Go Cocks!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

living history

This weekend, Alpine, his mom and I went to the civil war reenactment of the Battle of Richmond in Kentucky. Here are some pictures from the weekend... enjoy!

fruits of labor and laundry

In my neck of the woods, gardens are usually planted in late April or early May. Given the May I had this year, there was a small window of time to get my garden planted. The first round got planted (corn, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes), but then we were gone a lot, and it didn't rain for three weeks. Seeds + water = plants. Seeds + no water = no plants. I hope this math is making sense. So, I got to replant my garden again in June. It's a small garden, and I got few second and no third plantings in... plus there was very little rain all summer. Not to mention, I'm a terrible weeder. Did you know that weeds WILL grow in drought-like conditions?

We had a plumbing problem that Alpine temporarily fixed by piping our laundry water to the garden. Two problems solved! Since the plantings were late, of course the fruits came late, but alas... here the are: six quarts of tomatoes and nine pints of green beans! Cucumbers and tomatoes have been wonderful snacks, lunches and additions to supper. I love growing my own veggies... even if it is a pain sometimes!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Irritated

Not that anyone reads this (except Alpine, but he hears about and experiences my life every day anyway)... but I'm really irritated with technology. I love technology and computers, etc, and can usually get along with them well, but recently, not so much.

First, the CPU fan goes out in the desktop. Not a big deal... I just went to Best Buy, got some help from an employee, bought by $12 fan and went on. Not a big deal... until I came home and tried to install it. "All CPU tower fans are generally the same size. There are two diameters, and if it's the small one, it's this one." WRONG. FYI: all CPU fans are NOT the same size. My desktop has two internal fans, plus the power supply fan. The fan that actually blows the hot air out of the CPU was the same size as the one I bought, but guess what? THAT WASN'T THE ONE THAT DIED. Go figure. I look online... cannot find a single freakin' fan like mine. So I do the next best thing... I call Sony to order a replacement. Ok, yeah, I'm probably going to pay more, but if they can look at my model number and send me the exact part I need, that's worth a lot at this point.

Aside: if you've ever dealt with customer service for anything related to technology, you know that (1) you are never going to speak to someone from this country and (2) if you have an issue that strays from the handbook, you are screwed. I'm not against people of other nationalities by any means, but it is what it is, and technology is the LAST place we need to have a communication problem. Of course, it didn't used to be this way, but with the advent of outsourcing, this is what we have. Alpine wonders why I'm so far up Sony's butt that I can't see the value in any other brand... well, here are some reasons why I love Sony: First, if you buy their product, it generally works. Actually, it usually works well. Frankly, I hardly ever have any trouble out of Sony products that aren't user inflicted. The few times I have had to contact them, they have been kind, helpful AND spoken English. This time was no exception: I spoke to a guy named Chris instead of Alid (which you know is a nickname because we can't handle their real name), he spoke United States English, he didn't know off the top of his head which fan I needed but was able to utilize his resources and figure it out, AND he was nice. Now, I haven't gotten my fan yet, so I don't know how this will end, but so far, so good. (Knock on wood)

So, my fan is ordered, and I mentioned that the help provided by Sony support was worth a lot at this point... $70!! No... it can't be the cheap one, can it?!? So, this order is still in route, and that isn't fixed. If you don't know, you can't run a computer without the appropriate ventilation, so that computer is out of commission. Alpine's classes started Monday, and mine start next Monday. Perfect timing.

So, this morning, Alpine was reading the "morning paper" (blogging, surfing, etc) and shut down the laptop before heading off to school. This afternoon, he can't get onto the internet AT ALL. Crap. So, I try to figure out what the problem is... remember that I ok'd some updates the night before... notice that Norton isn't even functioning. *Sigh* Can't open Norton AT ALL. Can't get on the internet AT ALL to get some help. So I do a system restore... which seems to "fix" the problem. I tried to reinstall the updates, and dadgummit we have a repeat performance. Well, that at least lets me know what the problem is... but then the stupid laptop won't do a system restore to get rid of it again! After the 15 millionth reboot, somehow it works (even though it said it made no changes), so I am now on the internet, trying to chat with Norton to get some help.

At 10:30pm central time, I get on Live Chat with Norton and I'm number 30 in the queue. I really wanted to go to bed early tonight, but I guess that'll have to wait. I get down to 24, the go back up to 25, which doesn't make any sense. I keep yo-yo-ing up and down, and an hour later, I am number 5. Good grief. Not to mention that I haven't had good luck with their customer service in the past, and I'm pretty sure this person won't be named Chris. I used to like Norton's products, but I haven't had a real good experience with those products in the past year, either. This may determine whether or not I purchase their product again, because I'm just a little irritated at this point.

Wish me luck. If anybody cares, I'll have to post an update later. If I can get online, anyway.

