Happy Easter!!!!!!

Best wishes to all y'all who celebrate Easter and here's everybody's favorite singing Cowboy . . .



And to my Jewish friends, may you have a joyous Passover!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!

Kay

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!! And it's not complete without The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem!!!  Here's one of my favorites!!!!!!!



I'm off to an 'Occupy' meeting (which I think is a truly appropriate way to celebrate the day given Ireland's long history of rebellion) but will be joining a couple friends for a wee jar and corned beef and cabbage later!

Hope y'all celebrate the day well!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

It's the Groaner of the Week!!!! (Presidents' Day Edition)

It ain't easy to find Presidents' Day groaners but I found a couple. I'm not saying that they're good . . . but they more or less meet the criteria. You have been warned.

* Teacher: "John, do you know Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?"
Student: "No, Miss Frump. I thought he lived in Washington!"

* Q: What do you call George Washington's false teeth?
A: Presidentures!

* Q: Why did George Washington have trouble sleeping?
A: Because he couldn't lie.

* A man was sitting at the bar during a costume party when someone went up to him and said, “Hey, I thought you were supposed to dress up in something that symbolized your love life?”

The man answered, “I am.”
The other guy said, “You look like Abe Lincoln.”
The man said, “That’s right. My last 4 scores were 7 years ago.”

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

It's the Groaner of the Week!!!! (Valentine Edition)

Happy Valentines Day!!!!! Here are some very punny Valentine jokes

* What did Frankenstein say to his girlfriend?
Be my Valenstein!

* What did the French chef give his wife on Valentine’s Day?
A hug and a quiche!

* What did the boy elephant say to the girl elephant on Valentine’s Day?
I love you a ton!

* Do skunks celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Absolutely. They're very scent-imental!


And here's my favorite Valentine's Day song from Old Blue Eyes for y'all to enjoy!!!



Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

It's the Groaner of the Week!!!!

There aren't a lot of New Year's groaners around but I thought this one a gem!!!!

A man started a tradition of taking his young son camping every New
Year's Eve. Since they lived in the South, though it still got cold on
New Year's Eve, it was not the biting cold of the North and, with the
older man and the young fellow bundled up warmly, the temperatures were
not unbearable. But the son didn't have the taste for camping and for
nature that his dad did.

Their equipment was on the primitive side: No air mattresses, for
example--they slept in plain old sleeping bags. And they slept inside
an old World War I army surplus tent.

Alas, one year the well-worn tent finally succumbed to a rip in the
canvas, and in the middle of the night a nocturnal bird got into the
tent, startling the son horribly. Frightened, he grabbed up his
backpack and sleeping bag, pulled his dad to his feet, and headed out
into the night, running toward where they had left their van.

"Wait!" said the father, mindful that the son was leaving something
behind. . .

"Should owled and quaint tents be forgot?"

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Happy New Year 2012

Here we go again!!!! It's 2012, in which I'll reach my 65th year on this poor beleaguered planet and it will be interesting and filled with back-biting, in-fighting, and downright lies as the elections approach. I have a strong urge to head for my bed with about five pounds of my favorite chocolate and pull the covers over my head only to emerge when it's all over. I think y'all know that won't happen but it is tempting. Instead, I'm going to campaign for the Democrats. And yeah, I've already signed on to help.

My wish for our country in 2012 is a modicum of civility, compassion, common sense and sanity return to our country but again. I'll prolly be disappointed and, for sure I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Some people weren't taught to play well with others. My son the coach has always told his swimmers: "There is no 'I' in 'team'!" and I think if our representatives ascribed to that they would accomplish more.

My wishes for myself are more complicated on various deeply personal levels and, most likely in vain so I'm not gonna go there and just hope I have your support in my struggles down that path.

My wish for y'all in 2012 is that y'all have all the good things and the strength to handle the inevitable potholes in the often rocky road of life. Know that I'll be here for you to celebrate your triumphs and lend a shoulder when/if you need it.

Here's my favorite video for the New Year. It's from the land of my ancestors and if you look quick, you'll see Sir Sean. It's nice to see politicians come together this way. We'll see it here when hell freezes over.



Happy New Year!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

New Year's Eve -- Wrapping Up 2011

It's the last day of 2011. And, as always, I get a bit introspective. I can't say it was a bad year but it won't make my Top 10 -- and someday I'll try to figure out what years will make that that list. Then again, maybe not. Let's just say that saying good-bye to 2011 won't be difficult but 2012 doesn't look too much better but hope springs eternal.

