Musings of the Chronologically Challenged™ Fourth Generation

 
MEMORIES

On a typical summer's day in 1987, Mother and I enjoyed one of our lunch and shopping outings. We were on the way home, when we drove past a newly opened pet shop in town. I had wanted a Himalayan kitten for quite a while, so on a whim, I pulled the car into the parking lot. I told Mother I was going to take a quick look in the new shop to see if they had any Himalayans. The problems with kitty and puppy mills were well known to me, but I hoped since the shop just opened, there wouldn't be any long term "prisoners."

Right at the door where I walked in there was a cage with six gorgeous little Himalayans. One of them came right up to my finger poking through the cage and gave it a rough little tongue lick. Upon inquiring, I learned that the kittens had just been placed that morning by a breeder who had promised the pet store a litter. Further questioning revealed that the "breeder" was a neighbor of mine that I didn't even know - distances between neighbors in the country and all. On the way home, I stopped by the neighbor's house, introduced myself and asked about the kittens. The breeder confirmed the details and price that the pet shop manager had told me. The kittens were, indeed, born and raised in the home, with a resident child, and had just gone to the pet shop that day. All my criterion.

That night I spoke to Mother on the telephone and "we" decided I should get the kitten! I had been a Persian breeder several years before but had never had a Himalayan - which Mother agreeably pointed out! - and she thought I should have it. That was the only nod I needed to go back the next morning and purchase the kitten, since my husband had given up on curtailing my animal obsessions years before. He was raised on a farm and as far as he was concerned cats and dogs were not "pets", but stock. Cats kept rats and mice out of the barn and dogs hunted. However, he always tolerated mine very well, or in any event humored me.

But this feline was not just a cat. She was aristocracy and the precious little blue-eyed darling had to have a name as special as she was. So I began my research in earnest for the perfect name. This was serious business B.G. (Before Google) and required reference books and library visits. Finally I read of a massif of the Himalaya Mountains in north-central Nepal named Annapurna. By adding "Mist", I had a lovely registration name that was accepted on the first submission. So began my life with Annapurna Mist.

For almost 18 years Anna was my constant companion. She shared the happiness, sadness, and ups and downs of my life. In all those years, she was never away from my side more than the few days my job required I be away. When Anna came into my life, my husband and I had a little beach getaway where we went every weekend. Anna always went too and she became an excellent traveller and beach kitty. Oh, the stories of our lives she was a part of and the joy she brought to me! Her story is our family history for almost two decades. The fabric of my family life has Anna threaded through it and she touched every family member. I can never think of Anna and not recall a favorite family story. She was central to many of our classics.

It was my intention to write a memorial to her today and tell some of the humorous and meaningful tales of Anna and the Indigo Family, but I find I'm not up to it after all. After seeing the lovely post at Obnoxious Droppings, I feel any more said would be redundant, and meaningless to BlogWorld in any case. But please visit ObDrop and see the beautiful cat who was my faithful friend for so long.

Rest in Peace, Dear Anna.
posted by HCL at 5:10 PM

 
GOOD STORY FROM SAN DIEGO

"We lived near the (American) embassy and I always saw Marines standing outside the building," said Goumandakoye. "I talked to one of them one day; I think I was 17. He was very nice and courteous. That is when I knew that I wanted to be a Marine."



PUSSYFOOTIN'™
with Lynx

>^..^< Who in their right mind would vote to stop the production of armored humvees, to lay off workers at the only plant that makes them? Here's the story.

>^..^< Sailor in the Desert has some excerpts from "Heralds Brighter Black Future," plus a link to the entire intense article.

>^..^< The Conservative Brotherhood continues to grow. I believe Darmon Thornton has an updated blogroll. Give them some hits and promote their cause, while staying current on the movement.

>^..^< Chuck of Big Mouth fame features a banner naming the stingy Americans who have donated $1,030,714,108.34 American dollars for tsunami relief. See The Stingy List.

>^..^< Having to spend a lot of time at the hospital has not slowed down the other Chuck's blogging. He takes the new laptop with him everywhere he goes now! Good for you, Chuck. Keep on keeping those Alabama politicians on their toes!

>^..^< For the lowdown on the new Superman, see SlagleRock. Nice eye candy for females and rebuts Rivrdog and Grouchy Old Cripple.

>^..^< And for some really cute kid pics (and trust me, I'm not easily impressed!) check the offerings at Accidental Verbosity. While you're over there, peruse some of the interesting reading too.

>^..^< Read all about the 25-Word Challenge!

>^..^< Couldn't get a comment to go up at Ramblings' Journal. Wanted to tell Michael that however unkind his blog was, it truly was funny as heck!!



MORE TIMELY TIPS
(I don't know why people keep sending me these. They should know that anybody as old as I, has already heard all this stuff and tested some of them!)

INCOMING
from Old Bob, Kinston, NC
Old Wives Tales?

Did You Know That:

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers." (Don't know; but Gatorade couldn't hurt you.)

