The plumber has been and gone. He didn't have to cut into the main stack; evidently he had a few more tricks up his sleeve than yesterday's plumber. He thinks the problem is that we have a bow in our drain. Whether we have to do anything about it will depend on whether we have anymore trouble with it.

Both the cats are upset but again for differant reasons. The older cat is morning the loss of career opportunities ("I coulda been a plumber") while the younger one continues to be upset that I didn't show enough sense to hide under the bed with her ("Anything could have happened Mom!")

I'm looking forward to a normal day tomorrow.

Date:	2008-05-12 08:50
Subject:	More Plumbing
Security:	Public
Mood:	bitchy

I am now trapped, waiting for the plumbers to arrive. Trapped, with two cats trapped in the upstairs bedroom, neither of whom is happy.

Cat 1: "Let me out, let me out! I want to meet the plumbers, ride around in their truck, wear my own little tool belt, be the Amazing Plumbing Cat and have George Lucas make movies about my adventures!"

Cat2: "Hide me! Hide me! The horrible cat-eating plumber zombies are coming to get me! Me, personally! I'm getting under the bed and if you knew what was good for you, you would too!"

It's going to be a long day.

Date:	2008-05-11 23:35
Subject:	The Little Things That Lead to Happiness - Not
Security:	Public
Mood:	aggravated

Like plumbing. Last night after a several hour computer session, I stepped out of the downstairs bedroom and into the laundry room. The floor looked funny; like it had suddenly gotten leprosy. When I went to turn the lights on, the truth became clear - the laundry was flooded.

Well, not much that I really liked/wanted/needed was damaged, and the flooding didn't spread into the carpeted rooms, remaining in the tile-on-concrete laundry. That's the last of the good news though.

bedii and I spent about 12:30 AM to 3:00 AM Sunday morning mopping the laundry room floor and moving stuff and setting wet stuff out to dry and mopping some more....

At that point we thought the washer was broken. Sunday morning I researched washers and washer problems on the web. Then I took my shower - and that's when bedii watched my shower come bubbling up through the drain in the middle of the laundry. Oops. Washing machine's OK. Drains, however, are not.

So we go to brunch with my family (we have a good sense of priorities, we do) and called a plumber when we got home. He could not get into any of the drains' access points. He could not get the snake-thingy to go down through the upstairs toilet. He and a partner and special equipment are coming back tomorrow to cut into our stack and make a new access point to our drains. The stack is cast iron, btw. Then they'll send a snake in with a camera, so we can see what's wrong with the drains.

This is getting expensive - and I'm not getting paid tomorrow cause I'll be watching plumbers. I'm beginning to appreciate the interaction of water and gravity like I never have before.

P.S. The cats just sat through the whole mopping episode, looking smug, watching us work. If they do that again, I'm going to tie them to the mop handles and see how long-haired cats work as mops.

Date:	2008-04-12 22:21
Subject:	Vehicles in Which You Can Not Cruise
Security:	Public
Mood:	chipper

It's sunny and warm in Seattle today - warm enough that lots of people were out at Alki, and despite local ordinances agains such folly, some of them were cruising.

The Amazing Mr. Bug and I (not cruising - we were just headed home; the long way) realized quickly that some of these people did not realize that there are vehicles in which one cannot cruise. That's all there is to it. In order to help these poor souls, here are some suggestions about appropriate transportation:

1. No mommy vans; no SUVs. It is completely impossible to cruise in one of these. Even fancy SUVs such as Escalades and Hummers don't work - those just mean that you're trying too hard.

2. Usually older vehicles are better. It's difficult to get an older vehicle that won't work. Still it's possible, so avoid these cars:

a. Pinto
b. Gremlin
c. Pacer
d. 1980s Rolls Royce
e. Aztec (there is some difference of opinion here)

3. Probably no Scandinavian cars (Volvo, Saab) and no Subarus. Just too safe and practical.

And -

4. Absolutely no Priuses. The cognitive dissonance here is appalling. Conspicously wasting gas in a vehicle whose sole reason for existence is to save it? Nope. Just doesn't work.

So, do you have any additions? Deletions?

Date:	2008-04-06 09:27
Subject:	We May Be In Serious Trouble
Security:	Public
Mood:	worried

While talking to the amazing Mr. B last night, I noticed our younger cat, K, was eating her kibble by reaching into her bowl with her paw and picking up a piece or two of kibble, which she then brought up to her mouth and ate.

Earlier this week, someone broke into the cookie container and ate half of one. We'd blamed L., the older cat, but now I'm wondering.

I suppose we should be thankful it's not L - she's smarter. Even so, the idea that we have a cat that's learned to use her 'hands' worries me.