My plans for this evening? Just me, glass of wine, munchies and a stack of movies! I prolly won't even notice the kickoff although there are neighbors who set off fireworks and I might even pay attention! Tomorrow I'll eat my kraut and wurst in homage to my maternal grandparents and prolly watch some football although I really don't care much since the Buckeyes had a less than stellar season. Next year maybe I'll get excited.

I'm not making any resolutions -- I always break them anyhow. Are y'all?

Here's my New Year's wish for all of us!



Happy New Year!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay

Post-Holiday Thoughts -- Crabby and Otherwise

I'm behind on blogging. I just haven't had the energy to do that. I do try to keep up with y'all and comment but I'm in my usual post-holiday crabbiness so please forgive me.

* Christmas was less than stellar -- I'm just not comfortable with others' family. If it had been Michelle, her mom, and the kids, it would have been okay. I'm more and more of the mind that I just going to spend Christmas by myself. My son actually returned my call but, as usual, I didn't get to talk to the boys. And there wasn't so much as a thank you for the gifts I sent. That annoys me because I sacrifice to send them and I know my son knows that and he was taught better manners than that. I mentioned that his dad and I talk and he didn't like that much to which I say, "Grow up!!!!! In fact, his dad stopped by the day after Christmas to update a program for me and took me to lunch and said, "Like it's really any of his business what we do or don't do." I'm not a hater and refuse to stay mad at anyone forever -- hate eats one's soul.

* Have the Iowa Causes been going on forever? Will they ever end? It's not even 2012 yet and I'm tired of Election 2012? I can only imagine how I'll feel next year at this time. It's gonna be ugly no matter who the GOP nominates to run against Obama. Sigh.

* We still haven't had any appreciable snow here in Ohio. There was a bit yesterday but as near as I can tell, we haven't had an inch. Maybe -- just maybe -- I'm starting to believe in global warming. Ask me in a month when I'm buried under six inches of 'partly cloudy'!!! (Huge grin)

* I'm not going to make any New Year's resolutions -- as usual. At this point, my bad habits are pretty much ingrained and something I learned about myself is that I tend to drop them when I'm ready not because someone else (e.g., a doctor) mandates it. I notice that one may be going by the wayside yesterday but we shall see what happens.

* I think I've mentioned that my dad loved to sing and I swear he knew the lyrics to every single song of the Big Band era. Here's one of his favorites sung by one of my favorites . . . Diana Krall does it so well!!! Enjoy!!!



Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

It's the Groaner of the Week!!!!

Since Christmas is barely over, I thought y'all might like/identify with this little gem I tripped across. It's not really a groaner but I guaran-damn-tee y'all that I emitted a huge groan when I read #4!!!!


Stages of Christmas

When you consider Christmas, there are four stages in your life:-

1) You believe in Santa
2) You don't believe in Santa
3) You are Santa
4) You look like Santa

While we gals prolly don't look much like Santa, we can date him -- which is possibly as daunting as looking like him. Sigh.

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Merry Christmas 2011

I've been honored to have been invited for Christmas dinner with my neighbor Michelle and her family and am looking forward to seeing Bryce, Gracie and Ana open their gifts -- not to mention Michelle's fabulous cooking!

Here's yet another tradition for Christmas here at my poor neglected blog. It's my favorite holiday song as done by the late great Nat King Cole who, in my not so humble opinion, is one of finest voices (if not THE finest) to ever grace the world! (Can y'all guess that I'm getting set in my ways? :) )

Enjoy!!!



And I have to tip my cap to these fine lads out of respect for my ancestors.



Merry Christmas!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Quick Holiday Update

'Twas the day before Christmas and I'm almost but not quite ready for it. I've felt pretty "Bah! Humbug!" all week! and think I've a wee cold. Not from snow and cold -- but rain and temps in the 40s. It's Christmas Eve and it's only snowed once and it last about twenty minutes -- not that I like snow all that much but it doesn't seem right without it. Here are a few things to bring y'all up to speed.

* I saw the endocrinologist this week and it was all good. The nodules on my thyroid aren't growing and my blood work was good.

* Jeff's annual open house went very well. The turnout was better than usual -- probably due to his recent illness. I got tired of being asked if we were back together. I was just helping because Alec asked. Alec is 87 and I can't say 'no' to him. It was nice to see some people I hadn't seen in a while.

* Alec flew to Florida on Tuesday and Jeff and Shaughnessy traveled by limo and took their time getting down there. Normally Jeff drives for an extended stay but the doc said, "No!" Hopefully, he'll be back to normal by the time he gets back in April or May. (And, of course, I've been appointed to keep an eye on things.)

