Thought of the Day 2010 #195 - Finally Jamming

I finally made a batch of jam today. It's been a really, really bad year for our fruit trees and raspberry bushes. There were no apricots to speak of. The only peaches ready thus far are Saturns which are a good fresh eater, but don't have enough flavor to cook into jams or other confections. Today's bounty was raspberries. Normally by this point I would have made several batches of raspberry jam, frozen lots of whole berries and panicked trying to come up with more uses for the raspberries 'cuz I was overrun with them. Not this year. Last year I canned over five hundred jars if jam. This year so far, eight. Boo.

Your "no exoskeleton" food policy is intriguing. I'm going to attempt to change your position on this issue by badgering you via Formspring while not asking you an actual question. Our Founding Fathers died for our right to eat lobsters, not just fish.

Hehehe. I think our founding fathers died to allow us to choose to worship or not worship shellfish. Their intention was to eliminate government mandated exoskeleton love. A separation of shrimp and state, as it was later known.

Ask me anything

May i massage your beautiful blubbery stomach?

Are you a licensed massage therapist?

Ask me anything

fave sex position?

I'm pro sex. People who take the position of being against sex are missing out!

Ask me anything

What is your least liked food?

I really don't like seafood of any kind (fish is excluded from this). First, it tastes yucky and secondly, I don't think exoskeletons belong in our food chain.

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #194 - Summer

It's over!! or so it feels...

A new category for Top Photo Pics might be...Best smile shots or maybe least amount of clothing shots or how about swimsuit shots?

Great suggestions, thanks!

Ask me anything

What is the best joke you ever heard? Please tell it!

"There were two peanuts walking down the street.... And one was a salted." Ok, not the best joke I have ever heard, but pretty much the only joke I tell.

Ask me anything

got a Facebook?

I do have an account on there: http://www.facebook.com/catay
You?

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #193 - School

Do you feel the social pressures of going back to junior high at this time of year even though you're waaaaay past school age? Maybe it's just me...

Hi Catay, Ive really enjoyed your photos for a while now and I was wondering if you can do some feet and hand photo shooting, as I love (as many others) f&h and from what I can see yours are beautiful. You are very inspiring. blessed be-Paul

I will think about it. I dunno if my toes are ready for prime time, but I'll consider it. Thanks!

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #192 - Nail Polish

I can't wear the stuff without feeling like my fingers are hot and suffocating. Am I the only one??

Thought of the Day 2010 #191 - The Big C

I (heart) Laura Linney.

Thought of the Day 2010 #190 - Surprise Party Success

I didn't think it was possible to host a surprise party, and have it be a genuine surprise, but we did it yesterday! My step-daughter's 30th bday was yesterday, and thanks to last minute planning and some clever diversions (babysitting!), we did it! She was completely surprised and we had 50 people show up in a narrow window while she was babysitting. It couldn't have come together more smoothly.

Thanks!

Thanks to J.B. for the fabric and books! That was very kind and thoughtful surprise.

Thought of the Day 2010 #189 - Cows

It seems particularly wrong that we eat beef given that cow gestation is as long as ours. I can't really explain why it's wrong aside from that's a lot of production time and effort for a burger.

Is Islam an Obammanation too? Seriously, I agree religion has gotten way outta hand. I am sick of it myself. Bthvn

Of course. It's an organized religion.

Ask me anything

what is the difference between a chat, a blog and a twit?

Twit - 140 character notes, specific to Twitter.com. Usually called "tweet."

Blog - used to be for web logging, but is now considered self publishing using blogger.com or wordpress.com, etc.

Chat - live, written communication over some Internet based application between two or more people.

Dang, why ask me?? Did I do ok on this test??

Ask me anything

I noticed you stopped updating the Top Picks from your Photo updates a long time ago. Ever plan on updating the Top Picks or creating a new catagory?

Good question. I guess I haven't updated it 'cuz few of the newer photos are all that impressive to me. I'll review and determine if any should be included.

What would you suggest as a new category?

Ask me anything

If you could ask God just one question, what would it be?

If there is a god, I would ask what it thinks of the abomination that organized religion has become.

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #188 - Stretch

Can you do the splits? Yes, you, the one reading this. Inquiring minds want to know.

Thought of the Day 2010 #187 - Credit Scores

Prior to searching for Ivan's new car, I retrieved both of our credit reports from all three agencies. You can them for free once per year from annualcreditreport.com, a site owned by the FTC, yes, the government entity. So, I looked at 'em, and despite a few minor discrepancies, they seemed accurate and clean.

What sucketh much about the free reports us that you don't see the "score," just the raw details. Most loan rates are based upon the numerical score, so unless you are willing to either pay, you won't get your actual score.

Once we go to the dealer with the car we wanted to buy, they looked up our scores. They were really high, so we were able to get the lowest interest rate available, which was pretty sweet.

