Current worry?
Other than mild concerns about health issues, nothing.
Current hate?
My lack of motivation to lose weight.
Favorite place to be?
At home.
Least favorite place to be?
With The Family.
Do you consider yourself well organized?
Does anal-retentive mean anything? But I AM doing much better these days!
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Absolutely!
Where do you think you will be in 10 years?
Right where I am in a new house--I hope!
Do you burn or tan?
No. Oh, wait, I was supposed to choose! I DON'T burn and I don't tan very well--although I can get very dark when I work at it.
Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Kind of neutral--but it depends on WHAT future. If it is MY future, then I'm mildly optimistic--if it is the future of this country and the world, then mildly pessimistic.
What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?
The monsters under my bed.
What's in your pockets right now?
No pockets on what I am wearing.
Last thing that made you laugh?
Let's see. My daughter describing something Conan O'Brien said last night or Dazd's post about Survivor: Texas Style.
Worst injury you've ever had?
There was the cut on my wrist which I got when my hand went through a window--didn't get the stitches I needed. Then again, there was the cut I got last year from the glass in the garbage--I required 4 stitches for that. I don't do well with broken glass, obviously.
How many TVs do you own?
Five.
Best compliment received?
Really can't remember.
What leaves you speechless?
VERY little.
What is your favorite book?
Oh, my...can't pick just one. There is The Lord of the Rings trilogy, several books by John Grisham, several books by Michael Crichton, Watership Down...
Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex?
Turkey, stuffing, gravy, green beans/corn.
What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?
Sitting here at the computer--probably surfing the sport sites looking for hockey trade rumors.
How tall are you barefoot?
BARELY 5 foot 1 inch.
Have you ever flown first-class?
Yes, but only because I could only get a first-class connecting flight. I was on the way to visit K during the Easter holidays when he was in the Navy.
One of your favorite books when you were a child?
Don't remember what was a favorite when I was very young. When The Brother was young, I LOVED the Dr. Seuss books.
A good restaurant in your city?
Casa Calabria--great Italian food!
What is your favorite small appliance?
A tie between my Bunn coffee maker and my Senseo coffee maker. (Are you sensing a pattern here?) The Bunn for when I need a full pot, the Senseo for when one cup will do.
One person who never fails to make you laugh?
My oldest daughter--she just cracks me up.
What was the first music that you ever bought?
That is soooooo long ago--I'm talking vinyl albums, people! The Beach Boys? The Monkees? How embarrassing!
Do you do push-ups?
That involves physical activity, right?
What was one of your favorite games as a child?
Red Rover.
When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Probably a doctor or medical researcher.
Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Chili?
Have you ever met someone famous?
ONLY local 'celebrities'--and they certainly don't impress.
Date of Birth?
November 28.
From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
Has to be the internet.
Current worry?
Other than mild concerns about health issues, nothing.
Current hate?
My lack of motivation to lose weight.
Favorite place to be?
At home.
Least favorite place to be?
With The Family.
Do you consider yourself well organized?
Does anal-retentive mean anything? But I AM doing much better these days!
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Absolutely!
Where do you think you will be in 10 years?
Right where I am in a new house--I hope!
Do you burn or tan?
No. Oh, wait, I was supposed to choose! I DON'T burn and I don't tan very well--although I can get very dark when I work at it.
Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Kind of neutral--but it depends on WHAT future. If it is MY future, then I'm mildly optimistic--if it is the future of this country and the world, then mildly pessimistic.
What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?
The monsters under my bed.
What's in your pockets right now?
No pockets on what I am wearing.
Last thing that made you laugh?
Let's see. My daughter describing something Conan O'Brien said last night or Dazd's post about Survivor: Texas Style.
Worst injury you've ever had?
There was the cut on my wrist which I got when my hand went through a window--didn't get the stitches I needed. Then again, there was the cut I got last year from the glass in the garbage--I required 4 stitches for that. I don't do well with broken glass, obviously.
How many TVs do you own?
Five.
Best compliment received?
Really can't remember.
What leaves you speechless?
VERY little.
What is your favorite book?
Oh, my...can't pick just one. There is The Lord of the Rings trilogy, several books by John Grisham, several books by Michael Crichton, Watership Down...
Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex?
Turkey, stuffing, gravy, green beans/corn.
What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?
Sitting here at the computer--probably surfing the sport sites looking for hockey trade rumors.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Short Post-season?
After the games of the last two nights, I really am afraid that the Wings will not get past the first round of the playoffs. They still are not playing consistently enough and it is too late in the season to say they WILL get it together.
Last night's game against Edmonton brought back nightmares of last year's playoffs. I wonder if the Wings had flashbacks which caused them to not play as well as they could? They just CAN'T lose overtime games like that and expect to get the Cup.
Tonight was a fairly good game, but they lost again in overtime. While I don't think anyone could have stopped the tying goal late in the third period, the Wings shouldn't have let Nashville get to the point where they COULD tie the game. And how pissed off am I that Forsberg got his first point AND his first goal playing for Nashville against the Wings?!?!?! And to add insult to injury, he got the winning goal!
Some good things ARE happening, though. Holmstrom got his second hat trick tonight! Good thing they signed him for another three years or some other team would be trying to get him. Also, the Wings are beginning to play a bit more physically. When you have Zetterberg AND Datsyuk making some heavy hits during a game, then things are moving in the right direction. Now all they need is someone who can do a little bit of enforcing and things might not look so gloomy.
Last night's game against Edmonton brought back nightmares of last year's playoffs. I wonder if the Wings had flashbacks which caused them to not play as well as they could? They just CAN'T lose overtime games like that and expect to get the Cup.
Tonight was a fairly good game, but they lost again in overtime. While I don't think anyone could have stopped the tying goal late in the third period, the Wings shouldn't have let Nashville get to the point where they COULD tie the game. And how pissed off am I that Forsberg got his first point AND his first goal playing for Nashville against the Wings?!?!?! And to add insult to injury, he got the winning goal!
Some good things ARE happening, though. Holmstrom got his second hat trick tonight! Good thing they signed him for another three years or some other team would be trying to get him. Also, the Wings are beginning to play a bit more physically. When you have Zetterberg AND Datsyuk making some heavy hits during a game, then things are moving in the right direction. Now all they need is someone who can do a little bit of enforcing and things might not look so gloomy.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Number 13
And I DON'T mean Datsyuk--although, he DID get a goal tonight (his 100th career goal)! No, the Wings have now won 13 games straight at home--just one shy of the record set in 1964-65. Zetterberg got two goals in the 4-2 victory against Chicago. Once again, they just came alive in the third period--seems to be their MO this season. Khabibulin played VERY well tonight--a little too good for my tastes! :) He stopped 31 shots for the night.
With this win, Detroit is now in first place in the Western Conference--one point ahead of Nashville--and second in the league--one point behind Buffalo. A tight race, but the team doesn't seem to put much emphasis on being first in the standings--after all, it did them NO good last year when it came to play-off time! They could be EIGHTH for all I care--just as long as they do well in the play-offs!
With this win, Detroit is now in first place in the Western Conference--one point ahead of Nashville--and second in the league--one point behind Buffalo. A tight race, but the team doesn't seem to put much emphasis on being first in the standings--after all, it did them NO good last year when it came to play-off time! They could be EIGHTH for all I care--just as long as they do well in the play-offs!
Stupid Ass
Okay, how drunk and stupid do you have to be to do this:
8-year-old caught behind wheel
Man charged with drunk driving, endangerment
By KAYLA GAHAGAN, DMG Writer
HOUGHTON — A Hancock man was arrested and charged with child endangerment and drinking and driving after Houghton County Sheriff Deputies responded to a possible drunk driver and discovered an 8-year-old driving the man’s vehicle.
Anthony Alan Bickman, 42, was arrested Feb. 18 after a 6:24 p.m. report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch near Lake Avenue and Upper Pike River Road.
While deputies were traveling to the scene, they received a report that the vehicle was out of the ditch and northbound on Pike River Road, traveling at a slow speed and weaving all over the road, according to a sheriff’s department press release.
The deputies stopped the vehicle and discovered that an 8-year-old was driving the vehicle.
The Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office could not say whether the 8-year-old was Bickman’s son, but did report that they had different last names. The child’s name will not be released because he is a minor.
Bickman was arrested and transported to Houghton County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated — third offense, which is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison.
The Houghton County prosecutor’s office reported that Bickman was also charged with a misdemeanor count of child endangerment — permitting an unlicensed minor to drive, which is punishable by 90 days in jail; and a misdemeanor count of driving on a revoked/suspended/refused license, which is punishable by 93 days in jail. For the latter charge, it was Bickman’s second offense, which is punishable by up to a year in jail.
The Sheriff’s Department reported that Bickman is also being held on a misdemeanor charge in Green Oak County, Wis., failure to pay child support.
