Carly's Hawaiian Ribs

"Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie."

-Astrid Alauda

With all this talk recently of "pigs" I found myself with a serious hunger on for pork ribs! LOL. So, what's a girl to do, but yield to her hunger by making some in her handy dandy crock pot! What a fabulous invention that little darlin is. The most difficult part of the recipe process, is waiting the 5 hours for the ribs to reach their maximum tender juiciness. Oh my, the house smelled so good, and my goodness how my stomach roared. I LOVE cooking. I LOVE channeling my creativity toward recipes, when I am too sore to do my photography the way I would like to. And as we inch ever closer to autumn, my mind is swirling with ideas for recipes I have been inventing. I think for my next trick, I will be making some Creamy Pumpkin soup for dinner next week. We'll see, but for now, here's how I make my Hawaiian Ribs...

Carly's Hawaiian Ribs

1 med. Rack Pork ribs, (bone in) cut into individual ribs (about 8)

1 can Pineapple chunks, in light syrup, (drained w/syrup reserved)

1/2 sm. package Baby Carrots

1 tbsp. Hot Mustard (dry or prepared)

2 cups Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

On the night before you make the ribs, add the Yoshida's sauce, hot mustard, brown sugar, and pineapple syrup into a large Ziploc bag. Add the ribs to the bag (divide the recipe and use two bags if necessary) and toss well to coat the ribs on all sides. Allow to sit overnight in the marinade. Next day, place the ribs, carrots and pineapple in the crock pot, and cover with the marinade. Cook on high, 4 - 5 hours or until the pork reaches 170 degrees.

Enjoy!

See, couldn't be easier! So tell me, do you use a Crock Pot? What is your favorite meal to make in the autumn? If you do use a Crock Pot, what is your favorite recipe to make in it? Tell me everything?

-OndineMonet
"YUM... Ribs"
Berkeley, California
September 11th, 2008
Evening

911 Once Again

"Tears are the safety valve of the heart, when too much pressure is laid on it."

-Albert Smith

Well, as of today, it has been 7 years since the worst terrorist strike on American soil occurred. I hear a lot about how safe George Bush has made us, but has he really? Yes, it's true we haven't been struck again, and some efforts to do so have be thwarted, but I have to continue to ask one question... WHERE IS BIN LADEN AND WHY HASN'T HE BEEN BROUGHT TO JUSTICE? Is there any real excuse, or reason that actually makes sense? Do you think he will ever be caught? Will Bin Laden ever be made to pay for what he did? I wonder.

-OndineMonet

Applauding The Vagina or The Woman Who Wouldn't Be President

"My idea of feminism is self-determination, and it's very open-ended; woman has the right to become herself, and do whatever she needs to do."

-Ani DiFranco

A couple of weeks ago, I paid a visit to the Rosie The Riveter Memorial in Richmond, California. As far as I know it is the only such memorial in honor of the idyllic WWII icon. It might be small in size, but it packs a punch by way of the powerful images of real women who did more then their share for America. My mother was one of those ladies. She didn't talk much about that time of her life, but I know she counted those years among her most rewarding, both for supporting her country on the home front, and handling herself against the gender discrimination of the men working alongside her.

As I looked at the photos that were displayed in the memorial, of WWII women working in all kinds of industries, I wondered how those women got up every day and went off to the shipyards and the airplane hangers and faced making a much lower wage then the men who had occupied the same jobs in the months before we were plunged into war? It was socially demanded to expect hard work and patriotism from those ladies, and it was taken for granted that if she was both, she would accept the lower pay with supreme gratitude. It wasn't wonderful, but it was expected, and to a certain degree it worked for those of that era.

Here we are, 60 some years later, and women are still making much less then their male counterparts. In fact, women make only about 77% of what men do. Why is that? I can remember the bra burning, and NOW posters of the late 60's and 70's. The debate continued somewhat into the 80's, but by the time the 90's rolled around, you really didn't hear too much about it anymore. Why did the push for equality lose steam? Did we give up? And here's a question for you... are all vagina's created equal?

It disturbs me that there is such a push to put a woman in office, that we will consider voting for any woman who might end up on the ticket. I am hearing on the news, and from other sources, that women in this country will vote for the Republican ticket for no other reason then there is a woman on it. Somehow, to me, that takes all the hard work that women have done since the beginning of the Women's Suffrage Movement, and turns it to something a lot less powerful... something almost trivial.

It seems to me, the push for equality meant more then just putting a woman into a position traditionally held by a man, it meant showing the world that a qualified woman could not just hold those positions, but indeed excel in those jobs. I don't personally believe that Sarah Palin is qualified for the office of vice president. I believe that voting for her would mean a serious setback for the woman's movement in general, in that she is against not just Roe v Wade, but she is also against abortion even in cases of rape or incest. It makes no sense to me.

It shocked me when I heard on World News Tonight the other evening that women showed up for a John McCain rally simply because Sarah Palin was there. They wouldn't have come to hear anything from the contender for president, but they would to hear from the woman. The woman who wouldn't be president. And the really strange thing is, to date, she has said very little about what she stands for outside of Alaskan politics. In fact, more false rumors have been circulated about her, rather then the truth, because she has refused interviews. Although she has agreed to an interview with ABC's World News Tonight anchor, Charles Gibson, for tomorrow, Thursday, September 11th. I have to wonder about the timing.

Look, here's the thing. If we (women) vote this lady into office for no other reason then she is a woman, we will be setting ourselves back 200 years. The war in Iraq is not "God's will" as she asserts, anymore then WWII was. That isn't just a stupid notion, it is a deadly one. War is pretty much mankind made. She grins and waves her NRA card with such glee, and then preaches family values while combining the two into a family activity by shooting animals for sport with her children. When some nut goes on a rampage with a gun and kills an innocent person, is that "GOD's" will also? And while she didn't actually engage in book banning, she posed the question to the librarian in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, and isn't that sad? There is one other thing about her that really disturbs me. You know that rumor about her belonging to a group that sought to succeed from the union? Well, she never belonged to that group, but her husband did. Sigh.

When you add it all up... is that really who you want in the White House? As I stood, looking at the photos of women who weren't defined by their politics, working side by side for a greater good, I felt inspired, but when I go home, and listen to women of my own generation willing to throw all that hard work that came before us away, I just feel empty. And to a certain degree... embarrassed that we would follow in the steps of some men, who would vote for someone solely because of their gender. It's a waste of the privilege of voting.

