Empty Nest

Sunday:   All of our children have gone home -- {  oh, yes, and the grandgirls -- (oh, yes, and the dogs)  }.

They came in waves starting Wednesday night until Saturday.  Food was plentiful and tasty.   We had all the traditional things of the season.  The weather was not a pleasure.  First of all, the TV  GUY S   all said Thursday would be a good day with rising temperature.  Well, folks, they were certainly wrong about them apples.  The pleasant day was Friday - then the rainstorms came Friday night.  We had almost an inch over night.

Now we are blessed with the north winds - Saturday afternoon the came,  making it tough to be outside... that would be for man  or  our beasts.  Thirteen, count them  1-13  thirteen dogs were here in this house.  That is a lot of dog.  Can't complain since 5 of the dogs are mine.   You might wonder this:  10 of the dogs were dachshunds.  One was a white peke  and the other two were rescued from the pound - not big dogs but bigger than a doxie.

Snoopy had it good at suppertime.  He even had time to sing a song.  Maybe I should list those lyrics here someplace.   When you have 13 dogs - 7 of which are males   (that would be 6 females for those you who are math empaired  (thought it was funny to missplel "empaired") - Male dogs have different brains than the females; now, that might be true in some of God's other species as well.

Daughter Laura left her crackers on the bedroom floor Saturday night -  Sweet little Liesl barked her "thank you" for the midnight feast.   

I have decided that I am clearing part of the garage (stuff to the attic, the kids can clear it out in future years) and I am creating a "Man Cave" for me.   Clear the stuff - Insulate the walls - Install air and heat - Get big chair and TV [ I have seen those man caves on television ] - Establish a computer desk, and Place an enormous lock on the main door to the house.  This here house ain't big enough for 2 grandparents, 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and thirteen dogs.  I need space.

Other than that revelation, it was a good weekend.  We even saw Puss-N-Boots at the local emporium of visual pleasure, though I didn't get to play any video games after the movie.  And, I close.  I have TV to watch;  it is time  (5 pm) to feed Fritz; and my big tea glass is empty.  Stay busy guys.
m

Cellophane, Mister Cellophane

I enjoy the Broadway musical  Chicago.   In a previous blug I mentioned the song Politics and Poker from the musical Fiorello.  I like that song too.

Here are lyrics to one of my favorites from  Chicago  (website at bottom)

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hope this doesn't break any copywrite rules

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The Original Broadway Production Chicago the Musical - Song:   Mister Cellophane Lyrics

AMOS


If someone stood up in a crowd
And raised his voice up way out loud
And waved his arm and shook his leg
You'd notice him


If someone in the movie show
Yelled "Fire in the second row
This whole place is a powder keg!"
You'd notice him


And even without clucking like a hen
Everyone gets noticed, now and then,
Unless, of course, that personage should be
Invisible, inconsequential me!


Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
'Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I'm there...


I tell ya
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
'Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I'm there...

Suppose you was a little cat
Residin' in a person's flat
Who fed you fish and scratched your ears?
You'd notice him


Suppose you was a woman, wed
And sleepin' in a double bed
Beside one man, for seven years
You'd notice him

A human being's made of more than air
With all that bulk, you're bound to see him there
Unless that human bein' next to you
Is unimpressive, undistinguished

You know who...
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
'Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I'm there...
I tell ya
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
'Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I'm there
Never even know I'm there.


Hope I didn't take up too much of your time.



Chicago Song Lyrics
http://www.themusicallyrics.com/c/216-chicago-lyrics/1130-mister-cellophane.html

Bird-day comment

The day is over.  Had a pretty good time.  Food was plentiful.  Watched the Macy's parade today and made the comment:   It would be nice to see a parade and not a floor show.   I miss real parades without all the extra stuff and lipsync stuff.

The refrigerator - you could hear it breathe a little bit easier as the contents were slowly removed and eliminated this morning.   And, as left overs were returned, It yelled something like  "gimme a break."