Bickman was arraigned in Houghton County District Court Tuesday afternoon on the charges and was remanded back to the jail, unable to past bond.
Bickman will be back in District Court March 1 at 9 a.m. for a preliminary examination. The case has been forwarded to Houghton County Child Protective Services.
And, yes, this happened in the UP.
8-year-old caught behind wheel
Man charged with drunk driving, endangerment
By KAYLA GAHAGAN, DMG Writer
HOUGHTON — A Hancock man was arrested and charged with child endangerment and drinking and driving after Houghton County Sheriff Deputies responded to a possible drunk driver and discovered an 8-year-old driving the man’s vehicle.
Anthony Alan Bickman, 42, was arrested Feb. 18 after a 6:24 p.m. report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch near Lake Avenue and Upper Pike River Road.
While deputies were traveling to the scene, they received a report that the vehicle was out of the ditch and northbound on Pike River Road, traveling at a slow speed and weaving all over the road, according to a sheriff’s department press release.
The deputies stopped the vehicle and discovered that an 8-year-old was driving the vehicle.
The Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office could not say whether the 8-year-old was Bickman’s son, but did report that they had different last names. The child’s name will not be released because he is a minor.
Bickman was arrested and transported to Houghton County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated — third offense, which is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison.
The Houghton County prosecutor’s office reported that Bickman was also charged with a misdemeanor count of child endangerment — permitting an unlicensed minor to drive, which is punishable by 90 days in jail; and a misdemeanor count of driving on a revoked/suspended/refused license, which is punishable by 93 days in jail. For the latter charge, it was Bickman’s second offense, which is punishable by up to a year in jail.
The Sheriff’s Department reported that Bickman is also being held on a misdemeanor charge in Green Oak County, Wis., failure to pay child support.
Bickman was arraigned in Houghton County District Court Tuesday afternoon on the charges and was remanded back to the jail, unable to past bond.
Bickman will be back in District Court March 1 at 9 a.m. for a preliminary examination. The case has been forwarded to Houghton County Child Protective Services.
And, yes, this happened in the UP.
Afternoon Musings
--So, Britney left rehab after less than 24 hours--AGAIN! I don't know if this story is going to have a happy ending.
--The temp right now is in the upper 40s. BEAUTIFUL day! And tonight we have a snow and blowing snow advisory through tomorrow morning. There will be 40 mph winds, snow, and visibility of less than 1/4 mile. Our weather is NEVER boring.
--C called and said she passed her nursing-program entrance exam. For the LPN program, she needed a score of 70 and for the RN program she needed a score of 80--she scored a 90! I'm so happy for her.
--There have been several people getting to this blog by searching 'Zetterberg teeth.' I am assuming they are searching for something on the Red Wing player, but, still, that is a strange search term!
--Looks like Clinton and Obama are going to be fighting over the Hollywood crowd, in terms of who will be supporting their presidential campaigns. They just may cancel each other out and an entirely new person will wind up as the candidate. They both can just fade away, as far as I am concerned.
--FINALLY, I get to watch a hockey game tonight. Correct that: a RED WING hockey game. I really think I have been suffering withdrawal pangs--it has been an entire week since I got to see them play!
--One of the world's smallest premature babies got to go home today. She was born at less than 22 weeks--a 'normal' pregnancy is 40 weeks--and she was 9 1/2 inches and less than 10 ounces at birth. I STILL cannot understand how some will refuse to accept unborn children as people--instead of 'only' fetuses. I do not understand how anyone can support abortions--AT ALL.
--If you like off-beat TV shows, try 'Boston Legal.' I LOVE the show. Last night's episode had me laughing till I was sick--and then it tugged at the heartstrings to the point of getting misty. The main attraction, though, is William Shatner's over-the-top performance as Denny Crane--an absolute genius. The show might, however, be something that has to be watched for awhile before being able to really 'get'--the humor is not 'normal.' :)
--K's last night shift tonight--yay! In a week he starts his long weekend and I'm trying to see what he wants to do. I'm thinking road trip! St Paul, anyone? :)
--The temp right now is in the upper 40s. BEAUTIFUL day! And tonight we have a snow and blowing snow advisory through tomorrow morning. There will be 40 mph winds, snow, and visibility of less than 1/4 mile. Our weather is NEVER boring.
--C called and said she passed her nursing-program entrance exam. For the LPN program, she needed a score of 70 and for the RN program she needed a score of 80--she scored a 90! I'm so happy for her.
--There have been several people getting to this blog by searching 'Zetterberg teeth.' I am assuming they are searching for something on the Red Wing player, but, still, that is a strange search term!
--Looks like Clinton and Obama are going to be fighting over the Hollywood crowd, in terms of who will be supporting their presidential campaigns. They just may cancel each other out and an entirely new person will wind up as the candidate. They both can just fade away, as far as I am concerned.
--FINALLY, I get to watch a hockey game tonight. Correct that: a RED WING hockey game. I really think I have been suffering withdrawal pangs--it has been an entire week since I got to see them play!
--One of the world's smallest premature babies got to go home today. She was born at less than 22 weeks--a 'normal' pregnancy is 40 weeks--and she was 9 1/2 inches and less than 10 ounces at birth. I STILL cannot understand how some will refuse to accept unborn children as people--instead of 'only' fetuses. I do not understand how anyone can support abortions--AT ALL.
--If you like off-beat TV shows, try 'Boston Legal.' I LOVE the show. Last night's episode had me laughing till I was sick--and then it tugged at the heartstrings to the point of getting misty. The main attraction, though, is William Shatner's over-the-top performance as Denny Crane--an absolute genius. The show might, however, be something that has to be watched for awhile before being able to really 'get'--the humor is not 'normal.' :)
--K's last night shift tonight--yay! In a week he starts his long weekend and I'm trying to see what he wants to do. I'm thinking road trip! St Paul, anyone? :)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Telemarketer Meltdown
I definitely am behind in a lot of things, so if this is really old, please bear with me. I found this to be one of the funniest things I have seen/heard in a long time. As far as I can tell, this is a recording a comedian by the name of Tom Mabe made while he was messing with a telemarketer who happened to call his home. I wish I was clever enough to pull off something this hilarious!
In My World
So, what has been going on in my world? Not a whole lot, that's for sure. K is on night shift, so that means alone time for me--which isn't always that bad of a thing! Other than that, here we go:
--Yesterday I went for my semi-regular blood-letting. Yup, that means I have a doctor appointment next week. Again, I believe I have gained a couple of pounds and I'm waiting--read that as scared--to see if he will say something to me about it. It really is hard to do something about your weight when food is your drug of choice--and I have had ample reason for self-medicating these last couple of months. I know that is an excuse, but...I'm still waiting for whatever clicked with me to quit smoking to finally click and I will be able to start losing the enormous amount of pounds I need to get rid of!
--For the past couple of days we have had temps in the mid-30s--at least in my backyard! The warm temps combined with the sunshine today has caused a big reduction in the depth of the snow--I actually can see some bits of bare ground out there. Whenever we get the mid-winter thaw, it is so nice while it lasts. However, it is that much harder to accept the next winter storm that we inevitably get.
--Is everyone as 'over' the Anna Nicole thing as much as I am? For crying out loud, do DNA testing on half of the male population of the Western Hemisphere and find out who that poor baby's father is already! And, PLEASE, bury that woman for pity's sake! Doesn't she deserve a little bit of decency?
--Glad to see that Britney is in rehab--hope she stays there this time and that all works out well for her. Those babies of hers deserve a healthy, sane mother.
--While I haven't actually seen anything more than a few birds at our feeders, there are a number of 'footy prints' all over the backyard. I can see some bird prints and rabbit prints, but there are some I'm not able to identify. The larger ones I think are from a dog, but I want to believe they are from another larger, wild, animal--though I don't think that is the case. I believe I am also seeing prints from the grey squirrel, which I am NOT convinced has left our attic. And there are tunnels in the snow, which are made by shrews or moles. I have actually seen them pop out from under the snow in years gone past, so I know that is what makes the tunnels.
--Since the beginning of this television season, I definitely have dropped a lot of 'must-see' shows. However, I still am liking a few. I picked up 'The Dresden Files,' a new series on the Sci-Fi channel, and am really enjoying it. It is like a cross between 'Harry Potter' and 'Supernatural'--a nice little piece of entertainment. I was all set to give up on 'Heroes' and decided to watch it last night. It turned out to be a decent episode and I guess I will keep that one in the rotation. 'Prison Break' had a few surprises, which were good, but I don't see how they can sustain this series after this year--if they ever planned on it, that is. And I'm still loving '24'--I could watch Jack Bauer getting all macho every day. LOVED the little surprise at the end of the episode, too!
