The Stuff of Nightmares

While surfing the news on Yahoo I came across an article entitled “Invasive ‘Frankenfish’ Triggers Hunt in NYC”.  The blurb beneath a picture of a fish with a row of very nasty looking teeth reads, “A sharp-toothed predator that can live for days outside water has been spotted in Central Park.”

I’m not sure why but this set my imagination into overdrive.  Picture it.  Mad scientist-constructed fish flopping around the city, out for blood from any and all unsuspecting passers-by.  You’d go see that movie, wouldn’t you?

In truth the article was about a potential sighting in Central Park of a northern snakehead fish, native to Russia and Asia with no natural predators in the United States.  This makes them a very invasive species in a man-made habitat such as the one in Central Park.  New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation is asking any angler who catches one to confine it and contact them immediately.  They are illegal here, a move to protect our environment and native species, but when has that stopped people from trying to acquire something?

Back to my movie.  The northern snakehead can grow up to 40 inches and weigh as much as fifteen pounds.  They are said to be extremely aggressive and will quickly kill all marine life in a small pond.  Since they can survive on land for several days it’s possible for them to roam over to a neighboring pond or waterway in search of their next meal.  That’s all truth. Now imagine them on steroids, thirsting for human blood instead of fish.  We’ll need some sort of hero/heroine who saves the city.  Perhaps a duo or a whole team.  With wicked knives so they need to be up close and personal with the fish.  Yep, I can see it now.  It’ll be a blockbuster!  Who's in?  I need some backers.

A Mystery

I wandered out into my yard over the weekend to see what I could see.  Most was as expected.  The hyacinths are finished blooming.  The daffodils, tulips and other early bulbs are fading.  The iris are starting.  The poppies are budding.  The lavender is sprouting.  The summer amaryllis are in serious need of separating.  We won’t talk about the strawberries.

And then there was this bloom.  Never saw it before and I’m positive I didn’t plant it.  It’s obviously growing from some sort of bulb.  I went out later and discovered that the blossoms close up at night.

The flowers are similar to star of Bethlehem only the configuration is wrong so I have no clue what it is.  That’s okay.  It’s pretty and it seems happy to be in my yard so it can stay.  I love when this sort of thing happens!

Sad

This is why I had to move the water bowl I keep outside away from the house. They were upsetting my furbabies because they discuss things while they drink. There is also a huge orange tabby who oversees things, the tan tabby who is the town crier and the tortie girl from last spring though I don't see her often and very rarely when the others are around.
 

How Rude!

Yesterday after work I went home, fed the cats and changed into my comfies.  I cooked, ate and packed my lunch for today.  I did the dishes and had just sat down on the sofa to relax when my doorbell rang.  Followed by knocking.  Followed by ringing.

I knew it wasn’t anyone I really wanted to see because my friends all know to call first since I tend to ignore tapping on my door.  Last weekend one of my neighbors asked me if I would help his daughter with something.  I thought it might be her as I neglected to mention she should call first so I answered it.

Wrong move!  It was one of those highly annoying switch your energy provider people.  Do you have them skulking your neighborhood?  This woman was a bit burly, fake hard hat with the local utilities name on it plunked on her head and a matching clipboard in her hand.  As I see it that’s a misrepresentation since in this area the gas and electric companies have nothing to do with one another and also because there was no purpose to her wearing it other than to look silly.  Perhaps she had an ID for who she did work for tucked behind the clipboard but I didn’t see it.  I wish I had because I would have reported her.

Without me saying a word she reached for my screen door handle.  She managed to open the door a few inches before I snagged my side and prevented her from yanking it all the way open.  I said, very politely, no thank you.  She ignored me and tugged on the door.  I repeated my no thank you, slightly louder.  She gave it another hard tug to which I said I wasn’t interested and told her to go away.  She refused and kept pulling, clearly intending to push her way into my home.  I let go of the door, stepped back and slammed the interior door in her face.  I admit it.  I had a flash of hope that my releasing the door as I did would cause her to topple down the steps backwards but no such luck.  She stood outside and yelled at me for a good two minutes.

Very obviously the company that employs her failed to give her even five minutes of customer service training.  That in itself makes them a firm I would never want to deal with.  If the sales people are that rude, imagine what it would be like if I ever needed to report a problem.  No, thank you!

87,002

The number of strawberry plants bursting into bloom in my yard.  Trust me, that is a VERY conservative estimate.  I suspect it’s closer to double that.  The evil little things have taken over.  They are running rampant, growing in the cracks in the sidewalk, fighting with the poppies who thought they’d established supremacy years ago.

The war has been raging for at least eighteen years now.  Ever since I was nice and bought a packet of five bare-roots from a child’s fundraiser and stuck them haphazardly in my flower bed.  Yeah, that’ll teach me to be nice, won’t it?

Some of the buds, like these pictured aren’t open yet.  Others are already beginning to form berries.  I’d say in less than a month I’ll be overrun once again with such a surplus I finally give up as I have in years past.  In my yard, being magical as it is, the growing season never ends entirely.  I was still plucking the occasional berry last August, long after the time the plants should have quit flowering.

I’ll let you know when the surplus is available for the taking.  Come on over and help yourself.  While you’re at it, take a hundred or so plants along home with you too.  Please!  I’m out of space for flowers and I really missed them last summer. 

Hmm, perhaps I’ll dig some up and under the cover of darkness spread the wicked, little invasive buggers all over the state.  Anyone want to help?  We can dress in black and go on strawberry missions.