Interesting Reading...

Votes For Women Timeline

Why Do Women Earn Less?

-OndineMonet
"Rosie The Riveter Memorial"
Richmond, California
September 3, 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #2: Water In Motion

"A strong man and a waterfall always channel their own path."

-Unknown

EMPS #2: Water In Motion.
For this assignment, any type of moving water will be perfect. Let your imagination out to play. Photograph a waterfall, a fountain, the ocean moving in and out, raindrops landing in a bucket, a lawn sprinkler watering the yard, water being poured into a glass, even water running under a tap will do nicely. You get the idea, WATER IN MOTION.

**After you post your photo shoot entry, come back here and leave me your complete link with all the information. NO HYPERLINKS PLEASE.

**Please check your link carefully, it is your responsibility to submit the information correctly. The link you leave me, will be the one I post!

** You have until next Sunday evening, at 9:00 PM Eastern time, to submit your entry for the assignment.

LINKING LIST FOR EMPS #1: "Let's Say Hello" 9/1/08

NOW CLOSED!

1. Karen, says hello in a series of photos, some of which are Dr. Who inspired!

2. Gattina sends out a little hello from Belgium.

3. From Singapore, we have Jama smiling for the camera.

4. Kiva, poses for the camera in a some different hats.

5. Our new friend Greg says hi, with some gorgeous mountains in the background.

6. Martha, and friends, wave hello to us from an AOL Journal's get together.

7. Laura shares with us, both a lovely self-portrait, and a nifty photography tip as well.

8. Nancy shows us a a self-portrait from a "different perspective." Shiny!

9. Wammy, who hails from Cincinnati, shows us her lovely smile, and a little black camera!


Thanks for playing along with my first photo shoot assignment, because of you, it was a success! Now I want to see more! So GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS, go get the photo, and come back here with your link, ready to show me some WATER IN MOTION!

Photo Tip #2: Look For Crisp Clean Backgrounds.
Try to avoid backgrounds that are too cluttered with objects which might distract from your subject.

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: Blog Spot

"My ideas usually come not at my desk writing, but in the midst of living."

-Anais Nin

Alan teases me when he says that "most of my friends now live in a box on my desk." LOL. Yeah, I have gained a lot of wonderful blogging buddies over the years, you know who you are, but they hardly live in a box on my desk! Nope! They live in the computer on my desk! And there it is! Tee Hee.

I have been thinking about the subject of my desk for quite a while, in fact, a similar topic to this one was going to be the first photo assignment for the Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot, but Steven beat me to it! LOL. Great minds think alike I guess. It happens. Anyway, like I said, this is my blogging spot. I am happy with it, it is comfortable. What you don't see is the little area under my desk where Elvis sleeps and gnaws on my knees. It's more of a tickle then a bite mind you, but I will save that for another entry!

Here is a close up tour of my desk...

I am currently reading "Fair Game" by Valerie Plame Wilson

One of my favorite bears Windy :)

My Favorite games; 5 Crowns, Quiddler, Backgammon, SET

My favorite CD ROM game The SIMS2

A box of holiday tea, that sits in a little cubby hole with all my favorite calming teas and potions. :)

The idea for this challenge came to us by way of Martha, who journals at "Perception." Great idea my dear! Go and see what her blogging space looks like, and then be sure to visit all the participating Robins. Just follow the links below!

Linking List

1. Martha... Perception
Posted!

3. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

4. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

5. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

6. T.J. ... T.J.'s Photo Blog
Posted!

7. Annie... Pictures of Craziness and Me and my Phone
Posted!

8. Whammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati
Posted!

9. Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories
Posted!

10.Kiva... The Eclectic Granny
Posted!

11. Maryt... Work of the Poet
Posted!

13. Greg... Photo Trek (Welcome New Member)
Posted!

14. Raven... Raven's Lament (Welcome New Member)
Posted!



If you would like to play along there is still time! Just visit the official Round Robin blog for all the details!


-OndineMonet
"My Blog Spot"
Berkeley, California
September 3 2008
Morning

What Would You Have Said To The Man From Great Britain?

"The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we hold of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us."

-Quentin Crisp

The other day, while in Golden Gate Park, I had an extraordinary experience happen to me, one the solidifies my belief that once in a while, one must venture out into the world, rather then veg in front of the computer, because out in the world is where you find life, opinion, and experience. You see, the other day, I met a tourist, a world tourist really, who makes London his permanent home, but who is currently touring the world, and who just happened to be in San Francisco on the same day I was.

The British man with the brown shoes had an easy smile, and talked about how much he was enjoying America, but that he hadn't been fond of Monterey. He shared that he thought the Oregon coastline was stunning, and that he would like to see it in winter sometime. We talked about how lucky he was to be in the Bay Area, during a week when there was hardly any fog, a rarity really, and then we paused, as the conversation lulled a bit.

The British man broke the silence by asking me a question that I should have been able to answer without hesitation, but instead I answered with great embarrassment, "How do you feel about George Bush?" He asked. I was taken aback for so many reasons. First of all, I have never been asked that question by someone who lives outside the United States. In all the time I have spent in the city, and all the folks I have talked to with all the many languages, not one person has ever asked by opinion about Bush. In the moment I had to think about it, I considered apologizing for Bush's actions, I considered being offended by the smirk on the man's face, but in the end I merely muttered, "I am looking forward to him leaving office." It was as honest as I could be in that moment.

"Do you think he will leave office?" Asked the man. "Yes" I replied, "according to our Constitution he has to." The man simply widened his smirk and said, "But hasn't he pretty much made your Constitution into rubbish?" Sigh. I felt sad as I realized the man's opinion of the U. S. politics, the president, and of Americans as a whole. It made me sad, and a little defensive to think I had to somehow justify the mess we are in around the world to a total stranger in the park. "Well," I said, "he has taken some liberties I believe, but he will be leaving office soon, and then we can set about rebuilding America's reputation, hopefully." The man said nothing for a long time. "Well, what do you think about John McCain, and Sarah Palin? Asked the man after a moment. I simply smiled and said, "Actually, I am supporting Barack Obama, and Joe Biden." Again the man said nothing.