--Yesterday I went for my semi-regular blood-letting. Yup, that means I have a doctor appointment next week. Again, I believe I have gained a couple of pounds and I'm waiting--read that as scared--to see if he will say something to me about it. It really is hard to do something about your weight when food is your drug of choice--and I have had ample reason for self-medicating these last couple of months. I know that is an excuse, but...I'm still waiting for whatever clicked with me to quit smoking to finally click and I will be able to start losing the enormous amount of pounds I need to get rid of!
--For the past couple of days we have had temps in the mid-30s--at least in my backyard! The warm temps combined with the sunshine today has caused a big reduction in the depth of the snow--I actually can see some bits of bare ground out there. Whenever we get the mid-winter thaw, it is so nice while it lasts. However, it is that much harder to accept the next winter storm that we inevitably get.
--Is everyone as 'over' the Anna Nicole thing as much as I am? For crying out loud, do DNA testing on half of the male population of the Western Hemisphere and find out who that poor baby's father is already! And, PLEASE, bury that woman for pity's sake! Doesn't she deserve a little bit of decency?
--Glad to see that Britney is in rehab--hope she stays there this time and that all works out well for her. Those babies of hers deserve a healthy, sane mother.
--While I haven't actually seen anything more than a few birds at our feeders, there are a number of 'footy prints' all over the backyard. I can see some bird prints and rabbit prints, but there are some I'm not able to identify. The larger ones I think are from a dog, but I want to believe they are from another larger, wild, animal--though I don't think that is the case. I believe I am also seeing prints from the grey squirrel, which I am NOT convinced has left our attic. And there are tunnels in the snow, which are made by shrews or moles. I have actually seen them pop out from under the snow in years gone past, so I know that is what makes the tunnels.
--Since the beginning of this television season, I definitely have dropped a lot of 'must-see' shows. However, I still am liking a few. I picked up 'The Dresden Files,' a new series on the Sci-Fi channel, and am really enjoying it. It is like a cross between 'Harry Potter' and 'Supernatural'--a nice little piece of entertainment. I was all set to give up on 'Heroes' and decided to watch it last night. It turned out to be a decent episode and I guess I will keep that one in the rotation. 'Prison Break' had a few surprises, which were good, but I don't see how they can sustain this series after this year--if they ever planned on it, that is. And I'm still loving '24'--I could watch Jack Bauer getting all macho every day. LOVED the little surprise at the end of the episode, too!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sunday Trivia
As my life is still boring as hell, it is time for another edition of 'Sunday Trivia.' Enjoy! (Once again, all of these facts are courtesy of mental_floss.)
--The male seahorse is the gender of the species that gets pregnant and gives birth. The female deposits her eggs in the male and they then are fertilized.
--During World War II, Julia Child tried to join the WACs but was turned down because of her height (6'2"). Instead, she joined the Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA.
--The substance that makes flamingos pink is carotene--the same stuff that makes carrots orange. If a flamingo does not eat carotene-rich foods, its pink coloring will fade after it molts.
--Frogs don't have teeth, so they must swallow their food whole.
--At one time, Roman law decreed that all prostitutes must dye their hair blond.
--Cats were originally desert animals.
--The dried, green berry of the pimento tree is ground to make the spice known as 'allspice.'
--On June 6, 1933, in Camden, NJ, the first drive-in movie theater was opened.
--The Venus flytrap plant is only found growing on the coastal plains of North and South Carolina.
--The cheetah can go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds.
--A Labradoodle is a cross-breed of a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. There are many benefits to this breed: the dog sheds very little, usually has no body odor, rarely attracts fleas, and has a coat that is allergen-reduced.
--There are no newly-born ox. The reasons? 1) All oxen are males. 2) All oxen are adults. 3) All oxen are castrated. 'Ox' is simply a name given to a castrated, adult male bovine. (That being said, an ox cannot be born, or give birth--so, no new-born oxen!)
--President Eisenhower was the only US president with a four-syllable last name.
--The male seahorse is the gender of the species that gets pregnant and gives birth. The female deposits her eggs in the male and they then are fertilized.
--During World War II, Julia Child tried to join the WACs but was turned down because of her height (6'2"). Instead, she joined the Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA.
--The substance that makes flamingos pink is carotene--the same stuff that makes carrots orange. If a flamingo does not eat carotene-rich foods, its pink coloring will fade after it molts.
--Frogs don't have teeth, so they must swallow their food whole.
--At one time, Roman law decreed that all prostitutes must dye their hair blond.
--Cats were originally desert animals.
--The dried, green berry of the pimento tree is ground to make the spice known as 'allspice.'
--On June 6, 1933, in Camden, NJ, the first drive-in movie theater was opened.
--The Venus flytrap plant is only found growing on the coastal plains of North and South Carolina.
--The cheetah can go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds.
--A Labradoodle is a cross-breed of a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. There are many benefits to this breed: the dog sheds very little, usually has no body odor, rarely attracts fleas, and has a coat that is allergen-reduced.
--There are no newly-born ox. The reasons? 1) All oxen are males. 2) All oxen are adults. 3) All oxen are castrated. 'Ox' is simply a name given to a castrated, adult male bovine. (That being said, an ox cannot be born, or give birth--so, no new-born oxen!)
--President Eisenhower was the only US president with a four-syllable last name.
Hank's Hat Trick
Henrik Zetterberg scored his first NHL career hat trick against Phoenix tonight in a 4-1 win. Hot damn I wish I could have seen that! I DID listen to the game on the radio via the web, but it just ain't the same. :) However, it really made me realize just how much I actually do miss listening to good radio--something we are sorely lacking here. If I could convince K, I would love to have satellite radio--but he likes to listen to local stations wherever we are, so that isn't going to happen. Anyway, this moves the Wings to first in their division, first in their conference, and second in the league--and they are only one point behind Buffalo overall! There are still two months left of the regular season, so it doesn't REALLY mean all that much, but it is a good feeling nonetheless. (And it just might shut up some of the people who said the Wings were washed up when Yzerman retired and Shanahan left!)
It also was announced that Tomas Holmstrom has signed a three-year contract extension. Good news, as he really is doing some good work on the ice. Homer would be missed a lot if he wasn't there being a 'pest' in front of the other team's net game after game after game!
It also was announced that Tomas Holmstrom has signed a three-year contract extension. Good news, as he really is doing some good work on the ice. Homer would be missed a lot if he wasn't there being a 'pest' in front of the other team's net game after game after game!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Another Train Wreck Happening
I don't think anyone will be too surprised by the news that Britney Spears is in the process of totally losing it. In the last few days it has been reported that she checked herself into--and out of-- rehab at Crossroads rehab center in Antigua, shaved her head, and gotten two new tattoos. She was reportedly agitated and 'wasn't making any sense at all' while at the tattoo parlor. Here is the whole story and a picture of her new look.
Isn't there SOMETHING that can be done for these stars/starlets/personalities when EVERYONE can see that they are self destructing? Why do we just have to sit by and watch all of this happening? This young girl has two babies that need a mother who is healthy and can be with them while they are growing up, so why doesn't anyone get her the help that she needs? Are the laws in this country such that we can't force someone to get help when they are so obviously in need of it? At this point, she is a danger to herself and, quite possibly, others--including her children! This is just so, so sad to have a second one in such a state in so short a time.
Isn't there SOMETHING that can be done for these stars/starlets/personalities when EVERYONE can see that they are self destructing? Why do we just have to sit by and watch all of this happening? This young girl has two babies that need a mother who is healthy and can be with them while they are growing up, so why doesn't anyone get her the help that she needs? Are the laws in this country such that we can't force someone to get help when they are so obviously in need of it? At this point, she is a danger to herself and, quite possibly, others--including her children! This is just so, so sad to have a second one in such a state in so short a time.
Friday, February 16, 2007
A Little Of This, A Little Of That...AND some hockey
--The town is all set and ready for the annual dog sled races. They bring snow into the downtown area, on the main street, and that is where the race starts. This all will be happening tomorrow evening and continue through the weekend, ending some time on Sunday. K asked me if I wanted to go and watch the start of the race. HA, HA!!!! I don't care WHAT the temps might be--right now they are thinking maybe the low teens--I have no intention of standing around in the middle of the winter just to watch dogs start running!
--I don't know where the problem lies, but Site Meter hasn't been recording all of the visitors to this blog. The reason I know this: first, I have seen the visits recorded on StatCounter; second, people who have not been recorded have left comments. Strange.
--Talked to A tonight and she thinks she may allergic to her vitamins! All winter long she has been all stuffy and every time I time I talk to her it sounds as if she has a cold. It has become so prevalent that I just quit asking her if she is feeling okay. (Her co-workers have commented on how she is ALWAYS sick, too!) Well, it seems as if she was feeling a bit nauseous a few days ago and she stopped taking her vitamins. This caused her to 'unstuff.' Then she went back to taking her vitamins and all of her 'cold' symptoms have returned! Now she has to talk to her doctor and see if the allergy thing is possible and if she has to be tested. Weird!
