95 Days, Knucklehead

 

95 more days until the midterm election and we

 flip the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

95 Days.

Then it's all about those three little words...

Impeach

Convict

 Remove

95 More Days.

Update: The Knucklehead said this today, isn't it treason to give aid and comfort to our enemies. I'd say publicly letting Iran off the hook for the recent cyberattack on the utilities in Minnesota, and the likely attack on 7 other states! And impeachable offense I believe!

95 days to go, pass the popcorn please.

Yes, I've lost my stressed out mind!

A Never Ending Stream Of L's And P's

"A different language is a different vision of life."

~Federico Fellini

The cats ran across my computer keyboard again! You see, it was all about the nom noms that were sitting on my desk. This is a fairly long story, but I will try to shorten it a bit. Temptations Cat Treats, are a big hit in our house. They have been for many years. Dylan, in particular, loved them. Joey loved them too, but it wasn't until we tried the dairy flavored yummies that he became a true believer. Temptations seems like a great product, and it makes the boys happy, but with the price of things, well, it's getting way too expensive to keep buying them treats. That fact saddened me. Joey asks for so little. Those treats perk him right up, and he seems to get a little extra pep in his step when he has some in the afternoon. Joey misses his best friend, Hendrix, he just never got over him, so any little thing to make him happy, I'll do. Who else am I going to spoil?

Oh right, Simon and Tyler. I am currently spoiling them too. So back to the point, I had to figure something out. And I did. Back in the 80's, on an episode of Roseanne, Roseanne's kids were sure that they'd hate having to eat an off brand cereal. Yuck, who would want to eat cereal from those big bulk bags, after all, Kellogg's Corn Flakes are clearly much more tasty then any other brand, especially the knock-off variety. Then came the big shock, Roseanne had been buying the bulk cereal, and pouring it into the original empty cereal boxes! WOW! What a crappy, yet economical idea! So, while I hate the deception, and the lying to of one's own children, folks had to stretch a dollar in the 80's too any way possible. So, instead of buying their nom noms at $8 a container, I tried purchasing a 3lb bag of the regular, dry cat food, and pouring the tidbits into empty cat treat containers! And... as you might expect... they had no idea that it wasn't their favorite expensive noms.

Now I know what you're thinking, they're cats, of course they didn't know the difference, well, you don't own my cats! They are not easy to fool, but for some reason it worked this time. In fact it worked a little too well! I had two full containers sitting on my desk, for nom nom time before bed, but one of my little goons waited until I went to bed, and lifted the lid on the container, with I assume, their nose, and helped himself to a little extra midnight snack. And as they enjoyed their ill gotten gains, they decided to spend a little time, driving my AI Copilot a little wacky and a bit sarcastic! One thing I will give my boys, they didn't make a mess, they didn't knock anything over, they just did a little keyboard surfing. I suspect that Simon was the ring leader. He's scary smart sometimes, but it's all good. I love the moments my kids give me. We just made a new memory... what could be wrong about that?

The Full Buck Moon

 

"I will never be a morning person, for the moon and I are too much in love."

~Christopher Poindexter

Full Buck Moon

Tuesday, July 29th, 2026

Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... Minions

 

Scarlett Overkill: Work for me, and this will be yours... respect, power and...

Stuart: Banana!

~Minions 2015 IMBD

Cast: Alison Janney, Sandra Bullock, Michael Keaton, Jon Hamm, Geoffrey Rush, 

This cool little movie came out in 2015, and I am just seeing it now! In fact, I watched it this past week, and thoroughly enjoyed the break from the reality of being a grown-up! I am going to be watching a lot more of these movies, because life is just too short to dwell on the distress of being an adult American in 2026! I was under a lot of stress in 2015, I was scared, and depressed, in the middle of a BIG move. It was the move that meant I would now be living in the San Joaquin valley. I could have used a day at the movies, just escaping from the stress of what ended up to be, the worst summer of my life, but I was so busy, I didn't even realize this adorable film had even been released! And that was is a shame, it would have been just what the doctor ordered! I'm sure you've seen it with your kids or grandkids, but it you haven't, watch it for yourself, I can't recommend it enough! Especially if you need a little while to visit with the kid who still lives in you!

Banana!

Music From The Movie

Happy Together

The Turtles

My Generation

The Who

Sleepy Squish

 

"Cats are the visible soul of a house."