A long quiet rested between us, and after a little while I got up to leave. I wished the man a safe journey. He smiled a polite smile, and shook my hand. "Good luck with your elections," he said. I just smiled and then I turned and walked away a little shell shocked. Why hadn't I told him that I think John McCain would bring nothing but further humiliation to America? Why hadn't I mentioned how embarrassed I was by Sarah Palin's speech the other night? How can the GOP on one hand be touting change, when their speeches were filled with the same belittling rhetoric that they have been spouting for years? How can they on the one hand, call young people to think about serving something greater then themselves, and on the other hand, mock Obama for his community service and leadership? But then again, how would I explain that to a total stranger, from another country, when I don't understand it myself?

So tell me, if you had met the man from Great Britain, what would you have said?

-OndineMonet
"The Man From Great Britain With The Brown Shoes"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
September 4, 2008
Afternoon

Pretty Wings

"Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time."

-Deborah Chaskin

I know I always say this when I discover a new butterfly, but, isn't she beautiful? This is a female of the Mexican Bluewing, or Myscelia ethusa. It is a medium sized butterfly, which behaves a lot like the monarch, in that in flight they don't seem to move their wings as fast as some of the smaller butterflies do. While it is called a bluewing, the colored bands on the wings actually appear purple, rather then blue. I enjoyed watching it, and studying it the other day at the conservatory, in fact, I think it might make my list of personal favorite butterfly species to watch. I always learn something new from these amazingly beautiful creatures.

Additional photos...

Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia ethusa)

Learn about them here...

Bluewing Information

-OndineMonet
"Mexican Bluewing"
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
September 3, 2008
Afternoon

Martha's A - Z Photo Challenge: "L" Is For Lace

"It is difficult to see why lace should be so expensive; it is mostly holes."

-Mary Wilson Little

And we have arrived at the letter "L" in Martha's A - Z Photo Challenge! For my "L" I chose the LACE that was on my wedding dress. I have been thinking about my wedding dress lately because my wedding anniversary is coming up in just about 6 weeks, and I always get a little sentimental around this time each year. I like to take the dress out and look at all the fine detailing on it. What can I say? It was pretty much the dress I had always dreamed of. Smile. Poofy and Sparkly.

If I were getting married again, all these years later, I wouldn't go for that style at all. Funny how your taste changes over time. I think I would more then likely go for a tea length dress, with much more simple detailing. Maybe just the lace around the top, as opposed to all over. Thank God I will never have to make that decision again! LOL.

There's still lots and lots of time to play along with Martha's challenge. Just pop over to her AOL journal (Perception) to get all the details.

-OndineMonet
"Lace"
Berkeley, California
September 2nd, 2008
Morning

Standing Up To Cancer: An Elvis Update

"The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around... throughout history, "tender loving care," has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing."

-Larry Dossey

Well, my boy is off to chemotherapy! This will be his 5th dose of the stuff, and it is doing it's job well, because he is pretty much his usual goofy self most of the time again. He got two new shirts this week. One is a red and white sailor suit with a blue anchor on it that you see here, and the other one is a flannel tank top that has a big chocolate chip cookie that has the caption, "Got Milk?" LOL. Dr. B told me, from the very beginning, that there would be times when Elvis would look so good that I would actually forget that cancer was in the shadows. Weep.

Yeah, there are times when I let myself forget about it. Alan and I aren't letting it keep us from enjoying our boy, but mornings like this one, when it is really cold outside, and I wake up with Elvis curled into my side, I have to take a couple moments and cry. I know that I will be facing next autumn without him, for the first time in over a decade. Elvis has seen me through times I never thought I would survive, and even when things were going wonderful, and I was on top of the world, he was still there, taking care of me. Somehow, I kinda think that even death won't stop him from watching over me.

Have you heard about the special that will be airing on the three major networks this Friday night? It's called, "Stand Up 2 Cancer." Did you know that cancer kills one person every minute? EVERY MINUTE! My grandfather died of leukemia, and cancer has already touched Alan, when his father was diagnosed with it just a few years ago. Chances are, you might know someone right now who has been diagnosed with cancer, or already lost someone to it. Weep.

Go and look at the website, then be sure to watch it this Friday. It will be on ABC, NBC, and CBS at 8 pm. Watch it. If you donate a $1 or more, you can launch a star for a person you know who has been diagnosed with cancer. Alan and I are going to do that later this week for our boy Elvis. Yes, I know he's a cat, but there is research being done to find a cure for our fur babies as well. We are all in this together. Please remember, cancer can come at any age, if you haven't already had your annual physical, please make an appointment this week to take care of yourself. And while you are there, also talk to your doctor about having an A1C test for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise as well.

Nearly three years after her death, I still miss and indeed mourn Pam. I miss her little IM's when she saw me log on really early in the morning, and her funny little comments and emails, and I miss... her voice. This has to stop, or at least more has to be done. Wouldn't it be wonderful if cancer was stopped in our lifetime? We all can't just hope it will happen, we have to make it happen. One day I hope to purchase a star for Elvis from the star registry, and then after he is gone, I can look up, and see him watching over me. It's a comforting fantasy, but I would rather have him cured and sitting by my side. For now, hope is all I have.

Don't forget to watch Stand Up 2 Cancer on Friday, September 5th!

-OndineMonet
"Elvis The Sailor Man"
Berkeley, California
September 2nd, 2008
Morning

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #1: Lets Say Hello

"A fine artist is one who makes familiar things new, and new things familiar."

-Louis Nizer

Welcome to the very first week of the Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot, or (EMPS) for short! :) Let's just jump in, shall we?

THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot#1: Let's Say Hello! Although we have known each other for quite some time now, I thought it would good to get things off to a friendly start, by asking you to take a self-portrait of you and your camera! If you want to add a frame and/or a little "hello" as a caption, well, that would be even better!

**You have until next Sunday at 9:00 p.m. (PDT) to do the assignment, and submit your entry. It doesn't have to be submitted on Monday! Please double check your link before you leave it, it is your responsibility to submit it correctly. The link you leave me, is the one I will use to link back to you!

Now go be photographers, and I will see you in one week!

Photo Tip #1: Follow The Rule Of Thirds. Imagine your photo divided into three horizontal and vertical sections. Place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary lines.

-OndineMonet

Weekend Assignment #231: Candidates With A Difference

"When the president decides something on Monday, he still believes it on Wednesday... no matter what happened on Tuesday."

-Stephen Colbert, referring to President George W. Bush

Weekend Assignment #231: Over the years we've had a number of oddball candidates for public office, from cartoon characters to a live pig, from comedians to TV stars to an ex-wrestler. But it's only in recent years that a candidate who doesn't fit the usual profile can run for office and actually expect to win. Who is the most unusual political candidate you have ever supported, either seriously or in just?

