Come On Over, Don!

You know your drought is bad when you actually pray for a tropical storm to enter the Gulf. 

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2011-07-27-tropical-storm-don-texas_n.htm

So what have ya'll been up to?  Same ole, same ole around here just living life in the routine we cut for ourselves.  Seriously, I believe we need a vacation.  However, at this time of uncertainity we just can not afford such a luxury.  I have been doing piddling things to keep my mind occupied like: spending time with our boys, taking care of the house and critters, reading as much as I can get away with, and watching the news.  Here are some casual observations:

Netflix price change; really there are folks upset over this?  Amazes me because I find the company to offer an amazing deal.  For giggles I kept track of the movies in and out for a month and have found we average around 20 movies (documentaries, cartoons, shows) a month.  At or under $1 each, Netflix is a bargin that can not be beat at all.  Their streaming service does not work for us because we do not have DSL service out here but, have to rely on satellite and the buffering drives me insane. Folks come to terms; Netflix is pretty darn awesome in my opinion; if you don't like the changes just move onto another service.

And I do know about Redbox, but their service is cost prohibitive if you add a 30 mile roundtrip to check out a $1 a nite rental after adding gas, wear and tear, and my time.  I think Netflix is actually losing money with us because of shipping and our volume of rentals.  Sssssssh don't tell. LOL

The drought has killed everything around here.  I am surprised ranchers can afford to keep any cattle at all.  There is no hay to speak of; and to have to buy grain to feed them; my wager watch beef prices continue to rise.  I am thinking we will have to wait until mid September to plant a second garden.  Really we are just one big ole fuse awaiting some careless person to toss a cigarette and the whole state will go up in flames.

'Big Rich, Texas' on Style Network.  Lets talk about taking out the garbage here.  Sad sad reality show with all the earmarks of Jersey Shore but, without the class. (LMFBOH) I was up one night and could not sleep only to happen upon this mess.  As someone who has spent most of their adult life in Texas; I am ashamed for the producers to be portraying such ilk to the American public that in no way resembles a real person in the State.  Really, does the public believe the 'RICH' would have the compunction to be a part of such nonsense? Hopefully this will just go the way of other ill fated reality shows......on the cutting room floor.

Dear commenter, IIL please know that I can not comment back to you.  I am guessing BLOGSPOT is again having troubles.  Sometimes I really think they need to work on their servers during the middle of the night. Too many glitches for my attention span.  Thanks for all your comments though, I do appreciate it. 

Now I am off to read some of ya'll.  I do have to try and convice my little snaggle toothed Cubby Bear to do a rain dance to bring Tropical Storm closer.  Just what are ya'll up to?????

Playing Chicken....No I Don't Mean The Useful Kind

I am personally sick of our elected leaders playing chicken.  I wrote the following and put it into draft around 2 months ago:

"Balance our national budget?  Seems like our Legislative and Executive Branch are just postering over who's ideals will get met in order, to raise the debt ceiling.

 I am wondering what would the everyday American would do?

 Mind you 'certain' promises have been made like  Social Security, Medicare, Medi-aid, Military Retirements, Veterans Affairs and a plethora of other programs so, those will have to be dealt with first. Mind you working class Americans have paid into social security for decades only to be threatened with it becoming unfunded. Social Security funds has been used for other programs by Presidents nearly since inception for programs like war or military interventions etc.  


I am more than willing to give more for our health insurance and forego Cost Of Living Allowances (COLA) for my monthly retirement checks because we need to raise monies to refill our national coffers.   However, our play-acting legislators will keep our mothers and fathers from possibly getting paid their 'fixed income retirement'  by not taking care of business.  Since, the House seen a gain tilted to the Republican side; the American budget has been in peril because not one budget has been passed on time. 


Think about that; what would happen to your household if you chose to ignore meeting your financial obligations for over 2 years?