Look Up!

Celebrate!

Birthdays today! 

Please join me in wishing my friend, B a very happy day.  We started as coworkers eons ago when she thought she was coming in temporarily and ended staying for years.  During that time we chatted and became friends.  Yes, many good memories from that time in my life, thanks to her.  She moved away but we have managed to stay in touch.  I’m amazed how her son has grown into a splendid man with a family of his own yet she and I haven’t aged a day.  So happy birthday B.  Raising a glass in your hometown to you tonight.

Today is also Beau the Magical Kitty’s birthday.  He’s survived his terrible twos, barely, and is embarking on his third year.  I know, I know.  Stop laughing.  The notion that Beau will ever cease and desist in his antics is about as farfetched as saying I will but it’s his birthday so we should give him a twenty-four hour free pass. 

We’re still working on his collection of wicked little stories and have recently begun an adventure tale, starring him of course.  Who knows what the future will hold in regard to his talented, twisted mind!  We’ll all have to just wait and see, won’t we?  In the meantime, have some birthday tuna in his honor and send good tidings out on the wind for him to collect.

Happy weekend, all!

Today's Lesson

Not only is honey one of nature’s oldest sweeteners it is also good for you.  Well, it is if you purchase raw, local honey that has not been heated above 115º F.  In its pure form honey is loaded with vitamins, minerals and enzymes like a slew of Bs, C magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron and zinc to name just a few.  Yeah, good stuff.

In addition to being yummy it can be used to relieve throat irritation and suppress nighttime coughs thus allowing you to get a better night’s sleep.  It can be used as a topical antibiotic on minor cuts, scraps and burns.  It will even reduce the itch when applied to mosquito bites because of its anti-inflammatory properties.  It’s reported that honey can help relieve morning sickness, bladder infections, arthritis and upset stomachs.  And for a quick energy boost during your next workout try adding some honey to your bottle of water.

Personally I believe it kept me from getting any of the nasty bugs that were being passed around all winter.  After scooping the bee parts off the top, I mixed local raw honey with cinnamon and had a teaspoon a day.  Didn’t have so much as a sniffle so I definitely recommend it.  Besides, it tastes good!  Why not give it a try?

Today's Thought...

Hahahaha!

Quote of the Day

"You can't have a hoedown in a hookah bar." 

Magic!

This is the print that hangs at the end of my bed.  Pretty, isn’t it?

I found it years ago at Skippack Days, a semi-local arts festival.  It was tucked away in the back of the bin, hiding from everyone else, just waiting for me.  Oh yes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was meant for me.

How am I so certain?  Take a close look if you would.  The picture doesn’t do it justice but you can see the church and the houses, can’t you?  Me too.  Today.  It’s not always like that though.  Ha!  That got your attention, didn’t it?

You see, the print is magic.  The colors remain the same but the mist swirls and the scene changes.  There’s always a tower.  Church today but sometimes the buildings are replaced by a castle.

And the mist?  When it swirls, I can see it out of the corner of my eye.  The density changes.  And sometimes, when the mist is very heavy it seeps out into my room.  I can smell it and feel it on my face.

If I ever vanish without a trace be sure to check the print.  I may have found a way to step inside.  You’ll find me in the tower.

Happy weekend, all!

In My Yard

Plot Bunny

The travelers were an odd bunch. Two huge hounds, black as pitch, their ivory canines gleaming in the moonlight, a sky-blue faced mandrill and a girl with what at first glance looked to be a humming bird riding on her shoulder but upon closer inspection revealed itself to be a miniature dragon. They moved swiftly, silent, their expressions set in determination.

The woods were quiet around them as if Mother Nature herself sensed the gravity of their mission although with such a group it could also be that everything they encountered froze in fear until they had passed. The girl wore blades. The others needed none. Their claws, fangs and fire would suffice when it came to foes within the forest.

Would you read more?

It Wasn't Me!

Last weekend some unknown stole five metric tons of Nutella from a depot in Germany.  I know you’re thinking it was probably me but I assure you, it wasn’t. 

How can you tell I’m not fibbing since we all know of my fondness for Nutella?  Simple.  Had it been me you would also have heard of a theft of an equal amount of marshmallow fluff since, to me, they go hand in hand.

Besides, I gave the amount some serious consideration and I think even I would be bored with it if I attempted to eat that much Nutella no matter how much I love it.  In discussing this today, someone suggested toasting a Nutella/Fluff sandwich much like a grilled cheese, adding ice cream and a chocolate drizzle and having it for dessert.  Hmm.  No, I still don’t think I could manage five tons though that does sound delicious. 

Perhaps with chocolate marshmallow ice cream…

Playing with the Primrose

Fun!

Two weeks ago I told you that Condemned, the third book in my Cosmic Connections series released in print.  Last week I received my bright and shiny author copy so naturally I had to read it.  Yes, I know I wrote it but so what?  I had to read it anyway.

The strangest thing happened.  There was so much in it that I didn’t remember writing.  It amazed me!  I must say it is a decent story.  Definitely worth reading!

It has me wondering though.  If I’ve forgotten that much about this book what about the two prior to it in the series?  I guess I’ll have to go back and reread them now too.  Join me?

Happy weekend all!

Busy, Busy

So here's another bit of spring to tide you over until I'm back.

Oops

I meant to post this yesterday to go along with Easter and all that but I got busy.  Sorry.  Here's some pretty pink flowers for you, all set to burst into bloom.