~Jean Cocteau

Simon's nicknames have fully emerge I think, but you never know, he could develop more as we move along as a family. Right now he is called Simon, but also, Squish, Squishy Face, and the Mighty Simon. He makes the most adorable squishy face, when he is tired, or annoyed, or when he's happy for that matter. He is just a dream to photograph, and I might be a proud mama, but I don't think he can take a bad picture!

That's my little boy, the Mighty Simon. My Squish.

I Recall The Recall

 

Pexels (Free download) Photo Credit: Ekrulil

"You can't see bacteria, they're everywhere, so keep it clean."

~USDA

Do you practice food safety? Do you wash your hands, before and after handling food? Do you know the proper cook temperature and time on your homemade meals? How about cross contamination of your foods? Do you ever wonder what the food handling protocols are for the meat packing plants are? How about the fruits and vegetables... how are they deemed safe?

Do you know what products are currently under recall?

Personally, I am terrified of catching food poisoning. I've had salmonella once in my lifetime, so I have NO interest in experiencing it again. Both hubby and I wear kitchen gloves when working with uncooked foods. We separate ingredients to lessen the chances of cross contamination. Like on the cooking shows, prepare your work space, and have all the components of the meals chopped and measured separately when indicated. I was all surfaces as I go, so clean up is easier. Do your research about cutting boards. And the temperature probe is your friend. Refrigerate as directed, and writing the recommended expiration dates on the containers is such a nice way to keep track. It sounds like a lot to do, but it's really not. Experiencing "exploding diarrhea" is a lot more time consuming, and not nearly as fun!

As with Covid-19, the Trump administration isn't going to be very helpful about letting us know the statistics. We have to educate ourselves. You can contact the FDA, or the Department of Agriculture, if you trust them, but you can also check with local health departments for information, and the CDC lists recent recalled items. But reading from different sources, and checking with your personal physician is great too. Look, just take care of yourselves. We are heading into autumn, children will be back in school, and different pathogens will be making the rounds again, so be prepared. Stock up on basic over the counter stuff now. Don't wait for Trump to make it all cost more!

I think it will be well into the autumn before I try eating a salad again. If you have a favorite restaurant, check with your county health department regarding their current safety rating. Have they ever received a warning? Have they been shut down? what you find might be surprising! I still can't bring myself to buy, Boar's Head, lunchmeat. If you haven't heard about that nightmare, click the link below. Ugh.

NBC News

Boar's Head Indefinitely Closes Virginia Plant tied to Deadly Listeria Outbreak.

Take care of yourselves.

Wired

CDC Has Cyclospora Lab. Doge Downsized It Last Year.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts

Food Safety Charts at FoodSafety.gov

There are several PDF's you can download that details, Safe Food Handling, from the FDA. 

Ellipsis Weekend Cooking... Herbed Chicken In Pastry

 

"Chickens... the pet that poops breakfast."

~Unknow

Pepperidge Farm - Herbed Chicken In Pastry - Recipe

This is another recipe I can make in my sleep, as I've been making it at least 25 years! It's easy, it's quick, and it's one of those lovely meals you can make after work, to do something a little nice just for you, or if you are entertaining, it's a pretty great recipe that can easily be made a million different ways and looks way harder to make then it is. Make it you're own. Get creative! Go for it, and if you like, let me know how your version comes out!

Today's Mental Health Day... Orange Cat Scully, Firefighter

 

"It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, 

and to make your happiness a priority.

 It's necessary."

~Mandy Hale

Yes, I took a day off yesterday from the stupid. There has been so much stupidity that I really can't believe what I am seeing, hearing and generally living through. But here I am, back with a visit to the Purrallel Universe, to take a break from every single thing grown up  and remind myself that life actually can make sense, if done right. I did the same thing earlier in the week, when Alan and I chose the original, Minions Movie, as my choice for that evening's movie! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! But for now, let's see how things go for, Orange Cat Scully, as he learns to be a volunteer firefighter! Be sure to subscribe to them and if you can, drop them a tip, to support all the good folks behind this wonderful account!

And now a little music.

Jackson Browne and Clarence Clemons

"You're A Friend Of Mine"

I miss you, my brother-in-law.

The Bigfoot Of Washington D.C.

 

"Life is what happens to you, when you are busy making other plans."

~Allen Saunders

( often attributed to John Lennon )

I suppose that death is also what happens to you when you are busy making other plans. Case in point, I have no idea if Mitch McConnell is alive or dead. I have my suspicions, but no way to prove it. Nobody can really prove anything about his health either way. Republicans, for the most part are assholes, so it might all be a giant distraction, a "PSYIC" at the democratic party, but it's really dark thing to do, and it's dumb. But it also might be that republicans are shitting themselves because the loss of McConnell will leave them even more vulnerable in the upcoming midterms especially with the recent death of Lindsey Graham. For right now, all we have is a few possible sightings to go on.