What the common American may not be aware of;


If America defaults this could set the scene for the world not using the DOLLAR as the world currency.  Does that cause anyone passing here concern?  It should because once a new World Currency replaces the US dollar; America will find many things will raise in cost like: fuel, food, electricity, interest rate increases and so on.  For example: have you ever wondered why the cost of a barrel oil is reported in dollars? Because all countries but, the United States have to first convert their currency into dollars before purchasing oil for themselves. 


However, if our government cancels or defaults this will effect nearly all aspects of the US marketplace because the US dollar will lose even more of it's value. 


What stokes my internal fires is knowing all this posturing is for naught; meaning the debt ceiling will have to be raised.  As it stands, China owns approximately 10% of our national debt.  Can you imagine what would happen if we do not repay what we owe?  Like Greece, will we have to lease out our national treasures or simply list them on eBay?


Since, Mr. Obama has taken office the debt has risen from 10.6 to 14.5 trillion dollars; I firmly believe this has not all be due to enacting the Healthcare but, finally proper accounting for wars on three fronts are being actually accounted for in the public arena.  That should not surprise anyone because we as a country are embedded either on actual foreign soil or using technology to 'attack' other nations under guise of protecting us from terrorism -- think drone attacks here. 


What chaps my hide is; America used to be the most stable economy in the world.  We were the free-thinkers, innovators, scholars, and favored the pursuit of life, liberty, and freedom.  Now, sadly I am believing we are becoming sheeple too busy with our heads down to not hold some fire to the azzez of those we appointed to lead.  Your thoughts????, (written May 12th saved into drafts.)

-------------------------
All I know is; if I had not have completed my duty.  I could have been brought up on charges of dereliction, been demoted, charged a fine, separated and/or sent to military jail.  Where is the justice for the American Public?

Update on family issues:

Hubby has been home since Tuesday with pnuemonia -- I hate it when my menfolk are ill.  I need to have corrective surgery on my lasik'ed eyes since, I can not see properly for typing, blogging, teaching, and just plain reading has been a chore.  I personally called for a break in our school days so; I would not have to do much reading.  Just don't tell my boys they think they are on summer vacation.

Banjo went back to the vet and will have to keep his stitches, drains, and cone of shame for another week.  Poor little guy; just don't feel sorry for him.  He spends his days with me and has taken up the habit of trying even to go to the restroom with me.  I am so not liking that neediness at all.

 Here he is with Saenz trying out some ear phones.  Banjo likes Nickelback.

 What a cutie even with the 'cone of shame', eh?

For the love of my sanity please send some rain.

PS: Forgive any typos, or grammactical errors. Hee Hee!

On The Mend, So Many Blessings

Friday, Vet Jerica called to tell us we could pick up Banjo.  He is on the mend but, very sore.  Here he is looking at me just begging a bit to be picked up and babied.  Of course, I have no problem with his request. 

 You can see the puncture wounds/bit marks on his back and shoulder where the Rott snapped on to him.  Sixty stitches, 4 drain tubes, lots of bruising, 5 types of medication -- he has been my shadow since he got home.

Banjo spent two days riding the couch learning how to be a recuperating couch potato. Both boys and I swear he was watching the Nat Geo programming on 'Deadliest Predators;' probably wondering if he would see the female rott that took offense to his presence.  Banjo has slept next to me since his return from the vet pushing right up next to me for security.  I just feel so bad for the little guy.  He is such a wonderful member of our family; we would be lost without him.  By Sunday, he was starting to play with Saenz and Zephyr a bit following them around and slapping at him with his front paws.  

This morning before it got too hot; Banjo and I sat outside in the shade.  He so wanted to go with me to let out the chickens and feed the goats but, I left him in the yard.  I just can not take the chance of one of them pecking his back wounds.  What I find amazing is; he still loves the feel of the morning sun on his face and just sat on a knoll in our yard sun-bathing.  He hold no grudges and is still just a loving baby. 

Hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday he can get those drains removed.  I can tell you one thing; Banjo hates the smell and taste of those 'nasty' antiboditics given to him.  LOL It is a struggle for me to get him to take his meds just like our boys.

School is out for us until he mends.

Thanks for all your well wishes and kind comments.

Will keep ya'll posted on his progress..........

Off to ride the couch with Banjo!