Extra Credit: Present politicians excepted, have you ever regretted voting for a candidate, in light of later events?

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I guess this my weekend for politics! LOL. See my entry from yesterday! Although as we get closer and closer to the election in November, I expect I will be spending my weekends sharing my political observations. I hope the thought of that doesn't make you run and hide in fear, because I am not always serious when it comes to politics, I can find the humor from time to time, so you never know... maybe I can make you smile.

Anyway, onto the assignment Karen asked us to do. All my life I have been democrat. My first crush in life was on Hubert Humphrey. LOL. SIGH. There was just something about that man. In my teens I admired Jimmy Carter very much, and I still feel that he wasn't given enough time in office to accomplish his goals. As an ex-president, he has been an even greater man, and I still admire him and his work for Habitat For Humanity. I didn't get excited by too many others, until I saw Bill Clinton on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, and I remember Johnny Carson saying that night that we should, "Keep watching Governor Clinton, because one day, he will be president." Johnny was right. I consider him the best president in my lifetime. I know, I know, he is a bit randy... so what? His policies were sound, people could afford to live their lives and he left office with a surplus, not to mention the fact that, while he was in office, we were a happy nation. What could be wrong with that?

But the people I just spoke of were in the mainstream of politics. Karen wants us to discuss the unusual politicians we supported. I was a bit stumped by that request. I haven't ever really gone for the novelty candidates. Although, I was once really intrigued by an episode of Maude I saw as a child were Maude, sick to death with politics as usual, decided to launch a one woman campaign to get Henry Fonda elected to the presidency. Mr. Fonda declined to run, but the thought stuck in my mind that politicians weren't a different species, they were human beings and not really larger then their celebrity. I have since rethought that, lol, and at times I am indeed convinced that they are different species, otherwise how could they do the things they do. Oh, not the affairs, or the scandals, but rather allowing, and sometimes causing the suffering they do, in the name of love.

I thought and thought about the assignment. Had I ever, EVER, considered and alternative to the same old, same old? Then it hit me! How could I have forgotten? Earlier this year, we got a chance, albeit a slim one, that Steven Colbert could have been our other choice in the field of primary candidates. He applied to the Democratic party, and was promptly turned down because he wasn't a seriously viable candidate. I think he also applied to the Republican party, but I don't remember what became of that.

His candidacy didn't last long, but while it was alive, I kept my fingers crossed. And why the hell not? Wouldn't that have been a nice strong statement to send to Washington D.C.? I swear, after the piss poor showing of the democrats and the lunatics some people refer to as the Bush Administration, I was ready for intelligence, and humor again. And intelligent humor for that matter. Google "Stephen Colbert For President" and see what you find. I wasn't alone in the idea of having a really different choice to vote for! So, to answer the question for the assignment, Stephen Colbert is the most unusual candidate I have ever supported, if only for a few weeks anyway. :) I like that man!

Extra Credit: Arnold Schwarzenegger! What the HELL was I thinking trusting that republican? Well, we Californians are like that, we look for talent, and promise, and if it happens to be in the form of a republican, we will listen. I am rethinking that philosophy. I can admit when I have made a mistake, and voting for Schwarzenegger is certainly it! The thing is, considering many of his policies, he leans away from traditional republican ideals. Sometimes I think he might be a democrat at heart, and it simply hasn't occurred to him!

-OndineMonet

Sarah Who?

"We believe that the decision to list the polar bear was not based on the best scientific and commercial data available."

-Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin

If you heard some strange distant laughter yesterday, well, that was me! You see, I heard very early in the morning that GOP presidential hopeful John McCain had chosen Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, as his running mate, and I couldn't stop laughing! Tee Hee Hee Hee. Is McCain thinking straight? Did Bush tell him to do it? Did he lose a bet? Or could it be that he is pandering to disgruntled female democrats, who are still feeling the sting of losing Hillary Clinton? If it is the latter, well, let me make it clear for him... NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS MCCAIN!!

As a woman who fits into the demographic McCain is seeking to appease, 40 somethings of the middle class, I wouldn't see myself voting for a woman who is by all indication the Anti-Hillary, in a million years! She is Anti-Roe v Wade, Anti-Environment, and Pro-War. She embraces every ideal to the exact opposite of Hillary Clinton, so why would John McCain believe for even a moment that I am so devastated after watching Hillary Clinton lose the nomination to Barack Obama that I would simply give up on my lifelong ideals to vote for just any woman on a presidential ticket? Is that what the right thinks about women such as myself? Is that the regard they have for us?If so, isn't that sad?

My reservations about voting for Obama never had anything to to with gender, they had to do with the man's policies, and his attempts of late, to establish himself as more of a centrist figure, rather then the true democratic liberal we need to fix the mess caused by the Bush administration. I have felt let down by him for most of this summer, and I have even toyed with the thought of removing him from my sidebar, but I decided to wait until the Democratic Convention, and until after I heard who his running mate would be. I am glad I waited. I more then approve of his running mate, I applaud it.

I am now, in fact, renewed in my hope that a democrat will indeed be elected to the White House. Senator Joe Biden is a strong man, with all the experience needed to do well in that office. I have always considered him a bit to the left of Hillary Clinton, which is what we need right now. In fact, while I was supporting Hillary Clinton for president, I could see Joe Biden as her running mate, although I have been very impressed with Tim Kaine, since he delivered the democratic response to the State of the Union in 2006. He would have been a good choice as well.

Anyway, I suppose that McCain chose Sarah Palin without my demographic in mind at all, instead finding someone who would appeal to republican women. I have heard a lot of republican women who are ready to see a woman in the White House. I suppose that is a possibility, but the question I have to ask those women is, do you really believe this woman is qualified to be Vice President? Really? She hasn't even been the Governor of Alaska for two years, and before that she was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska, City Counsel. That is the extent of her political career. Is that who you want as Vice President?

If so, consider the under qualified men and women that George Bush put into various offices, and the damage caused by doing so. Now, knowing that, letting experience guide you, do you really see yourself voting for that ticket? If McCain really wanted a woman for his running mate, wouldn't someone like Carly Fiorina have been a stronger choice? John McCain has learned nothing from the mistakes of George Bush. He has learned nothing about what America wants or needs. That makes him not just the worst choice for president, that makes him the most dangerous choice as well.