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns? (No, I didn't know that.)

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose. (This one works!)

Achy muscles from the flu? Mix one tablespoon of horseradish in one cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles. (and then change the sheets!)

Sore Throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria. (Been hearing it a long time - not tried it.)

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product has never been advertised for this use. (Been hearing this forever too - not tried it.)

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes... All you need is a dab of Preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly. (Sounds reasonable - but caution should be taken to avoid making the eye disappear.)

Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight. (???)

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again. (Heard about this one a lot too - untried.)

Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them. (THIS ONE WORKS!)

Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done. (???)

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly. (Imagine that!)

Smart splinter remover ... just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue. (Possibly?)

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ... cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head. (You didn't hear this from me!)

Balm for broken blisters... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine... a powerful antiseptic. (It's a powerful antiseptic alright.)

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process. (Heard it; not tried it.)

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas. (Doubt it!)

Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh. (THIS ONE WORKS!)

Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, and then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing. (Heard it from a vet and IT DOES WORK! Vet said mineral oil or olive oil. Wesson was not specified.)

Vaseline cure for hair balls... To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a small dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat's nose during shedding season. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system. (Been using this method for years. IT DOES WORK!)

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief.... It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain. (???)



The following is dedicated to a Southern blogger girlfriend. She'll know it's for her if she sees it!! heh

Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
And Patience for his moods.
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.
posted by HCL at 9:25 AM

 
There's no way to catch up missed time, so I'll not even try. I've had a very busy week, but not at the computer. Road trip to doctor; more birthday parties; overnight guests; more than usual influx of visitors; various appointments, etc., etc. Like John Lennon said, life was happening. A "busy week" translates into exhaustion and more than the usual daily allowance of pain and suffering! (Also, sharpens drama queen skills!)

The carpal tunnel is greatly improved and it'll be best if I don't press my luck and type too much, but I wanted to share this with you. By the end of the tiring week, I was at a low ebb and close to a funk. Today, still needing a pick-me-up, lo and behold my dear BlogSon came through with a stimulating telephone call that drove away the blues. He's such a sweetheart! Thanks for the therapy, B.S. After our telephone visit, an email came in from another friend and it was perfect for the moment. Here it is:


Hello God,
I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.
I want to ask you please to keep
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.
Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.
I thank you God for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.
Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!
posted by HCL at 4:40 PM

 
REMEMBER PAT TILLMAN


">Here and here and here and here

For a total history, Google Search the 361,000 reference sites. A cursory scan of many pages at Google, revealed much I had not known before. If you go there, don't miss Ted Rall's "contributions" for a renewed low opinion of this pond scum.



PET DIARIES

A Dog's Diary

7am - Oh Boy! Breakfast! My favorite!
9am - Oh Boy! A car ride! My favorite!
10am - Oh Boy! A walk! My favorite!
11am - Oh Boy! A car ride! My favorite!
Noon - Oh Boy! A nap! My favorite!
1pm - Oh Boy! The yard! My favorite!
3pm - Oh Boy! Animal Planet! My favorite!
4pm - Oh Boy! Dinner! My favorite!
5pm - Oh Boy! Grandma! My favorite!
7pm - Oh Boy! Playing with my "teddy"! My favorite!
9pm - Oh Boy! Sleeping in Daddy's bed! My favorite!


A Cat's Diary

Day 183 of my captivity...
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.

Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant. Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded; must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair; must try this on their bed.

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and commented about what a good little kitty I was. Hmmm, not working according to plan.

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was because of my power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously an idiot. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of time...
posted by HCL at 12:20 PM

 
MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.
April 14, 2005

"I asked my senior drill instructor three questions before I made the phone call.

'Is there something wrong with my brother?'

'Yes.'

'Is he dead?'

'No.'

'I forced down tears and asked if his body was still intact ... he told me he didn't know and that we would find that out today."

[Read the entire article of these heroic Marine brothers here.]



WISCONSIN CATS FIGHT BACK
Now That's What I'm Talking About!!
HT WIZBANG!



INCOMING
from Jimmy, Ayden, NC


..Who woulda thought???

My mail carrier told me that the US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow jackets away.

I use it when I am working outside. It really works. The yellow jackets just veer around you.

And all this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!

It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.

It also repels mice… spread them around foundation areas, or in trailers, cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.

It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.

Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

Eliminates static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.

Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.

Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.

Freshen the air in your home. Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.

Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.

Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

Freshen the air in your car. Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food.

Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.

Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. Keeps them smelling fresh.

And now that you know, print and keep on file or pass it around.

[Indigo kicks self: Should have bought that Bounce stock!]
posted by HCL at 11:20 AM

 
Had planned to take another day of rest today, but when Sgt. Grit's newsletter came in I knew some "pasties" were called for. If you don't get the Sgt. Grit Newsletter, you probably missed the following, and I need to pass this on to you.