Say A Little Prayer; We Owe Banjo So Much

 This morning, I was awakened to the yelps and cries of Banjo.  So I rushed to the window only to see him racing across the backyard.  I could see a pink stain on his shoulder from the upstairs window.  I went to check on him only to find him kinda dazed, the wound was fresh and barely bleeding. 

 I ran back up stairs because I knew I had to get both boys up and rush him to the vet's office.  Saenz popped up right away as did Zephyr.  Saenz got Banjo's kennel while I dressed and brought down a towel.  I managed to get Banjo inside the kennel without being bitten; mind you I would not have minded because I know he was in a lot of pain.  This looks like he ripped his back open on some wire.  We will search the yard later when hubby is home.

Right now Banjo is being taken care of at the South Texas Animal Hospital by Jerica.  I was just a almost 'weepy' mess as I watched her exam him after administering some pain meds. His yelps of pain just about ripped my heart out just like when I had to take one of my own babies to the ER to be seen. He looks just awful.  He is in surgery now and though it looks like a superficial wound; I am worried to pieces.  He is such a wonder pet with a warrior's heart.  We  owe this little 7 lbs of love so much for saving us from two rattlers and other danger lurking on our property.  If ya'll don't mind please say a little prayer because we need our pet back healthy and happy.   

BANJO we all love you so much!

 On to another major event (rite of passage), Zephyr lost his first tooth with another one to soon join last night. I am so proud of him; he did not get upset over the blood and came to tell us the news.  He is such a big boy with no panic in his heart over such a milestone.

 Do you see the second one between his top two?

Zephyr found a hand-written under his pillow a 'Thank You' note from Tooth Fairy Jennifer on the outside of an envelop with this surprised tucked inside.

So Gentle Readers, please have a nice day as we wait and say prayers for our little Banjo; he is in good hands.

You Might Want To Turn Away

Last night, around 11 p.m.; Banjo was on the back porch losing his mind.  So, I being the scaredy cat -- I am turned on all the outdoors lights to see what was upsetting him.  I saw nothing but, him having a conniption running back and forth to the back porch. 

(Hubby was in bed already and I am too scared to go outside at night remember the rattlesnake?) 

Then not seeing anything, I went downstairs to the back door and sure enough; this monster.  He was drinking right out of Banjo's bowl and would hiss at him.  I banged on the door and the raccoon just simply ran off.  However, Banjo nor I was fooled; the little monster just stayed out of sight and then came back a few seconds later.  Banjo commenced barking again and I took off upstairs to get hubby. 

Mind you this raccoon was over twice Banjo's size and could have killed him.  Hubby and Saenz went downstairs with the shotgun; Saenz opened the door for Dad and.....

BAM!!!

They tracked it down in the yard and put it out of it's misery because Hubby shot him on the hind haunch.  Then they put him in the water trough so Banjo could not get to the wound.  Sickening yes but, totally necessary because raccoons can carry transmissable dieases.  Though this is an adult raccoon; he/she is not the really large one that comes around to mess with our chickens or feed cans; I am guessing that one weighs nearly 30 lbs because it's tracks are over an inch wide. 

On to that good night, everyone went back to bed. 

The reason we are having such a time with wild critters is Texas is in the middle of a horrible drought.  When a person can only remember three rain falls since Febuary; then there is a natural disaster in the making.  This picture above is right inside our yard; mind you we water through the week at night to almost no avail.  The ground is so dry; we fear fire from some careless motorist parking on the side of the road or tossing a cigarette.  We have green grass somewhat and keep watering so our foundation under and near our home doesn't shift to cause us more problems. 

This is right outside our home's fence line but, still on our property.  Nothing but crackling grass tufts, dirt, and creased rivets of hope in the Earth. 

I am thinking the 2009 was bad yet, 2011 is shaping up to be even worse.  What do ya'll think? 

Global warming....... Hotter longer summers and more extreme winters; just makes a person go hum.

Casualty of Drought

Ladies and Gentlemen this was around 10 a.m. this morning. 