Opinions, opinions. Tell me what you think. Are you happy with the Democratic ticket? How about the Republican ticket? Are you even planning to vote in November? Who would your dream ticket have been? Would you vote for a woman just because she is a woman? Would you ever consider jumping ship from your political party because of race or gender? Speak your mind, lets get to know each other better! :)


Interesting Reading...

Alaska To Sue To Block Polar Bear Listing (Reuters)

OndineMonet

I Wish There Were A Knob

"I wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence. There's a knob called brightness, but that doesn't work."

-Unknown

This is probably my least favorite week of the year. The last week of August. It's not quite autumn yet, but the mornings are already becoming a bit nippy, and the leaves are falling just enough to make me crave a full fledged autumn day. In addition to being a complete seasonal tease... it is also perhaps the most boring week of the year, as we stand just on the edge of the new fall TV season.

I didn't watch much of the Olympics, I just couldn't get into it. George Bush was acting like an ass, an even bigger one then he usually does, and all the political controversy has left a bad taste in my mouth. Sigh. I don't know why or how China was chosen to hold the Olympics, to me it seemed like a dreadful idea, given the way they treat their own people. I won't even go into the whole kicking people from their house, and the massive toxic clean-up it took to hold the games in China, I am sure you all heard about it. Anyway, the lack of good TV this time of year, makes me look forward to all the new shows about to debut, as if it were actually a holiday. LOL.

I took a look at the complete 2008 - 2009 Fall Schedule, over at TV Guide, and as seasons go, this year seems a bit lackluster. Although, there are a couple new shows that actually look kind of fun. Kath and Kim, with Molly Shannon, and Selma Blair, looks really funny, and Worst Week, on ABC, also looks like it could be a nice companion to one of my favorite shows on Monday nights, "Two-and-a-Half Men." Humor is big with me, I like a good drama from time to time, but humor will get my attention every time. Speaking of humor, don't you wish we could see a little more of the political conventions? We got full coverage of the Olympics, but when it comes to American Politics, we get just the highlights. There is something wrong with that!

I am looking forward to seeing a lot of the returning shows like, Samantha Who, Private Practice, Gray's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, How I Met Your Mother, Real Time With Bill Maher, Ghost Whisperer, and Dancing With The Stars, and my very favorite, Pushing Daisies. Hmmm... look at that... I guess I watch more TV on ABC, then any of the other networks. I never really noticed that before. Hmmmm. Anyway, I guess what is plaguing me is the end of summer blues. And everyone knows there is no cure for that! LOL. I will just have to be content a little while longer with these inane "summer break" shows, as I pine away for autumn!

How about you, do you find yourself watching one network more then any other?Is there a certain new show you will be looking forward to? How about from the returning shows, is there one you like best? What classic TV show do you wish someone would do over? Personally, I think a do-over of "I Love Lucy" with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos would just be fun! What do you think? Tell me everything!

View the complete Fall Preview at TV Guide


-OndineMonet
"Toward Fall"
Berkeley, California
Autumn, 2007
Late Afternoon

Scenes From A Date...

"Don't cry for a man who's left you, the next one may fall for your smile."

-Mae West

Fun! Fun? What's that again? Oh yeah, I remember! Despite all the stress in our lives lately, Alan and I do remember how fun, fun can be. The trouble is, due to the crashing economy, everything has gotten so expensive. Heck, a nice dinner and a movie could cost about $65.00 dollars! If we did go out for an evening like that, and enjoyed it, we would probably be ruminating over the cost the next day. That's not fun. So what's a married couple, who likes to date each other even after nearly 18 years of marriage, do for date night? Well, if they keep their eyes open, something really special might just present itself. And last Friday night... it did!

Dunsmuir House & Gardens, held a "Movie on the Lawn" night! The cost of the tickets were $5.00 each, and the movie was non other than, our movie, "So I Married An Axe Murderer." I know it sounds funny to have that as our movie, but it is such a cute movie, and we are both big fans of Mike Meyers. And it doesn't hurt that the movie was filmed in San Francisco, and that a portion of the film was also shot right here in the Oakland hills at... you guessed it... Dunsmuir House! LOL. I can't even tell you how cool it was to watch the movie, see Dunsmuir house on the screen, and also know it was right behind us at the same time. It was almost like stepping into the movie. :)

The gates opened to the general public at 6:00 pm, and we were encouraged to bring some blankets, some comfortable chairs and picnic dinner. We did just that. We brought some sodas, and a couple homemade roast beef sandwiches, and had a blast just hanging out, playing Travel Scrabble, and reminiscing until the movie started at 8:30 pm. The Jensen Family, who hosted the event, had an extra special reason for being there that night, it seems their son, Jessie, had found the girl of his dreams in the lovely Amanda, and the evening was serving as their engagement party! Love was in the air. To make it all just a little more romantic, we found out that Jessie's parents were married at Dunsmuir House 30 years ago! Aren't family traditions like that just the best?

I hope Dunsmuir House will hold another movie night this year. There are lots of films that have been shot on the grounds, such as, Phantasm, A View To A Kill, and Burnt Offerings, which would be a hoot to see on the lawn screen. I would love to go back again before the cold weather comes in. We had such a good time, and the crowd was a lot of fun. Each time we saw the bridge in the movie, a cheer would go up, and when Dunsmuir House appeared, the sound was downright deafening. FUN! It was good to get away from all the stress, if even for just a little while. It's good to date your spouse. It's good to never lose the things you enjoyed when you were young, and stress seemed like something that happened to other people.

:)

-OndineMonet
Dunsmuir House & Gardens
Oakland, California
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
Afternoon

Monday Photo Shoot #35: Two "D" Words And An Announcement

"An idea is a point of departure and no more. As soon as you elaborate on it, it becomes transformed by thought."

-Pablo Picasso

New Monday Photo Shoot #35: Departure of Destruction. Photograph a departure of some sort, people walking away, a train pulling out of a station, a graduation, whatever - or evidence of destruction. If your photos combine the two somehow, that's even better!

Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

About The Train...

I chose the picture you see above, because Karen always seemed to enjoy it. She has given me a lot of positive feedback over the years about my photos, and it was always so appreciated. I remembered you liked that photo Karen, so that one is especially for you! :)

About The Monday Photo Shoot...