The biggest surprise to me is:  I received some puzzles from daughter Christine for my birthday.   Bucky Balls  or   buckyballs - whatever.  You can find them on you tube.   Little round magnets, strong magnets.  Everyone here seems to fight over them - they are a hit.

I broke my rules and ate a sliver of Pecan Pie this afternoon.   I have not had that type of stuff since 2008.   I love pecan pie.  And, yes, it should be capitalized -- Pecan Pie.

Rest of family will be here Saturday - may it be a pleasant day.

m

Bruno aftermath

wanted to point out - after pulling the dog (Bruno) out of the septic tank -- by his neck.   Measured Bruno today and that little dachshund is three inches longer.   It did help to give him a bit of a waist.

over

RV black water tanks

My cousin Barbara read the RV & Sewer bit on the previous bluggy.  Terrible, just terrible.  

She sent this reply:  (for those who don't know, modern motorhomes ( or RVs )  have 2 different water inlets.   One goes straight into the vehicle and fills the water tank or connects to the water system.  The send goes straight into the black water tank.  When you empty the black water tank (sewer), you can flush the tank with this inlet.  You must keep the sewer hose open and connected to city sewer connection, or water just fills the black tank.  Question:  when a sewer tank is full, where does it overflow?  Read below.


You all have my sincere sympathy. I'm sure that was not a fun day for you or the pup. And since you still have your MH, here is a great story. We met 2 couples who often camped together in TX. One couple had a MH, the other had a fifth wheel. They set up camp and went to eat dinner. Before leaving they hooked up the elect and water. BOTH hooked up the water to the backflush inlet instead of the fresh water inlet. Of course, they turned on the water. And of course, the black water tanks began to fill. And of course the valves were closed, or this would not be an odd story You know by now where this is going. One couple's tank was empty and fairly clean, but the other was about half full. When they returned from dinner, the "clean" tank had filled all the way up the vent pipe and "clean" water was spilling down the side of the coach. The other one had clogged the vent pipe and backed up into the potty and covered the floors of the coach about an inch deep. If that sound bad, don't forget the central heat vents are in the floor. And these were experienced RVers.

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Back to me now.  When I was just a little pup, freshly married etc.  We borrowed a travel trailer from parents to make a trip.  I was not really too smart about certain things.  After we got home, I parked the trailer in our front yard ( a nice little rental place in Sudan ).  I climbed under the trailer and opened up a 4 inch thing - nobody knows why I opened it;  I just did.  The entire black tank emptied on that yard.   Some of us have to learn the hard way.
m

Tuesday Long Stone

2 things. I put paragraphs in this & the computer keeps taking them out. I forget the 2nd thing.
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How did you spend your Tuesday? [ this may be too long but the ending is a beaut ]. Hope you can stay tuned for that part.


Before I begin - first thing I heard on the radio was the reminder that this date was the anniversary of Kennedy getting shot.  Where were you?  I was in class in Sudan - teaching band.  A kid came in between classes and said something - which I "poo-pooed" as nonsense. I was wrong. Someday I shall bring this subject back up. Weird week that was.


1. Let's start with #1. Morning is too light compared with night since we had the time change. The sun streams into my bedroom making it difficult to slumber. it has nothing to do with the dogs barking or the wife taking a shower right next door; it is the streaming sun. Shine Baby Shine.


Last winter lovely daughter Christine knitted me a stocking cap for winter. I keep it in a drawer by my bed - next to the gun and torn T-shirts. When it got cold last winter, I slept with the knitted cap pulled way down over my ears. It was a live saver since the wife has this thing about reducing temperature in the house at night in the winter (or for that matter raising temperature in the house at night in the summer - but no stocking cap need for that - just a sponge and a towel).


It came to me this morning at 7 a.m. - pull the cap down over your eyes. I did. Slept till 8:15 when above mentioned spouse opened door and suggested it was time to join the world. I struggled into the kitchen; had my traditional bowl of Grape Nuts and fake sugar; and crawled back into the bath area for an early morning dip.