--Our three-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with a genital hernia. A couple of days ago, they took her to see a surgeon for evaluation and she will be having surgery the end of this month. I guess this is something quite common in boys, but a bit unusual in girls. The surgeon wants to take care of things while she is still young enough so that things don't get more complicated. It is always something when you have kids!
--Here is a post on mental_floss entitled 'World's most dangerous road?' It is a tunnel dug through a rocky cliff somewhere in China and the pictures are awesome. It is the most frightening thing! It is hard to describe--click on the link and see the pictures for yourself.
--Daisy Singer Alexander, the only heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune, was quite eccentric. She would put messages in bottles and drop them in the River Thames. In June of 1937, she wrote the following and put it in a bottle: "To avoid all confusion, I leave my entire estate to the lucky person who finds this bottle." She then threw the bottle in the river. In 1940, Alexander died. In 1949, in San Francisco, a dishwasher by the name of Jack Wrum was walking along the beach and found a bottle. Inside the bottle was a note. Jack Wrum inherited 8 million dollars because of the note inside the bottle. (courtesy of mental_floss)
--I hate to see what our yard will look like when the snow goes. Once again, I witnessed our neighbor's rather big dog taking a dump in our yard! And he was outside the whole time, probably watching the damn dog doing it! Pisses me off.
--K went back to work after his long weekend on the 8th. When it is all said and done, he will have his next day off around the 23rd. At least, we THINK he will have a day off then. He isn't SCHEDULED to work that day, but with the overtime, who knows.
--I am so bummed! The Wings play in Phoenix on Saturday night and I will not get to see the game! The ONLY channel that is broadcasting it is one of the NHL channels that you have to pay for. And I'm not sure if you can only buy one game or if you have to buy an entire package. I have to call our cable company tomorrow and see what the deal is--hopefully it won't be too expensive and I can get to see the game after all.
--Well, all of the speculation is over: Forsberg was traded to Nashville. I don't know how I feel about this. First, it probably wouldn't have been very comfortable for some of the Wing players to have him at Detroit--after all, there IS history. Second, it is being talked that this could be just what Nashville needs in order to win the Cup this year. Without wanting to wish any harm to a person, it might be to Detroit's advantage if Forsberg's foot starts acting up again. Time will tell on whether Nashville did good with this trade. And there is always the possiblity that Detroit will trade for someone that will help them even more than Forsberg could possibly have done.
--I don't know where the problem lies, but Site Meter hasn't been recording all of the visitors to this blog. The reason I know this: first, I have seen the visits recorded on StatCounter; second, people who have not been recorded have left comments. Strange.
--Talked to A tonight and she thinks she may allergic to her vitamins! All winter long she has been all stuffy and every time I time I talk to her it sounds as if she has a cold. It has become so prevalent that I just quit asking her if she is feeling okay. (Her co-workers have commented on how she is ALWAYS sick, too!) Well, it seems as if she was feeling a bit nauseous a few days ago and she stopped taking her vitamins. This caused her to 'unstuff.' Then she went back to taking her vitamins and all of her 'cold' symptoms have returned! Now she has to talk to her doctor and see if the allergy thing is possible and if she has to be tested. Weird!
--Our three-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with a genital hernia. A couple of days ago, they took her to see a surgeon for evaluation and she will be having surgery the end of this month. I guess this is something quite common in boys, but a bit unusual in girls. The surgeon wants to take care of things while she is still young enough so that things don't get more complicated. It is always something when you have kids!
--Here is a post on mental_floss entitled 'World's most dangerous road?' It is a tunnel dug through a rocky cliff somewhere in China and the pictures are awesome. It is the most frightening thing! It is hard to describe--click on the link and see the pictures for yourself.
--Daisy Singer Alexander, the only heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune, was quite eccentric. She would put messages in bottles and drop them in the River Thames. In June of 1937, she wrote the following and put it in a bottle: "To avoid all confusion, I leave my entire estate to the lucky person who finds this bottle." She then threw the bottle in the river. In 1940, Alexander died. In 1949, in San Francisco, a dishwasher by the name of Jack Wrum was walking along the beach and found a bottle. Inside the bottle was a note. Jack Wrum inherited 8 million dollars because of the note inside the bottle. (courtesy of mental_floss)
--I hate to see what our yard will look like when the snow goes. Once again, I witnessed our neighbor's rather big dog taking a dump in our yard! And he was outside the whole time, probably watching the damn dog doing it! Pisses me off.
--K went back to work after his long weekend on the 8th. When it is all said and done, he will have his next day off around the 23rd. At least, we THINK he will have a day off then. He isn't SCHEDULED to work that day, but with the overtime, who knows.
--I am so bummed! The Wings play in Phoenix on Saturday night and I will not get to see the game! The ONLY channel that is broadcasting it is one of the NHL channels that you have to pay for. And I'm not sure if you can only buy one game or if you have to buy an entire package. I have to call our cable company tomorrow and see what the deal is--hopefully it won't be too expensive and I can get to see the game after all.
--Well, all of the speculation is over: Forsberg was traded to Nashville. I don't know how I feel about this. First, it probably wouldn't have been very comfortable for some of the Wing players to have him at Detroit--after all, there IS history. Second, it is being talked that this could be just what Nashville needs in order to win the Cup this year. Without wanting to wish any harm to a person, it might be to Detroit's advantage if Forsberg's foot starts acting up again. Time will tell on whether Nashville did good with this trade. And there is always the possiblity that Detroit will trade for someone that will help them even more than Forsberg could possibly have done.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
They Redeemed Themselves
While tonight wasn't the best game I have seen, at least the Wings won 3-1. It really was quite a boring game until the third period. Then, again, the Wings became fired up and started to play amazing hockey. Dallas scored in the second and the Wings were scoreless until Datsyuk scored in the third. If Detroit's first goal of the game isn't featured in all of the highlight reels for a long time to come, no goal will be. Zetterberg was rushing toward the net with the puck, started skating around the back of it, as he is known to do, and at the last possible moment he passed the puck BACKWARDS, between his own legs AND a Dallas player's legs, and got it to Datsyuk to score. Beauty, grace, talent--absolutely amazing. Zetterberg is very possibly the best player in the NHL, and he doesn't get nearly enough credit for what he does. Later, he scored the winning goal.
Datsyuk and Zetterberg celebrate the winning goal:
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
It will make for much nicer pictures when Zetterberg gets those teeth fixed! :) I believe he chipped one tooth and knocked off a crown on another. What a way to make a living.
Datsyuk and Zetterberg celebrate the winning goal:
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
It will make for much nicer pictures when Zetterberg gets those teeth fixed! :) I believe he chipped one tooth and knocked off a crown on another. What a way to make a living.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day! As my Valentine's Day gift to all of you, here are a couple of videos.
First, a Teddy bear goes to see his love:
And to help you rock out your Valentine's Day, here is a live video of Queen singing 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.' Freddy Mercury sure could sing! I DEFY you to not keep this song going through your mind all day after hearing it! :)
First, a Teddy bear goes to see his love:
And to help you rock out your Valentine's Day, here is a live video of Queen singing 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.' Freddy Mercury sure could sing! I DEFY you to not keep this song going through your mind all day after hearing it! :)
Dead Wings
While the Wings don't really deserve to be called their nickname from the 80s, the way they played last night was absolutely abysmal. In a 6-1 loss, one of the top 4 teams in the NHL lost to the worst team, Philadelphia. (Sorry, RT, but that IS their record. :|) It took me an entire 24 hours to actually process what I saw--and I'm STILL not sure what went on. The Flyers ran over Detroit and there is nothing more to be said about it. I guess some would blame Joey MacDonald for his work in the net, but it wasn't all his fault. He is, after all, young and new to the NHL--he just didn't have much help from the rest of the team. I really doubt Hasek or Ozzie would have done a whole lot better with the lack of support.
So, what is it that the Wings need to do in order to take their play up a notch? First and foremost, I believe they need to get one or two players that are willing to get physical. I am not talking about becoming a clone of Philadelphia when they were the 'Broad Street Bullies,' I am just saying they need someone to intimidate and protect. Philadelphia went after Detroit's goalie, as well as several Wing players, and there was NO ONE on Detroit's team to say, 'BACK OFF!' Yes, Detroit needs Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, etc, to make the beautiful plays and goals, but finesse isn't all there is to the game. Teams all through the NHL know that Detroit is all about finesse and little physicality--this leads to Detroit being pushed around and getting run over. It's time that the powers that be get with it and bring someone in that will take care of the star players. It's time for Detroit to start intimidating, not just look good!
