Wildlife in the Snow. Rare!

And very very stoopid!

A Bear in Buffalo, New York caught doing what the non-hibernating side of the species do during a snowstorm that will eventually  dump 9 inches of lake-effect snow on the area.

***Courtesy of the Daily Mail, UK. Seems readers of the paper would love nothing more than for this nightmare to fall upon them.  Careful what you wish for.

You can’t make this up.

*

The Epic Dream of My Life, or Something Like It.

 I guess this is what being a shut-in is all about. What an afternoon/night.  I must have dreamed the epic of all dreams during that time.  And it was in the most vivid colour, too. Stand aside Mr. DeMille! I Take Large Steps.

I swear I could almost smell popcorn. 

The locations ranged from Florida’s Gulf Coast, New Orleans, Amsterdam, unidentifiable beaches everywhere, London, New York City (most intense), Toronto, even a desert-type landscape with oak trees instead of palms, and La Jolla. And featured just about everyone I have ever known in my life - long term, or nameless acquaintances - and I performed the most amazing feats that I’ve never done in real life. And I performed them well. 

I woke twice to pee and drink some water. When I returned to bed the dream continued where it left off.  Oddly enough, there were few appearances by family members, which I suppose means something, I don’t know what. 

There were large chunks of reality in there, too. Episodes of rejection and times I was abandoned. It was interesting to watch myself from afar as I pulled myself together and moved on, or hid myself in shame before finding the strength and foothold to move on.

There was a lot of flying involved. Made difficult at times by the other people in a given episode trying to keep me down, in my place, as it were. Sometimes it was hard to break free.

I seemed to be on a search, or quest of some kind and everywhere I went I found something “important” that was stuffed into a carisack as sort of a piece of the overall puzzle.  

It’s now 1:30 AM and I am pretty dreamed out. The dream ended quietly with me living in one of those new tiny houses in a vast open field somewhere in no-man’s land. I was surrounded by the collection of “things” found along the way. Though people would drive by and wave as I sat on the tiny porch of the tiny house, I was alone, but completely at peace. 

Camera pulls back to a wide shot of the house in the middle of a vast, brownish-gold plain, a narrow dirt road a few yards from the house. There is no evidence of a car of my own. The only bright colors are those of the house. Sound of wind in the background. Fade to black.

I had no narcotics beforehand. I was tired and sleepy after lunch and decided a nap would be a good thing.  Little did I know…

Thought I’d write about it before it all fades away and I have only snippets to taunt me.  I mean, I doubt a dream like this one is likely to come to me again.

I am amazed. 

*

Throwback Thursday

Weekend at Bear Mountain State Park, New York - 1976. 

Weekend on Bear Mountain in the Fall. Beautiful place. All other pics were of my Ex and have been thrown away. There is only this one of me.

And so it goes.

Gotham Must Wait. Or, Not.

A  trip to NYC, including an extensive tour of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is currently off the gay agenda. At least for now, anyway. As I wrote last week, there was a tentative plan in the works through the Cancer Center here  for me to be evaluated for any suitable trials or upcoming studies at MSK.

Aside from being a logistical nightmare - get to Amtrak in Wilmington, DE for a train to NYC, subways/walk to the hospital on York Avenue at 67th Street; go through hours of paperwork, tests, and mental evaluation. (I'd probably flunk right there.) Then reverse the whole affair to Penn Station, to Wilmington, then the drive back home (about 2.5 hour drive) - especially since I would be going it alone the events of this week have pretty much killed the idea. At least to my mind.

I suddenly caught a cold, or had an allergic reaction to something (take your pick) a few days ago and spiked a fever.  With this, at no extra charge, came chest congestion and a wicked cough.  In a Neutropenic like myself, this sets off flashing lights and blaring sirens. Spent 4 hours at the center as they drew blood cultures, took urine samples, prescribed a mega-antibiotic, and re-prescribed one med that was put on hold a few days prior. 

Two days later the fever broke, just in time for the HH Party Monday afternoon.  No fever has dared to return since.

Blood work yesterday revealed low CBC again.  Not good news. There was only a slim chance I could have made the Manhattan trip alone under those circumstances. I didn’t like the odds.

