Random Thoughts

Whatcha Mean, I Can't?

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:41:00 +0000

When I was maybe ten my grandmother taught me to knit. I made a very basic scarf and then right to a multicolor, multi-needle ski sweater because I liked it and decided I wanted one. I was told it was too advanced for me. Six months later it got cold and I wore my personally crafted sweater. After that I made various other things and then for reasons I don’t really remember, quit knitting.

A little while ago I was chatting with a friend. One thing led to another and now I’m knitting a sweater. An Aran knit, fisherman’s sweater with lots of different cable patterns. Never tried them before but I remember how to knit and purl so why not? Again, I was told it was too difficult, especially considering I haven’t picked up a set of needled in at least 25 years.

Yeah, like that’s going to stop me. I went yarn shopping and had an absolute blast. Found the most gorgeous feeling and looking llama wool but it needed to be ordered because they didn’t have enough of the color I wanted. That’s okay. I took the pattern book home with me and taught myself how to do the cable patterns. My fingers feel a bit awkward but it really wasn’t that big a deal. The yarn came in and the sweater is in progress. It’s very involved so I’m sure it will take months but I’ll post a pic when I’m finished.

Speaking of things I had no clue how to do but didn’t let stop me, I got a great review for Controlled Desires from Seriously Reviewed. “…this erotica delivered 100% in the erotic end. What more can you ask for in an Exotica title. In the end the relationship issues were resolved between h/h and I was left feeling emotionally (and otherwise :) satisfied.” Thank you! If you’d like to read the whole thing, click here.

A White Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Unheard of for roughly the last twenty years around here. But we had maybe eight inches yesterday, less than the predicted fourteen. Damn good this too since part of the cutbacks in Reading included the guys who used to plow.

So deep snow in December, not plowed. Open trenches big enough to swallow half of Howie where they were redoing the corner curbs which are now filled with snow. They’re lightly barricaded at the moment but you know that won’t last until spring.

Gonna be an interesting winter.

Drooling

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:15:00 +0000

My great friend and wonderful author, Regina Carlysle, has a new book out today. Edge of Nowhere, the latest in her High Plains Shifters series. Not familiar with it? Shame on you! It's downright yummy so go read already. You won't be sorry you did. I'm having a terrible time deciding which hero is my favorite. Once you read all of the books, please let me know which yours is but I'm warning you. It won't be an easy choice.

Click here to buy.

Blurb:

Book 4 in the High Plains Shifters series.

From the moment Cactus Mackey rescues Sara Farmer from outlaw wolves, he knows she belongs to him—and he’s more than ready to mess up some sheets with the sassy female. But she has secrets and wants to run. Infuriating woman! He might have to tie her to his bed but he’s not about to give up until she belongs to him, body and soul.

As danger chases her, Sara knows it’s a huge mistake to fall head over heels for the sexy lycan cowboy from Wolf Creek Ranch. A single touch from this shockingly seductive man melts her like butter under the hot Texas sun, and has her yearning for impossible things. The man is big trouble to her heart and running may no longer be an option.

I've Been Kindled!

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:33:00 +0000

I was playing on Amazon yesterday and stopped by my page to make sure it was still there only to discover it grew. Deal of a Lifetime and Drake’s Rules are now available as Kindle editions. I knew they were coming, just not when. How cool is that!

Deal of a Lifetime blurb –

Annette thought she had the perfect solution to prevent what was meant to be a pleasant anniversary celebration from deteriorating into a never-ending lecture from her older sister on the sub-standard status of her entire life. Inventing a fictitious boyfriend, reportedly detained in an unavoidable, albeit imaginary business meeting, seemed like a harmless fib if telling it would ensure a festive evening. She even had a plan to cover his exit from her life later on.

Rich’s estranged wife had gone too far this time and he’d had enough. He had no clue what setting him up as another woman’s date for an evening of drinks, dinner, and theater with the woman’s family was supposed to accomplish but he was determined to find out. When his new better half didn’t so much as blink at his unexpected arrival he decided right then and there that he wasn’t letting her out of his sight. He’d play his role of escort to the hilt to get to the bottom of it even if he had to tie her to the bed and seduce the answers out of her once the other couple said goodnight.