So, what is it that the Wings need to do in order to take their play up a notch? First and foremost, I believe they need to get one or two players that are willing to get physical. I am not talking about becoming a clone of Philadelphia when they were the 'Broad Street Bullies,' I am just saying they need someone to intimidate and protect. Philadelphia went after Detroit's goalie, as well as several Wing players, and there was NO ONE on Detroit's team to say, 'BACK OFF!' Yes, Detroit needs Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, etc, to make the beautiful plays and goals, but finesse isn't all there is to the game. Teams all through the NHL know that Detroit is all about finesse and little physicality--this leads to Detroit being pushed around and getting run over. It's time that the powers that be get with it and bring someone in that will take care of the star players. It's time for Detroit to start intimidating, not just look good!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
They Were Smokin'--for 40 minutes
Pity the team that has to play against the Wings the next game after a humiliation like they experienced last Thursday. Tonight, it was Calgary that needed to be pitied. Detroit played a 40 minute game tonight, not just a 20 minute one. (They could TRY a 60 minute game once in awhile!) After the first period, they were leading 3-0. After the second period, they were leading 6-1. THEN, they gave up 3 goals in the third and finally ended up winning the game 7-4. The first two periods they played as if they were the only team on the ice--it was beautiful to watch. Joey MacDonald was in the net tonight, so he got the first win of his NHL career! Yippee! He'll be in net again tomorrow night, as Ozzie has a broken finger and Hasek has an inflamed wrist. We'll see how he can do in back-to-back games.
Snow Statues
Last year I posted about the Winter Carnival at MTU--you can find the post here. Well, this weekend is Winter Carnival and they have some amazing pictures of this year's snow statues. Here is the overall winner:
This pic is kind of impressive, but if you want REALLY impressive, go here. Click on the pic and when you get to the next page, click on the picture again to zoom in. The amount of detail work that goes into these statues is simply amazing! There are numerous links on the first page, so if you want to see some truly awesome examples of snow statues, spend some time and look around. And don't forget, these are all done by COLLEGE STUDENTS, NOT any professionals.
This pic is kind of impressive, but if you want REALLY impressive, go here. Click on the pic and when you get to the next page, click on the picture again to zoom in. The amount of detail work that goes into these statues is simply amazing! There are numerous links on the first page, so if you want to see some truly awesome examples of snow statues, spend some time and look around. And don't forget, these are all done by COLLEGE STUDENTS, NOT any professionals.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Some Thoughts For Today
Gee, I wish I had some good, philosophical things to write about, but I don't. So, here are some things going around in my head today.
--Many people have come to this blog by searching for 'deathclock lyrics.' I have NO idea what that is--and searching for it isn't any help. Does anyone know what this is?
--This made me happy today: I looked outside and all of the 3-4+" of snow/ice on the top of my Jimmy was gone! Yup, the sun was out and it was warm enough for every bit of ice to come off the roof--HOORAY! We don't have a garage, so there is usually at least a little bit of snow/ice on the vehicles at all times. (The Jimmy is too high for me to reach and brush everything off--and it has a luggage carrier on top, so that makes it doubly hard to take care of. K doesn't mind that it isn't snow-free.)
--The temp went up to 22 degrees above zero on our backyard thermometer this afternoon! How great is that?
--This winter has been a little strange in the fact that I can't keep the house humidified at all. All winter long, every year, I have to run humidifiers just so I won't shock myself to death by walking through the house. For some reason or another, this year is horribly bad! I have three humidifiers running at top speed constantly and it STILL is very staticky! My hair stands out around my head like some sort of halo/aura--NOT a good look. We have an antique brass bed that we sleep in, so it is LOADS of fun making the bed every day. I have to try not to get too near the headboard or foot or I wind up creating sparks that would light up a medium-sized room! The poor cat is terrified to rub against my leg for fear of a teeth-shattering shock. This is one thing that could make me want winter to go away.
--The cat usually will come with me in the computer room and keep me company. While I don't mind this, the other night she drove me absolutely insane. She was chewing her toenails! The sound is very close to fingernails on a chalkboard and just grates away at my nerves. Despite what some people feel, we had the cat declawed at the time we had her spayed. (Some people feel this is akin to torture--I feel this has saved her life. I WILL NOT have a cat destroy my furnishings, etc, by shredding them. I find no problem with declawing a cat that will NEVER be allowed to roam outside on its own--which ours doesn't.) However, she still has her back claws and, I guess, she has to groom them to keep them at a respectable length. I really don't care WHAT the reason is for her doing it, it just drives me insane!
--I saw this video and thought it was one of the funniest I have seen in a long time. Here I present "Baby Panda Sneezing."
--Many people have come to this blog by searching for 'deathclock lyrics.' I have NO idea what that is--and searching for it isn't any help. Does anyone know what this is?
--This made me happy today: I looked outside and all of the 3-4+" of snow/ice on the top of my Jimmy was gone! Yup, the sun was out and it was warm enough for every bit of ice to come off the roof--HOORAY! We don't have a garage, so there is usually at least a little bit of snow/ice on the vehicles at all times. (The Jimmy is too high for me to reach and brush everything off--and it has a luggage carrier on top, so that makes it doubly hard to take care of. K doesn't mind that it isn't snow-free.)
--The temp went up to 22 degrees above zero on our backyard thermometer this afternoon! How great is that?
--This winter has been a little strange in the fact that I can't keep the house humidified at all. All winter long, every year, I have to run humidifiers just so I won't shock myself to death by walking through the house. For some reason or another, this year is horribly bad! I have three humidifiers running at top speed constantly and it STILL is very staticky! My hair stands out around my head like some sort of halo/aura--NOT a good look. We have an antique brass bed that we sleep in, so it is LOADS of fun making the bed every day. I have to try not to get too near the headboard or foot or I wind up creating sparks that would light up a medium-sized room! The poor cat is terrified to rub against my leg for fear of a teeth-shattering shock. This is one thing that could make me want winter to go away.
--The cat usually will come with me in the computer room and keep me company. While I don't mind this, the other night she drove me absolutely insane. She was chewing her toenails! The sound is very close to fingernails on a chalkboard and just grates away at my nerves. Despite what some people feel, we had the cat declawed at the time we had her spayed. (Some people feel this is akin to torture--I feel this has saved her life. I WILL NOT have a cat destroy my furnishings, etc, by shredding them. I find no problem with declawing a cat that will NEVER be allowed to roam outside on its own--which ours doesn't.) However, she still has her back claws and, I guess, she has to groom them to keep them at a respectable length. I really don't care WHAT the reason is for her doing it, it just drives me insane!
--I saw this video and thought it was one of the funniest I have seen in a long time. Here I present "Baby Panda Sneezing."
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Stopped At 175
The Red Wings lost tonight to St. Louis--and were shut out at the same time. So the record ends at 175 games without being shut out--the last time was 7 January 2004. (The score tonight was 1-0.) Really, with the way Detroit played tonight, they deserved to lose. HOWEVER, Joey MacDonald didn't deserve the loss--he was very good in goal, having stopped 28 of 29 shots. It would be nice if he could have been awarded the win--and the team not get any points--just for the good effort he made. He didn't have a team backing him well enough--he couldn't do it all himself, and so the Wings are now 3 points behind Nashville for the top spot in the Central Division. And they would have had the top spot to themselves with a win. Damn.
Let's Talk Manners
One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't send thank you notes. I am not talking getting a little pissed, I am talking I WANT TO RIP THEIR F*****G HEADS OFF! Where did this tirade of mine come from all of a sudden? We FINALLY received a thank you from one of The Nieces for the wedding gift we sent--for their SEPTEMBER wedding! Granted, I actually GOT a thank you, but why so late? And, no, it is NOT true that you have an entire year after getting married in which to send out the notes. The rule of 'as fast as possible' still applies to wedding 'thank yous' as well as any others.
While I was growing up, I had to call everyone who sent me a birthday card with money. (Gifts were few and far between for the birthday.) At Christmas, I had to call everyone who gave me a gift. This was the rule, this I had to obey. (I think The Mother didn't make me WRITE thank you notes because it cost money to buy them and then to send them. My opinion.) Whatever way it was done, I was EXPECTED to acknowledge a gift and thank for it--even the $1 bill one of my VERY cheap aunts always sent.
From the time my girls were old enough to hold a pencil, they 'wrote' thank you notes. Granted, the first ones were ones I wrote and they scribbled their 'names' on. Then, I wrote the notes and they actually signed them. The next step: I wrote out a sample note which they then copied in their own handwriting. And, finally, they were on their own to write the notes by themselves. To this day, they continue to write thank you notes for gifts they receive--and quite beautiful ones, I have been told. (They are very hit-and-miss when it comes to sending notes to me. I have accepted this as long as they remember to send to everyone else.)
The Brother and his family hardly ever send thank you notes. I am still waiting for thank yous from his three oldest daughters for their graduation gifts--as well as YEARS of other gifts we have given that family. These graduations were in 2001, 2003, and 2004 (or '05)--I don't think they will be coming. Their youngest--our goddaughter--gets a note out to us once every few years. No note this year for the Christmas OR birthday gifts. (Last year, I sent a check for her birthday and it never was even CASHED!) I have always wondered WHAT the hell is wrong with The Brother and his wife and I still do to this day. They are such social SLOBS.