I received 1 unit of blood today, am scheduled for Neupogen shots the next 3 days. The 4th and final cycle of Chemo begins on Monday for 7 consecutive days. There is no time for NYC in there, anywhere.  Even if there was the luxury of door-to-door transportation, it wouldn’t work out right now.

So with all this not happening, it’s another round of hurry up and wait.

I have no other medical appointments for the rest of the week and I am loving it no end. Lots of YouTube documentaries in my future, thank you very much.

And so it goes.

*

Possibly Good News

Two nurses from the Cancer Research Department sought me out today.  Their job is to find studies or trials that are suitable for current patients and try to match them up, hopefully getting a spot for a patient, like me, who has few other options.

The good news is that the NIH and Mayo Clinic run studies periodically and I may be eligible for one or more of those - if they begin again in the Fall. From what I gather some are studies, others are clinical trials for specific drugs. 

The NIH study could be based anywhere from Maryland to New York, to Florida. The Mayo studies could take place in Minnesota, Florida, or New York in the US, and France or The Netherlands. No word about whether housing is provided or there is a nominal fee, and/or how long the studies, or trials, run.  Again, it seems a study can last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. 

Not sure about how the drug trials work. Of course, if the drug isn’t FDA approved, the trials would take place in another country, but may include Americans willing to travel (read desperate for options) abroad for an extended period of time. Any of you medical professionals out there will know more about this than I.

Of course, I would keep the apartment here, unless otherwise instructed. I have nothing holding me anywhere, so it doesn’t matter. But this news gives me hope where there was little to none beforehand.

Without getting his hopes up, this Cajun is optimistic.

And so it goes.

*

Throwback Thursday: London

Being cheeky!

Road Rage Caturday

Seemed appropriate this weekend.

More later.
*

Zen and the Art of Picking Silver Queen

(Not being a silver quean.  It’s a type of white corn.)

The quiet drive to Lewes Beach this hot, (84’F at 6 a.m.) muggy morning at sunrise got my day off right.  Taking pictures of the deserted beach, bay, and surrounding areas. It was refreshing to be the only person within a half mile of the place. Although there were parked cars in the lot, their occupants were nowhere to be seen.

As I sat on a bench facing the sunrise on the bay, I thought about cooking and what dishes I’d like to make for upcoming lunches and suppers.  That brought my thoughts to the Utility/Knife drawer. Don’t ask.

Cleaning out the utility/knife drawer took up most of the rest of the morning. I figured if the utensil or knife hadn’t been used in a year or more, it was time to chuck it.  I have removed the cleavers (Chinese & French), poultry shears, 3 very large chef’s knives (I’ll never use a 12” blade again, that ship has sailed) and pared down the number of paring knives accumulated over the years. 

I discovered I could use 5 or 6 inch Chef and Utility blades - more workable in my tiny kitchen space - and a sharpening stone (lost my grandfather’s stone in the settlement). Two of my best are not terribly sharp though they hold an edge well. So, all these items are in a box to go out - somewhere -  and I’ll be keeping an eye open for new replacements.  Good ones. I’ve had good luck at local Thrift Stores and a few are closing soon, so I’ll check out their stock.

Meanwhile…Transferring, editing images off the stick to the hard drive became next on the to-do list.  It’s way too hot and humid to even attempt anything outdoors, so this was just the right chore at the right time. This also means more old images to post for unsuspecting visitors on Throwback Thursdays.  Heh-heh, yeah, right.

At peace: Finally, having to drive in summer traffic I’m learning patience with

the crazies on the roads.  I mean, there are things that have to be done and not on my preferred time-of-day.  Not coping really, just dealing with it all. Adjusting and finding ways around potential bottlenecks and problem areas.  Not so hard to do, if I just keep cool and take my time.

I clocked the actual time waiting to get into traffic at a stop sign on the Coastal Highway - a spot where everyone gets anxious and complains about it. The reality was a little over 1 minute before there was a break in traffic due to a red light up the road. It just SEEMS like forever, and man, does it ever. Still, I’m learning and seem to be doing well, considering. 