Here is his proof of life photo...

Here is a clue...

And here is yet another possibility...

Too bad Kash Patel recently fired the only two,

FBI Special Agents, who could solve the mystery!

I want to believe. The truth is out there.

Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... The Prize Winner Of Defiance Ohio

 

Evelyn Ryan: "I don't need you to make me happy.

 I just need you to leave me along when I am."

Evelyn Ryan ( Juliane Moore )

The Prize Winner Of Defiance Ohio

This film was not a hit movie, and for the life of me I don't know why? It only made $750, 012 on it's worldwide opening, and it did open to limited distribution, so I suppose when a film has that much working against it's hopeless. But despite all that, this movie is anything but hopeless! Juliane Moore, plays, Evelyn Ryan, a real life mid-century American housewife, who mostly carried her family, 10 children, by winning contests, after her husband, played by Woody Harrelson, was injured in an accident. Right now it's rent only, but if you a looking a movie about creativity and resilience, then choose this one. It will stay with you!

I'm Sitting On Top Of The World

(Reprise)

Sung by, Woody Harrelson

A Sci-fi Moon And A Sunset Sky

"Despite what everyone thinks about science fiction, ultimately, at it's best, 

it's about humans beings with human emotions."

~Greg Frasier

Last night, on the Franklin blvd Bridge, was wonderful. I was with my fella, the air was nice with a slight breeze, and the moon was gorgeous! The bats, unfortunately, was another story. Their numbers were lower than last week, and as a result, there were fewer Swainson's hawks. The sky bands that did occur were quite sparse, so the hawks that were there, were able to pick the bats from the sky with ease. That always leaves me with mixed emotions. I guess the hawks need to eat too, but the bats do so much good with eating the mosquitos and no-see-ums, and with pollinating the night blooming flowers. The whole thing had me thinking of what an interesting Sci-fi story it could be, I just wish I had any writing skills. I am a visual person I guess. I have always had ideas for short stories, but somehow I just can't get them from my brain, to the keyboard on my computer.

Redecorating A Little At A Time

 

"Have no fear of perfection, you'll never achieve it."

~Salvador Dali

I am hoping to do some painting, and redecorating, in the coming months. I just want to change some basic aspects of my home. A lamp here, and vase there. A new quilt set can change the whole feel of a bedroom, as can a lamp or throw pillow. Money, as you might expect, is an issue now that Trump has caused prices to raise. It's truly a shock to the system. DO I buy a lamp right now, or do I put the money away in case some unforeseen emergency arises? I need towels, do I start there? While home furnishings have only raised about 2% since 2024, it still seems like a big spending luxury, when you're paying so much for other goods and energy costs. I can't change my whole domestic surroundings at once, which is a shame because for me it's easier to imagine the look, but there is something to be said for allowing my condo to speak to me as I add a piece at a time.

Let's start here.

I love my current quilts, but it creeps me out that they were seen by everyone and their brother when we listed our house for sale, several years ago, and again when were considering selling in 2023. People I don't know, knew my style and what the bed I slept in looked like. Ugh. So, and new quilt set wouldn't be out of line. 10 years is long enough for a quilt set. Full stop! And it's also not out of line to dismiss an icky feeling that's followed me for years! Let's consider quilts.

I like this one from Wayfair. I love Wayfair

But this one is pretty nice too.

I can add a vase with some artificial orchids or maybe peonies to create a soft, inviting room. Colors easy on the eyes, so sleep is only a snore away. Funny, I used to watch CNN and MSNBC to fall asleep, now the news terrifies me so much, it's anything but rest inducing. Now to fall asleep, I use restful noises from my Alexa or if my sleeplessness it really bad, I use little bottles of essential oils I keep by my bedside. Lavender and cedarwood, and are all great for you if you seek rest. I also enjoy cinnamon and clove, as those are my favorite scents. Below is a great article from the Cleveland Clinic about the uses of 11 specific scents and how they work to benefit you. I love farmhouse style, Mid-century and eclectic with a sense of humor. I want to do each room eventually, but mixing too many styles can come off insane. It's a process. So, sometime soon I will share about where I have landed with things. I might even repurpose old items I have packed away. A new lampshade on an old lamp can make all the difference! I just wish I understood why lampshades are so expensive!

