Full Moon Adventures!

 I don't know what it is about the full moon.  I would like to get a little desktop model that shows the movement of the planets when you push a button.  There must be SOMETHING different that happens to bring out the crazy in people.

But first .... here's Kitters in her appointed spot on the patio.  She's back to be downright obnoxious when it comes to getting pets and food.  Her time clock is amazing because no matter what time I get to the door, there she is ..... waiting to get in.  Not that she stays long inside ... she's there just long enough to be annoying until I finally give her a snack while she waits for the feeder to turn on.

I think I let her in and out six times yesterday morning.  Yes, I too am happy she's back to feeling better.  It is ALL about the food, in spite of their over abundance in the body department.  

I tried to rest up, knowing it was going to be a VERY long night.  That didn't happen, and I can't come up with one single thing I accomplished.  Oh wait ... the garbage.  I remembered to take the garbage out.  Woohoo!!

I also spent about 30 minutes digging a hole in the front yard for the flag pole.  Well not really a hole ... it was more work than that!  Moving 2" crushed rock out of the way in order to dig a hole for the new flagpole, turned out to be much harder than I expected.  This is as far as I got.    

The hole is actually about 3 feet across.  I'll be filling it with water for the next two days in the hopes of softening things up.  I'm thinking this isn't going to be as easy as I thought.  Time will tell.

That's when I began getting the text messages.  You know the ones ... these six people will be working tonight. That was followed by 35 texts of "not me, I'm sick" ... "oh I'm so sorry you're sick" ... "oh we will miss you" ... "is it the flu?" ... "hope you feel better" ... and on and on.  Why can't people just be quiet, or at least send a PERSONAL text message.  I need to get off that list.

 On the other hand, the second actual phone call was great news to my overtaxed body.  My Fairy Godmother was called to Jury Duty, meaning she would actually be in to set up the entire place.  YAHOO!!  She hasn't been working (or playing Bingo) because she had to get a REAL job.  I got a reprieve for one night.  So maybe the moon isn't so bad after all?  Ummmm that would be a NO.

It was a crazy house!  Our usual numbers have been running around 100 folks.  On this night there were 135, making the place look like a sardine can.  That brought about several arguments about whose table that was and just HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU NEED? 

Then disaster struck.  I was walking upstairs when I heard something ... I didn't know what.  I went around the back side, down the stairs, and around the corner to the BOTTOM of the second stairway.  There lay one of my bestest buddies.  He had fallen down and was on the steps.  Well of course that brought about a flurry of excitement.  He insisted he was okay, so we walked him to a table to sit down.  

We checked to be sure all his parts and pieces were intact, and let him stay since he insisted.  Later, one of our Knights went with him to be sure he got home safely.  All is good today ... just a bruised arm.  Whew ... that was a close one.  We have an automatic chair on those stairs, but of course you men ... you refuse to use it.

On with the games ... not once, but THREE times people called BINGO when they didn't have it.  It's amazing just how fast those pitchforks can appear.  The natives were restless, hollering out DON'T CALL IT IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT!!  At least this time they were pointing at someone else other than me!!

I ran my butt off ... Nancy, we need ONES ... Nancy we need a money pickup ... Nancy SHE'S GOT MY TABLE!!  Followed by Nancy I need an order for supplies, Nancy we are out of CHILI!  That was a big one!  That lasted until the New Cashier said she had to leave at 6:30.  Ummm you forgot to mention that.

It's not really a good idea to take over a cash register someone else has been using, but I had no choice.  In spite of my training, she only got part of it right.  Apparently I'm not a good teacher.  Either that or she's just doing it HER way.  I found a charge receipt for $34.53.  We don't do cents.  That means they didn't have enough in their bank account, so the bank gave us what there was.  In other words, we were shorted anywhere up to possibly $80.00

In the end, the full moon took over completely.  Instead of being short ... we were $243.00 OVER!  At least the full moon was in our favor this time.  I was too tired to try and figure it out.  I told the King we should just go out to dinner to make it come out even.

Lucky for me, I was done for the night.  Overcooked to be exact.  I fell into bed exhausted at 11:00 having gotten up at 4:00 am.  I'm pretty sure today will be a COUCH DAY!!!  And it wasn't even a FULL full moon night.  THAT will happen tonight if you want to take pictures.