Drake’s Rules blurb –

Megan Lewis has been alone ever since a bad experience in college left her afraid to trust her instincts about men. When she comes home from her morning bike ride to find her neighbor’s young daughter alone in the hallway, the last thing she expects is overwhelming surge of desire she feels the moment her panicked neighbor joins them.

When Professor Drake Edwards loses his wife and son in a horrible accident he moves his daughter to a new town for a fresh start. He has no intention of getting involved with anyone. But when he finds his neighbor, Megan, watching over his daughter, his body has plans of its own. Can his heart and mind overcome the guilt he feels?

I'm Confused

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:22:00 +0000

I know I’ve mentioned it before but with what I’m going to say today, this bears repeating. Reading is broke. Seriously tapped out as in laying off essential personnel like police and firefighters. As in begging the state to put the city on a special program for busted locations. As in needing a specialized financial management firm to help get us out of this mess that’s been created over the past several years. It’s really that bad if not worse.

Okay, I’m sure you get the picture. There are some events this week that I simply don’t understand. One I heard on the radio and the other I’ve witnessed in my neighborhood. The first – In one particular section of the city it is now illegal to park on a space on your property that is unpaved. Nope, gravel’s no longer good enough. The area is a low income, semi-secluded area. Only one street in and one street out and nothing but housing in the whole sector. Yeah, I know it may not be aesthetically pleasing but there’s not enough street parking for the number of people who live there. No one other than those who live there and visiting friends ever see it so who cares? I get that it’s a money making scheme to fine these folks up to $100 each time they’re caught parked in there yards but one, they can’t afford to pay the tickets and two, the city has started cutting back the police force. Do we really want our remaining officers stuck writing tickets that are likely never to be paid rather than patrolling the rest of the city?

The second questionable activity I noticed is the continuation of having handicapped curbs on each corner. Perhaps they’re necessary but I don’t see it in these economic times. Every block has at least one alley that makes it possible for someone in a wheelchair to access the street. Personally I’d rather keep a few firefighters on duty than spare someone the inconvenience of going half a block out of their way. Also, I’d like to see the study that justifies the expense of digging up and redoing every corner of every intersection within the city.

Just doesn’t make sense to me to waste this much money on such things right now.

Odd

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:35:00 +0000

My electric alarm clock is running fast. It’s gaining about fifteen minutes a day. But only sometimes. Makes it kinda hard to know what time it really is and when I absolutely have to get up.

I’ve had wind up and battery operated clock both go fluky like this but never and electric one before. And what’s really weird is that it just started speeding up without anything else happening like it being dropped on its head one too many times.

I wonder if it might be me. My cell phone has started shutting off and back on randomly as well. The other day at work I attempted to make a copy and the copier shut down. And last week I set off a car alarm just by walking by without even touching the car. Interesting, no?

I Don't Get It

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:41:00 +0000

The whole Christmas thing that is. Surprising really, considering I grew up average middle class in a two parent household.

I was talking to a friend the other day. Circumstances caused him to lose his Christmases. I wanted to be empathetic and I was but only to a certain extent. Can’t really identify with something I’ve never had. It made it very difficult to understand what he’s going through and that made me sad.

I watch all those sappy holiday movies with morbid fascination, trying to absorb what the fuss is about but that really doesn’t work. You wouldn’t believe how foreign they are to me. I’ve often wondered if there might be someone who could explain it all, help me understand but I think I need to ask questions and I have no idea where to start.

Usually I go into hiding this time of year so I can ignore the whole thing. I can feel myself slipping into invisibility as I write this. I should want to stop that but honestly, I don’t. Not sure why exactly but it hurts too much to stay “out there” and for some reason this year feels worse than others.

Just wanted to let you know since I’m likely to be scarce for a bit. I’m okay and I’ll be back for real after it’s all over. Have a happy holiday season, whatever that may be.

A Fact

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:38:00 +0000

It takes only as long as you need to cross the threshold when leaving work for a few days off to get into vacation mode. Getting back into work mode afterwards, however, is an entirely different matter. I felt like this poor little penguin, staring out, wanting to escape all day. Fortunately, there’s only one more work day to go this week. By Monday I should be better.

I hate the word “drawer”. Say it a few times. See what I mean? It’s awkward and needs to go. Now what to replace it with?