Cleveland Clinic 

11 Essential Oils: Their Benefits And How To Use them.

It's going to take a little time. 

Ellipsis Weekend Cooking... Ice Cream!

 

One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream NYT - Recipe

"Never ask a woman, eating ice cream straight out of the carton, how she's doing."
~Unknown'

We are quickly approaching the midpoint of summer. This year it falls on August 6th. So, it's time to brush up on some ice cream recipes. I have a wonderful Cuisinart Ice Cream and yogurt maker, that I bought in the mid 90's, and it's still going strong! We have made some unique, and really delicious flavors. I have a Ben and Jerry's ice cream cookbook, and the cantaloup and chocolate mint flavors always come out perfect! I have tried most of their recipes, so I want to movie on to recipes I haven't thought of trying, and of course, New York Times Cooking does provide! Here is a link to a model similar to mine. I am fairly sure my 30 year old one has been retired. If you don't have your own ice cream machine, I recommend Cuisinart. But full disclosure, Cuisinart is my go to for most of my small product machines.

Don't these recipes for ice cream and sorbet sound delicious?

Mango Soft Serve - NYT - Recipe

Melon-Mint Sorbet - NYT - Recipe

Peach Ice Cream - NYT - Recipe

Summer Berry Ice Cream - NYT - Recipe

Mmmmmmmmm!

The Lies They Told Us

 

The Monkees

Season: 1 Episode: 19

Find The Monkees

🎵 "I have no more than I did before, but now I've got all that I need,

 for I love you I know that you love me." 🎵

Papa Gene's Blues

Written by, Michael Nesmith

The Monkees

Now there's a disease called, Cyclospora, which is making it's way around. It's a parasite found in fresh vegetables. The main symptom is "exploding diarrhea." And what did Trump do? Well, just like in 2016, earlier this year Trump cut surveillance for this specific parasite! It looks like we may have the makings of another Corvid-19 situation, but I sure hope not. I am going to do a deep dive on this, and see what I can find. God, we are the richest country in the world, and we can't even keep our own people safe, and able to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. This just didn't happen when I was a kid, at least not that I can remember. The first major outbreak of something like this was, Legionnaires Disease, in the mid-1970's. There were mistakes made then as well, but at least the lessons learned helped to keep us safe going forward. So, what will we have learned from this? That remains to be seen, but without the proper people to monitor it, things feel quite dark. Sometimes I wish I could go back to my childhood, spend a day happy, believing I had my whole like ahead of me, and everything would live up to the lies they all told us. You can't go home again, but you can spend a little time living in the daydream that made you happy. My happy place, when I was very little, was watching, The Monkees, with my sister. Star Trek, too, as well as the, Wild, Wild, and That Girl! Gosh, there was so much to look forward to.

That Girl

Season 1, Episode 5

Anatomy Of A Blunder

Iceberg Lettuce From Taylor Farms, Sold at Taco Bell Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak - CNN

Trump Baby Whine Crying... IT'S NOT FAIR!

"There is nothing so unattractive as a whiny person. We can have empathy for a person in deep emotional pain. But a whiny person who gets overwhelmed with perceived unfairness and like a two-year-old child who did not get his or her way, well, it can be difficult to relate to that person."

~Gary Rohrmayer

21 Dangerous: 21 Day Transformational Pray Guide

Okay, Trump will deliver his big fancy speech tonight, and I am not ready for his stupidity, but whether or not I like it, it's coming. Putting all things in perspective, he can say he's going to do something, but that doesn't mean he will be able to do it. Like declaring California primaries null and void, or imposing restrictions on the use of mail=in ballots. The law is quite clear that the Federal government can't stick it's nose into how the states run their elections, if he tries, there will more than likely be lawsuits. Also, Gavin Newsome has prepared for this that kind of nonsense. When it comes to Trump possibly declaring that the 2020 election was rigged, it wasn't, Joe Biden won, it's simply a continuation of his usual boring whine. IT'S NOT FAIR! Of course, there is the possibility that all he will just come to say that he is backing, Mike Lindell, the pillow guy, for governor of Minnesota. See, he did that yesterday, but Trump does seem to prattle on when he thinks he's been clever! Nah, Trump won't share the limelight with anyone, he's the big boy! I mean, he's the man who couldn't even allow America to be the star of the 250th year of signing of the Declaration of Independence! What a sad child he is.

Well, we will see what happens next.