I'll be on the couch!!!

Just A Normal Day

 And here we are once again ... alive and kicking, thank goodness!!  I complain about the time change, but really, I'm just glad to continue to breathe.  That brought about an OH NO this morning when I took in a nice big breath to smell ..... you guessed it ..... SKUNKOLA.  I'm hoping they are hanging out at THE neighbor's house ... the one with the soothing music.  I know that's their hangout because all the holes under the fence were on that side.

I made a beeline for Kitters, but I think she's too smart for that.  Cooper was relegated to the house while I searched.  I didn't find the culprit, so thankfully it is on someone else's property since the Skunk Catcher  in me has retired.

Kitters is back to her old self now, following me around like a puppy dog, rubbing and purring.  Apparently that means I'm part of her "clan".  She truly prefers to be outside, which is fine with me.  She's really not sleeping here ... she's guarding the feeder.  

The big black and white kitty that I have not caught on camera yet, is trying to steal all her food.  That's not happening Kitters says.  Though I haven't seen her go after the other cat, there are apparently ear flicks that relate NOT TODAY, so the interloper does not jump up on the table.  

Though I spent hours on the internet looking for that quilt pattern, nothing showed up.  There are lots of pictures and even a video of how to do it.  That's great but I need cutting directions.  How many pieces of each size and what size!!  I looked up just a plain log cabin block, but weirdly, it's not put together the same.  

So hey ... let's spend two hours trying to make up our OWN pattern.  Yeah, that didn't go quite as planned.  Six pieces of paper later, I had nothing.  

I finally grabbed this second panel and whipped up another one.  I like this one better, but NONE of these panels are the same size.  It's always a math trick to get them to an appropriate size without requiring yards of backing fabric that will be wasted.  

The good news is the roll of thread I needed for the Halloween quilt was delivered late in the afternoon.  Too bad it's Bingo night or I would quilt it today.  I added that to the list.  

Tomorrow will be DIG A HOLE DAY.  When I mentioned wanting a flagpole, one of the Honor Guard guys volunteered his time by going and BUYING a flagpole.  He said we would install it Friday.  I appreciate him so much, but he's not able to dig the hole.  So that means I need to get my shovel out and get started.  My bad, I'm kind of hoping for rain to soften the soil a bit and delay the installation.

Suddenly, there was a lot of yelling around 3:00.  Yeah, it was just me.  I have two very old email accounts that bring in around 200 scam emails every day.  I've used them since 1994, so they are attached to many things I need access to.  That means spending hours trying to set up a NEW email address and change all the old ones.  If I ever get that done, I'll delete them from my computer.  Take THAT you scammers ... I won't even have to read your name any more.

That's it ... that's all I did yesterday.  There was nothing exciting on the food front since I don't have tomatoes any more.  In fact, I stood at the freezer door wondering WHAT I was going to eat.  Everything was frozen hard as a rock.  Note to self ... you better get to the store for casserole ingredients.  

This beauty was shining down this morning in the Standard Time DARK.  It's a BAD SIGN.  It's BINGO night and we have a full moon rising.  Oh how I am not looking forward to THAT!!

And so I put on my chainmaille girdle, my steel chestplate, by knee knockers and motorcycle helmet, getting ready for the onslaught of peasants with torches, flaming arrows and pitchforks for another night of fun.  I'm OFF TO BINGO!!

No Saving Time, I'm Using It!!

 

OH MY GREAT AUNT SALLY!  I am NOT cut out for time changes.  Yesterday was the longest day of my life.  Of course the critters think everything is normal, so we were up at what is now 3:30 in the morning.  Ugh!  What makes it bad is when Bingo comes around and I have to work an hour later!!

I didn't save any time, I used up more than the 24 hours allotted.  On THIS morning, I got up because Cooper needed to go out at his usual time.  I then plunked him on the bed and said IT'S NOT TIME TO GET UP.  He went back to sleep.  I laid there with my eyes open until the clock said 4:30. That harkens back to the days of old, gathering cattle in the dark, loading them up in cattle trucks and driving them into the mountains to winter pasture.  