Back tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll be less resistant to being functional by then.

Ho Hum

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Is it true that on a statue the number of raised hooves signifies how often the rider was wounded in battle? When I went wandering the other day I came across this statue. I was being amazed by the detail on the horse’s face when this gentleman stopped and imparted that little tidbit. Interesting if it’s true. Kinda clever if it’s not since it was a great conversation starter.

I’m back now. Into the holding pattern that is my life. Can you sense the discontent radiating from me? Yeah, gonna have to do something about that one of these days. Probably sooner rather than later in order to keep my head from exploding. I’ll have to let you know what I come up with.

Yep, I'm Away!

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Poor little guy! Waddled right over to pose for me.

Hmm

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Ice with flowers? Pretty but something's confused here.

Zen

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Do you remember M, the unexpected delight of a woman I bumped into a while back? I saw her again yesterday and walked away with the same sense of peace and tranquility as the first time I encountered her.

We had the most amazing, aimless conversation. I suspect one of the reasons I enjoy her so much is because she makes me think. And she's not afraid to have an opinion though she has a way of putting things that would rarely offend anyone. In fact, I doubt some people would even realize she's disagreed with them and put them in their place until later, once they've had a chance to mull things over. That's a true talent and one few possess.

Anyway, I had fun, wandered off calmer than when we said hello and carrying a little Christmas token. A bag of coal, real coal, believe it or not. Hahaha, she must have guessed I'll never make it to the nice list. But can you imagine anyone just happening to have that with them all tied up in a nifty little package with a bow, just in case they come across someone appropriate? Damn cool, if you ask me.

Oh For Pete's Sake

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:08:00 +0000

“Tips, secrets, tools and advice for new and veteran Farmville players. How to get started, how to level up, how to build the best possible farm — and how to enjoy yourself in Facebook’s fastest growing game.”

That’s the teaser for Michael Carney’s book, Tips, Tools & Secrets for Mastering Farmville. For those of you who may not know what Farmville is it’s a farming game that is available on Facebook. Admittedly, it’s damn silly and addictive as hell but it's also entertaining and relaxing. Basically you start with a small plot of land, plow it, plant and harvest crops – scheduled by hours to maturity, collect various commodities from assorted animals. You have neighbors who you can exchange gifts with as well as sharing fertilizing duties. When one of them does well you can click a link to share in their wealth as they can with yours.

Harmless fun. Or it should be. There is absolutely no reason to ever invest a penny in “learning” how to master this game. Getting started? You click an icon. Level up? Do the crop thing and earn points. Each crop is assigned a different number of points. If you want to advance faster you plant the items with higher values. Plant the crops that earn the most coins to gather wealth and increase the size of your farm as well as add buildings and such to it. Rearrange your plot on a whim to suit your mood. Not rocket science here folks. On-line farming where all you really have to do is pay attention to the time in order to not let any crops spoil.

How to enjoy yourself? You need a book on that one, you’re too sad to live. If you’re so worried about building the "best possible farm" that you have to go out and spend your hard earned money on a book, again, you’re too sad to live. Send me your cash. I’ll put it to good use. It’s a damn game. Play it and “master” it through trial and error if mastering it means all that much to you. Do that all by yourself instead of being lazy and cheating by taking the easy out. It’s supposed to be fun, not a chore, not a competition. There are no “real” prizes awarded other than the ribbons built into the game itself for achieving certain feats.

Hot Holiday Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:29:00 +0000

I found you a whole bunch of stuff I think you may just have to have. If not for yourself, then your significant other.

1. An ax from the Best Made Company. Yes, that’s right. An ax. As in something with which to chop down a tree. But this is no ordinary ax. No this one doubles as a piece of artwork. Each ax has an intricately designed, hand-painted handle. They come in a range of prices, $250 - $550, which is no more than you’d pay for a decent chainsaw.

2. A ping –pong paddle from Brodmann Blades. Weird looking double paddle gizmo that resembles a fireplace bellows in appearance. They’ve gotten mixed reviews so I’m not sure if you really want to invest the $100 to have one, especially since they are not competition approved.