While our interest rate was lowered because of our good rating, it really chaps my hide that the people who really need a low rate probably are the ones with the crappiest rating. I think it's just another sign that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. While I know one can be poor and still have a decent credit rating, they typically have more debt just out of necessity. A higher debt load will significantly lower your credit score, even if the payments are made on time.

Oh, and another annoying thing. And credit company can request your credit score without you having an account with them. They are just fishing and looking for information on you that should only be given if YOU request it. I have six requests on my report from American Express. I don't have any accounts with them although I get the craptastic offers in the mail fairly often. Grrrr. Who really owns your financial information?? Clearly, it is not the individual. It's the credit agency. Are they looking after your best interest?? No, of course not. They make their money from the banks. Grrrr.

Thought of the Day 2010 #186 - More Bats

I heard tonight that the house next door had over 200 bats in the attic a few years ago. Apparently they counted them coming out one night. The hole has since been patched and the bats had to find a new home. I can't help but wonder how few flying bugs were around then? Mosquitos must have been rare! Those were the days...

What's the worst bug-bite experience you've ever had?

A few years ago at a BBQ in my honor at a friend's house in Minnesota, I was extra tasty to the mosquitos. I was covered with repellant, but that didn't stop them. I had, easily ten biting me at any one time. I was swatting, talking, and suddenly panicking. I was being eaten alive!! I had to leave...and fast. I was completely miserable until I got back to my hotel and was able to take a shower to get the stinky repellant off me and to sooth the itching.

Ask me anything

I bought some of your jams in years past. I found one jar in my pantry marked 2008. Is it still okay to eat?

Hmmmm...it should be fine, provided that the seal is still intact. Nutritional value(if any) diminishes with time.
If it happens to be a variety with nuts or chocolate, the flavor may be off, but it should still be safe to eat.

If you happen to want more jams, I am still selling them to previous buyers, friends and family.. I stopped selling them on Etsy over paranoia with potential lawsuits. People will sue over anything these days...

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #185 - Negativity

Despite my often negative bent on my TotDs, I am an overwhelmingly positive person. That's why a consistently negative person can often rub me the wrong way...a lot. I often wonder if most people have to struggle to be positive, or if most have a sunny disposition? Based upon the way much of the US treats its fellow man, I'd hasten to say they are a giant pit of emotional pain out there....and I just want to give them a BIG hug to help them get the f* over it!!

Thought of the Day 2010 #184 - Catch-up

Finally caught up to date on Photos of the Week. I'm so often behind these days...maybe it should be "Photo Selections of the Month"??

What is the most unwelcome close encounter with the animal kind you've ever had?

Hmmm...the bat from the other day was bad...came within 6 inches of my face. But, I think the worst was a couple of wild dogs that were on the property killing our chickens. I tried to scare them away by screaming at them. I didn't have my contacts in, so I didn't see they were pitbulls until they were within 10 feet of me. Luckily, as I backed away, the flailing chicken kept them occupied until I could call the police. I think the fear of wild pitbulls is pretty strong with me, so while nothing happened, I do wonder what would have happened if they decided the chickens weren't interesting anymore.

Ask me anything

Ever wake up five years later and go "what the fork was I thinking?!"

Hmmm...nope. I believe I think things through fairly well. I try not to do anything that I would regret at a later date.

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #183 - Skeeters

I have so many mosquito bites on my body that I don't have time to really think. *scratch* *scratch* *scratch*

Thought of the Day 2010 #182 - Ugh Women

No, not all women. I belong to a private board on Facebook for fat women and specifically those seeking dates. While I am not there looking for dating advice, I had thought I could impart some advice or stories from my singlehood. Unfortunately, it has turned into a gossip board. At one point I saw so many, "I heard X about him from a girl who dated him, and...." that I posted a call to eliminate hearsay. I think it helped for a few days...but then...back into the gutter of gossip and speculation about individual's sexuality and orientation. Just messed up. What is really disgusting is that the women who are the worst gossips and speculators are completely convinced that such talk is completely acceptable in a semi public environment. Which, in my opinion, it is not. Nothing but damage can come from it. And, right now, the primary damage is to the reputation of these gossips. Oh, and my trust in women is even less solid than it was before. Women suck. (Obviously not ALL women, but a large number of them. ewww. Icky. Ptooey. If I were a man, I think I just might be gay.)

Thought of the Day 2010 #181 - Perseid Meteor Shower

The last couple of nights, we've been out in the desert, about an hour from Salt Lake city. It was a far enough distance to be relatively free of the city's light pollution in order to catch a good glimpse of Perseids shooting across the sky. Last night was gorgeous -- quiet, lots of meteorites, and clear skies, but a bit on the chilly side. Tonight was equally ripe with meteorites although we were out much earlier than peak time. There were a couple of problems, though -- lots of four wheel traffic and large, low flying bats. I can deal with cold, noise and traffic, but bats buzzing six inches overhead made for a short evening. They really need to learn some flying manners...