INCOMING
from Sgt. Grit

Devils,

I am a Reservist living in California right now. We were told a few weeks back to expect activation soon. I am starting to get prepared to go; wills, power of attorneys, the dentist, a little extra PT...anyways, I have been in for two and a half years now and have volunteered twice, but have been denied each time. It looks like the third time might be the charm. I am anxious to do my duty to Country and Corps, just as many of you have done in the past, are currently doing now, and will do in the future. Thank you for allowing me to live free. I hope that I can uphold the traditional and pass it on to generations of Americans to come. Semper Fi!

LCPL Zygielbaum
N 5/14


Sgt. Grit,

Please be advised that the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines has safely returned to Camp Pendleton after serving a tough tour in Iraq. Our son in law, Cpl. James W. Brooks, is one of those returning and has a date to meet his new son for the first time
on April 9th when they return to Chicago. This battalion of the finest Marines yet created returned home without 12 of their brothers and at last report had 130 wounded during their tour. This reserve unit gave up their personal lives to go and defend
the freedom of people they didn't even know, in a strange and barren land so they could know the freedom we so take for granted. Nothing we can do or say can ease the pain of returning home without their brothers but our deep felt appreciation for
their sacrifices is warranted and shall be given when they arrive at their meet and greet return party. Please take the time to thank all of our service men and women who so valiantly go and defend democracy throughout the world.

Welcome Home Marines!
Semper Fi,
Tom Gillespie
RV Hotel Co. 70-71


[St. Grit says: Pass this newsletter on to anyone you feel would like it.
To submit your thoughts use info@grunt.com
To SUBSCRIBE go here: http://www.grunt.com/scuttlebutt/freenewsletter.asp ]
posted by HCL at 10:45 PM

 

"BEAD GIRL" CURRENT STATUS
The Saga Continues

Here's the current on Raven the Bead Girl. Keep in touch with Stark Truth to follow today's and further developments. Looks like new "doo" due at school this morning. If you want to catch up on the history of this fiasco, follow the links on the Stark Truth page. Stark's comment section is constantly updated. Obnoxious Droppings and A Sailor in the Desert are keeping up on this too. (Reminder: See Indigo's Lynx at left for URLs to referenced blogs.)



INCOMING
from Bob, Kinston, NC

Bob's email begins with "I'm not Catholic, but this is impressive." Then he gives this link that begins: " He was like no one else in our lifetimes, let's face it, bigger than any president, bigger than any dictator, bigger than entertainers, than Elvis, than the Beatles, bigger than all the sports heroes from Babe Ruth to this day combined."

If you thought you had heard, read, or seen everything about Pope John Paul during the last few weeks, as did I, then you were mistaken, as was I. Take a couple of minutes to link and read this.

"I'm not Catholic, but this is impressive." proved to be an understatement.



INCOMING
from Christina, Swansboro, NC

A true story -
Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke - all because Sherry saw Susie stumble - -that is the key that isn't mentioned below - and then she asked Susie the 3 questions. So simple - - this literally saved Susie's life - - Read and Learn!

SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO KNOW: IS IT A STROKE?

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

* Ask the individual to SMILE.

* Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

* Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE. It could save a life!

[Indigo says: Just passing this on. Not recommending anything. Ask your personal physician.]
posted by HCL at 12:30 AM

 
WORDS FROM A WIMP

After a disabling stroke plus cancer in the last years of her life, Bette Davis said it best: "Old age is not for wimps!" Beginning another decade and dealing with the infirmities thereof, I can only say "You tell 'em, Bette!"

Followers of the melange known as Indigo Insights are aware that Indigo has wimped out more and more often over the last few months. Typing has become a real chore and it looks like I'm going to have to curtail it even more. I'll be taking more shortcuts (i.e., less links, more pasting) in order to update the page at all. It really seems like unnecessary physical punishment for me to sit and type when any of the great blogs listed at left have usually posted a lot of my thoughts, and in a much more readable format/style. If you stop by and there's nothing current here, please pop in on blogs of some of those nice folks.

And please continue to pray for our military.
posted by HCL at 12:50 PM

 
THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL

I would like for my daughter, son, granddaughter, grandsons, my wonderful friends, and the many puter-pals who honored my birthday yesterday to know how very much your remembrances, cards, gifts, and efforts meant to me. What a great blow-out party I was feted to last night at the Outback! It's apparent I can't pull one of those off but once a year anymore!!! And Acidman notwithstanding, some of us (ME!) can be hung over the next morning on ONE GLASS OF WINE!!! Danny Glover said it all, if you recall!!

Oh, and by the way to my puter-pals, the birthday cake had so many candles on it, the sprinkler system came on!!! (No, not really -- but that's what the Outback personnel was worried about!)
posted by HCL at 11:32 AM

 
RIDICULOUS AND SUBLIME


Amazing what one can find at Ramblings' Journal!

But nothing to see here if you're in a serious mood.
posted by HCL at 10:53 PM