USMB Coffee Shop IV

[Ernie S.]

It is chilly and rainy here today. Good day to do some cleaning of the fridge or the junk drawers or closets or something. I still haven't put my summer clothes away yet, so my bureau and closet are jam packed with clothes. I need to thin them out, so that might be a project for today.

I am having a dilemma in that regard. I have lost a lot of weight as a result of and since my surgery so I have a lot of clothes in closets all over the house that are way too big. Do I give them away? Or assume I will grow back into them? Decisions, decisions.

Once most of us reach a certain age, we would rather not grow into clothing items.

 

[Ringel05]

Did some floor cleaning at the dealership early this morning, then made a breakfast for Mrs. Liberty and myself. She is hosting a baby shower for a relative this afternoon away form our house. After helping her load the car, I completed the electrical work on the rebuilt and painted/stained back porch. Finishing up my laundry before heading out to rake leaves for a customer. Making homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner when I am done with raking.

More to do, but the weather is just going to have to cooperate for a few more weeks.

Let's see...... I got out of bed today....... daily goal accomplished.......

 

[blackhawk]

 

[saveliberty]

Mac & Cheese is done, but Mrs. Liberty has not returned home yet. I am hungry trying to wait until 6pm for dinner.

 

[gallantwarrior]

Going to take the little Cimarron Fire Arms, 1873 Winchester Trapper replica up to a gun show today and see if I can do a little horse trading. I figure it's worth $11-12 hundred. Might find a nice AR to trade for.

Yesterday I took the "estate tour" of Frank Lloyd Wright's, Taliesin. Frank Lloyd Wright | Taliesin Quite the place, and some very creepy history. Seven people died there as a result of it being set on fire and then people were hacked to death by an ax wielding black servant. I took my Olympus digital voice recorder in an attempt to get an EVP, but there were too many people and too much talking going on. They close it down for the winter. Today is actually the last tour for the year. I would love to go in there, alone, in the winter. I'm sure the spirits would come out to talk to you then...

Long ago, when I was studying architecture as a draftsman, I fell in love with FLW's designs. The man was a genius of blending natural features and stunning architecture.

Taliesin... I took 121 pictures, here are a few...

... FLLW's bedroom...

... rear of the house...

... there is actually much more to the house and property than what you see here.

Looks like it could use a little TLC. Wonder whether they'd let me live there if I did some sweat-equity work?

 

[gallantwarrior]

Last year we were swamped with trick or treaters, but this year had only maybe a dozen or so. I think all the school and church trunk and treat and other activities may be becoming the new normal and that's okay. But I confess to a bit of nostalgic mourning of those special things we lose when society changes. But society will always change so oh well. . .

We recently had a police specialist address our Senior Saints groups with some security warnings, tips, education etc. And he said we all yearn to return to the days when we didn't feel like we had to lock our homes, we could leave the keys in the ignition of our cars, our kids could roam the neighborhoods in perfect safety, we felt personally safe going to the grocery store or Walmart etc. But he too said that society changes. The prevalence of crack, meth, and heroine addicts and the moving away from old societal expectations of behavior have made our world a very different place than it was in the mid 20th Century. And we have to live in what the world is now. And remember that 50 years on down the line, our young kids and grandchildren will be looking at now as the 'good old days'.

I was listening to the radio last night, a Theoretical Physicist was interviewing an Astrophysicist. They concluded that America began to fail in the 70s, when Americans seemed to lose their interest in the future and to become mired in what was happening in the "here and now". We lost our curiosity and our drive to innovate. Sad.

 

[Ringel05]

Last year we were swamped with trick or treaters, but this year had only maybe a dozen or so. I think all the school and church trunk and treat and other activities may be becoming the new normal and that's okay. But I confess to a bit of nostalgic mourning of those special things we lose when society changes. But society will always change so oh well. . .

We recently had a police specialist address our Senior Saints groups with some security warnings, tips, education etc. And he said we all yearn to return to the days when we didn't feel like we had to lock our homes, we could leave the keys in the ignition of our cars, our kids could roam the neighborhoods in perfect safety, we felt personally safe going to the grocery store or Walmart etc. But he too said that society changes. The prevalence of crack, meth, and heroine addicts and the moving away from old societal expectations of behavior have made our world a very different place than it was in the mid 20th Century. And we have to live in what the world is now. And remember that 50 years on down the line, our young kids and grandchildren will be looking at now as the 'good old days'.