I’ve sought alternative routes, too. They’re not most convenient, but beat sitting in bumper to bumper exhaust fumes by a long shot. Truth is, because of one such detour, I found a local farm truck on the side of the road selling fresh picked corn-on-the-cob today. It’s Silver Queen, still coated with the morning dew, and I will enjoy it with supper tonight.  See, there’s an upside if we just back off and let the chaos flow around us as we stay focussed on our own goal.  Jeez!  I sound positively New Age, don’t I?

Thing is, I have to be out in the chaos anyway; there’s no way out of that, so I’ll make the best of it rather than fight it and get all stressed out.  Stress is not our friend. 

Wok Stir-Fry supper.  Pork and peppers, onions, snow peas, and garlic.  With sticky rice and Silver Queen corn, of course.

And so it goes.

*

After the Holiday, Discomfort

Or, something like that…

While mostly good weather stayed with us for the holiday weekend, things have gone down hill ever since. Sure, it may have been somewhat uncomfortable over the weekend, but most visitors could ignore it - being distracted by all the good times and social events. 

That’s over and reality has set in. It’s rained off and on every day all week. Even a few thunderstorms around. The temps have been in the 80s and the rain offers no relief for that situation. Just adds to the misery.

It’s been HOT, but high humidity and a very high pollen count has made just a bout everyone miserable. Allergies play no favorites. Local and visitor alike - all walking around sniffling, wiping runny eyes. 

Seems there’s little relief except in the ocean where the sea water seems to soothe the sinuses, offering some relief. Hasn’t bothered me much. I’ve even taken a few rides in the rain, mostly on back roads, just to get out of the city and apartment for a while. 

I’ve got Labs this morning with the possibility of transfusion later in the day, or tomorrow.  It’s been two weeks since my last transfusion, so we’ll see what the doctor says. 

I am no longer on the Chemo. He took me off a week ago when my white cells dropped into the basement and before I’d be forced to wear the isolation mask again.  Please, please.  Anything but that!!!

I’ve found another whole list of Pern books that I didn’t know about, or even that they existed. McCaffrey did a great job with character development - even with minor characters in the first books who play a greater roles as the storyline progresses.  It’s been great fun to read the back stories of some fave characters who were background noise in the first trilogy, as they become an integral part of the longer saga. 

There’s another trilogy devoted to the Harper Hall alone, as well as a biography of the early life of the Master Harper himself.  She has, indeed, created a lovely world and I am loving it.  Sure makes the boring time fly by, that’s for sure.

A blogger buddy suggested series, more recently published. “The Magicians” series by Lev Grossman.  They are all available in ebook form, too. The third in the series has just been published so if I like the first one, I can get the others without a long wait. 

On another note, the Locosguys left for NOLA yesterday, so I should be hearing something from them any time now. They did pick the dates (the beginning of hurricane season, and the rainy season down there, anyway)so there are few festivals or other distractions to intrude on their holiday.  They aren’t into jazz. In fact, I’m not sure what kind of  music they enjoy.  Again, not my problem.  Hope they enjoy the scenery, the food, and the local hospitality.  They deserve the brief rest.

Off to have blood drawn to make sure I didn’t die over this past week.  Cheers!

And so it goes.

*

Say What You Want About Delaware…

Like many other states, The First State has its share of woes…but not when it

comes to an emergency honey bee situation.  Oh no. We have a plan!

Motorists in Delaware were buzzing with one of the most unusual police alerts ever: “Transient bee swarms in the area.”
A tractor-trailer hauling 460 hives from Florida to Maine overturned on a northbound on-ramp on I-95 in Newark, Del., releasing between 16 million and 20 million bees and causing police to advise drivers to avoid the area.
The driver, 55, and two passengers in their 20s suffered minor injuries in the crash, but were each stung by between 50 and 100 bees.
"(They) were running down the street covered in bees, receiving multiple bee stings," Lawrence Tan, chief of New Castle County Paramedics, told WPVI. The station also sent out a photo of the accident scene:
The three were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition, according to multiple reports in the local media.
The state police have had a contingency plan in place for the removal of bee swarms for 14 years, but until now, it's just been words on paper. (bolding mine)
"This is the first time we've actually activated the plan," Sgt. Paul G. Shavack told Delaware Online.
With so many bees around the truck, it took at least an hour before police could even get near it -- so they called in experts, as the plan advises.
“Having traveled up from Florida, up here they’re probably thirsty, now they’re all disoriented and angry I’m sure,” beekeeper Dave Feinberg told CBS Philadelphia.
"They've been traumatized so they're pretty upset now," Paul Dill, another beekeeper, told CSNPhilly.com.
Beekeepers advised police not to attempt to round them up but to disperse them with water. Video of the scene shows firefighters spraying the wreck.
The bees were being brought to Maine to pollinate blueberries, NBC Philadelphia reports. But it's estimated that 90 percent of the bees were lost as a result of the accident.
It's not a total loss for everyone, though. Local beekeepers are being allowed to keep whatever bees they can roundup. 

You can’t make this stuff up. Troopers can’t handle traffic during a power failure, but they’ve got a plan for handling overturned trucks full of bees.  

Got fig.

And so it goes.

*

Inspections, Reservations and Dry Martinis

Felt much better than expected as I drove out to the DMV yesterday morning. Or rather, I should say I “drove the gauntlet” to the DMV. Road, highway, and home construction created obstacles every few miles.  From heavy equipment on and off the roadway, to lane closures on an otherwise major artery from DC and Maryland. Unfortunately, I had to drive the road in both directions, since my alternate route of choice was closed completely for 3 miles in either direction. There was also electronic signage flashing warnings of more disruptions to come next week in other areas down the same road.

It was good I chose to make the journey when I did. It will be a complete nightmare by next week.  Why this work is left to just weeks before Memorial Day and the summer season, I cannot guess and will probably never know.  But, they do it all the time, every year.

Needless to say, the trip took much longer than it ought, but I had nothing else to do and no where to be before noon, so I took my time and watched other frantic drivers (who weren’t as fortunate) pound their fists and scream at the road crews, who couldn’t hear them over the noise of their machines anyway.

As usual for a Monday, the inspection lines at the DMV were already long when I arrived - a half hour before the bays were opened. Oh, well. I was lucky to get behind three landscaping trucks who went through quickly and passed with flying colors. My own inspection went smoothly as well and within a half hour I had paid for the new sticker and was on the road heading back to the beach. 

Of course by this time it was what passes for “rush hour” around these parts so traffic was heavier, drivers more animated (and angry) as it was slow going up to the last  2 miles before reaching the Ocean highway, better known as Route 1. It took over 3 hours for the round trip, but I am set for another 2 years - if I live that long- before having to do it all over again.

I printed out a few pages of New Orleans websites and drove over to Dos Locos. Being almost a summer day (temps hit the upper 80s)and people getting their first really good day at the beach, it was a chore to find a parking spot nearby. I drove around a while and finally one spot opened up a few doors down from the restaurant.  I was in!

After hugs from everyone in the place and sharing some news regarding the upcoming season, Joe and I spent 2 hours in the office going over their itinerary.  Ostensibly, this trip is to celebrate Darryl’s birthday (which always falls too close to Mother’s Day for a real getaway), but I think they both want (and need) one more short retreat before the hordes descend for the next 4 months.

They chose really good restaurants - only one I didn’t know or personally approve of, but hey, if they didn’t know me, they’d not know any good dining spots in town and would rely on either Open Table or Trip Advisor.  Neither of which I would trust, especially reviewing a city like NOLA. 

For instance, many reviewers complained about slow service, not understanding that is a trademark of the “City That Time Forgot” and not a lack of care for diners. Diners aren’t rushed in and out of restaurants in that town.  Defeats the purpose of all the effort to prepare such good food. 

So, as we sat there, Joe chose the days, times, and restaurants for just about every meal for the 5 days they’ll be there. He even made reservations as we made various choices. 

We left a couple of breakfast or lunch spots free for those times they want to take a tour or street car ride around town.  They can have a few more adventures that way on their own.  

After all that work was done and reservations made, it was time for a cocktail.  Well, of course it was, silly.

We sat at the bar as Joe sipped a Bulldog and I thoroughly enjoyed a long-awaited Bombay Martini, we talked more about the trip, the city, and his luck with getting an incredible deal on a suite at a new hotel in the Quarter.  They are within walking distance to everything of importance to the new visitor and he seemed quite proud of his accomplishment.  As he should be.