It was never pleasant.  From freezing cold, followed by wet from walking through the grass, to standing in the middle of the main highway because your truck broke down and you had to back another truck up next to it ... at a 90 degree angle ... to load the cattle into the second truck, while flagging down cars so they didn't run into you.  It was not fun.  I was happy when the lease ran out on that property.

Oh and did I mention the fog?  That line of white is tule fog, though back then it covered the fields like a blanket, making it impossible to see anything.  That meant riding to the far reaches of every pasture to be sure you got all the cattle.  

And it moved across the landscape like water.  You can see it hitting the road here.  It's good it isn't as bad as 30 or 40 years ago when you couldn't even see the sky OR the road.  It would roll over you soaking you to the skin ... and it was COLD!!!

After Mr. Cooper and I went for a walk, we came back to find Kitters asleep on the patio.  This is her DAY spot.  Yes, at 3:30 am she was waiting at the door to come in.  Not that she wants to stay long.  She just wants lots of pets and rubs, then straight to the door she goes.  It's like she can't make up her mind if she wants in or out.  Is that a "cat" thing?

On this morning, she decided the hard coffee table was the perfect spot, with a controller pillow.  She's weird, but I'm oh so happy she is feeling better.

So now it's like 6:00 and my morning routine, usually finished around 7:30, has left me wondering what to do.  This day quickly became four hours longer than normal.  By 8:00 am, I had checked my watch six times.  

Surprisingly, Amazon decided to deliver two big packages on a Sunday.  The first huge one contained this tiny little box.  Moen sent an entire new sprayer for the faucet.  I gently tried to remove the same screen that is causing the problems with the other one, to no avail.  At least this time I didn't break anything.  I decided to just put it away ... and when the existing one won't let any water out at ALL, I'll throw it away and put this one on.

That reminded me of the Delta problem.  Big sigh.  At 3:00 this morning I was awakened by drip ..... DRIP ........... oh yeah ... now the shower faucet needs a new cartridge also.  Geez ... I guess I should just order new ones for every Delta faucet in the house.  Moen's last a lifetime ... Deltas MAYBE 15 years.  I guess a trip to Lowes is in my near future.

In the meantime, while doing nothing on the couch for four hours, I did find this quilt square that I would like to make.  I'm just throwing this out there ... does anyone happen to have this pattern?  I've look online where they said ... YES ... this store has it, but in fact, they do NOT.  The fancy ruler is available, but I can't seem to locate the pattern.  It's called Curve It Up Log Cabin block.

In a last ditch effort to make the day go faster, I went out for a bike ride.  A nice slow 8 mph for about 4 miles.  I got back in time for lunch.  Usually my days go by in what seems like 6 hours ... but not this one!!

I finally pulled out this quilt and began the binding.  I literally worked on it all day until it was done.

VOILA!!  Another one down.  I really like this one.  You can't see it in the picture, but the back has tiny shiny silver thread in it.  It's already sold!!

During all that sewing, I watched a marathon of football.  I watched the Bears beat the Bengals ... what a game THAT was, the 49ers beat the Giants and some other game that was so exciting I don't even remember who was playing.  

I finally got out my phone and began a search:  What states do NOT have a time change.  Oh I have an idea ... I'll start cleaning out cupboards in the house ... maybe that will keep my mind OFF this unwanted scheduling change.  I can deal with 3:30 mornings by having lunch at 11:00 and dinner at 4:00 ... it's going to bed at 8:00 that doesn't seem to work for me.  How about you???

Kitters and the Sheriff

 Good morning from lovely warm California.  It was a nice 77 degrees yesterday, probably why they call it sunny California when it's November 2.  

I missed this picture on Halloween.  This is how they trick or treat around here now.  Sadly, they have taken the fun out of Halloween for most people by having trunk or treat events in parking lots.  Luckily we get one or two trucks pulling big trailers full of bright lights and kids.  The adults walk along the road just in case cars come by.

What was that about the Sheriff you ask?  Well once the kiddies were gone about 7:30, the music began from the new house behind me.  You would think they got the message the FIRST TWO TIMES they did that.  

It wasn't Halloween music, which I might have been able to accommodate until at least 9:30, but NO ... it was the head banging loud mariachi music with a bass that literally shakes my windows.  My neighbor sent me a text message .... is that your new neighbor?  Why yes it is.  She had just called the Sheriff.  I did the same since I now have their address. 