I was listening to the radio last night, a Theoretical Physicist was interviewing an Astrophysicist. They concluded that America began to fail in the 70s, when Americans seemed to lose their interest in the future and to become mired in what was happening in the "here and now". We lost our curiosity and our drive to innovate. Sad.

http://www.newworldeconomics.com/archives/2014/092814_files/TheFateofEmpiresbySirJohnGlubb.pdf

Introduction
As we pass through life, we learn by experience. We look back on our behaviour when we were young and think how foolish we were. In the same way our family, our community and our town endeavour to avoid the mistakes made by our predecessors. The experiences of the human race have been recorded, in more or less detail, for some four thousand years. If we attempt to study such a period of time in as many countries as possible, we seem to discover
the same patterns constantly repeated under widely differing conditions of climate, culture and religion. Surely, we ask
ourselves, if we studied calmly and impartially the history of human institutions and development over these four thousand years, should we not reach conclusions which would assist to solve our problems today? For everything that is occurring around us has happened again and again before.

Learning from history
‘The only thing we learn from history,’ it has been said, ‘is that men never learn from history’, a sweeping generalisation perhaps, but one which the chaos in the world today goes far to confirm. What then can be the reason why, in a society which claims to probe every problem, the bases of history are still so completely unknown?

 

[007]

Going to take the little Cimarron Fire Arms, 1873 Winchester Trapper replica up to a gun show today and see if I can do a little horse trading. I figure it's worth $11-12 hundred. Might find a nice AR to trade for.

Yesterday I took the "estate tour" of Frank Lloyd Wright's, Taliesin. Frank Lloyd Wright | Taliesin Quite the place, and some very creepy history. Seven people died there as a result of it being set on fire and then people were hacked to death by an ax wielding black servant. I took my Olympus digital voice recorder in an attempt to get an EVP, but there were too many people and too much talking going on. They close it down for the winter. Today is actually the last tour for the year. I would love to go in there, alone, in the winter. I'm sure the spirits would come out to talk to you then...

Long ago, when I was studying architecture as a draftsman, I fell in love with FLW's designs. The man was a genius of blending natural features and stunning architecture.

Taliesin... I took 121 pictures, here are a few...

... FLLW's bedroom...

... rear of the house...

... there is actually much more to the house and property than what you see here.

Looks like it could use a little TLC. Wonder whether they'd let me live there if I did some sweat-equity work?

It had just rained so, that might account for some of the blotchiness. But really, the design is awesome, the structure is cool, but the fit and finish of the house is horrible. But then again, this is the third house. The first house was set on fire by the mad man in 1915, the second house burned down because of what they believe was an electrical problem in 1925, so this house is the third house. Maybe they just didn't care all that much about the finish work by that point, IDK. But they said the house is sinking also, from the middle out, probably because of the massive weight of all the rock used in it. But I can tell you also, it would be one cold sons a B in the winter, because there's no real ventilation or heating. It was heated mostly by fire place, and to say the place would be drafty is an understatement. There's gaps and cracks everywhere to the outside, AND, you never know, maybe you'd have a run in with the ghost of one of the seven people that died there...

 

[007]

Mac & Cheese is done, but Mrs. Liberty has not returned home yet. I am hungry trying to wait until 6pm for dinner.

Kraft or home made?

 

[saveliberty]

Mac & Cheese is done, but Mrs. Liberty has not returned home yet. I am hungry trying to wait until 6pm for dinner.

Kraft or home made?

I don't think Kraft even had anything to do with the cheese.

 

[Ringel05]

Here's another FLW Usonian that's in Northern VA, the Pope-Leighey house.

It was slated for demolition to make way for I 66, was saved, moved around the country for a while before finding a permanent home on the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation in Alexandria.

Not really big (it's a Usonian) but cool as his designs mostly are.