Friday, May 04, 2007

She brings you good news...

... or haven't you heard?

Let the joyous news be spread, the wicked old witch at last is dead!

(Glinda) Come out, come out wherever you are
And meet the young lady who fell from a star
She fell from the sky, she fell very far
And Kansas she says is the name of the star

(Munchkins) Kansas she says is the name of the star

(Glinda) She brings you good news, or haven't you heard
When she fell out of Kansas a miracle occurred

(Dorothy) It really was no miracle
What happened was just this:
The wind began to switch the house to pitch
And suddenly the hinges started to unhitch
Just then the witch, to satisfy an itch
Went flying on her broomstick thumbing for a hitch

(Munchkin Man) And oh what happened then was rich

(Munchkins) The house began to pitch, the kitchen took a slitch
It landed on the wicked witch in the middle of a ditch
Which was not a healthy situation for the wicked witch
The house began to pitch, the kitchen took a slitch
It landed on the wicked witch in the middle of a ditch
Which was not a healthy situation for the wicked witch
Who began to twitch, and was reduced to just a stitch
Of what was once the wicked witch

(Munchkin 1) We thank you very sweetly for doing it so neatly

(Munchkin 2) You've killed her so completely
That we thank you very sweetly

(Glinda) Let the joyous news be spread
The wicked, old witch at last is dead

(Munchkins) Ding-dong the witch is dead! Which old witch?
The wicked witch Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead
Wake up you sleepyhead Rub your eyes, get out of bed
Wake up the wicked witch is dead
She's gone where the goblins go Below - below - below
Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low
Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead

(Mayor) As mayor of the Munchkin City In the county of the land of Oz I welcome you most regally

(Judge) But we've got to verify it legally To see...

(Mayor) To see...

(Judge) If she...

(Mayor) If she...

(Judge) Is morally, ethically

(Munchkin 1) Spiritually, physically

(Munchkin 2) Positively, absolutely

(Munchkin Men) Undeniably and reliably dead

(Coroner) As Coroner , I must aver I thoroughly examined her
And she's not only merely dead She's really most sincerely dead

(Mayor) Then this is a day of independence for all the munchkins And their descendants
Yes, let the joyous news be spread The wicked old witch at last is dead

(Munchkins) Ding-dong the witch is dead Which old witch?
The wicked witch Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead
Wake up you sleepyhead Rub your eyes, get out of bed
Wake up the wicked witch is dead
She's gone where the goblins go Below - below - below
Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low
Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead

(Lullaby League) We represent the Lullaby League The Lullaby League, the Lullaby League
And in the name of the Lullaby League
We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land

(Lollipop Guild) We represent the Lollipop Guild The Lollipop Guild, the Lollipop Guild
And in the name of the Lollipop Guild
We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land

(Munchkins) We welcome you to Munchkin Land Tra la la la la la la la la la la la

(Munchkin 1) From now on you'll be history

(Munchkin 2) You'll be his...

(Munchkin 3) You'll be his...

(Munchkin 4) You'll be history

(Munchkin 1) And we will glorify your name You will be a bust...

(Munchkin 2) Be a bust...

(Munchkin 3) Be a bust...

(All) In the hall of fame Tra la la la la la la la la la la Tra la la la la la la Tra la la la la la la la la la la Tra la la la la la la



(You can get the full script here: http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Wizard-of-Oz,-The.html)

Spring beauty



(Thanks for these last two pictures, Alpine!)

spotted terrors

Took the dogs to see the family a few weekends ago. My sister brought her Dalmatian over to play, and what a good time we had!



I think I'm about to get plowed!



Why are sticks so fun?



Luckily, there was no contact this time!



What's that they're all chasing?


Sticks and pinecones... nature really does provide the best toys...



... and the best entertainment!


Until the treats come out, that is. Sit, Booboo, sit! Good dog(s)!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

cake updates...

I have done a handful of cakes since Darth Chocolate...

a John Deere cake for a John Deere fanatic...



a Dale Jr cake for, go figure, a Dale Jr fan...



and another Dalmatian for another cute puppy lover.


I feel a little Hokie...

...feeling so deeply what has happened at Virginia Tech, but that's MY home. I didn't grow up there, I didn't go to school there, but that's still MY home. Tech is the closest state university from my hometown, so it's MY school. My friends went there, I visited my friends on campus numerous times... I cheer for the Hokies, only second to my Gamecocks!

I have some email friends, some actual close friends, others I only know through cyberspace... but all are Hokies. Even knowing how I feel about the situation, I can't imagine what they feel. They lived in those dorms and had classes in those buildings...

I can't fathom what this guy did to those people. I can't imagine how they feel. But this I do understand...