It took twenty minutes this time for them to arrive.  The music stopped.  Ten minutes after the Sheriff left, they started it up again even louder.  I called a SECOND time and thanks to the nice dispatcher, the same Deputy came back.  That finally put a stop to the music.  You would think they learned their lesson.  Just turn the music DOWN!  

But NO .... last night they started up again at around 7:00.  The loudest yet.  Not because they were having a party, but just to see if anyone would call the Sheriff again.  We fooled them however .. we waited this time, and the music stopped within the hour.  I've no doubt they did it on purpose.  Seriously, if they just unplugged that BASS, the music might be tolerable.  

And so with Halloween over, I took down all the decorations and stored them in the garage.  Thanksgiving has returned.

Except .... uh oh .... I forgot the EYES.  I knew this was going to be a problem because this side of the house gets lots of sun.  It took two sharp knives to dig under far enough to get a hand hold and peel them off in three pieces.  This is what I'm left with.  A sticky substance that I'm sure wouldn't even melt with boiling water.  I have some Goo Be Gone ... I'll try that first.

On to Kitters.  I found her sleeping in the cat carrier with the heating pad mat she previously would not step foot on.  When she got down, she was limping quite a bit on her back leg, but made a beeline for the door.  Okay Kitters, you can come in.  She ate a tiny bit and drank some water ... a good sign ... and promptly took up her spot on the chair where she stayed all day long.

In the meantime, I picked up around the house, putting things away that have been hanging out for a month or more.  Lunch was the very last tomato I found while hacking up the plants.  A BLT taco as it were because I couldn't find the bread.

With Kitters still sleeping, and Cooper too, I pulled this panel from the pile and stitched up a quick Veterans quilt.  This will begin next years pile of 15.  I would have quilted it except I put my Halloween quilt on the longarm.  That's when I discovered I had no matching THREAD.  It's on order now.  It's too much work to take that quilt off and put this one on, and so I wait!!

Dinner was another one of my flat iron steaks.  It takes about ten minutes to cook these to perfection.  

The best part ... they are big enough to make up TWO meals.  Throw in some air fried sweet potato fries and dinner is served.  

Hopefully today will be a little more entertaining.  I wanted to hit the road on my bike again, but alas, my hip flexors are NOT happy campers.  I remember them from my early running days.  I just have to take it easy and not try to pedal to Arizona.  

Yes I did watch the last game of the World Series, and I don't even want to mention the winner.  I'm bummed, but I guess that's what you get every time when you have the highest expenditures of any team ... over $300 million a year ... to BUY the best players. 

Kitters spent all night sleeping on the patio and ran in the door the second I opened it this morning.  Apparently she is feeling much better, and NOT limping.  We are back to kitty purrs and rubs.  I'm not kidding myself however ... she is still an outside cat!!

POOF - HALLOWEEN IS GONE!

 And JUST LIKE THAT!!!!  Halloween is gone.  Time to take down the ghosts and witches so I can put up Christmas decorations.  Yup ... I just jump right on over to Christmas with no hesitation.

First things first.  A walk with Mr. Cooper.  Having discovered that I was late to the party when it came to monitoring his food, we are now BOTH on a diet.  Unlike me, he's still in the OH NO stage, and not up to Rolly Polly.  Of course he's not the least bit happy his food has been cut in half.  Not all at once mind you, I'm not THAT terrible.

After a couple of morning chores, I took off for MY session of exercise.  It's always a hassle getting out the door, but I love it when I'm on the road.  There are a couple of hazards trying to get it out of the spare bathroom where it lives.  It's a 90 degree turn right out the door.  No worries, those black marks on the wall will come off, right?

On my return, I got to work cleaning up the rest of the tomato vines.  YES!!!  They are finally GONE!  And yes, probably 20 small tomatoes were hurt in this endeavor.  Into the bin they went.  I'm going to think twice about doing this next year.

About halfway through the afternoon, I decided to try on the witches costumes and see which one was the most comfortable.  Hanging out in one of these for three hours would turn out NOT to be the experience I was hoping for.  This is actually a vampire costume, but no one will know.

Here's the second one ... similar to what I wore to one of the last Halloween days at the County where I worked.  It was an easy choice.  Even with the extra high RUBY RED SLIPPERS I was wearing, the top one was a no-go.  Apparently vampires are 7 feet tall because I tripped over the dress four times just getting to the mirror.  

