Thought for the day

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

Summer Reading

I'm always in search of new authors, new books, new genres.

Still in the romance category, I stumbled onto Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. Good, easy reads. Strong characters, interesting stories.

FYI: I'm using our public library whenever I can find the books I'm looking for there. They have a great service. You can search online and request a book. They will email you when it becomes available and will hold it for you to pick it up. They also have a pretty good selection of books on CD that I keep going in the car.

Please let me know of any good books you've read! Lots of times I've had to resort to rereading old favorites, because I can't find new ones I'm interested in.

4th of July Trivia

3 American Presidents died on July 4th:
John Adams, July 4, 1826
Thomas Jefferson, July 4, 1826
James Monroe, July 4, 1831

Both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4, 1826. The fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we all know, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration in committee with John Adams (and Benjamin Franklin).

John Adams's final words were (supposedly), "Thomas Jefferson survives." But he was wrong. Jefferson had died just hours earlier at Monticello.

Five years to the day after Adams and Jefferson died -- on July 4, 1831 -- the fifth President, James Monroe, passed away. So three presidents have died on the same date: July 4th.

Shankapotamus

This is not new, but it's my laugh for the day. The E*Trade baby cracks me up!

Dull and boring

Things are sadly dull around here today. Jackson left this morning. We may or may not see him until baseball is over the end of July. Audra and Joey have started work at VCU. Beth and Billy are holding their end down in Austin. And it's too hot to even contemplate working outside.

I have completed a few "piddling" chores, read most of a new book, and tried to keep my mind off what to eat next. Something about staying around the house makes me hungry. It's barely past 4:30, and I'm already thinking about supper.

Do I need a hobby? Ummm....I think not. I think I'll just revel in my boredom for a day or two. Summer II starts Tuesday, so it'll be back to work with only a short break before the fall semester begins. Sigh. Audra, you could be accommodating and encourage Hayes to make his appearance during that break, don't you think? That'd be nice.

I think I'll go in search of a snack and read some more. Good way to round out a lazy day.

Things that make you go "huh?"

Partners overheard talking on Burn Notice: "You're an enigma wrapped in a schizophrenic."

I'm about to blow

Red tape, bureaucracy, and stupid people make me very, very angry.

Automated phone systems were created by the devil, especially systems with no option for reaching a human. And I mean a human whose first language is English.

Companies have volumes of legal documents you must sign and/or agree to in order to use their services but often fail to divulge very important information that protects you, the customer.

If we think that the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays are the highlights of last week's world events, then we have got to change the news channel.

I despise politics and all the BS associated with politicians. However, I've got to stop assuming someone else will take care of everything and become a "doer."

It's just been one of those days....

I guess this is what blogs are for. A little ranting may be good for the blood pressure.