Monday, February 19, 2007

Darth Chocolate

Here's my latest cake picture... pardon the quality, but it was taken with a cell phone. My digital camera is out of commission, hopefully only until this weekend. This time at least I can blame any mess-ups on the camera! =) Notice this is the same pan used for the deer cake below.


Monday, February 12, 2007

New

So, someone i know had a heck of a time with his blog recently because Blogger decided to make him go new or something... the next time i logged on, it looked like it gave me an ultimatum, too. So... new it is. Just get off my back. This better not suck. (my buddy is still having a time, so i'm not holding my breath...)


Speaking of new, here's my newest cake. I had a picture from a cake book that I went by, so the design isn't mine. The art, however, unfortunately is: "my" reflection looks somewhat drunk, and that hand is awful! Give it a quick look - I'm surprised the mirror hasn't broken yet! =)


Thursday, February 08, 2007

Happy 13th, Alpineman!

Today is a special day for Alpineman... it's a second birthday, of sorts. Well, his 13th second birthday, to be exact. Happy Birthday to you!!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

cake update

I've done some more cakes recently:







I did another Dalmatian cake for my sister














I also did another freehand for a guy I work with. It looks like a 3-year-old drew it, but it tasted good. That's what matters, right?!? =)

Old or new?

So, I've been away because I didn't really feel like dealing with the "Old Blogger or New Blogger" question. Yeah, that's lame, but it is what it is. So, here is some catch-up stuff:

Go Cocks!! We won the Liberty Bowl in Memphis... got to visit with a good high school buddy while there... good friends, a good game, and a good time on Beale Street - what more could you ask for?!?

TOUCHDOWN!!

VICTORY!!


I participated in my first ever College Football Bowl Pick-em... my dad and I picked our teams, and we did fairly well! I may have to teach him to do his own next time, though I really liked being on his side. Competition would be fun, but... we'll see. I've now gotten into personalizing my sports news on ESPN's website - how fun is it to have all that information at your fingertips? NASCAR headlines, College Football rankings, SEC standings, NFL, NBA... whatever you want, and all personalized with your team colors! Now, I don't really care a lot about the NFL or the NBA, but my dad's teams are my teams, and I'd like to know how they're doing when I talk to him. He keeps up with my Gamecocks, so the least I can do is help cheer his teams on to national championships. Speaking of... =)

My dad is probably awful to live with these days. The St Louis Cardinals AND the Indianapolis Colts both won their respective championships this season... he's in hog heaven! Too bad the Celtics aren't doing so well... but it's probably a good thing. I don't know if any of us could stand him... =) I need to get him a Colts Chamionship shirt or something. It's been about 30 years since they were in the Superbowl, and my poor dad has stuck with them through thick and thin. And there was a LOT of thin... so he better enjoy it while it lasts!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Woohoo!! Go Cocks!!


In case anyone at Klempson was wondering, THIS is how you kick a field goal:


Ike Crofoot holds the ball for the winning field goal kick by Ryan Succop
For the first time in several years, and the first time probably in nearly 10 years, USC beat Klempson AT Klempson yesterday!! And thank goodness Klempson kicker Jad Dean missed a 39-yeard field goal (after, might I add, the QB was sacked for a loss of about 10), or I would have had to learn a quick lesson in OT. And I'm not sure I'm confident that would have turned out well. Though... who really knows: I've been pleasantly surprised about this season, that's for sure! Let me count the ways...
1. Mississippi State 15-0
It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done, AND we didn't let them score.
2. #12 Georgia 0-18
Let's not count this one - this one sucked.
2. Wofford 27-20
It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done.
3. Florida Atlantic 45-6
We needed this one. A little big, but a good win.
4. #2 Auburn 17-24
Yeah, we lost, but it was dang close. 7 points close... especially for the #2 in the nation.
5. Kentucky 24-17
Yeah, we won, but it was also close. This still counts, but only barely.
6. Vandy 31-13
This definitely counts. After beating Georgia at their Homecoming the week before, this could have been ugly.
7. #8 Tennessee 24-31
Again, we lost, but it was pretty dang close. We beat ourselves, yet we still hung in there. To count or not to count...
7. #12 Arkansas 20-26
Another loss, but look at the point difference. Can you say 1 TD? Since I didn't count Tennessee, I think I'll count this one. Besides, it's within 1 TD of a ranked team. Yeah, that counts.
8. #6 Florida 16-17
This one was the biggest heart-breaker of all. ONE FRIGGIN POINT!! And it came down to a field goal (which would have given us our first victory AT Florida, I think EVER)... lucky for us, Succop (pictured above) didn't miss... unfortunately for us, Florida has this 10-foot-tall man that blocked the kick. Grrrr... but this one still counts. ONE POINT AT FLORIDA!!!
9. Middle Tennessee 52-7
Ok, this was a little big, too, but it was a win that we needed. One - now we're bowl eligible. Two - we've had three close, crappy losses in a row, and this was a good pick-me-up before the big rivalry game.
10. #24 Clemson 31-28
All I can say is - GO COCKS!!