The way I look at it: if someone spends the amount of time to pick out a gift for you, spend their money, and get it to you, you have an OBLIGATION to spend three minutes writing a thank you note. Why aren't people being taught this very simple social grace?
While I was growing up, I had to call everyone who sent me a birthday card with money. (Gifts were few and far between for the birthday.) At Christmas, I had to call everyone who gave me a gift. This was the rule, this I had to obey. (I think The Mother didn't make me WRITE thank you notes because it cost money to buy them and then to send them. My opinion.) Whatever way it was done, I was EXPECTED to acknowledge a gift and thank for it--even the $1 bill one of my VERY cheap aunts always sent.
From the time my girls were old enough to hold a pencil, they 'wrote' thank you notes. Granted, the first ones were ones I wrote and they scribbled their 'names' on. Then, I wrote the notes and they actually signed them. The next step: I wrote out a sample note which they then copied in their own handwriting. And, finally, they were on their own to write the notes by themselves. To this day, they continue to write thank you notes for gifts they receive--and quite beautiful ones, I have been told. (They are very hit-and-miss when it comes to sending notes to me. I have accepted this as long as they remember to send to everyone else.)
The Brother and his family hardly ever send thank you notes. I am still waiting for thank yous from his three oldest daughters for their graduation gifts--as well as YEARS of other gifts we have given that family. These graduations were in 2001, 2003, and 2004 (or '05)--I don't think they will be coming. Their youngest--our goddaughter--gets a note out to us once every few years. No note this year for the Christmas OR birthday gifts. (Last year, I sent a check for her birthday and it never was even CASHED!) I have always wondered WHAT the hell is wrong with The Brother and his wife and I still do to this day. They are such social SLOBS.
The way I look at it: if someone spends the amount of time to pick out a gift for you, spend their money, and get it to you, you have an OBLIGATION to spend three minutes writing a thank you note. Why aren't people being taught this very simple social grace?
Anna Nicole Smith
It is being reported that Anna Nicole Smith has died. The only reason I am even writing about this is the fact that she has been a frequently recurring subject in the gossip columns I read. Terrible thing for me to say, but, I'm not really surprised by this. It will be interesting (?) to see how this plays out in the media over the next few days, weeks, months.
Things I Don't 'Get'
There are some things that just completely elude me--other than football, that is. Here are a few:
--Ayn Rand
Praises on top of praises have been heaped on this author and I just don't see what is so great about her. I read 'The Fountainhead' and hated it--there were no characters in the book that I admired or 'pulled for', and that included the main character. After my disappointment with this book, I decided against reading anything else she wrote.
--Shakespeare
Now, he may have been a wonderful writer and told great stories, but I just found his writing to be too much work. When I read something, I want to be entertained (to a certain extent) and I found myself working too hard when I read anything of his. For entertainment purposes, I need things to be easy--Shakespeare isn't easy. Other than being forced to read him for school, I will pass on Shakespeare.
--Regis Philben
If anyone can explain WHY this man is on TV and WHY anyone wants to watch him, I will listen. All I see when I look at the man--not that I do so voluntarily--is an old man with an enormous ego who loves to hear himself talk. Just don't get his popularity.
--Bruce Springsteen
I know these are fighting words, but, I DON'T LIKE 'THE BOSS.' I don't think he is overly talented with his song writing or his singing. Can't see what the appeal is there.
--Opera
Do I even need to explain why I don't get this?
--The 'handsomeness' of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio
Okay, maybe this is a generational thing, but I don't think either one of these two men are good looking. For sure, neither does a thing for my 'knock my socks off' meter. I 'get' Patrick Dempsey, Hugh Laurie, Adrian Grenier, Matthew Fox, Matthew McConaughey, etc.--I just don't see it with Brad or Leo.
--Apple and Steve Jobs
No one has explained in an understandable way why exactly Apples are better than PCs. I have had an opportunity to 'mess around' with an Apple and just don't see the advantage. Steve Jobs, as far as I have ever been able to tell, is just a great salesman. The man is an over-sized ego inside a normal-sized body. At least with Bill Gates, he actually KNOWS how to write software (the man does have a near-genius IQ)--something I have never heard said about Jobs.
--American Idol, Survivor, and most every other reality show
Granted, I HAVE watched 'Queer Eye For The Straight Guy' (and was a fan), 'Project Runway' (and was a fan), and one or two other shows (for part or all of only one season), but I don't understand the obsession that people feel for some of these shows. I don't see the appeal. (That being said, I AM watching the new show on Bravo called 'Top Design'. It is only in its second week, so I am not sure how much more I will watch. I figured I might get some good ideas for my own home by watching--we'll have to see.)
--Sushi
Raw fish? And just WHO thought this was a good idea?
--A Brazilian Wax
Don't even want to THINK about it.
--Ayn Rand
Praises on top of praises have been heaped on this author and I just don't see what is so great about her. I read 'The Fountainhead' and hated it--there were no characters in the book that I admired or 'pulled for', and that included the main character. After my disappointment with this book, I decided against reading anything else she wrote.
--Shakespeare
Now, he may have been a wonderful writer and told great stories, but I just found his writing to be too much work. When I read something, I want to be entertained (to a certain extent) and I found myself working too hard when I read anything of his. For entertainment purposes, I need things to be easy--Shakespeare isn't easy. Other than being forced to read him for school, I will pass on Shakespeare.
--Regis Philben
If anyone can explain WHY this man is on TV and WHY anyone wants to watch him, I will listen. All I see when I look at the man--not that I do so voluntarily--is an old man with an enormous ego who loves to hear himself talk. Just don't get his popularity.
--Bruce Springsteen
I know these are fighting words, but, I DON'T LIKE 'THE BOSS.' I don't think he is overly talented with his song writing or his singing. Can't see what the appeal is there.
--Opera
Do I even need to explain why I don't get this?
--The 'handsomeness' of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio
Okay, maybe this is a generational thing, but I don't think either one of these two men are good looking. For sure, neither does a thing for my 'knock my socks off' meter. I 'get' Patrick Dempsey, Hugh Laurie, Adrian Grenier, Matthew Fox, Matthew McConaughey, etc.--I just don't see it with Brad or Leo.
--Apple and Steve Jobs
No one has explained in an understandable way why exactly Apples are better than PCs. I have had an opportunity to 'mess around' with an Apple and just don't see the advantage. Steve Jobs, as far as I have ever been able to tell, is just a great salesman. The man is an over-sized ego inside a normal-sized body. At least with Bill Gates, he actually KNOWS how to write software (the man does have a near-genius IQ)--something I have never heard said about Jobs.
--American Idol, Survivor, and most every other reality show
Granted, I HAVE watched 'Queer Eye For The Straight Guy' (and was a fan), 'Project Runway' (and was a fan), and one or two other shows (for part or all of only one season), but I don't understand the obsession that people feel for some of these shows. I don't see the appeal. (That being said, I AM watching the new show on Bravo called 'Top Design'. It is only in its second week, so I am not sure how much more I will watch. I figured I might get some good ideas for my own home by watching--we'll have to see.)
--Sushi
Raw fish? And just WHO thought this was a good idea?
--A Brazilian Wax
Don't even want to THINK about it.
Cujo VS The Dominator
And The Dominator came out on top. Yes, the Wings won over Phoenix 4-2 tonight. It was a pretty good game--at least they played more than a 20 minute game! Zetterberg did some of the magic that he does--damn, but the man makes it look so easy. I'm afraid Detroit is going to have to let someone go after Zetterberg negotiates his next contract--he will DEFINITELY need to get a raise. Damn salary cap--they could keep all of the high-end players they wanted if it wasn't for that cap.
During the game, and especially after the win, I couldn't help but think of the feud between Hasek and Curtis Joseph. They were both goalies for Detroit several years ago and, for whatever reason (long story), the bad blood became so bad that they couldn't even sit next to each other in the locker room. Yup, the third goalie had to be the buffer between the two of them. Instead of two grown men, top professionals in their field, I could only think of little girls out on the playground. This made me wonder: did Hasek do a little victory dance after he beat his rival? Did he make faces at him and say 'nanner, nanner'? Did Cujo have a voodoo doll of Hasek and did he put in pins to aggravate the old groin injury? Did each give the other the old 'evil eye' across the rink? Kind of fun to wonder about--after all, they are just human beings. And, being professional athletes, they have somewhat large egos--Hasek's being a bit larger, I would have to say. Probably would be interesting to be able to read their minds.
Tomorrow night they play in St. Louis--will have to see if they can keep it together for two nights in a row. I'm not expecting too much: Joey MacDonald will be in net for Detroit. And I really can't blame Joey, it's just that he hasn't been played hardly at all this year, so he can't be up to speed. Time will tell--I hope for the best for Joey.