I've checked and she doesn't have opposable thumbs, so my guess is that K is using her claws somehow.

For those who are curious, K. appears to be left-pawed.

Date:	2008-03-18 18:37
Subject:	Escape From New York
Security:	Public
Mood:	content

Not to mention United Airlines & Chicago.

Started going to Lunacon last Wednesday; started coming home from Lunacon Monday, arrived late today (Tuesday), courtesy of United Airlines' inability to keep to a schedule.

But some parts were very good - especially the bit where my sales were the best they've ever been at a regional convention and the very very pretty ribbon (with streamers as long as my arm) I got for a new painting, "Casual Friday". And seeing friends I don't see often enough, and the one night stay in a cool hotel, and flying mostly easily.

:)

Date:	2008-02-13 23:44
Subject:	It's a Good Life
Security:	Public
Mood:	cheerful

I have accomplished two of my annual doctor's visits today - you know the ones, after age X, you should have a Y exam annually.

Work is going pretty well. And

We have a new secretary desk!

It's custom build and folds into a tiny foot and a half and two feet and a half and is four feet tall. It unfolds into two and a half feet by 6 feet. It has movable shelves to put stuff on. It has file holders. It has a drawer with a key. It's gorgeous - and it will be all ours Sunday when we go over with some friends to pick it up. After we'll have brunch lunch with said friends.

I'm still not painting as much as I could wish. I haven't solved a sortof mathematical/geometrical problem that I know I can, involving beading a bead that doesn't require a core bead. My hip/thigh/back are much better, but three weeks of doing damn near nothing, and three weeks of not doing nearly as much as usual have left me with some decidedly weak muscles. Much walking will be done in the coming weeks.

I'm rereading my unexpurgated Arabian Nights, and I'm working on my plans for a visit to NY next month.

(The amazing Mr. Bug, alas, has a cough and sore throat.)

Date:	2008-01-10 11:53
Subject:	Verticality in Sight! But My Professional Baseball Career is Ruined
Security:	Public
Mood:	hopeful
Music:	More Mozart

Saw my doctor (she's been on vacation) - I have sciatica, which appears to be a catch all phrase for "you injured this set of nerves" and I now have, in addition to new pain meds, steroids. My doctor believes I should be up and at'em Monday. Yeah!

(It has been getting better slowly - I made yesterday's doctor visit on my own, and walked a half block to the Starbucks afterwards).

No other news. Alas.

Date:	2008-01-07 16:29
Subject:	Troubles Grow Worse
Security:	Public
Mood:	bored
Music:	Mostly Mozart

The senior cat has discovered the heating pad I'm using on my back. Perhaps if I buy her her own, I can have mine back.

I was up for 30-45 minutes this morning. Yeah me! I did exciting things like put stuff in the dryer and send an email, and do a Goldilocks number on the household chairs.

Date:	2008-01-03 11:56
Subject:	Still Not
Security:	Public
Mood:	bored

Vertical.

Except for a few minutes each hour. I was able to sit for a few minutes this morning - much the longest so far.

So, a small improvement. :)

The greatest danger now is that I shall go bonkers from boredom.

Date:	2007-12-31 17:10
Subject:	In Which I Continue To Be
Security:	Public
Mood:	sore
Music:	More Mozart

Horizontal.

With a dr's appt. for Wed, AM. The leg is not improving, although Mr. B. does continue to feed me steak salads.

The car is fixed (free!) and the rental returned two days early. Some things are going better.

Kitten tipped over the cut flowers Mr. B. bought me, but has not succeeded in doing the same to the Chsyristmas tree (despite trying).

New Year's Eve will be quiet this year - unless Lucy really does emit healing rays; she slept on my leg all PM.

Next year will be better - I've swallowed my live toad.

Date:	2007-12-30 15:29
Subject:	Adding Insult to Injury
Security:	Public
Mood:	sore
Music:	Mozart

Sometime Thursday night I did something.

It resulted in my left leg hurting a lot whenever I moved in certain ways.

This lasted for two days and did not get better - in fact it got worse, if anything. By Saturday noon, I was neither walking, standing, nor sitting. Even turning over could hurt a great deal, if I did it 'wrong'.

So late Saturday afternoon, I told my husband that we should go to the emergency room before the Saturday night rush. He said fine, but he'd like to get some dinner first as we both knew that we'd be there for a while - like hours. So he goes to get fish and chips and five minutes later I get a phone call - the car has died and there are bits of belts all over.