The main structure support is the fireplace/chimney system with the roof cantilevered off of that and "curtain" walls hung from the roof. The floor is like most, dyed concrete with radiant heating built in the floor. The walls are all cypress

 

[Hossfly]

 

[blackhawk]

 

[blackhawk]

 

[Foxfyre]

Good night darlinks. I really do love you guys.

And we're still keeping vigil for

Harper (Save's granddaughter),
Pogo’s friend Pat and special comfort for Pogo,
TK, and TK's grandma,
Spoonie, Ringel, 007, Hombre, Sheila, Alan, & GW's sore backs,
Sherry’s Mom,
Becki and Becki’s hubby,
Noomi’s Auntie Marj,
The Ringels in difficult transition,
Mrs. BBD's knee,
Mrs. O and SFCOllie and Colonel,
GW's daughter, her friend Sachendra, and Sachendra's husband Bob and son Gary.
Noomi!!!
Ringel for wellness, rest, healing, and extra strength,
Nosmo's mom,
Foxfyre,
Mrs. Ringel's knee,
Pogo's brother,
Gracie's Karma,
GW's new job and water logged goats,
All of us and those we care about who are looking for work,
And all others we love and hold in concern with a special RIP for Bert.

And the light is left on for Freedombecki, Againsheila, Alan1 and all the others who we miss and hope to return.

P.S. Sometimes in the editing of the vigil list or when I have switched computers, somebody gets dropped that is supposed to be on it. This will always be inadvertent and if ya'll would call it to my attention, it would be much appreciated.

 

[ChrisL]

It's Monday again!

 

[saveliberty]

It's Monday again!

Christmas blanket out already?

 

[Nosmo King]

rWell,Trick-or-Treat was a success in my hometown. At the Luxurious Pimplebutt Estate, the wee tykes got both glowstick necklaces and Reese cups. Both were a big hit.

I had one little Dracula, about three years old, dressed in white tie and cape stand before me, raise his cape across his face and, in his most convincing Transylvanian accent (heavily peppered with Pittsburghese) scowl and say "I vant to drrrink your blood!"

A pair of siblings, a brother and his little sister, came up on the North Portico and, with gaps in their baby teeth chimed "Trick-or-Treat! Smell my feet! Give me something good to eat! If you don't, I don't care! I'll pull down your underwear!"

There were 100 glowstick necklaces. Of that 100, one was a dud, and two were saved for my 6 year old nephew. So, I had 97 happy Halloweeners. Daisy the Mutt took her position on the bay window sill in the Great Hall, content to cy her was through the evening.

Yesterday, following the Steeler's game (keep comment on that to a minimum please) Daisy and I headed to the park for her second walk of the day. That was about 4:30 pm. With falling back an hour, I found that our usual three laps will be cut back to two due to darkness.

And now it's November and the next major holiday will pass without its due fanfare. Thanksgiving is now just the prelude to Christmas. I've already seen candy in the shape of Christmas trees at convenience store counters. I have a theory that what candy shaped as pumpkins that remains on the shelves as of today is sent back to the factory to be re-cast as Christmas trees and snowmen. If any candy in those shapes languishes on shelves, it is again sent back to be cast in the shape of St. Valentine's Day hearts. Then sent back again and poured into the Easter bunny molds. And on and on. Reuse, reduce and recycle.

Carpeting has been ordered for my long suffering bedroom remodel. As it turned out, the original builders of Pimplebutt failed to finish the entire floor, leaving an unfinished rectangle in the middle of the floor. The area rug I bought for the bedroom is too small to cover their neglect, so I ordered a rug that will expose a six inch wide border of hardwood while giving comfort under both foot and paw. This project has become my own personal Vietnam. It's gone on far too long, been far too costly, ripped up the whole house and I still cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Montrovant]

Well, trick-or-Treat was a success in my hometown. At the Luxurious Pimplebutt Estate, the wee tykes got both glowstick necklaces and Reese cups. Both were a big hit.

I had one little Dracula, about three years old, dressed in white tie and cape stand before me, raise his cape across his face and, in his most convincing Transylvanian accent (heavily peppered with Pittsburghese) scowl and say "I vant to drrrink your blood!"

A pair of siblings, a brother and his little sister, came up on the North Portico and, with gaps in their baby teeth chimed "Trick-or-Treat! Smell my feet! Give me something good to eat! If you don't, I don't care! I'll pull down your underwear!"