During the game, and especially after the win, I couldn't help but think of the feud between Hasek and Curtis Joseph. They were both goalies for Detroit several years ago and, for whatever reason (long story), the bad blood became so bad that they couldn't even sit next to each other in the locker room. Yup, the third goalie had to be the buffer between the two of them. Instead of two grown men, top professionals in their field, I could only think of little girls out on the playground. This made me wonder: did Hasek do a little victory dance after he beat his rival? Did he make faces at him and say 'nanner, nanner'? Did Cujo have a voodoo doll of Hasek and did he put in pins to aggravate the old groin injury? Did each give the other the old 'evil eye' across the rink? Kind of fun to wonder about--after all, they are just human beings. And, being professional athletes, they have somewhat large egos--Hasek's being a bit larger, I would have to say. Probably would be interesting to be able to read their minds.
Tomorrow night they play in St. Louis--will have to see if they can keep it together for two nights in a row. I'm not expecting too much: Joey MacDonald will be in net for Detroit. And I really can't blame Joey, it's just that he hasn't been played hardly at all this year, so he can't be up to speed. Time will tell--I hope for the best for Joey.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Another 20 Minute Game
Once again, the Wings played only 20 out of 60 minutes of a game. The third period was great--and they won, 4-3. I know I've said it before but, if they actually played 60 minutes of hockey each time, they would win the President's trophy as well as beat everyone else for the Cup! They have a good team, I just don't understand why they can't get it together any better than they do.
The trades have started. The Rangers have acquired Avery from the Kings--hmm, interesting. I still can't wait to see what happens with Forsberg--might be very interesting to add another Swede to the team. I just don't want them to mess things up too much--they aren't doing THAT badly.
The trades have started. The Rangers have acquired Avery from the Kings--hmm, interesting. I still can't wait to see what happens with Forsberg--might be very interesting to add another Swede to the team. I just don't want them to mess things up too much--they aren't doing THAT badly.
Monday, February 05, 2007
We're Having A Heatwave
--Today the temp in our backyard was a tropical +15 degrees! Considering the high yesterday was -5, this is a vast improvement. We should continue to have temps in the teens this week--yippee!!
--What is the definition of true love? How about: putting on a Super Bowl party for your significant other when you LOATHE the game of football. Yup, that's what I did for K yesterday. I'm such a good wife.
--Got a phone call from the cardiologists office today and now K has to go in for a full stress test on Friday. I guess there was some difference in his last EKG from the time before and they want to see if there is any heart disease going on. Oh, yay.
--We bought ourselves a new printer/scanner/copier on our last road trip and I am loving it! When we got this computer, the scanner we had just wouldn't work--I could install it, but it wouldn't scan into the computer. Couldn't find out the problem, so I got rid of the scanner. Well, turns out that K missed the scanner as much as me, so we got ourselves a new 3-in-1. I started copying our important papers last night and am really enjoying working with the thing. It is so cool to have a copier in my own home! (I know, I'm SUCH a geek.)
--And a little FYI. There is a place called the 'Gay Bar' here in the UP. That is its name because it is located in the town called 'Gay.'
--What is the definition of true love? How about: putting on a Super Bowl party for your significant other when you LOATHE the game of football. Yup, that's what I did for K yesterday. I'm such a good wife.
--Got a phone call from the cardiologists office today and now K has to go in for a full stress test on Friday. I guess there was some difference in his last EKG from the time before and they want to see if there is any heart disease going on. Oh, yay.
--We bought ourselves a new printer/scanner/copier on our last road trip and I am loving it! When we got this computer, the scanner we had just wouldn't work--I could install it, but it wouldn't scan into the computer. Couldn't find out the problem, so I got rid of the scanner. Well, turns out that K missed the scanner as much as me, so we got ourselves a new 3-in-1. I started copying our important papers last night and am really enjoying working with the thing. It is so cool to have a copier in my own home! (I know, I'm SUCH a geek.)
--And a little FYI. There is a place called the 'Gay Bar' here in the UP. That is its name because it is located in the town called 'Gay.'
Southern People Are Funny
(This is in response to your comment on my last post, burg. Hope you enjoy.)
Two days after K and I married--October 8, to be exact--we packed up our car and moved to Charleston, South Carolina. K was in the Navy and Charleston was his home port--not that he spent all that much time there, you realize. With his short- and long-term cruises, he was gone a whole lot more than I ever dreamed possible. But, I digress. We found ourselves an apartment and started our lives together.
A few weeks after we moved into our apartment, K was gone on a cruise. It was a short one--a week or ten days at the most--so it must have been the one to Gitmo. Anyway, here I was, alone, in a city--don't forget, I grew up in a town of less than 1000 people--no phone, didn't drive, and didn't know anyone. It was a bit daunting. Somehow or another, I became friends with another Navy wife who lived on the other side of the parking lot from us. To say we got close quickly is putting it mildly.
Laurie and her husband were from Philadelphia and that in itself made her my long-lost sister--or at the very least, my long-lost cousin! There was just something about us Yankees standing against the Southern folk that made a bond between us that was very strong. Now, don't get me wrong, all of the people I met that were natives or from other places in the South were very nice--they all were just different than we Yankees were. Native Southerners just can't understand the shared experiences we Northerners had. Now, finally, we get to my story.
During the Christmas season, Laurie, her husband, K, and I went to the local mall to do some Christmas shopping. (We had no money, so it must have been more Christmas window shopping, but, I digress again.) As this was the South, we were wearing short sleeves. Laurie and I were lamenting the fact that we were not going to see snow at all for Christmas, much less for the entire winter. We continued belly-aching as we were waiting to be taken care of in one store. The clerk must have over-heard us--actually, he would have had to be deaf to NOT hear us complaining--because he asked, "Are you-all from up North?" To which we replied, "Yes." He then asked us, "Do you get much snow where you are from?" Laurie nodded her head and I said, "Yes. As a matter of fact, we get at least 200" of snow where I'm from." To which the clerk looked at me, very befuddled, and asked, "All at once?" I'm sorry to say, I could not answer the man because I was trying too hard not to laugh. I'm sure the poor thing must still, to this day, be wondering why Laurie and I started laughing hysterically the second we were out of his sight.
And this is why I think some Southern people are funny! :)
Two days after K and I married--October 8, to be exact--we packed up our car and moved to Charleston, South Carolina. K was in the Navy and Charleston was his home port--not that he spent all that much time there, you realize. With his short- and long-term cruises, he was gone a whole lot more than I ever dreamed possible. But, I digress. We found ourselves an apartment and started our lives together.
A few weeks after we moved into our apartment, K was gone on a cruise. It was a short one--a week or ten days at the most--so it must have been the one to Gitmo. Anyway, here I was, alone, in a city--don't forget, I grew up in a town of less than 1000 people--no phone, didn't drive, and didn't know anyone. It was a bit daunting. Somehow or another, I became friends with another Navy wife who lived on the other side of the parking lot from us. To say we got close quickly is putting it mildly.
Laurie and her husband were from Philadelphia and that in itself made her my long-lost sister--or at the very least, my long-lost cousin! There was just something about us Yankees standing against the Southern folk that made a bond between us that was very strong. Now, don't get me wrong, all of the people I met that were natives or from other places in the South were very nice--they all were just different than we Yankees were. Native Southerners just can't understand the shared experiences we Northerners had. Now, finally, we get to my story.
During the Christmas season, Laurie, her husband, K, and I went to the local mall to do some Christmas shopping. (We had no money, so it must have been more Christmas window shopping, but, I digress again.) As this was the South, we were wearing short sleeves. Laurie and I were lamenting the fact that we were not going to see snow at all for Christmas, much less for the entire winter. We continued belly-aching as we were waiting to be taken care of in one store. The clerk must have over-heard us--actually, he would have had to be deaf to NOT hear us complaining--because he asked, "Are you-all from up North?" To which we replied, "Yes." He then asked us, "Do you get much snow where you are from?" Laurie nodded her head and I said, "Yes. As a matter of fact, we get at least 200" of snow where I'm from." To which the clerk looked at me, very befuddled, and asked, "All at once?" I'm sorry to say, I could not answer the man because I was trying too hard not to laugh. I'm sure the poor thing must still, to this day, be wondering why Laurie and I started laughing hysterically the second we were out of his sight.
And this is why I think some Southern people are funny! :)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Baby, It's COLD Outside
Yes, it is beginning to sound like a broken record, but we are STILL cold here. The high today is not supposed to go above zero. So, I figured it would be a good time to break out some cold-weather/winter, UP trivia. Enjoy!
--The latest, plowable snowfall in the UP was June 1945. They had to haul out the snowplows to do the roads.
--On June 22, 1992, a temp of 32 degrees was reported at our local weather station. This is the latest freezing temperature for our area ever recorded.
--August 18, 1968 was the earliest we have had a temp of 32 degrees.