We did make it to the hospital, thanks to A. T., genuine, bona fide hero of the revolution about whom too many wonderful things cannot be said. The doctors said that they weren't sure what I'd done (but don't do it again) and to go home, live horizontal for two days, and take these interesting little pills.

Pain is now much less, and this morning A. T. (did I mention she's a hero of the revolution?) drove my husband to where our car is, he called AAA and they towed it to our mechanic's, and he went on to rent a car.

I really did have other plans for this four day weekend. Instead I'm horizontal, checking car ads.

Date:	2007-04-22 08:42
Subject:	Card War Redux
Security:	Public
Mood:	chipper
Music:	washing machine

Eh, it seems the cards are back. Here's mine again.

COMBAT CARDS 2.1

to fight ladyjestocost enter your username below

CREATE YOUR CARD

Date:	2007-03-12 00:13
Subject:	Too Many Books!
Security:	Public
Mood:	giddy
Music:	Lullabys

Went to Potlatch in Portland this week. Behaved quite well until Saturday night when I was overtaken by a strong urge to own an emu egg. It's teal over turquoise with an amazing nubbly texture. I am in love. I think I should have more emu eggs.

After that it was all down hill. I own a tuckerization in a novel (a character will be named according to my direction, and then (perhaps) eaten alive by giant wasps), more books (alas!) but, in one of those wonderful quirks of fate, one of them is a hardback copy of Ellen Kushner's The Privilege of the Sword, which I did not expect to get, given that it sold out last fall.

The cats are cross with me and will only talk to bedii.

Date:	2007-03-12 00:11
Subject:	Another meme...
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired

At amyirene's request:

Answer these if you'd like to and (again if you'd like to) post them on your own LJ.

1. Can you cook?
2. What was your dream growing up?
3. What talent do you wish you had?
4. Favorite place?
5. Favorite vegetable?
6. What was the last book you read?
7. What zodiac sign are you?
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
9. Worst Habit?
10. Do we know each other outside of Livejournal?
11. What is your favorite sport?
12. Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15. Tell me one weird fact about you.
16. Do you have any pets?
17. Do you know how to do the Macarena?
18. What time is it where you are now?
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21. Would you be my partner in crime or my conscience?
22. What color eyes do you have?
23. Ever been arrested?
24. Bottle or Draft?
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew?
27. What's your favorite bar to hang at?
28. Do you believe in ghosts?
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30. Do you swear a lot?
31. Biggest pet peeve?
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33. In one word, how would you describe me?
34. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

Date:	2007-03-05 22:33
Subject:	Eh, This and That
Security:	Public
Mood:	chipper
Music:	Flash Girls

Had an interesting email show up last week - it seems someone found this journal while googling for 'tayberry jelly'. So I googled for 'tayberry jelly'. This blog is the third entry for that term! I wonder why? All I did was mention that I liked it and I could get it at the local farmers' market (West Seattle, if you're curious).

In other news, I went to Boston and came back without any unintended extensions this time. Stayed in a new hotel, the Seaport Westin. It's very nice and the restaurant (they only have one so far) is very expensive. But they do have a killer seafood cobb! Absolutely scrumptious. And their desserts are good too. Picked up a ribbon in the art show (new piece - Masques) and sold some prints and an original.

Spent today on useful phone calls - have made a reservation at the mechanics for my husband's car, and have made appointments for two roofing contractors to give us bids on the main house roof. Good bye, ugly torchdown! At least I hope so. We have the money, but property taxes went through the roof (figuratively) this year, so I hope it's enough.

The cats spent most of today being extremely helpful. When I was working at the computer, Lucy visited and sat on the keyboard. When I put clothes away, Kitten tried to help me fold them. Later, Kitten came downstairs and swotted at me from the cat tree while I painted. Very helpful cats. I hope they take tomorrow off.

Shipping tomorrow - such fun to look forward to!

Hank's employer this past summer decided to ditch their map cases. If you don't know what a map case is, it's flat file about 3.5' x 4.5'. Big. Really big. Hank was kind enough to put my name in for two of them (five drawers each), and they were free!

So this fall, bedii built a base with wheels with brakes for these to go on, so that I could move them around the studio. The base also puts the top of the cases at just the right height for a matting/framing table.

Yeah! I've been collecting all my paper from all the nooks and crannies I had it in and laying it out neatly in the drawers. I don't think I'm going to buy more paper for a decade, because when it's all in one place, I have a lot of paper.

Date:	2006-12-18 12:06
Subject:	Back in the 21st Century
Security:	Public
Mood:	relieved

Yes, we have power again. I didn't notice the storm much; I spent Thursday in the hospital for a spot of minor surgery, and the hospital had big generators.

We didn't have much happen to us; while we were without power for longer than I've ever been without, all that happened was that we tossed the more perishable contents of our fridge.

We had a number of trees down in the neighborhood; one blocked a major arterial and one crushed someone's garage, but all we have is yet more pinecones from the neighbor's big cedar.

We pretty much skated through thanks to a friend who put us up so I could use my CPAP, and the fact that some places in Seattle had power and we had gas, so we ate out. I can thoroughly recommend the hot chocolate at Endolyne Joe's at Fauntleroy. Ditto their buttermilk pancakes.

We did have some emergency preparations in place. We had flashlights and more than sufficient batteries. Of our flashlights, the best were the LEDs on a headband (we're ordering another) because that left your hands free, and the flashlight you powered by shaking it back and forth.

We also had a crank-powered radio and a battery powered radio. I'm not a big listening to the news person; I usually read the paper. But I would have felt lost withough these, and they did serve to let us know where power was on - and restaurants and gas stations presumably open.

We need to get a UPS for my CPAP. If you have sleep apnea, you might want to think about that too. I might have just gone without for a night or two, but I'm taking pain meds for the surgery, so the CPAP was important.

We need to start believing that half a tank is empty. While we have power now, and the gas stations in West Seattle have gas, I have friends and relatives in the eastern half of the county who are beginning to run into problems - as in no electricity, no gas pumps.

We need to finish fixing our fireplace and put in a load of wood. Wood ran out early here at the supermarkets. Since we have relatives with an old apple orchard and a standing offer of free wood, we need to take advantage of that.

We need two more carbon monoxide detectors, for the bedroom and the basement. We have one in the main part of the house already.

We need to finish putting together our go-bags (bags of useful emergency stuff - med supplies (including prescriptions), important documents (insurance, wedding certificate, passports), and personal stuff (a CD of my portfolio) and boredom combators (deck of cards).

Anyhow, we're ever so glad to be back to the 21st century.

(If you're reading this and going What? We live four blocks from Puget Sound in Washington state.)

Date:	2006-08-15 07:37
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Bonnie Raitt - Total Eclipse of the Heart

I really do have better things to be doing...

You scored as II - The High Priestess. The High Priestess is a card of intuition, instinct and hidden knowledge. She knows all your secrets, you can hide nothing from her. Yet you will never know the secrets she herself protects.If well aspected in a Tarot spread, this card can indicate the use of intuition to solve problems; trust to your instincts. If badly aspected, it can mean suppression and ignoring of such instincts - following your head at the expense of your heart. </td> II - The High Priestess 88% XIX: The Sun 81% VI: The Lovers 81% III - The Empress 81% X - Wheel of Fortune 81% IV - The Emperor 81% I - Magician 75% XIII: Death 75% XI: Justice 69% XV: The Devil 50% VIII - Strength 44% 0 - The Fool 44% XVI: The Tower 38% Which Major Arcana Tarot Card Are You? created with QuizFarm.com

(Yes, I'm sure someone else has used this title before.)

We have two cats. For the sake of simplicity in this post I will refer to them as Big Cat and Little Cat. Big Cat is will be 7 years old shortly and is 12 lbs. Little Cat is 3 months old and weighs somewhere about 1.8 lbs.

Big Cat is on a diet and eating 1/2 cup extra special dietary cat food. It's not cheap. Little Cat, being a kitten is eating IAMs Kitten Chow stuffed with lots of extra goodness for growing kittens - as much as she wants.

You think you see the problem here, don't you? Big Cat is finishing her measly ration and bullying Little Cat away from her Kitten Chow and eating that too - not.

The real problem is that Little Cat is ignoring her Kitten Chow almost completely (except when we're asleep and can't see her munching it). Big Cat is trying to maintain her standards: eat most of her meal and then leave about 1/3 of her kibbles for a little snack later. This is not working because even before Big Cat finishes her meal, Little Cat is sticking her head in the bowl. Little Cat never leaves any kibbles for Big Cat to snack on later. Big Cat is sad. She sits by her empty bowl with her tail down and a hopeful look on her face.

Now you'd think that Big Cat wouldn't put up with this - that there'd be a whole lot of hissing, snarling, and maybe even some head bopping going on. But no, Little Cat has Big Cat totally under her paw - at least as far as this situation goes.

So we cleaned off the top of the hall bureau and are feeding Big Cat up there. Little Cat can't jump up there, although that's not for lack of trying (watching her try to do the Batman trick of crawling up the side of the bureau with her back against the wall is something else). I figure we've got until mid-to-late September before Little Cat can get up there. Unless Little Cat learns how to build an ornithopter.