Twick or Tweet

Our daughters are now well into their 20's and very pleasant and engaging young ladies. There are certain times of the year though when the OH and I really miss our "little girls". Halloween is near the top of the list.

Memories of Halloweens past *S*

Passing of a Legend?

I was reading in the paper this morning that Pink Lawn Flamingos are soon to be passing from this mortal plane forever. Union Products of Leominster Mass. made their last Flamingo in June.

It is sad to watch such an icon of American Kitsch melt down.

What is next? Fuzzy dice?

Remiss

I am trying to make it a regular habit to post every Monday and Thursday. This last week I have not been doing very well. In the last 10 days I have been in 4 states (one twice), driven 2000 miles and spent a total 3 nites in my own bed (with the OH of course!). It has not been all work of course. I had some evenings with friends and the opportunity to visit with our daughters. I do miss waking up snuggled up to a nice warm body (no Leesa, that is NOT an invitation!)

The last few years I have been spoiled by my relative lack of road time. For now at least it is back. It gets old quickly, but it pays the bills very nicely.

I will be home Saturday

"Don't Need No Stinkin' Ethics"

This mornings Star Tribune reported that United Health CEO William "Billy boy" McGuire has resigned amidst the options "back dating" scandals that are plaguing United Health and many large American corporations. It only reinforces my contention that despite public obeisance to the Stockholders, most American corporations are run by top management, for the benefit of top management.

What drives these men to collect bonuses far beyond what they could ever spend? I think it is ego. It is their way of keeping score. Of course they are all surprised when some one notices and questions it. Enron, Tycho, and now United Health. How do we solve the on going ethical problem in American business?

Vanity, Thy Name is.............

It seems of late I have noticed more and deeper wrinkles (OK, OK...for a couple of years !@#$ it!)

This week I have had occasion to wear more makeup, more often than is my normal wont. It really seems silly to slather on the make up just to end up with your wrinkles showing even more prominently. Why do we do it? Darned if I know. It sure seems a lot of effort and money for negative gain.

I have to give the cosmetics companies bonus points. They have had us doing this for over 100 years and we still haven't figured it out!

I have decided I am using this dog as my role model.

WRINKLES ROCK!

The Last Gasp

I always get a bit maudlin this time of year. You can feel the promise of winters chill in the morning air. With it though comes natures last gasp with a spectacular color show before the gray and white of winters blanket puts the land to sleep.

On the first, the OH and I went for a bike ride along the Cannon River and enjoyed the vibrant colors. Sadly they are gone now and snow is in the forecast for later this week. The memory though, lingers on.


*these pics are the Sugar Maples that border our back yard

Me and My BIG Mouth

I put my foot in it this weekend.

As you are aware, we have taken on physical fitness as an essential component to our lives. We have been encouraging our daughters along these lines and the youngest has responded. Until recently, the oldest just kept gaining weight.

She joined Weight Watchers and has some success but nowhere near what her needs are. She has taken her younger sisters example and has set a goal of running the Mad City Marathon next May. She asked me to join her.

Stupidly, I agreed........

I am 53 years old.....I am NUTS

The Idiot Cycle

The OH and I had a discouraging dinner conversation the other night with some individuals espousing the problems of Global Warming. I do not disagree with the position, but what was annoying was that these people were quoting "sound bites" as though they were a complete picture of the problem, its causes, possible solutions and ramifications. The OH typically has a lower tolerance for this crud than I do but managed to keep me from committing a social faux pas by calling these idiots, "ignorant sluts"*

Sadly, I think we see more of this than would be ideal for a healthy society. People who form rock hard opinions on topics based on inadequate data. It seems to be especially prevalent among Hollyweird types**

Is epistemology dead?



*Dan Ackroyd from SNL
** OK, you all knew I had to take a shot at Tom Cruise! *L*