As you probably read over on Karen's blog, Outpost Mavarin, as of next Monday, September 1st, I will be taking over the Monday Photo Shoot. The MPS has been a big part of my blogging life since our Blogfather, John Scalzi, debuted the project back in March of 2004. I was very sad when he left AOL at the end of last year, because I had appreciated the effort he put into both the MPS and the Weekend Assignments. Both memes allowed me to step out of my own comfort zone, and do an assignment that I more then likely wouldn't have tackled all on my own. Sometimes I needed to step out of my own box, and challenge myself. That's what a challenge is supposed to do... right?

I was relived, and very pleased, when Scalzi personally handed the reins of the MPS to Karen. She did a great job with it over the last 8 months, with some really good, strong assignments. I always enjoyed the weeks I played under Karen's direction very much, I wish I could have played more weeks, but unfortunately sometimes things just got in my way. Life has been hectic in our little cottage, and I am sorry if I wasn't as supportive as I could have been, because I really thought she did an excellent job with it. But I do understand the feeling of burnout that she mentions. Blogging can do that to you, and every once in a while, it is a good idea to take a step back and reassess your priorities.

So, when she asked me a couple weeks ago if I was still interested in taking over the MPS I said "YES!" See, I think it will be a good project for me right now. We are coming into the autumn and winter months, where I always feel at my most creative. The problem is, I know that getting out with the camera will be a bit more challenging this year due to my recent diagnosis of degenerative arthritis in my right knee. Doing the MPS will help me center my own creativity, and give it a finer focus. I did a lot of thinking about it, and I talked to Alan, and I really think it will be a nice way to keep my creativity going strong.

I have some fresh ideas for the MPS, and I think they will be ones you will enjoy a lot, but over all it will still be about a group of friends and fellow bloggers chasing away the Monday blues, by sharing their love of photography with one another. If you want to play along, well that would be just wonderful, but if you are busy, or uninspired by a topic I choose, or just plain don't wanna play along... lol... that's fine too. No worries. We all get busy, we all have those days when things just don't seem to fit. It happens. When I get that way, I pick up my camera, but that's just me.

Anyway, I want to thank John Scalzi, for creating the MPS, and Karen, for all her hard work and effort with it, since he handed it over to her last January. Without the two of you, Monday would have just been Monday, with you, Monday became a photographic adventure! I promise to try my best with this project, and make it a fun and creative outlet for everyone. So, I will see you next Monday, and hopefully for many more Monday's to come!

Always, Carly :)

Round Robin Challenge: Public Art

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."

-Scott Adams

My pal, and Round Robin teammate, Karen, has chosen one of my ideas, submitted to the challenge pool during our last suggestion round, "Public Art." I love Public Art, and chase it around the Bay Area as much as possible. It's nice when there is a big project being shown in one place, such as the Cool Globes that are being shown along the Chrissy Field promenade. Out of all the globes I saw at the exhibit, this one ended up being my favorite. "Food For Thought" by artist, Nicholas Kashian. The "Cool Globes" project was brought about to bring awareness to Global Warming, by reminding us of how we can work together to help ourselves as we help the planet.

The project began in Chicago, in 2007, and after it's overwhelming success, it continued on to San Diego, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and after that it will be debuting in London in 2009! Each city brings it's own unique message to the globes, as regional artists select themes to represent the areas the globes are being shown in. This project will be around through October 12th, so I kinda think I will be out with the camera again before it closes. There are a lot of powerful messages that go with the globes, like the one Bill Clinton made in his Global Warming Initiative...

"Global Warming Inititive"

"It no longer makes sense for us to debate whether or not the Earth is warming at an alarming rate, and it doesn't make sense for us to sit back and wait for others to act. The fate of the planet that our children and grandchildren will inherit is in our hands, and it is our responsibility to do something about the crisis."

-Bill Clinton ( Global Warming Initiative)

Cool Globes "Hot Ideas For A Cool Planet"

Along the Chrissy Field Promenade

"Support Organic Products" By Vicky Tesmer

"Chicago's Green Roofs" By Mason Dixon

It's an amazing project, every city in America should really do more to raise awareness to the various challenges we face. Art can be a powerful medium for change, especially when we get children involved. I saw a lot of families that day, stopping to read the messages together. I wish there were more art programs being offered in public schools, but here it is, 2008, and sometimes I think we haven't learned a damn thing!

Here are some additional examples of Bay Area Public Art, that I have particularly enjoyed...

"Crouching Spider" By Louise Bourgeois (S.F. Embarcadero)

The Hawk For Peace By Alexander Calder (Berkeley Art Museum)

"The Dreamer" by Pepe Ozan (Golden Gate Park 2007)

"Capriccio" By Carol Sutterlund (Santa Rosa, California)

"Red Quake" By Peter Forakis (Santa Rosa, California)

Follow the art. Just click on the links below to see the Public Art the other Robins found for this challenge. And remember there is still time to play, just visit the official Round Robin blog for all the details.

Linking List

Karen... Outpost Mavarin (Posted)

Carly... Ellipsis (Posted)

Momma... Sandcastle Momma (Posted!)

T.J. ...T.J.'s Photo Blog (Posted!)

Annie... Pictures of Craziness and Me and My Phone

Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati (Posted!)

Vicki... Maraca (Posted!)

Molly... Return of the White Robin

Pamela... The Dust Will Wait (Posted!)

Swampy... Anecdotes, Antidotes and Anodes

Sahvvy... Instantaneous Exsistence

Em Dy... Captured Beat (Posted!)

Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories (Posted!)

Jennifer Robin... Robin's Woods (Posted!)

Teena... It's all about me! (Posted!)

Gattina... Keyhole Pictures (Posted!)


-OndineMonet
"Food For Thought"
Chrissy Field Promenade
San Francisco, California
August, 2008
Afternoon

4 Years 364 Days Give Or Take

"I sincerely believe blogging can save America."

-John Jay Hooker

What Does The Title Of Your Blog Mean?

Can you believe I have been blogging 5 years? Well, actually, as of tomorrow it will have been 5 years, officially, oh, how about I just explain. As some of you may remember, I am part of the great AOL exodus, of November 2005. Originally Ellipsis was an AOL Journal, but after the banner ad scandal, I left my simple pink journal behind, along with approximately 150 others, and looked for a new home in a different neighborhood.

Well, at least that's how I thought of it. I sent out a change of address email, and some folks supported me and understood my decision, and some didn't. I don't want to dwell on anything negative here, I have since let go of the disappointment, but I will say I wish the folks who went their own way all the best. I always did. I am just sorry the friendships had to end. Change happens, and but it never has to affect relationships if we don't want it to.