3. A PS Rasken Bench from Ikea. Believe it or not, this bench is made of REAL wood! You may want to spend your $100 on it instead of the ping-pong paddle. It’s very simple in design, three boards – the seat board has slots for the leg boards to slip into so there’s no screws required for assembly. Can’t get any easier than that.

4. An instant camera from Fujifilm. Basically an update version of the old Polaroids. Neat looking and not outrageous at $96. So why am I including it? Because the photo editor of GQ, where I found all these delights, is quoted in the magazine as saying this about them – “They’re like a girl with a reputation – fast, fun, easy.”

5. A Meehan Bar Rollup from Moore & Giles. For $150 you can have a leather and waxed canvas pouch filled with various stirrers, ice picks and muddlers. Great for the traveling bartender on your list. Hmm, ice picks. No, wait. That’s a different blog. Sorry.

6. And last, but not least, a bladeless fan from Dyson. This gadget “amplifies” the air, creating a gentle breeze sensation rather than chopping and buffeting it, as regular bladed fans do. For the low, low price of $330.

Well, there you have it. If you need any additional gift ideas let me know. I’m sure I can find more for you.

A New Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:35:00 +0000

I read a Hooters magazine today. Did you know Hooters even had a magazine? I didn’t. It was as expected.

A section with how much various locales earned for assorted charities, NBA predictions, football nonsense, an article on why Pete Rose should be in the hall of fame which I actually agreed with. I’m far from a baseball person but even I saw him play. He was an active player for 23 years. Would’ve been kinda difficult to miss him in all that time.

The ads weren’t much of a surprise either but I did learn that Jeremiah Weed makes Sweet Tea Vodka. They recommend mixing it with lemonade. Hmm, might need to try that.

And then of course there was the photo section. Silliest damn thing too. It was taken in Aspen. In the snow. In bikinis. Only I had to search for the article, yes, there was one, to determine if they were wearing bikinis or underwear. Some of the combinations, I honestly couldn’t tell. What really disappointed me was that they never gave credit to the boots which were super cute. Now I want a pair and don’t know what variety they are. Fortunately one of the fashionistas I know identified them as a Victoria’s Secret item. (Hey, I’ll bet the underwear/swimsuits are too.) Yeah, I know. The boots aren’t the point of the pictures. But I want some!

And now those of you who know me well are shaking your heads and wondering why since there’s little chance that I’d ever wear furry boots such as these. Way to hot for me to even consider but damn they’re cute.

In writer news, Chaos received a most excellent review from Melinda at Night Owl Romance. 5 hearts and a reviewers top pick. "Barbara Huffert has woven gangs, tornadoes and two strong willed people together. You will be left in awe." Click here to read the full review.

Today's Scam

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:41:00 +0000

A while back the local electric company sent out a notice that they may be raising rates A LOT in 2011 when the current contract expires. No, they can’t say how much until the time comes. But, just in case it is A LOT, you can hedge against future charges by sending them a little extra every month now. When all is said and done, sending five bucks now will save you all of one once rates change. Yeah. I passed on that one.

Today I got a very official looking letter written in a very scary way that home owners may or may not be responsible for the maintenance of various and assorted exterior equipment and should something go wrong it would be up to them to see about fixing it at an astronomical expense.

But wait! For the low, low fee of $4.99 a month they will maintain the equipment for you. Um, okay. That’s just dandy but no where do they give any qualifications of who and what specifically is or is not covered.

So here’s how I see it. One of the items mentioned is the electric box. Fine. If it’s mine I see absolutely no need to have it so I’m going to get rid of it. Yep, yank that sucker right off the wall and hook my wire directly to theirs. Hey, it’s mine, I can do what I
want with it, right?

No? Not a good idea? How about this? I think they should pay me the same $4.99 fee every month for the privilege of reading MY meter. And let’s tack on another couple bucks access fee since they have to traipse through my yard to get to it. Yes, I like that the sound of that so perhaps I’ll be sending them my official looking letter tomorrow.

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Hmm, let’s see what you’ve missed.

Went to visit my great aunt Friday. She’s back in her own place and very happy to be there. Doing well and as amazing as ever. We had a nice lunch and got everything she needed sorted out. On the downside, I went with the rest of my family. Um, yeah. Nuff said, right?

The girls are home for the holiday. I stopped in to say hi to them. I like doing that because I can always count on them to leave me smiling. It’s rumored there may be some cookie baking going on while they’re home. I may have to swing by again and check.