--September 13, 1975, found snow falling in places in the UP. This was the earliest recorded snowfall for the winter season.
--3" to 6.5" of snow fell around the UP on September 22, 1995.
--The coldest November temperature was -13 on November 30, 1976.
--The greatest one-day snowfall on record occurred in Marquette on December 12, 1961. 14.2" fell from just before midnight on the 11th to about noon on the 12th.
--December 20, 1983 had the coldest December temp on record: -28 degrees.
--On occasions, Lake Superior has kept its ice into June (1972) and July (1876).
--The most snow that has fallen in one winter is in the northern part of the UP, a place called Delaware. During the winter of 1978-1979, 391.9" of snow fell. (Delaware averages 231.5" per year.)
--The greatest depth of snow on the ground was 80" at the Marquette Airport on February 16, 1971.
--And even though it has never been made official, snow HAS fallen on July 4th here in the UP. It has happened once that I remember.
--The latest, plowable snowfall in the UP was June 1945. They had to haul out the snowplows to do the roads.
--On June 22, 1992, a temp of 32 degrees was reported at our local weather station. This is the latest freezing temperature for our area ever recorded.
--August 18, 1968 was the earliest we have had a temp of 32 degrees.
--September 13, 1975, found snow falling in places in the UP. This was the earliest recorded snowfall for the winter season.
--3" to 6.5" of snow fell around the UP on September 22, 1995.
--The coldest November temperature was -13 on November 30, 1976.
--The greatest one-day snowfall on record occurred in Marquette on December 12, 1961. 14.2" fell from just before midnight on the 11th to about noon on the 12th.
--December 20, 1983 had the coldest December temp on record: -28 degrees.
--On occasions, Lake Superior has kept its ice into June (1972) and July (1876).
--The most snow that has fallen in one winter is in the northern part of the UP, a place called Delaware. During the winter of 1978-1979, 391.9" of snow fell. (Delaware averages 231.5" per year.)
--The greatest depth of snow on the ground was 80" at the Marquette Airport on February 16, 1971.
--And even though it has never been made official, snow HAS fallen on July 4th here in the UP. It has happened once that I remember.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
How Cold Is It?
I know the answer to the question should be something humorous, but I don't feel very funny about the cold right now. The temp is about -11 and the wind chill is at least -24. It is cold. And it is only supposed to get worse--the predicted wind chill for Monday morning is -45. THAT will close the schools! (As opposed to snow, which doesn't close schools that often.) So, just how cold is it? Here goes:
--if you are outside for 5 minutes (or even less), you get 'brain freeze'
--your toasty-warm vehicle cools off in under 10 minutes
--sitting in your unheated vehicle makes the backs of your thighs instantly turn to ice--even if you have cloth-covered seats
--when the wind blows, your breath is literally taken away
--you can't dress warmly enough, unless you have very special cold-weather clothing
--your lungs hurt when you breathe
--your eyes tear and hurt even when there isn't a wind
--the insides of your nostrils literally get caked with ice
--the only thing your unheated vehicle does for you is protect you from the wind--otherwise, it is no warmer than outside
--you MUST protect your animals when they go out--they are just as prone to frost-bite as people
--at -45, you can get frostbite in less than 10 minutes
--if you touch a metal object outside with your sweat-dampened hand, you WILL stick to said object (can happen when opening your car door, for example)
--ice, sometimes an inch thick in the corners, WILL form on the insides of your house windows--even if they are double-paned
--to keep warm, you MUST turn your thermostat up
--sitting at home with a glass of wine or brandy, is the nicest way to wait out the cold!
--if you are outside for 5 minutes (or even less), you get 'brain freeze'
--your toasty-warm vehicle cools off in under 10 minutes
--sitting in your unheated vehicle makes the backs of your thighs instantly turn to ice--even if you have cloth-covered seats
--when the wind blows, your breath is literally taken away
--you can't dress warmly enough, unless you have very special cold-weather clothing
--your lungs hurt when you breathe
--your eyes tear and hurt even when there isn't a wind
--the insides of your nostrils literally get caked with ice
--the only thing your unheated vehicle does for you is protect you from the wind--otherwise, it is no warmer than outside
--you MUST protect your animals when they go out--they are just as prone to frost-bite as people
--at -45, you can get frostbite in less than 10 minutes
--if you touch a metal object outside with your sweat-dampened hand, you WILL stick to said object (can happen when opening your car door, for example)
--ice, sometimes an inch thick in the corners, WILL form on the insides of your house windows--even if they are double-paned
--to keep warm, you MUST turn your thermostat up
--sitting at home with a glass of wine or brandy, is the nicest way to wait out the cold!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Too Cold For Hockey...
...at least it would be if the rink was outside! Right now we are at about -6 degrees with a wind chill of -15. Compared to what it is going to be tomorrow, the weather is absolutely balmy. The wind chill is supposed to be between 25 and 40 below zero, or as we like to say, "A little chilly." :D Welcome to our yearly cold snap--and I hope it only happens once this year. Surprisingly, the house hasn't felt cold--we'll have to see what it's like tomorrow, though.
Today has been a day of catch-up, just as every day after a trip is. It seems as if it takes forever for me to get everything done when I get home. I'm still trying to finish up the laundry.
The Wings played St. Louis tonight and it certainly was an entertaining game. Some beautiful goals were made, one of the Wings got slashed with a stick to the face (no damage was done), and the Wings' goalie was knocked on his ass in a not nice way. There were even a few minor scuffles--no fights, though. {boo hoo} All in all, a very good game--and, of course, the fact that Detroit won 5-3 made the game even better! :)
Today has been a day of catch-up, just as every day after a trip is. It seems as if it takes forever for me to get everything done when I get home. I'm still trying to finish up the laundry.
The Wings played St. Louis tonight and it certainly was an entertaining game. Some beautiful goals were made, one of the Wings got slashed with a stick to the face (no damage was done), and the Wings' goalie was knocked on his ass in a not nice way. There were even a few minor scuffles--no fights, though. {boo hoo} All in all, a very good game--and, of course, the fact that Detroit won 5-3 made the game even better! :)
I Came Back
We got back from our road trip early this evening. It turned out to be about the same as all of our road trips--no real surprises. We didn't buy anything exciting, unless you think laundry detergent is something to talk about! We did have one bit of an experience, though: K got stopped for speeding and got a ticket. This now is his second one in a year. I don't know what he will be doing about it. C thinks he should dispute it, cause the cop wrote him up for doing 20 above the limit. I really don't think he was doing more than 10 above, but... If K accepts this, he will have a total of 6 points on his license. YIKES! I'm sure our insurance will go up after this.
Yesterday we were sitting in the mall and I saw something I never thought I would see. There, in all his glory, was a man walking through the food court in flip-flop sandals, with no socks. A lot of people wouldn't really find this too odd of an occurrence, but the temp was running about 22 degrees and the wind chill had to be around 10-15 degrees! I guess he had no problems with being bare-footed in the cold because there was no snow. As I said, I never thought I would see anything like it, and never thought I would see it ever again. And today, I DID see it again!! The first thing we did when we got back here to town was go to the gas station and fill up. (We are supposed to be getting some nasty weather, so we wanted to have a full tank of gas in case of emergency.) And lo and behold, a guy pulls up to the pump next to us, gets out of his vehicle, and he is wearing flip-flops and no socks. Again, the temp was in the 20 degree range and there was a wind chill. The thing that made this time worse was the fact that WE have snow and he had to walk through several inches of it in his bare feet! I only wish I knew where this guy lived so that I could go and watch him this weekend when our HIGHS are only supposed to be about zero. I wonder what he will wear then? Maybe he will decide it is the perfect temp to go out streaking. (And believe me, NO ONE wants to see this guy naked! {shudder})
Yesterday we were sitting in the mall and I saw something I never thought I would see. There, in all his glory, was a man walking through the food court in flip-flop sandals, with no socks. A lot of people wouldn't really find this too odd of an occurrence, but the temp was running about 22 degrees and the wind chill had to be around 10-15 degrees! I guess he had no problems with being bare-footed in the cold because there was no snow. As I said, I never thought I would see anything like it, and never thought I would see it ever again. And today, I DID see it again!! The first thing we did when we got back here to town was go to the gas station and fill up. (We are supposed to be getting some nasty weather, so we wanted to have a full tank of gas in case of emergency.) And lo and behold, a guy pulls up to the pump next to us, gets out of his vehicle, and he is wearing flip-flops and no socks. Again, the temp was in the 20 degree range and there was a wind chill. The thing that made this time worse was the fact that WE have snow and he had to walk through several inches of it in his bare feet! I only wish I knew where this guy lived so that I could go and watch him this weekend when our HIGHS are only supposed to be about zero. I wonder what he will wear then? Maybe he will decide it is the perfect temp to go out streaking. (And believe me, NO ONE wants to see this guy naked! {shudder})
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