Anyway, here I am on Blogger, ready to welcome the start of my next 5 years of blogging. I hope that isn't an ambitious number, lol, blogging can be difficult from time to time. I get tired. And because of some physical pain, a lot of time I am not able to get out with the camera as much as I would like to, so I have to rely on archived images, or pictures I find on the net, to go along with whatever I am trying to convey to you. I will always prefer to use my own photos, because I am a visual person, I speak through my photos. A lot of the time, I try to present you photos that tell the whole tale, rather then babble on, and on, and on.

So, I don't know for sure I will be celebrating Ellipsis's 10th anniversary or not, but I know I am going to give it a go. I have stuff to say. Politics, photography, healthy living, cats, monkeys, 9/11, recipes, cat care, Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Arthritis, John Ritter, Elvis, spooky movies, chocolate, life, art, LOST, George W. Bush, Type 2 Diabetes, Play-Doh, autumn, Halloween, married life, men, clothes, hairstyles, and Mr. November all make up my Ellipsis life. (...)

Main Entry: el·lip·sis
Function: noun
Pronunciation: i-'lip-s&s, e-
Inflected Form(s): plural el·lip·ses /-"sez/
Etymology: Latin, from Greek elleipsis ellipsis, ellipse, from elleipein to leave out, fall short, from en in + leipein to leave -- more at IN , LOAN
1 a : the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete b : a sudden leap from one topic to another
2 : marks or a mark (as ... or * or -) indicating an omission (as of words) or a pause

-OndineMonet
Ellipsis 5th Anniversary
August 23, 2008

Guest Starring Connie As Herself...

"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life."

-Geoffrey F. Abert

Yesterday, I told you about an extraordinary journal post that I found on my pal, Connie's AOL Journal. In that post Connie asked us to consider the question, "What Would You Do If You Only Had 37 Days To Live?" There is a lot to think about, in terms of how I might want to live, but I also wanted to consider if I would share with others that my time on earth was suddenly limited. Connie remembered some really good people, Lahoma, and Pam, who both suddenly had to deal with watching the clock tick their life away. I didn't know Lahoma well, but I do I remember Pam's brave battle with Lung Cancer.

I was lucky enough to have spoken with her on the phone on numerous occassions, we were both Bay Area gals, and it was like speaking to my neighbor next door. She sounded exactly like I heard her in my head. Exactly. I didn't comment much on her journal, most of the time I simply couldn't find the right words, but she knew how much I cared about her, and one of the last conversations we had ended on a fun note, she asked me to have a scoop of peach ice cream for her. Whenever I have peach ice cream now, I always smile and remember my friend Pam. I will never forget her, and I visit her journal from time to time. Thanks Pam.

As I told you about Connie's "37 Days" entry, I forgot to mention that her journal is private. Actually, I am so used to going over there that I completely forgot, but she has given me permission to cut and paste her original entry into this entry, so you can read it. Please do. Please read it and consider how the knowledge that you will only have 37 days left on earth would affect your life. Would you change anything? Would you want to travel? Would you want to be alone? Would you tell someone off? Would you tell someone, who you haven't told before, "I Love You!"

What Would You Do?
By Connie

There is an author named Patti Digh, who wrote a book called Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally. It's written to enlighten, and build a person up by making you think about what you would do if you knew you only had 37 days left on this planet to live. She also writes a blog entitled 37 days.

I haven't read the book, but I intend to. I did however read an excerpt from the book, and found it uplifting. I realize that a person is only human, and can't possibly live life 100% of the time in pure bliss. Life does tend to get in the way, and there are some things that make us sad, overwhelm us, make us angry, etc. But I really think I can take away a valuable lesson from this book. I encourage you to read an excerpt from the book and decide for yourself if you think it might be beneficial to your life. I'm willing to do just about anything for some clarity, and joy in my life, and if this book can help me do that then I'm going to be a sponge and soak up everything I can from it.

Now the question. What would I do if I knew I only had 37 days left on this earth to live?

I would tell everyone in my life how much I love them, and what their presence in my life has done for me.

I would worry less about what people think about me, and consider more what I think about me.

I would go outside and spend time brushing, petting, and playing with my dogs. I would hug them, and give them each a special chew treat. I would scratch my cats backs, and pet them, and give them each a can of really good cat food...not that hard stuff.

I would call my Aunt who I have hated in some ways for things she did while my Father was alive, and young and dumb, and try to forgive her for all the things she's done.

I would try to see as many beautiful things that I could. The Grand Canyon, Hawaii, The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Yellowstone. So many places that I've always wanted to behold, and yet never could.

I would see the ocean, and let the sun beam down on my face, and feel the wind in my hair.

I would go to the cemetery and have a talk with my Dad, and forgive him.

I could go on forever, but you get the point. There are so many things in our lives that we think are important, and yet in the grand scheme of things, they are so small in comparison to the big picture.

Pam never thought in a million years that she wouldn't live out all her dreams. She fought cancer to the bitter end...most days thankful, some days beaten down and extremely sad. I still miss her, and I know many of you do also.

Lahoma never got to see her son grow up, get married, and become a Father. She never got to live out her dreams because cancer stole her life as well. I still can't believe she's gone.

We aren't guaranteed tomorrow, all we have is today. Hanging on to hate and resentment only drags us down. Forgiving is so much easier...and it doesn't matter who is wrong, and who is right. Even though we are all human, and we all ask "why me" I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if we never find out what that reason is. Always feeling sorry for yourself just keeps us beaten down, and sad.

I'm trying. That's all I can do. And I'm not going to quit trying.

So I ask you...If you knew you only had 37 days left...what would you do?

*Connie*

-Used by Permission Of Connie

-OndineMonet
"Emerging Water Lily"
San Francisco, California
Summer, 2006

The Sign Of My Times

"One always overcompensates for disabilities. I'm thinking of having my entire body surgically removed."

-Douglas Adams

Fine. Fine. I'm fine. Really... fine. Well, actually, not so much fine, but rather ok. Yeah. I am ok. I would be better if I didn't feel like such an old lady. And old lady with a handicap placard. It's all the fault of this stupid arthritis in my knees. Especially to blame is my right knee for betraying me in this most painful fashion. The idea of a handicap placard hadn't even occurred to me, but rather it was my Dr.'s idea. You see, the phone rang in my house the other day, and the conversation went like this... "RING, RING." "Hello" I said. "Mrs. Gordon, this is Dr. E's office, do you want to pick up the form for your handicap placard, or do you want it mailed?" "Huh?" I was a little perplexed. Like I said, it had never occurred to me that I even qualified."