Suddenly most of the staff was behind us and Joe decided we needed a couple of pictures of the memorable occasion.  So, here they are. These were taken with his phone. Joe and me at the top of the post (can you tell I am totally enjoying the moment?) and with the wait and kitchen staff in this one. The usual suspects, and it was a joy to see them all, at least for a short time.

I really miss my work and these great folks. I hope I get to go back to work again some time. All in all, a good day and the buzz I came home with wasn’t a bad way to cap it off. I actually had another half martini, poured without my knowledge by the bartender, my bud, Piolin. But, I won’t tell if you don’t…

And so it goes.

Tossin’ and Turnin’!

Just another sleepless night around these parts. I did fall asleep around 8 last night but was wide awake again by midnight. I stayed in the dark for a while hoping that sleep would return, but after an hour of that frustration, I turned on the lights and read until 4 am when I had to take my first drugs of the day. 

Scrambled up an egg and a slice of toast, followed it up with juice and a coffee Although I couldn’t eat it all, I felt better for the bit in my stomach.

Got a message from the Locosguys last evening asking that I give them some ideas for their upcoming long weekend trip to New Orleans. They want me to come by the restaurant today, and if I feel up to it I will take them up on their offer. I'd love the chance to see everyone and be out among the living for a change.

So, the dark, pre-dawn hours were spent collecting links to websites for restaurants that I know and love. I don’t know the guys' taste in foods, but I hope they are at least adventurous enough to try some very different dishes, or known dishes served up in unconventional ways.  Anyway, that’s up to them. I’m just preparing the list and will chat with them at length sometime today - I hope.

They’ve already made hotel reservations, using travel points, as they said, so I am not responsible for that part of the trip. I know little about the grand hotel they’ve booked, other than that it’s known locally as a hot, expensive tourist and conventioneer’s place.  Not something I would choose, but they ain’t me.  This is their first trip to the city, so they’ll have fun, I am sure.

All this has given me something to do to pass time otherwise spent reading. I’ve re-read all the Pern books I’d read years ago, plus I downloaded a few of the newer additions to the saga.  They’ve been a nice diversion and very quick reads. Sometimes too quick, if you get my drift. There are a few still that I haven’t read, so if this insomnia keeps hanging around, I might download one or two to remain occupied and pass the boring time.

I haven’t been on FB in over a month for obvious reasons, and I find that I don’t miss it. Turns out that it’s not what I thought it would be anymore - a far cry from anything remotely “social” at least to my mind. In any case, I doubt I’ll return after all this time. 

It's an absolutely glorious day here and since it's also Mother's Day, I hope I can find a parking spot near the restaurant.  If not, well...  It is what it is.

And so it goes.

*

It's Lundi Gras, Y'all!

The world outside my window is monochromatic.  A little touch of colour is needed to make the day brighter. This is just the thing.

A Jester Float.

One Last King Cake.

Throw Me Something, Mister!

A Hot Cadet Drum Major Gettin' His Funk On.

It's All About The Beads.

Sure.  Why not milk it for one extra day?

More later.

*

Sochi Olympic Surprises

Imagine my surprise when I logged in to Chrome this morning and spotted this.

I found this backhanded slap yesterday.  Love that BBC 4.  Sorry, that's Channel 4, an independent, commercial station.
(h/t to Raybeard for the correction.)

How the world has changed.

More later.
*

Virgin Galactic: Never Dreamed I'd See This in my Lifetime.

Late to the party. But this really set me back on my heels.  I mean, they kept the PR going that it was to happen 'soon' but that was all.  I am beyond thrilled by this story and the amazing video footage.  

From the LA Times:

MOJAVE, Calif. -- Virgin Galactic, British billionaire Richard Branson’s commercial space venture, reached its highest altitude yet Friday in a supersonic rocket plane that’s set to carry paying customers into sub-orbit later this year. 

The company’s SpaceShipTwo blasted through the sound barrier and sped to Mach 1.4, climbing to 71,000 feet in its first powered test flight of the year.