* I'm ready for Christmas -- all the presents are wrapped and some decorations are up. Bryce and I discovered that most of my decorations were ruined by a some leaks in my basement. I was really unhappy because most of my favorite things were casualties. Oh well, I guess it's an opportunity to hit the after Christmas sales -- which would be nice if I weren't broke. Sigh. According to some 'friends', that's my own damned fault. I guess I'm supposed to have a dollar sign for a heart. I'm not for sale.

* Speaking of heartless greed, my Grinch of 2011 Award goes to: Ta-da!!! Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) who tried to steal Christmas as well as 2012 and even his fellow Republicans rebelled -- probably with Election 2012 planted firmly in mind. Am I being cynical? Hell yeah!!!

* Hat tip to M.E. aka Xtreme English for reminding me of another fun video from the elegant Eartha!!!!



Enjoy your Christmas Eve!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay

A Thinking Cap Tradition

Eartha Kitt is definitely one of my heroes. In addition to her glorious career as a singer and actress, she was a tough and courageous lady who rose above many obstacles to succeed. She's no longer with us but her legacy lives on with her distinctive voice and style.

Here's a holiday video that has become a Christmas tradition here. Do enjoy Miss Eartha in sable at age 79 . . .



Isn't she just fabulous????

Merry Christmas and Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

Chanukah 2011

Today begins Chanukah -- the festival of lights -- and I wish to offer all my Jewish friends my very best wishes as they as they celebrate this holiday!! Hope y'all have a great eight days of joy and fun!!!! Don't eat too many latkes (a serious yum)!!!! Hope the dreidl spins in your favor!!! And don't forget to dance!!!!



Happy Chanukah and Happy Blogging!!!!!

Kay

It's the Groaner of the Week!!!!

It's more Christmas grooooaaannnns!!!!  Enjoy!!!!  AND another shot of Straight No Chaser -- my favorite holiday group!!!

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?.
Jungle Bells, Jungle bells..!

Why are Christmas trees like bad knitters?.
They both drop their needles!

What's Christmas called in England?.
Yule Britannia!

What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas?.
Thanks, I'll never part with it!

Why is a burning candle like being thirsty?.
Because a little water ends both of them!

And here's more Straight No Chaser with their really fun rendition of a Christmas classic!! Enjoy!!!!



Happy Blogging and Happy Holidays!!!!

Kay

Turkey Afterthoughts

Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!!!! All I'm going to say about mine is that the food was excellent.

* There isn't enough money on the planet to get me out shopping on Black Friday. Christmas shopping is going to be very limited at my house. I only do gifts for children these days. Michelle asked me what I want for Christmas and I told her that if she bought me anything, I'd spank her. I really don't need/want anything. What I really need is to get rid of some stuff.

* From my 'They're At It Again' department: I've been busy with various projects including signing the petition to repeal the HB 319 which gerrymamders Ohio into 12 Republican districts and 4 Democratic districts. Ohio is a is not a 'red' state; we are a 'purple' state and this bill does not reflect how we vote and if y'all think we can't do it, recall our stellar repeal oh the union-busting bill last month. These idiots don't learn, do they? I also signed up to work on Election 2012. I hope we get the same excellent response on this. Y'all can read about it here.

* I just had a visit from a couple well-dressed Republicans who wanted to explain to me how the Bible applies to the world today. I think y'all (and God) will forgive me for being crabby with them. I'm getting a "We are the 99%" sign for my yard in hopes that that it will act as a repellent again these visits.

* Here's a clip from an email I received from our not so beloved, soon to be one-term governor, John Kasich who, like Scott Walker of Wisconsin, would be sweating out a recall if we had it.

"I'm personally thankful for having been able to announce in the past two weeks that Ohio is helping to create almost 2,000 new jobs for Ohioans. Overall in 2011, Ohio has worked with small, medium and large-sized businesses to create more than 15,000 new jobs for Ohioans. That's more than 15,000 families who will have a better, brighter future. We've still got work to do, but it's exciting to see Ohio beginning to get back on track."

My response?  Puh-lease!!!!!  9.1% of of Ohioans are unemployed and that's a false figure because it's based on the the number of people collecting unemployment and blithely ignores the thousands of Ohioans whose benefits have run out. That he sent this is an insult to me and my fellow Ohioans.  How stupid does he think we are?  Never mind.


* Here's less than three minutes of giggle of from Chris Matthews explains why a recent survey said that Fox News fans are less informed.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

* Today Ohio State Buckeyes play their big rivalry game vs. the University of Michigan Wolverines so I'll be glued to the television this afternoon.  We haven't had a stellar season but  long-time fans know that that's immaterial to this game -- anything can happen and it probably will.  And here's the Best Damned Band in the Land doing their signature 'Script Ohio' routine -- always amazing.  The honor of dotting the 'i' goes to the most senior tuba player.  I never get tired of it.  I can't imagine strutting carrying a tuba -- they are heavy!!! Enjoy!!!!

Gooooooooo Buckeyes!!!



I hope to get around to see y'all later!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Veterans' Day 2011

It's Veterans' Day and time to recall the brave men and women who have served their country in war and peace. I found this video (less than three minutes) absolutely lovely and hope y'all do, too.




As I watched it, I couldn't help but think about the young Iraq war vet who came back home only to be shot at Occupy Oakland and lies in the hospital there. The irony of that makes me very sad.

Hug your favorite vet today!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Raising Hell in Ohio

Jimmy Hoffa (Didn't he do his daddy proud?) isn't the only one who was raising hell on Labor Day. Former Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio and other leaders of our State had some well-chosen words to say, too, and my young friend Lauren covered it very nicely! Some people criticized Hoffa's words but I never saw the Republicans criticize Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann for their less than kind rhetoric and who can forget Sharon Angle's "2nd Amendment remedies?

Do

Happy Blogging!!!!!!

Kay

Happy Birhday, USA!!!!!!!!!/ Groaner of the Week

It's Independence Day!!!!  Hope y'all take a minute to remember the principles on which our country was founded and those who have given their lives to protect it!!!  Here's a patriotic favorite of mine:

May the Fourth be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!

Kay

Catching Up Notes!

Today is another day for catching up!  Yesterday was mostly errands although I did get around to see a lot of y'all! If I missed you, you'll prolly see me!

* I saw  Dr. Krishna (hare! hare!) my nice endocrinologist yesterday.  He reduced my meds and said my tests looked good and reminded me that I have an ultrasound at the hospital on Thursday (which I swear I was never received the message/letter) to see if the nodules on my thyroid have grown.   I don't think they have. He still hasn't addressed the tiredness issues that keep me feeling lousy. Then again, neither does anyone else among my legion of doctors. I suspect that if one has decent blood pressure and isn't overweight, one is considered healthy.    

*  The worst thing I discovered when I got home was that I was completely out of coffee!  The worst part was that I discovered it when I needed it most. Yikes!!!  AND I discovered that the price of it was positively outrageous!  Has anyone except me noticed how horribly the price of food has risen?   If the docs thought I wasn't eating right before, it's gonna get worse. Sigh.

*  When I got home, there were a few of those cute solar lights (one was injured which meant the brats next store had been in my yard in my absence -- grrrrr) along the walk leading to my front porch. I checked in with Michelle since I had admired the ones she had acquired recently and I wanted to find out what fresh hell had occurred in the 'hood while I was gone. She said had no idea who put the lights in and proceeded to update me saying that the cops had been out every day while I was gone as bad feelings had exploded between my next door neighbor and the idiots across the street.  I'm tired of my lawn being littered by her brats.  There's no reason to for them to be here. They can't behave, so I don't want them here.

* Weird discovery of the week:  My new lights were courtesy of my ex.  I'd pointed out Michelle's lights and I guess he decided to surprise me.  Maybe if he had been that thoughtful when we were still playing house . . .  I did  thank him like a good girl.

* Good Stuff :  Last night I watched a wonderful documentary from Netflix called  "Founding Fathers" and I learned a lot of new stuff.  It's definitely worth your time.  

* Today is Flag Day.  Show your colors proudly!!!!!  Here's the song it elicited. Feel free to sing along!!!!



Hope y'all are having a great day!

Happy Blogging!

Kay

Sunday Morning!

I've been buried for a couple days -- lots to do and lots to read and lots of issues to address. Is anyone ever really caught up and organized? And if any of y'all are good at that, tell me your secrets.

Happy Mother's Day to all the good ladies who visit here!!!! I hope y'all are spending it with the one's you love and love you back!!!!! And guys -- I hope y'all gave the ladies their propers today!

Here are two of my all-time favorites, Eric Clapton and the lat, great Luciano Pavarotti to sing for you!



And y'all know I'm a huge fan of Bill Maher. I think his thoughts on the past week's events really say it all to those who are trying to marginalize President Obama and his recent accomplishments. It will make you laugh and cheer unless you are a Donald Trump fan.



Sorry this is short -- I've got places to go, people to see and blogs to visit!!!

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Blogging!!!!!!!

Kay