Let the door bell ringing begin.  Actually, I decided to sit outside in my rocking chair, not moving, then scare the kids when they came up.  That lasted all of 30 seconds when I got bitten by at last a dozen mosquitos.  

Instead, I sat inside watching what I hoped would be the final World Series game.  Sadly, Toronto lost, so now it's 3 to 3.  One more game today.

Alas, there was only ONE door bell ring.  Even my usual neighborhood kids didn't show up.  We got one trailer full of the cutest kids ever, one who was fascinated (and possibly very scared) by the ghosts flying on the house.  Mom tried to explain, but it was a no-go.  He headed straight back to the trailer.  

In all I had only NINE trick or treaters.  TEN if you count the one snickers bar I ate to sooth the mosquito bites.  Oh yes ... it works.  Okay, no it doesn't.  The worst part is I now have 38 large snickers bars to eat.  I think I'll take them to Bingo and give them out to jackpot winners.  Cooper slept through the entire thing.

So here's where I'm at with Kitters.  She came back in the afternoon, apparently feeling much better.  She rubbed a little and purred almost like normal.  I offered food, but she didn't eat it, nor was I able to catch her.  

Surprisingly, she was in her sleeping box this morning, almost back to her old self.  She was rubbing up against my legs, purring like normal and even wanted inside.  Okay, we're making progress here.  The bad news is now she's limping.  Good grief ... this kitty is going through it.  I've no idea what happened, but she's limping on one hind leg.  Not terrible, but limping nonetheless.

I'll leave her inside as long as she wants.  Hopefully she stays for the day so her leg will get a little better.  She's an outside wild kitty and I'm not going to be able to change that.  Best I can do is keep her quiet as long as I can.  I will tell you one thing though ... no more shots for this one.  I can't take the stress!!

Lastly, I had a horrible night and it involved the Sheriff.  I'll relate that story tomorrow.

So who's up for taking down Halloween decorations?????

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEEN!!!

 It's my favorite time of year.  I've no idea why, other than I got to dress up and pretend to be someone else.  Maybe it's the actress in me.  HA!!  I've been everything from the Wicked Witch of the West to Captain Hook, dragging an 8' stuffed crocodile behind me.  I think that was the best costume ever.  

Sadly, I loaned that costume out to someone who returned half of it three months later.  At least I still have the crocodile in a box in the garage!  Pretty sure I even have the hay hook I made into a hand.

I'm pretty much too old for that stuff now.  So let's bake up that recipe everyone is talking about.  At least everyone around HERE.  Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, covered in cream before baking.  Sounds terrible to me, but maybe it makes them more moist?

I was a little surprised that the can only held FIVE rolls.  I swear there used to be SIX.  Seems like there also used to be a LOT more cinnamon!  I pulled them out of the oven and smeared on the frosting.  An entire CAN of frosting might have made them better.  The cinnamon was barely visible and could barely be tasted.

But of course you know I ate one anyway.  I admit, they leave a lot to be desired.  The smaller ones Patsy baked for Bill and I last summer were a LOT better.  Note to self ... next time buy the little ones, not the GRANDS.  I would pass on the cream if I were you.

Here's the makeup for my candy-giving-out costume.  I tried it on my hand first, to be sure it would wash off.  Hmmmm not so much, so we will see how THAT goes.

I also gathered up my costume, including the Ruby Slippers, though I'm not sure I will have time for it.  I'll explain below.

There were lots of honey-do's to get done, including airing up the Jeep tires.  Two vehicles could not be more different.  I have to air up these tires at least once a month.  ALL of them.  Though I check them often, I rarely ever have to air up my truck tires.  

I have a huge compressor for this job, but it's scary.  I expect it to explode at any second.  Thus the mini one I used to carry in my Class A.  This works like a charm and is small enough to carry from wheel to wheel.

So here's my pressing problem.  Kitters disappeared for a couple of days.  I thought she had eaten since the food for the night had disappeared.  Last night, I caught another cat eating it.  A very healthy one that ran away.  