The flight, the program's third rocket-powered test flight, is the latest milestone in Virgin Galactic’s goal to take dozens of people into space multiple times each day.

The test flight took place shortly after sunrise Friday beginning on the desert runway at Mojave Air and Space Port, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. During the test, SpaceShipTwo was taken to about 46,000 feet by a carrier aircraft and dropped like a bomb.

After a short free fall, test pilots Dave Mackay and Mark Stucky engaged the hybrid rocket motor, powered by nitrous oxide and a rubber compound, for about 16 seconds, at which point SpaceShipTwo accelerated to Mach 1.4.

Mackay, who left his job as an airline captain at Virgin Atlantic to become chief pilot for the space company, was at the controls. It was his first powered flight. “To be behind the controls and fly it as the rocket ignited is something I will never forget,” he said. “She flew brilliantly.” 

The two pilots tested the spaceship’s reaction control system, which will allow it to maneuver in space, and a newly installed thermal protection coating on the vehicle’s tail booms. All of the flight objectives were successfully completed, the company said.

The idea of Virgin Galactic routinely taking passengers into space this way was developed by retired maverick aerospace engineer Burt Rutan and his Mojave company, Scaled Composites.

Until now, astronauts have reached space packed tight in a capsule or shuttle attached to a high-powered rocket.Instead, Virgin Galactic will use a WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft that will fly with the reusable SpaceShip Two rocket plane under its wing to 50,000 feet, where the spaceship will separate and blast off.

The amazing video:

Read the rest HERE.

And so - off we go into the wild blue yonder…Oh, don't I wish.

I just have to add this to the mix.



And so it goes.

*

Hercules Shows Muscle

(I just had to use that title.  It was the headline at TWC

homepage a few hours ago and it was so bad, it was good.  If you get my drift.  Oops.  Shouldn't say, "drift" today.)

Not Bad, So Far. There's about 4 inches of heavy, wet snow on the ground here.  It's weighing heavily on power lines, tree branches and the thick stands of bamboo all over the neighborhood. The bamboo next door is stooped over almost to the breaking point. 

Snow was still falling before dawn and the winds sent it swirling in all directions - including into my front door - and the huge flakes made visibility difficult.  Couldn't see the road or my car.  Sort of a pre-dawn white-out at the beach. 

The lights flickered a few times earlier, but so far the power has remained on. I hope that continues to hold true. I am not in the mood (or physical condition) to dig out the car and attempt driving around to find a hotel room somewhere. 

Currently, the winds are around 20 mph with higher gusts and the temperature is 18'F. High wind warnings in effect until 6 pm tonight and coastal flooding is possible. The sun is valiantly trying to make an appearance, without much success thus far.

I had planned to do laundry today, but with this much snow I think I'll pass.  No need to track slush up the stairs and into the apartment.  Maybe just a movie to get through the day would be best.

I have a large beef roast in the freezer and a hardy pot roast would be just the thing for such a day, but it would take hours to thaw, so maybe I'll save the idea for tomorrow, or Sunday.

That said, we're not out of the woods here and it looks like a rough day ahead.  Schools and many businesses are closed, as are banks and government offices. Folks are advised to stay home and not drive cars.  High winds, blowing and drifting snow could make travel dangerous. Staying off the roads is the best idea.

I have a bottle of champagne and a Merlot in the refrigerator. And, of course, there are always those olives I keep putting off because of the prescription drugs.  That could change if I get more stir-crazy than usual today.

Stay safe and warm everyone. Oh, and Cheers!

More later.

*

Holland. 200 Years Young!

Happy Birthday, Holland!

Or, The Netherlands. 200 years old and more beautiful with each passing year.  The celebrations will go on from today, November 30, 2013 through November, 2015!  Now that's what I call a party. From friend, Peter (Tippin' the Scales):

"The Kingdom of the Netherlands started 200 years ago today. It was the day we got independence from France, with the landing of Prince Willem-Frederik of Orange-Nassau in Scheveningen [near The Hague]. We may have the oldest national anthem in the world, it was written between 1569 and 1572, but the foundation of the Kingdom started on November 30, 1813. It took, after getting a new Constitution,  till September 26, 1815 before Prince Willem-Frederik was inaugurated as king. Then this nation also concluded the Southern Netherlands, better known today as Belgium and Luxembourg but also the colonies of Indonesia, Surinam and New Guinea. Over the years they’ve all gone their own way."