There were 100 glowstick necklaces. Of that 100, one was a dud, and two were saved for my 6 year old nephew. So, I had 97 happy Halloweeners. Daisy the Mutt took her position on the bay window sill in the Great Hall, content to cy her was through the evening.

Yesterday, following the Steeler's game (keep comment on that to a minimum please) Daisy and I headed to the park for her second walk of the day. That was about 4:30 pm. With falling back an hour, I found that our usual three laps will be cut back to two due to darkness.

And now it's November and the next major holiday will pass without its due fanfare. Thanksgiving is now just the prelude to Christmas. I've already seen candy in the shape of Christmas trees at convenience store counters. I have a theory that what candy shaped as pumpkins that remains on the shelves as of today is sent back to the factory to be re-cast as Christmas trees and snowmen. If any candy in those shapes languishes on shelves, it is again sent back to be cast in the shape of St. Valentine's Day hearts. Then sent back again and poured into the Easter bunny molds. And on and on. Reuse, reduce and recycle.

Carpeting has been ordered for my long suffering bedroom remodel. As it turned out, the original builders of Pimplebutt failed to finish the entire floor, leaving an unfinished rectangle in the middle of the floor. The area rug I bought for the bedroom is too small to cover their neglect, so I ordered a rug that will expose a six inch wide border of hardwood while giving comfort under both foot and paw.

Thanksgiving isn't nearly as big for retailers as Halloween and Christmas, so it gets pushed to the background somewhat. Still, we'll see quite a bit of Thanksgiving advertisement, the Macy's parade, football games, etc..

 

[Nosmo King]

Well, trick-or-Treat was a success in my hometown. At the Luxurious Pimplebutt Estate, the wee tykes got both glowstick necklaces and Reese cups. Both were a big hit.

I had one little Dracula, about three years old, dressed in white tie and cape stand before me, raise his cape across his face and, in his most convincing Transylvanian accent (heavily peppered with Pittsburghese) scowl and say "I vant to drrrink your blood!"

A pair of siblings, a brother and his little sister, came up on the North Portico and, with gaps in their baby teeth chimed "Trick-or-Treat! Smell my feet! Give me something good to eat! If you don't, I don't care! I'll pull down your underwear!"

There were 100 glowstick necklaces. Of that 100, one was a dud, and two were saved for my 6 year old nephew. So, I had 97 happy Halloweeners. Daisy the Mutt took her position on the bay window sill in the Great Hall, content to cy her was through the evening.

Yesterday, following the Steeler's game (keep comment on that to a minimum please) Daisy and I headed to the park for her second walk of the day. That was about 4:30 pm. With falling back an hour, I found that our usual three laps will be cut back to two due to darkness.

And now it's November and the next major holiday will pass without its due fanfare. Thanksgiving is now just the prelude to Christmas. I've already seen candy in the shape of Christmas trees at convenience store counters. I have a theory that what candy shaped as pumpkins that remains on the shelves as of today is sent back to the factory to be re-cast as Christmas trees and snowmen. If any candy in those shapes languishes on shelves, it is again sent back to be cast in the shape of St. Valentine's Day hearts. Then sent back again and poured into the Easter bunny molds. And on and on. Reuse, reduce and recycle.

Carpeting has been ordered for my long suffering bedroom remodel. As it turned out, the original builders of Pimplebutt failed to finish the entire floor, leaving an unfinished rectangle in the middle of the floor. The area rug I bought for the bedroom is too small to cover their neglect, so I ordered a rug that will expose a six inch wide border of hardwood while giving comfort under both foot and paw.

Thanksgiving isn't nearly as big for retailers as Halloween and Christmas, so it gets pushed to the background somewhat. Still, we'll see quite a bit of Thanksgiving advertisement, the Macy's parade, football games, etc..

Kids will still trace their hands to make construction paper turkeys, wear paper Pilgrim hats. Dad will still buy a turkey that will give Mom fits, Grandparents will still show up bringing the side dishes someone won't like.

The only thing one can hope for is that during all the thawing and cooking and dozing before the TV with a football game on, it that folks will actually offer up thanks for the privilege of being Americans.