2. Out at 8:59, I turned on Live with Kelly (formerly Live with Regis and Kelly) and her guest host for the week, Jerry Seinfeld. I did not want to miss today because Jerry was bringing his new dachshund Puppy "Jose" (named after a NY Met baseball player) to the show. Eventually it was introduced, a long hair black and tan. Gads it was cute as it ran across the stage to leave. Jerry's wife waited in the wings to scoop it up. Doxies have a recognizable stride when they walk fast. So very cute.


3. All of our dogs were corralled into a play area-holding pen as the spouse and I made our way through the front door. We left.


4. First Stop: You won't be able to tell it here - but as I type - it is 5:15 pm. Our dog Fritz needs to eat before his stomach takes over the Continent. When I return, it will be after Church choir practice (Tues instead of Wed because of Thanksgiving - stay tuned, I promise an exciting exit to this trip.)


5. Home from church (had to do some major stuff here and at town) so it is 10 p.m.


6. Where was I? Ah, I remember. We put dogs in the cage and headed to our motorhome. Now I don't talk much about the motorhome cause I just don't like to. But in this case... When we moved here, we put it on a lot attached to a bunch of storage units. When it rained, we sank in the mud. It was bad. I would put boards under the tires and on and on an on. It was bad.


South of town on I-45 there is a guy who sells mostly travel trailers and does RV repair work. I needed some stuff done & talked to him. He fixed my stuff fine. Noticing he had an enormous lot with nothing on it, I asked if I could park the M.H. on his paved lot for the same $$ as the mud pit. He liked the idea. We moved in.


Our neighbors have a 5th wheel. They told us about a place where they leave it - covered space. Three, maybe four months ago, I dropped by the place and was told they had no empty spaces and all tenants were paid up for a year.   Left my name and number.    Wife goes by there on Monday coming home from the grocery store (had to buy for Thanksgiving)(another stone in that). The guy said, "We have a space." She whipped out that checkbook and we were tenants.


That's what we were doing. Moved the M.H. to the covered space. In the process I had to tell the Camper Depot that we were leaving. It sorta broke my heart cause I really like him. He sends me political emails. We bond.


7. Parking over - we head to town. Not that I would want to talk ugly about anyone - but, I will. My wife, bless her heart, called on Monday and made a Dentist appt. for me on Tues. to get teeth cleaned. I did not approve. I went. Had a lovely time with the girl cleaner and the dentist. It was okay and over. Headed home.


8. Walked in the house; some dog had torn into a dog cushion and green stuffing was everywhere. sigh. Outside they went.


Got home - dogs out - cleaned up green stuffing off floor - phone had a message - listened to message - it was the septic system repair guy - called him back - (Chad) he'd be here after he finishes present job - nice guy, younger, loves Texas Tech - we have things to equally complain about - and so forth.


Back to septic system in a moment. The wife bought one of those biscuit shaped packages-things at the store which, when popped open, revealed an uncooked pizza dough. She fixed up a pepperoni pizza which was actually quite good. The dough worked fine. I believe it will become a part of our staple food items.


Septic History: The guy who installed it - went away. We couldn't find him if we wanted - then, we hear. The guy has liver cancer. He died. Now, we really can't find him. His installation was less than pristine. He passed all tests and county / lake rules. The system works. One day on the other side of the back fence, there was water on the ground.  I called a bunch of people until  !!!!!    Finally found Chad to come fix it. Chad works for his father and repairs systems. He did a good job for us and I was happy.


About 9 months later, more water coming up. "Hello Chad." He came out and fixed the leak - this time he brought a guy to help dig the hole. I like Chad. Does good fast work and doesn't stick it to me $$.


Over 2 months ago, before we had any rain and the ground was hard as a rock from being dry. I noticed wet ground in the same general place. The problem had returned. I ignored it.   One month passed, still moisture. Second month passed, new moisture. We had a couple of rains. Last week the water was running not only in my yard but into the neighbor's. It is not good to let your septic system drip into the neighbor's yard. Called Chad.