Last week there was a major fire in the city. The building that burned was an old factory, currently empty, where I worked for about 15 years. It took every firefighter in the city with all the apparatus there is to contain it. I was there, taking pictures a full day later when it flared up again. And the mayor’s plan still includes cutting a third of that department. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Anyway, it made me feel a bit melancholy wandering around. I have some good memories from that place of the various people I met there. I have stories, lots of them, some I could share, some I’ll never tell anyone. Yes, it was just the building that burned and one I left behind years ago but it still makes me sad.

Oh My

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:20:00 +0000

Time seems to have slipped away from me. Somewhere, I misplaced a week. You’re thinking so what, right? Well, it’s kind of a big deal to me. For ages I’ve been thinking I have a book releasing next Friday. Wrong! It releases THIS Friday. Cool!

Controlled Desires from Ellora’s Cave. This one was fun to write. Neither character has a name. All the time she spent in my head, trying to mingle me with her and she never told me. When I asked him, he said that was something I didn’t need to know. What? I’m not supposed to talk to my characters like that? I’m sure if you check with other writers you’ll find others who carry on the same sort of conversations.

Blurb

She prides herself on being an independent woman, strong and capable, but it hadn’t been part of her plan to go it alone. Then he walks into her office, a man like none she’s ever met who turns her world upside down. His every touch stirs her body into a frenzy and changes everything she thought she knew about herself.

He’s been called a control freak and a take-charge kind of guy who sees right away she isn’t the sort of woman to “take direction”. A pity. He has plenty of ideas on directing her, both in the bedroom and out of it.

It’s bossy meets obstinate in a clash of wills that burns up the sheets and sends sparks flying. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.

Excerpt

For a week I stewed. I had all sorts of retorts in my mind, should he come into my domain again. No one messed with me in my territory. I’d take care of him next time he was in. Or so I decided without once examining why I was so worked up about it. I’d never got so ridiculously bent out of shape about anything as I had about him simply commenting on my work habits. And a fairly mild comment at that. Then he showed up again and all my put-him-in-his-place plans went right out the window.

My boss was away from the site, due back in an hour or so, and it was way before lunchtime. I was happily singing along with my tunes when I happened to glance up and saw him standing just inside the door.

“He’s not here,” I informed him coolly.

“I know,” he said, steadily approaching me.

“Then why are you?” I asked, frowning.

“Because you need to be taught the value of seeing things through.”

“Oh I do, do I?” I snorted. Who was he to dictate how I did my job? I didn’t care if he and my boss were old buddies. He had no right to step in and reorganize me. Besides, I really did work better when I did several things at once and my boss never had a problem with it. Why should he?

He kept coming. One step after the other. The trailer wasn’t very large but it seemed to take forever for him to reach my desk. Only he didn’t stop on his side of it. No, he circled it. Instinctively, I rolled my chair backward. Shouldn’t have done that because it left him space to stand in front of me. In one swift move he had me yanked up out of my chair, kicking it out of the way and pinning me to the wall. I gasped just as his mouth came down hard on mine.

I’d never been kissed senseless before. By the time he raised his head I couldn’t breathe. I was stunned speechless too, another first for me. My amazement must have shown on my face because he gave me a quirky little lifted eyebrow grin. Before I could collect myself enough to react, he was kissing me again. My hands were above my head, caught by one of his. Damn, they were large! His other had already found its way under my tee shirt. But it was clenched on my side, not on my breast as I expected it to be. As I wanted it to be. I attempted to squirm to get him to touch me. Didn’t work. He had me held fast exactly where he wanted me and I was stuck until he decided to release me. Or move.

I wasn’t having any success, pressing my crotch against him either. God, I needed contact! Only I wasn’t getting it. Anywhere. He had to know I wanted it with how I was struggling. And whimpering. But all he did was kiss me as he kept me firmly in place. On and on he kissed me. Without touching me any more than he needed to in order to hold me still. Then he stopped and stepped away, leaving me panting against the wall, trembling so badly I could barely stand.

“Well, I’ll be going now. I have other things to see to,” he announced blandly.

“Huh? Wait,” I begged.