I heard Banjo barking his alarm.  So for the next 20 minutes I kept watch in the yard; same familiar place near the a/c unit.  Then Banjo would not stop barking and was now near a large mesquite.  I noticed all the scrub jays and other wild birds having a right old-fashioned conniption.  I went to get my binoculars and kept watching because Banjo was just incensed; I now know his snake bark.

And through my binoculars on the second story; I found the familiar spade shaped head poking up from a divet in our ground and it was making its way to the middle of our front yard.  Mind you, it was only 3 feet long but, fat and healthy with 7 rattles; bent on hunting right off our front porch.  So I kept watched until it curled up under another tree right next to tomato garden. 

During this time; all the birds would take turns landing just outside of the snakes' range and making as much noise as possible.  I called my hubby and told him in no way shape or form was I going outside.  I could have tried to shoot from the upstairs window but, I would not been accurate.  After hanging up with hubby and telling him about the 7 rattle monster in the yard; I lost it in the grass. 

Hubby came home as usual, ate dinner, took a nap. and just on whim picked up his weapon of choice to see what he could find. 

While I am a not a big fan of killing snakes.  This bugger did not even rattle when my husband walked up on it.  So I am guessing it was healthy with a fresh kill or extremely thirsty because it had been in our yard for 10 hours which just blows my mind.  Its head is resting in a safe place so no other animals can get to it and I hung its body on the fence for another critter's free meal away from our yard. 

I really think this year with the extreme drought we are having this will not be the last venomous snake we see.  As this is the fourth one in less than a month we have found in the same area. 

I am also going to do a suggestion another friend made about making a small pond just away from our yard. Then snakes will be happy to hunt and our yard will return to being a safer haven; maybe I can rest in peace somewhat.  What is your thoughts; kill or not to kill?

Congressional Jackazzez Do It Again

My Gracious! Is anyone watching the store while the thieves are allowed to plunder our nation's monetary coffers?

I am in firm belief that we need to just remove all our congressional leaders from office. Those people are just so out of touch with reality it is ri-damn-diculous. 

"According to the Sunlight Foundation, a watchdog group that pores over congressional expense data, top salaries go to chiefs of staff, who earn around $120,000 a year. But farther down the pay scale, the group says the average salary for a communications director is about $58,000; schedulers average about $41,000 and staff assistants bring in about $30,000 a year."

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/06/27/congressional.bonuses/index.html

Now my rant as follows:

These folks are on salary; meaning they are there to work either 10 or 100 hrs kinda like our military men or women.  If these folks are not making enough money shouldn't they either look for another job just like the rest of Americans or their bosses raise their annual salaries to match or near match competitors?  HELL last time I worked 12 hours on and 12 hours off for months on end; I did not get a nice bonus tucked into my paycheck.  As a matter of freaking fact; paychecks would have been delayed for military men and women because our politicians can not pass an annual budget on time. 

Another cause for concern.  Military retirement benefits are on the chopping board again as well as health care premiums for retirees.  I guess it is easy to cut from the life blood of our military working man/woman instead of cutting the fat from legislative arses first.  I am sure without some Senators or Representatives  running around pandering to big business; our American way of life would be in jepardy right?

Think of this ya'll; those Navy Seals who went and hunted down Bin Laden in a foreign country make approximately 60K annually if they are E6s with about 8-15 years of active duty.  Our leaders earn three times as much in annual pay not including benefits; and here is the kicker.  Those Seals will be denied access to care if they retire in 10 or 15 years (only to get 40% of their base pay as a retirement plan at age 57) if Congress gets their way.  Because our Congressional leaders are so busy scratching their own behinds; they fail to realize our men and women give their bodies and souls to serve. 

Then again, I wager to think our legislative branch feels they're in harm's way since they have to deal with occassional paper cut or overtime.  GEESH Give me a break!  Hell, I am willing to do any of their job for half of their salary.  Seriously, doesn't 80K a year sound really good to you.  I would not even ask for any of those perks either.

Grrrrrrrrr, so sick of the bull crap!
Steps off milk crate hands back the microphone.