So Chad shows up and we go back to the place. Dig, look, dig, look, dig, look - water seeps up. Chad thinks this doesn't make sense. We go to the main septic unit. For those who don't know, the septic system has an enormous concrete tank divided into 3 big sections. It could hold about 1500 gallons. One part collects the stuff, the next section puts air into the goop to clean it, the third section collects the cleaned water and empties into little plastic lines that are located under my entire back yard.


Chad took the green top dome off the tank and pulled the pump out to study. It was covered in dirt....mud really. This is not right. That third tank - according to the manufacturing folks - that third tank contains water good enough to drink. Wrong, in my opinion.   { Remember 1500 gallons }.   Let me finish this. The concrete tank has a vertical crack which is letting in dirt. The dirt is pumped out into the yard and has plugged up the lines. He says I probably will need new lines - his father will come out and survey it next week. In addition, the tank will be pumped out and a concrete sealer will be put over the crack. We are talking money here.


But now the kicker. We are sitting there talking worse case senarios. It dawns on me to pick up the green cover and put over the hole. We talk. Out of the corner of my eye I see a brown dachshund walk over and step on the cover. It flips and the dog goes straight down into the tank.


All I could see was a tiny head above water and little feet paddling. I reached. Chad reached. Chad's arm makes contact with the water and the electrical connection. He got shocked. I frankly don't know how bad. I could not reach the dog. Finally, I laid down and stuck my entire shoulder down into that system and touched his head. He swam away. I reached two more times. The last time I felt his nose and grabbed it.


Doxies have long noses. This is where you can say, "Thank the Lord." I pulled on that nose and grabbed for his collar. It was like Lord of the Rings trying to reach Frodo. A finger went under the collar. I pulled straight up. The boy was pulled straight up out of the water by his neck collar. I was afraid the collar would come up over his head - long noses, small heads, big collars.


It didn't. I lifted him straight up and got my other hand on him. I flipped him to the ground and yelled "STAY !!!" That dog didn't move. I picked up that sewer soaked fully covered in goop puppy by both hands around his chest and up against my body and headed for the house. I climbed those back stairs and stopped. My heart was firing on 375 horses. . . it was pounding.


I yelled into the house. BJ met me and we took the dog to the bathtub. She started washing and washing. The dog shook spraying the wife. It was terrible. I am so sure she would have another way to describe it. The puppy was just scared to death. He didn't move other than to shake.


At this point, I pause. For those who have met my brown bombers, guess which dog went into the septic tank. Go ahead and guess.


Yes, from the time he fell in - I was yelling at Oscar. I carried him in yelling at Oscar. When he hit the tub and water was applied - it was NOT Oscar - it was the sweetheart, scared loveable, so wonderful Bruno. This dog will not enter a room without an engraved invitation. He is so polite. Bruno, went into the tank. And, Bruno now knows how to swim.


This whole thing has just devastated me. All of the "What ifs."    I was ready to jump into the tank after him. Can you imagine? We were all so lucky. It bothers me to just talk about it. Later I sat in my chair and just held him, talking softly into his floppy ear. He laid on my stomach looking into my eyes. I do not know if Bruno truly understands how close he came tonight. And, sweet Chad, may have come extremely close too. Electricity and water are not friends.


So I close. May you and all of yours and all of your puppies be fine and healthy for many years to come.


G'night.  Mtz


mtz

Bro's eyes

my brother Jim has gone through 3 weeks of having 2 cataract surgeries where the lens was replaced in his eyes.   Jim has had glass since early elementary years - like 1st / 2nd grade or so.  His eyes got worse and worser and worstest as time went by.   I would guess his glasses were 1/4 inch thick. 

Operation over.  He has measured 20/20 in both eyes - even though this may change over time.   No glasses after 60 plus years.

I am a believer in this process now.