He paused at the door. “Why? Isn’t that how you do things? A little now, more later?”

Fortunately for him I was still shaking. Otherwise my aim would have been better when I threw my stapler at him. As it was, it bounced harmlessly off the doorjamb just before he chuckled and walked out.

A Harsh Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:28:00 +0000

I was driving home tonight and passed the Salvation Army food distribution location. There’s always a few stragglers every month. More lately than there had been. By the time I’m going by they’re usually closing up. Only tonight, there was still a line stretched down the block and around the corner full of people hoping to gather the makings of a Thanksgiving dinner.

The street is one with a light in the middle of the block. Red today so I took a moment and looked, honestly looked at the faces of those waiting. I wasn’t surprised by what I saw. Imagine the worst desolate holiday movie you’ve ever seen. This was worse and it broke my heart.

I do what I can to help where I can. All year round, not just on holidays because, believe it or not, people are hungry on days other than holidays. As are their children and their pets. This year there are more people out of work and struggling than ever so if you have a little extra, please share it. Either with friends, neighbors, acquaintances who have less or strangers by way of a local charity. Every little bit helps.

Saga Three...Yet Again

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:21:00 +0000

I attempted to do some laundry yesterday. Went down to stick the first load in the dryer only to find water all over the floor. Argh!

I called the Roto-Rooter since the large sum I gave them came with a six month guarantee. They could be here in a few hours or so. Believe it or not, they called, as specified. And showed up in the allotted time.

Guess who it was? Yep, Quinn’s buddy was back. He ran the gizmo through the floor drain this time. Which was a separate billable procedure but, since he hadn’t checked it the first time, he didn’t charge me. He did attempt to steal my cat but I squashed that idea.

I’m beginning to think I’m not meant to do laundry. Do you think that could be it, with all the assorted issues wash-related issues I’ve been having? Maybe I’m supposed to have a maid who deals with all this nonsense. Any volunteers?

Saga Three Continued

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:17:00 +0000

I called the one hour plumbers back and was told they could maybe be there in the morning. Um, no thanks. Needed a better response time than that.

I ended up with Roto-Rooter. Oh yeah. Even more costly than you’d expect. But, after an hour of grinding that sounded like the fixit gizmo was eating through the wall my drain is open. I can now move away with a clear conscience.

At least the plumber was a decent, if not bizarre individual. He wasn’t arrogant and he didn’t talk down to me when explaining the process of what he would do to resolve the problem. And, since it was raining by the time he finished testing everything, he took his shoes off when he came back in for payment.

Of course his phone/billing computer didn’t function. Apparently I jam other people’s electronics too, not just my own. It was taking so long he finally flopped on the floor to wait. Which is when Quinn decided he was there just to play with him. Damn cat who not two weeks ago attempted to maim the entire vet staff merely for giving him his yearly shots was the friendliest, most cuddly critter ever. Such a brat! He batted at the proffered pen and the billing machine sans claws like he was a meek little sweetheart kitty. He accepted unlimited petting without once turning feral as is his norm.

The Roto-Rooter man? Well I was beginning to think he’d end up sleeping on my floor, that’s how comfortable he had himself. While he was attempting to record my payment I heard his entire life’s story. Yes, I now know more about him than many of my chosen acquaintances. And here I always thought it was only the Maytag repairman who was lonely.

Saga Number Three

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Do you have any idea how hard I’m struggling not to toss the purrs in Howie and just leave? I swear I’m so close to doing that at the moment I can taste it.

I went to the basement for something this morning only to discover that the drain was just starting to back up. I suppose I should be grateful that I caught it before there was a mess but I’m not feeling it just now.

I mentioned it at work and was instructed to call the city. Drains blocked at the street are their problem and they come deal with it. It only took three calls to get a real live person. Sounds easy, right? Yeah. I knew it wouldn’t be.

I came home to find a notice tacked to the door. They were there but they couldn’t do anything about it, call a plumber. Sigh. I did. Not like I have a hell of a lot of choice, do I? There’s a whole bunch of emergency plumbers listed. I called the one that said they’d respond within the hour. Un huh. Right. Like that really happened.

Seriously ready to walk…

Oh by the way, my phone's not functioning today either.

Today's Assortment

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:18:00 +0000

I was merrily on my way to work this morning when I passed an official looking seatbelt check sign. My first thought was that they had to be kidding. They couldn’t seriously be stopping everyone on their way to work. They weren’t. A seatbelt check in Reading consists of a cop peering at passersby as he sits in his car with the lights flashing. I suppose he’ll take off after anyone he sees without a seatbelt who’s ignored the sign. I’m safe of that one. I always wear mine.

Health alert – Dried brown wakame seaweed, a heaping teaspoon a day, will help lower your blood pressure. The theory is that is binds to the sodium in your stomach to prevent absorption. If you have a problem with crunching on dried seaweed, try kudzu root extract. A brief study done on rats showed it reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels. Puerarin, the nutritional element in the root may help prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Happy to report last night’s dreams were silly, not scary. I spent my non-awake time playing Chinese checkers with Kya. She won but she cheated so I’ve filed a protest. To move, she wrapped her tail around the marbles. She also batted them with her paws at the same time, shifting more than one marble on each turn. I guess I wasn’t supposed to notice that. When I woke up she was curled up against my cheek, grinning as only cats can. I suspect she had the same dream.

A tidbit for those of you who might overindulge during the holidays. Asparagus has been shown to reduce the effects of alcohol and ease hangovers. A study has shown that asparagus suppressed free radicals within the liver and more than doubled the activity of two enzymes that metabolize alcohol.

3 AM

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:56:00 +0000

A scream shatters the tranquility of the night.
Jerked awake though not nearly enough
Still mostly asleep
It takes a moment to grasp the one shrieking is me
Trapped in a nightmare I know is not real
The symbols are writhing
Marking his presence
They cast an eerie glow
Reflected in his soulless eyes as he stalks me.
I must escape or perish yet again
Night after night he tracks me
Waiting for me to drop my guard so he can pounce.
I cry out but still to no avail
He is closer now, caging me in
So close I can feel his fetid breath on my neck
He’ll have me soon
How will he kill me this time I wonder?
Crushed
Strangled
Shot
Stabbed
Sliced
Blown up
Burned
Drowned
Not much left.
Maybe tonight it will be something worse
Something from which I won’t recover
Something that will hold me in the depths of uneasy slumber until my waking life ends.
Repeatedly I wail but no one comes to my rescue
I am stuck, unable to rouse myself
I am alone
Once more, I die.

Yeah, I had a bad night. Back tomorrow.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

noreply@blogger.com (barbara huffert) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

I finally managed to stop coughing last night enough to get comfortable and was almost asleep when I heard the beep. You know the one I’m talking about. The low battery smoke alarm beep.

I laid there and swore for a moment, listening just in case I imagined it. Nope, it was really chirping. Around one I decided I’d had enough and needed to make it stop. I got up, turning on the light which I despise doing in the middle of the night. I know where things are in my house so I don’t usually bother but for this, I had to. I was pleased to discover I did have a spare 9 volt battery. Must remember to get more at the store next weekend.

Off I went in search of the beeping alarm. I started in the basement. It was faint so I guessed that was where it would be. Felt like an idiot standing around willing one of the two units down there to beep at me so I could switch batteries and crawl back into bed. Wasn’t one of them so I went upstairs and waited. Not that one either. I had been positive it wasn’t coming from the ones on the second floor. It wasn’t nearly loud enough but up I trudged to check them. Nope. Lying in bed I would have sworn it wasn’t coming from the attic either but I had been coughing so maybe my perception was skewed. Yeah, that one didn’t make a peep while I was glaring at it.

I was on my way back to bed, ready to turn on the radio so I couldn’t hear it when it beeped a series of times. Nothing like having smoke alarms mess with you in the middle of the night, is there? I repeated the whole process and still couldn’t determine which one was acting up so I flopped down beside the cats who by then had sprawled out in my spot and asked them to point to the right one. Never hurts to try since I’m sure it was annoying them too.

I heard it again. Coming from the open window. It was my neighbor’s, not mine. And she, naturally, is getting old and no longer hears that range so it wasn’t disturbing her sleep. Figures. Damn thing.

I haven’t heard it tonight so I’m hoping one of her kids visited today and took care of it. Or maybe it’s just waiting for me to go to bed before it starts making noise again. Yeah, that sounds more likely.