 I fell in love with the country on the first visit. The history, land, people, creativity, science & technology, cheese, art & culture, simple way of life, windmills - must never forget windmills, all drew me in easily and effortlessly. Love at first sight.

Congratulations to the people of The Netherlands and to the rest of us, her ardent admirers. I hope to pay a last visit before the party is over. Go to Peter's place and read the rest.

More later.

*

VISA Caturday

It's not much, but it's home.

Because they're everywhere you want to be.

And so it goes.

*

Celebrating the Cuttlefish

Yes, I know, I know. I really need to get out more.   I have way too much time on my hands. (and feet, and backside and...) All things  being equal (to what, I don't know) the many YT documentaries I've watched this week contained some reference to the bizarre creature in the title.

Cousteau, BBC, PBS, Oceans, Attenborough, and Coastal programs, just to name a few. In any one of these films someone along the line is just dying to find a Cuttlefish to learn more about it. I thought to myself, why didn't you just watch any one of these other programs beforehand and you would already know what I know and save time for something more important . Nah.  I guess that would be too obvious.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this little film this morning. It is sort of like one of those films you had to watch for science class in high school, but unlike any educational film ever produced. Too bad, that.   This ought to tickle your funny bone today.

Aside from my increased knowledge of the Cuttlefish, the days creep by with no new information or stats from the doctors.  Waiting for reports to file claims for disability and other benefits I may be entitled to in my present situation.

Just thought I'd share. Oh well, time for another dive.

And so it goes.
*

Really Stupid (and Real) Traveler Complaints.

And you thought the Ugly American Tourists were the cream of the stupid crop as traveling goes. How wrong can one be? These are actual complaints to Thomas Cook Vacations in the UK. Clearly these folks don't get out much. 

Oh, and this post requires a "SPEW ALERT" - you have been warned.

A recent survey from Thomas Cook and ABTA reveals 20 of the most ridiculous complaints by holiday-makers made to their travel agent. 

1. "I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts." 

2. "It's lazy of the local shopkeepers to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during 'siesta' time - this should be banned." 

3. "On my holiday to Goa in India, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don't like spicy food at all." 

4. "We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels." 

5. A tourist at a top African Game Lodge over looking a water hole, who spotted a visibly aroused elephant, complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his honeymoon by making him feel "inadequate". 

6. A woman threatened to call police after claiming that she'd been locked in by staff. When in fact, she had mistaken the "do not disturb" sign on the back of the door as a warning to remain in the room. 

7. "The beach was too sandy." 

8. "We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure.Your brochure shows the sand as yellow but it was white." 

9. A guest at a Novotel in Australia complained his soup was too thick and strong. He was inadvertently slurping the gravy at the time. 

10. "Topless sunbathing on the beach should be banned. The holiday was ruined as my husband spent all day looking at other women." 

11. "We bought 'Ray-Ban' sunglasses for five Euros from a street trader, only to find out they were fake." 

12. "No-one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled." 

13. "It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England it only took the Americans three hours to get home." 

14. "I compared the size of our one-bedroom apartment to our friends' three-bedroom apartment and ours was significantly smaller.." 

15. "The brochure stated: 'No hairdressers at the accommodation’. We’re trainee hairdressers - will we be OK staying there?" 

16. "There are too many Spanish people. The receptionist speaks Spanish. The food is Spanish. Too many foreigners now live abroad." 

17. "We had to queue outside with no air conditioning." 

18. "It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel." 

19. "I was bitten by a mosquito, no-one said they could bite." 

20. "My fiancé and I booked a twin-bedded room but we were placed in a double-bedded room. We now hold you responsible for the fact that I find myself pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked."

As Sir Noel Coward wrote: 

Why do the wrong people travel, travel, travel, when the right  people stay back home?
What compulsion compels them, and who the Hell tells them
To drag their cans to Zanzibar, instead of sitting quietly in Omaha.

The gathering storm of stupid will either be our undoing, or give us more to be grateful for from here on out.

And so it goes.

*