Very early this morning, my Blink alarm went off.  When I checked, it was Kitters going into her carrier to sleep.  I locker her in and will try to get to the Vet this morning.  I've no idea what's going on with her other than the shots.  She's definitely sick from something.  She's not even purring.  That's a bad sign.

Wish us luck ...........

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEN!!!!!

Update:  That didn't work like I planned at all.  Kitters escaped and ran for the hills.  I actually think she is better this morning, though still not interested in the food I tried to lure her back in with.  I'll just hope for the best and see if I can catch her once again ... if she comes back.

Another Fun Filled Day!!

 It seems winter has taken a vacation in Central California, which is perfectly fine with me.  We sticking with high 70's and sunshine for the next week.  At least there is something good to be said about living in the highest cost-of-living state in the Union.  Fuel has not come down and eggs are still at $10.00 for 18, if that's any indication, unless you know where the discounts live.

Miss Kitters ... I think she's just happy to be here.  At least she was.  She acts like she's sick since getting that last set of shots.  She wasn't at the door like normal.  After calling her, she finally came across the lawn, walked inside and parked on this chair.  She slept the entire day.  No food, no purring, no petting, no walking around.

She disappeared when I let her out and didn't come back to eat.  She finally reappeared at 3:30 this morning and hung out in her "house", which she has never done before.  She is once again here on the chair.  No purrs, no rubs, but it looks like she ate a little since her food bowl is empty.  Its worrying.

On the other hand, THIS guy ... he's on a mission to eat everything in the house three times a day.  We have been going on walks more often, though not far, to help get his figure back in shape.  This is his WHAT?  I CAN'T BE UP HERE look!  

Yeah, caught you didn't I!!  He jumped back down.  In his almost 17 years, he has never been a couch-back guy.  I'm not sure where this is coming from.  Maybe the better to see who drives by.

By 9:00 I was out the door for the last brace of accounting.  What a big relief!  I finally finished up balancing all those major accounts.  The bad news is I found three more they didn't even know about.  At this point, even the bank said there were no such accounts ... except for that part where they send out a statement every month which I was holding in my hand.  

Yay ... just in time to head back to the sweet 92 year old friend with eight rentals.  As you can imagine, I'm pretty busy towards the end of the year.  The good news is I can now access everything on my computer, even when I'm not home.  OH YAY!!

Next up I called Moen about this faucet.  She asked for pictures.  I can do that!  Oh she said ... that's a DELTA!  Well it didn't SAY that!!  Okay, I'll call Delta.

This one however ... it IS a Moen because I bought it at Home Depot.  To get the screen out, you lay a knife in the slots and turn.  It broke off the plastic so it now can't be turned at all.  Wasn't I shocked when she said she would send me a whole new sprayer FOR FREE.  I told her how old it was (though I suspect she already knew by looking at it) and that I bought it at Home Depot.  

No receipt required she stated.  We will even pay shipping.  WOW!!!  That's crazy ... but then again, the dang faucet was $300.00.  I appreciate their service.  Hopefully the next one will come apart easier, whereupon I will rip out the water restrictor thingy!!  Don't tell anyone!!  I mean really, you use up twice as much water trying to rinse things off because water barely comes out!!

There was no rest because just as I hung up the phone, my Elks friend showed up with this gate lock.  Truly, it will only keep the honest folks out.  It's better than nothing however and I greatly appreciate the help.  It was also cheaper than the $5,500.00 fix the gate repair guy wanted.

That's when I crashed on the couch.  I hate doing that because it usually makes it hard to sleep at night.  Dinner was apparently less than spectacular since I don't even remember what I had.  Well actually, I do.  Here's my tip of the day.  Never EVER try to make chili out of leftover Italian meatballs that were terrible in the first place.  I forced down a few bites before tossing it.  If nothing else, it's a great DIET idea because you won't eat any of it.

Kitty had not returned, which was worrisome.  She is definitely not feeling good, though there are no symptoms other than just sleeping all day.  No pets, no purrs, no nothing.

At the appointed hour, I went outside to set up for Halloween.  Here's my ghosties floating around.  What an easy, cheap decoration that turned out to be.  My plan is to be Witchy Woman, sitting on the porch in my rocking chair still as can be, with a big box of candy on my side table.  The better to scare the kids, if in fact they show up, and if I still feel that way tomorrow night.  I love Halloween, but I'm wavering on the getting-dressed-up part.

Today's plan was to drive west for 90 minutes to a lovely quilt shop.  I'm teetering about that ... great plans seem to disappear into the fog these days.  I never EVER thought that staying home would be just a lovely idea!!!

IT'S BINGO TIME!!!

 I'm extremely slow on the uptake this morning.  I don't FEEL like I did that much, but apparently I'm wrong.  A long day and no sleep get me every time.  

We started off on the right foot, or maybe it was the left.  Kitters is not her normal purring running around self.  It's a worry.  I left her alone sleeping in the sunshine outside.  I seem to be right behind her, just tired enough to do nothing.

At last I got up the gumption to load this quilt on the machine.  This is about half way through.  I discovered I have no orange thread, and can't figure out what color to use.  Nor do I have a pattern.  Hmmm maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.  I'll look on-line for a pattern today ... if I have time.

After a quick lunch of leftover macaroni, trying to use it up and not be wasteful, I discovered that and muffins are bad for you.  Yup ... put on THREE dreaded pounds.  I would like to say I gained three pounds of muscle from bike riding, but I know better!!  

Once I squeezed (and I mean SQUEEZED) into my only clean pair of Levis, I was off to the Magic Castle.  Note to self ... DO LAUNDRY.

I decided it was not my job to do EVERYTHING.  Someone else around there needs to step up in the back room.  I'll set up MY stuff and the Bingo Machine, but it's THEIR job to set up their entire section.  Weren't they surprised when they came in and nothing was done!

"How come we aren't ready to go?"  And then the kicker ... the gal who was running it for the night didn't come in until 4:30 which is when we start.  How do you set up, count the cash box and prepare the games at the same time we are supposed to start selling?

So of course I at least helped get the games for them.  Two of these ... yes someone will win $500 from each box.

They play two of these games (another two $500 winners), one $1199 game (not shown) and three strip games, all of which have $500 winners.  Now you know why they play bingo!  For a measly $34.00 buy-in and maybe $40.00 worth of these games, they just might be RICH.  I wouldn't mind winning $500 myself ... even better, the $1199 bundle would fit nicely in my purse.

Alas, volunteers are not allowed to play.  One night someone had a regular bingo player mark cards they bought themself.  They won.  If they had kept quiet, no one would have known, but they ran out and yelled I WON I WON!!  The knives, pitchforks and flaming torches came out like never before.  

The volunteer was chastised by the King and threatened with his life if he EVER did that again.  It's not allowed because naturally, the peasants think he cheated.  

Otherwise, it was a rather quiet night, even if the kitchen wasn't.  I was accosted several times regarding lodge problems before making sure the kitchen was running like a clock.  Someone must have thrown a dart and hit the bullseye, because they were far far behind.  

The new taquitos left too much flotsam and jetsam in the oil, which had to be cleaned out.  The new chimichangas tasted TERRIBLE.  We are always looking for something besides hamburgers and hotdogs, but so far have struck out.  Anyone have any ideas about what we could serve?  Preferably something we can pull from the freezer and cook quickly.  We also have corn dogs and chicken fingers, which seem to be the only other alternative, but folks are getting tired of eating those!!

Luckily I had a cashier on this night, but alas, she did not clear out the cash register's brain from the last trip.  My tired accountant brain had to think about that one for a long time before being able to pull out what we brought in on this night, in order to figure out what to pay out.  

And so I learned there is a BIG difference between an accountant's brain and a nurse's brain.  Next time I will write down every step for the Nurse.  The good news, after I was finally able to figure it out, she balanced.  YAY!

Might be nice if I explained this picture.  I pass this old hotel on the way home every week.  In the very old days, my family used to visit the couple who owned the top floor.  We bough our ranch from them.  Quite well off they were, even having an apartment at the top of Harrahs Casino in Reno.  

It was recently remodeled into expensive rooms with expensive food ... as in $75.00 for dinner.  I've never gone back, but I love the lights they put on top.  They change color almost every night!!

I didn't get out of there until after 10:00.  These long days ending in little sleep, turn me into a zombie.  And so I bid you farewell on this day as I try to recover fast.  I've got accounting to do today AND my Bingo Man-of-all-trades is coming by to install a lock on my gate.  

MORE COFFEE PLEASE!!