After a couple moments of dumb-founded-ness, I thought about it, then told the nurse I would pick up the DMV form later that day. After I cried for a couple moments, I went in the bathroom and looked at the top of my head. Yep, I got some gray. Then I began to check for wrinkles. No, face looks ok. "Is my butt falling?" I thought to myself, but after a quick check I was relived to find it right where it should be... give or take 5 inches. I could be happier with my boobs, but heck, all in all, I am ok for an old woman of 46! So, why was this hurting my feelings so much?

Is it because it is just one more thing, in an already heartbreaking year? Is it because I am in physical pain, every time the temperature dips below 50 degrees? Is it because I am just not the girl I used to be? Well, I already gave up wearing Capri pants, Micky Mouse shirts, and sleeveless tops, because while I believe that one should dress in whatever style makes one feel comfortable, I also realize that at a certain point you have to dress to suit the total you, including your age. So, rather then dress like a hip 80's girl, I now dress like a fashionable woman of 2008. But will the new fashion accessory the doctor picked out for me, make me no longer attractive, because lets face it, can orthopedic shoes be far behind?! LOL.

Sometimes, when I go to the grocery store, I come out in pain, and barely able to walk. Even just 30 or 45 minutes can be enough to make me nearly cry. What the heck happened to grocery stores? Is it just me, or have supermarkets really gotten colder in the last few years? The store I shop at most, Lucky's, has the freezer, and produce section right in front of the door. It's makes the whole place cold. REALLY cold. Safeway is similar. Or maybe it's not as bad as all that, and my knee is just that sensitive. And maybe, just maybe, the root of all my hurt feelings, and apprehension stems from the fear that one day, my doctor will tell me to put my camera down. AHA... fear of the unknown.

:(

For now, she hasn't said anything like that. She and I have discussed all the options. Cortisone shots. Surgery. Quad exercises. Right now I am doing the pain killers, and quad exercises, with the proviso that we keep a close eye on the damage already done to my knee. Sigh. I am already preparing myself for things. Doing my research. Avoiding feeling sorry for myself. Self-pity does very little to improve my circumstance. I suppose, if need be, I will reinvent myself yet again. I did it after I went nuts, I did it again after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and then yet again after Type 2 Diabetes, and once more after Mr. November left my life. Why should this situation be any different... right?I know I plan to spend the next 37 days educating myself on how to better handle arthritis and being proactive in my life. Why the next 37 days you ask?

Well, my pal Connie gave me some things to think about the other day, after I read one of her best ever entries on her journal, "Thoughts On My Life And Other Mindless Chatter." In that entry she asks the question, "What would you do if you only had 37 Days left to live? Do my a favor, go and read her magnificent journal, and leave her your thoughts about what the last 37 days of your life would be like, if you knew you only had 37 days left. Connie's writing always makes me take a step back and think about things. She has had some incredible struggles, and she still gets right back up. So many times she has inspired me with her honesty and wit. If you haven't read her yet... you should. Thanks Connie, for giving me something to think about! You're awesome!


What Would You Do? (Thoughts on my Life and Other Mindless Chatter)

-OndineMonet
"Red Sign"
Berkeley, California
August 20, 2008
Afternoon

Steven's Feline & Furball Friday: Elvis And The Boy Next Door

"Our perfect companions never have fewer then four feet."

-Colette

Have I told you about Elvis's canine pal Mac? Mac is a beautiful bulldog mix who lives just over the fence that has the beautiful Morning Glory growing on it. Mac and his human, Oliver, moved into the neighborhood almost a year ago. Since that time, Elvis has had the same routine. Each morning Elvis wakes me for his regular breakfast, consisting of two cans of Gourmet Chicken Fancy Feast, then it is on to picking out his clothes for the day, followed by cuddle time with mommy, as we watch Live with Regis & Kelly.

It seems Elvis isn't a big fan of The View, no offense ladies, but the minute Regis and Kelly go off, he walks to the back door and asks to go out, so he can play with Mac. So far the cat and dog haven't been in the same yard, but they seem to enjoy chatting about neighborhood gossip through the fence. :) Sometimes, Mac will bark late at night, as if to say, "Hey, can Elvis, come out and play?!" I am pretty sure this is true, because as soon as I let my boy out, Mac always stops barking, and then sits down by the fence, quietly, and politely. I am proud of my boy, and his ability to make friends. It doesn't matter if you have paws, claws, legs, or fins, Elvis will consider you a his friend. Friendship seems to be the most important thing to him. :) What a boy!

"Oh boy, a belly rub!" This is part of our nightly routine, so Elvis will be able to let go of the seperation anxiety he has been feeling lately. We have lots and lots of quality playtime before bed. :) Good for the cat, and for me too. :) He was just starting to giggle as I took this picture. Everyone loves a good giggle. ;)

Medical Update: Elvis is doing awesome as far as we can tell. His nose has stopped bleeding, and his eye infection is completely gone. And the best news of all... he is eating enough again, to be able to tolerate his insulin, and last night he ate some fried chicken for the first time in 6 months. He can smell his food again!!! And if all that wasn't enough, he has let me sleep through the night, for the last 2 nights in a row!

Have you got a feline or furball? well then, you should play along with Feline & Furball Friday. Drop by Steven's blog for all the info.

-OndineMonet
"Elvis And The Boy Next Door"
Berkeley, California
August 19th, 2008
Afternoon

Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge: "K" Is For Kings

"Only kings, presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial "we."

-Mark Twain

It's time again for Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge, and this time around we are on the letter "K." I was a bit stumped for this one! Hmmm... k...k... what begins with "K?" K-9? Nah. Kaboodle? Kit and Kaboodle? LOL. Nah, no one wants to see a picture of my Kit-n-Kaboodle, so, what to do, what to do? I know, how about KINGS? Now, which kings? Burger Kings? King Krab? Nah, how about the KINGS in one of my favorite card games, KINGS In The Corner? Yep, that's what you see here, two of the KINGS from the game. :) Happiness.

It's time for the letter "K" have you played yet? If not, you can see Martha's entry for the letter "K" and there also just happens to be where you leave your link as well. Just click the link below, to join in the fun!

Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge: The Letter K

-OndineMonet
"Kings In The Corner"
Berkeley, California
August 18, 2008
Afternoon