10 Good Reasons... that's more than I'm used to having! With all that, our record is 7-5, and our SEC record is 3-5. Unfortunately, that is only good enough to rank us next to last in our division, just above Vandy. It's hard to be excited about that, but given the details of our season, I'm ok with it. I mean, how can you - an unranked team - compete with 6 ranked teams - half of your schedule - and 5 of those in your conference?!? I just hope we play well in whatever bowl game we go to.

One last time: GO COCKS!!!!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

the beauty of fall...

So the colors peaked and browned in quick succession, but such is the quickness of life. Enjoy some colors, frozen in time:


popcorn


Alpineman loves popcorn beyond belief... luckily, my popcorn-growing trial worked fairly well! For some reason, I still have trouble growing corn... I have yet to be very successful with corn, weeds or not. So... here's what i got, which might last Alpineman a week...

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Happy October!

For me, the best month of the year! Fall is here, and that means that Christmas is coming. It's pretty much smack into the heart of "birthday season" in our family. Halloween is close, and that's always a fun time. Then Thanksgiving, colder weather, and a month of Christmas. With luck, we'll see some snow... and that generally makes the arrival of spring and summer bearable, if not enjoyable.

Happy October!

Saturday, September 30, 2006

My most recent hobby...

Ok, so I started with a SpongeBob cake about two and a half years ago for a special occassion for Alpineman, and then made two more (for kids this time!)...




















Then I did some other characters for other people. I really enjoy doing these, though they take a little time. They are far from perfect, but it's still fun to do. With the help of a buddy, I've actually accepted payment for one now... for some reason, it doesn't seem right to take money for them! Oh well... I could use some extra cash right now, so maybe I'll get over that. I'm afraid the downside is that the smell of the icing is now permanently lodged in my nose... and that really shouldn't be a bad thing! Anyway, here's my portfolio, if you will... =)




In case you don't know, this is Boba Fett from Star Wars. Colors aren't perfect, but they'll do.



Obviously, Jeff Gordon. I had to free-hand this one, so I kindof messed up with both 24 numbers. At any rate, it was very difficult for me not to smash this cake right into the wall...


Special request for a Largemouth Bass... used the racecar pan above. (yes, I know the worms aren't "hooked" correctly!)







R2D2 from Star Wars, though he is probably more recognizable than Boba Fett if you aren't a Star Wars fan





This is a liver-spotted Dalmatian, and is supposed to be modeled after my own liver-spotted Dalmatians, rather than the more common black-spotted ones. The brown really should have been darker... and getting the correct colors is one of my weak spots (no pun intended).


This was requested for some local volleyball teams (duh!). The R2D2 pan shown above was used. I'm not very good at smoothing the icing!

Saturday, September 23, 2006

A game for you...

Here's an addicting game for you that will also help you perfect your parking skills:

http://www.107.peugeot.co.uk/peugeot.swf

Enjoy!

Fall is here!

Today is the first day of Fall... I welcome the cool air, the changing colors, and the anticipation of winter. Gamecock football is in the air, Halloween is coming... I love this time of year!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Always a day late...

For some reason, I had it in my mind that Constitution Day was today. Oops! It was actually Sunday, but was celebrated yesterday. I guess that's kind of sad that I couldn't tell it was Constitution Day, though I'll admit that I didn't watch much of the news yesterday. So, here it is, a day late... but better late than never!

http://www.constitutionfacts.com/Bookstore/bookstore.cfm

Go ye and order a free pocket-sized copy of the US Constitution! You only pay $2 shipping. I received a copy in my college government class, and we have kept it on the coffee table for several years now. It's a good reference. Get one! (HODAR, if you're reading, that means you!)

Monday, September 18, 2006

Race time!

Well, a couple of weekends ago was race time... Richmond, baby! I missed last time, but this time was worth the wait! Not only were we lucky enough to go to the race, but we were also lucky enough to get to go into the pits! We also had hospitality tickets (thank you, A's mom!), and we got to see Scott Wimmer, driver of the 4 car, and Mark Martin, driver of the 6 car. Martin, of course, is my favorite driver! So, here are a few pictures for your enjoyment...


Monday, September 11, 2006

Let's learn a little...


I watched CNN Pipeline today "realtime", when it actually happened. Yuck. I didn't want to watch it, but I couldn't look away. I know that many people are just wallowing in their pity and sorrow of what happened... some more justifiably than others. It was a big day in American history, though, and we all need to reflect with a little more objectivity on the events that happened before, on, and after Sept 11, 2001.


If only we could learn something.