Thought of the Day 2010 #180 - Blizzard

I had a mini size Blizzard from Dairy Queen tonight. It was tasty, and probably a fair portion if it were to follow dietary strict guidelines. For me, it was a little on the smallish size. I finished it up quickly, then dreamed of returning and ordering all 25 flavors in mini size. That would be way excessive, but maybe that is DQ's clever marketing?? Dang those marketing geniuses!

Thought of the Day 2010 #179 - Peach Thieves

Peach thieving season is upon us yet again. It's the time of year when losers pull up to our yard and help themselves to the juicy peach goodness dripping from the trees. Even upon being confronted, the thieves are unapologetic. It's as if they feel they have every right to raid the trees. One car yesterday had the parents encouraging their little kids to do the stealing for them. Awesome. Not only are the parents losers, but they are passing the bad habits onto their children.

What is ridiculous is that if someone comes to the door, or catches us in the yard, we are always willing to share. All one has to do is ask, and the peaches can be had.

It's the bold-faced thieving that drives me crazy. So, today, I called the police and asked if I were to provide a license plate number, would they actually follow through and contact idiots who knowingly steal a handful or bucketful of peaches? You betcha, they will.

My photo and documenting task is ahead of me. I figure we don't need to confront, just stand in front of their car, take a photo, or just write the license down. SoJo's finest will do the rest to try to "learn 'em" that stealing is wrong.

Thought of the Day 2010 #178 - Where Have I Been?

Ever hear about a popular website but you had no idea it existed for years prior to being told about it? I heard about one today: http://www.bakerella.com/ . Tasty treats, exceptionally well presented. Glad I finally found it.

Thought of the Day 2010 #177 - Digital Photos

Digital photography has been readily available for well over 15 years, and even prior to that, decent scanning was available, so is there any reason for someone to have a 25 pixel square, blurry photo as their Facebook profile? No, not unless they are intentionally trying to to obfuscate their face for *some* nefarious reason.

(By the way, I actually pulled "obfuscate" out of my butt without having to look it up. Yup, three dollar word right there...in *my* blog, and I haven't had any coffee since this am. Clearly, I impress myself...)

What's the funniest movie you saw? For me...Airplane. When Leslie Nielson was at the airport fighting his way thru all sorts of religious groups peddling tracts trying to convert/save him.

So many funny movies that strike me as funny fall flat at other times. There's Something About Mary made me laugh the hardest in the theater. I nearly bust a gut. Watching it now, it is funny, but not *that* funny.

Being There, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Raising Arizona, Animal House are a few funny oldies that come immediately to mind. Airplane is a classic, too!

Ask me anything

If you were in a dessert eating contest, which dessert would you select?

Hmmm...if I go with something decent, and easy to consume, I would go with pudding. If I go for something yummy that I would want to eat large quantities, quickly, maybe Boston cream pie. Ask me again tomorrow, and it will probably be different.

Ask me anything

Any new photos of the week coming?

Yes! I'm a bit behind, but have some shots ready to go. I should have them up this weekend.

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #176 - Prop 8 in CA

I'm glad that prop 8 in California was overturned. It's a positive step forward in giving homosexuals the civil rights they deserve.

Beautiful Peeps

Here's just a handful of the beautiful people I had the pleasure of hanging out with at the Las Vegas BBWnetwork Bash:

 

Well I'm a genuine crockpot. Is that good enough?

Perfect!

Ask me anything

Thought of the Day 2010 #175 - Genuine

Getting older and wiser I have found that I appreciate genuine people and moments more and more. So much so, that I crave it.

I will apologize if I'm wrong right here on Dec 31 2012! LOL.

Bwwwahahahahah. Ok.

Ask me anything

There is a battle for the soul of humanity. The empire will win for a short time until heaven strikes back in a grand finale :)

Oh nooooooo...not religious ridiculousness... Almost as ridiculous as Star Wars references.
Save me. Wait...I mean don't "save" me...

Ask me anything

Wasn't trying to worry you, just making sure you're loyal to the empire is all.

Loyal to the empire?? hehehe. Darth Vader would be proud.

Ask me anything

Early riser eh?? I dislike people like you! :) I say "stay up late, sleep late". Just kidding about disliking you. I need a better reason but can't think of any. OK, so you're the best and I'm jealous. Better? ...can you tell I've had a few to

Sometimes an early riser...sometimes a late riser. I do enjoy early, productive days more, but some days the pillow is paramount!

Ask me anything

Wondering what you think about increase in surveilance of web browsing and emails.

There's an increase? How do we know there's not just an increase in news stories about it? In any event, I don't do anything to crazy or deviant or illegal, so I am not worried.

Ask me anything

I spotted this in the desert yesterday: