Tummy Tuesday

Here's Wyatt. She likes to show off.

Sad Day

Veronica Mars has been cancelled. I'm not surprised, but it still hurts. Next year will be strange without the Gilmore Girls and Veronica. I don't feel too bad about Gimore Girls because I really liked the finale.

Gilmore Girls

is not coming back. The last few episodes have been good, so this is pretty sad news. It would be wonderful if this meant a greater chance of "Veronica Mars" being renewed, but I won't hold my breath.

Tummy Tuesday

It's Tummy Tuesday again on lisaviolet's blog. Today's beautiful tummy belongs to Simon (yes, she's a girl).

What's happening

I just finished reading Gone with the Wind. I figured I should read the book before seeing the movie. It was okay, but seemed repetitive and it's hard to stay interested when the characters are so unlikeable and frustrating.

I'm watching the unaired Kidnapped episodes on DVD. I'm still sad it was cancelled.

I saw two wonderful live shows over the weekend:

• The Wailin' Jennys -- beautiful voices and harmonies
• Liz Carroll and John Doyle -- great Irish music

Drive cancelled

Drive is gone. I'm not surprised; the ratings were bad. I was enjoying it but it wasn't as good as it could have been. I hope Nathan Fillion can find a successful and good show.

Tummy Tuesday

Today's tummy belongs to Sally. See lisaviolet's blog for more tummies!

Cat Pictures

Here are Casper and Simon before we left the house to run some errands.



And here they are when we got back.




Here is Simon in one of her favorite sleeping spots.

April Showers

aren't supposed to include snow.

I'm bummed

Andy Barker, P.I. is canceled already. I loved that show. :(

Tummy Tuesday

It's Tummy Tuesday on lisaviolet's blog. These are some oldies of Magellan.

New Music

Here is some new (at least to me) music I'm listening to:

Walking on the World by Jake Armerding
Never Been to Vegas by Red Molly
Waterloo, Tennessee by Uncle Earl
Over the Hills by Lucy Kaplansky

I've also recently purchased more albums by Tim O'Brien and Neko Case. So much good music.

Pet Food Recall

This situation is so sad. I feel for anyone who lost their pet.

Pet Food Recall Information

A tree hit by lightning

This is a tree on my parents' property that was struck by lightning. Mother Nature is not to be messed with.

Who cancelled Firefly?

The story behind the cancellation.

O.M.G.

The Battlestar Gallactica season finale was amazing. I can't believe I have to wait until 2008 to see more.

Help Save Internet Radio

Sigh, it never ends. Please click the link for how to help save internet radio.

This would be so cool!

I hope it happens... Veronica Mars news

Tummy Tuesday

It's Tummy Tuesday on lisaviolet's blog. Today's tummy belongs to Sally.

Holy frak!!

It's cold. At least it sounds cold. I'm sitting here listening to Whole Wheat Radio and the wind howling. I need to go out and buy cat food, but I really don't want to leave the house. It's been painfully cold lately and we got more snow last night. The good news is, it looks like the cold streak will finally be over tomorrow!

I also need to go and work with the horse I'm leasing. I hope the owner has been going. My motivation has been about as high as the temperatures. Maybe I'll go tomorrow.

New music

that I'm listening to:

Gary Jules' new album and three songs from A.J. Roach's new CD.

A good song

This is a plug for a beautiful song by a band I like...

All the Good Men

Hubby is such a good boy

He gave me these beautiful roses for my birthday.

It snowed this weekend. The cats wanted to go outside, but weren't fond of the white stuff.

It's been a while

The holidays were crazy (for various reasons), so I'm glad they are over. My TV shows are starting up again. Battlestar Galactica is back and still frakkin' with me. I'm hooked on 24 again and Veronica Mars starts tonight. I'm a little bummed about the news that the final episodes will be stand-alone, but that is still better than no Veronica.

The weather outside is frightful

We've had such nice, warm weather lately that the freezing rain and temps are quite shocking.

The Veronica Mars numbers were up for the last episode! I hope that trend continues in the future.

If you are an animal lover

this is a worthy cause -- Rabies Challenge Fund.

Veronica Mars News

Not as good as I was hoping, but I'll take what I can get...

The Veronica Mars news we've been waiting for is here — and it's mostly good.

Rob Thomas confirms that the CW has ordered seven more episodes, bringing the total number of Mars hours this season to 20. Sure, it's not the full, 22-episode pickup we were all hoping for, but I say we take what we can get and run with it.

Now, you're probably wondering, "What does this limited pickup mean for the final two mystery arcs this season!?" Well, Rob's trying to figure that out as we speak.
But obviously they'll be shorter than he had originally intended.

Old Crow Medicine Show

was awesome. I highly recommend them live if you get a chance.

My city started a smoking ban yesterday. Happy day.

It's a beautiful day

I took some time to go riding this afternoon. Gwyn did very well. It is supposed to be another great day tomorrow, so maybe I'll get to go again. I feel like I should take advantage of it while it lasts.

Elections are over! I was pleasantly surprised with most of the results. Except for the Kansas Board of Education one. I don't know why anyone would have voted for the incumbent. Ugh.

Now we have to deal with Christmas commercials. I'm not ready!

I'm looking forward to the Old Crow Medicine Show concert next Thursday.

The cats enjoyed some outdoor time

yesterday. It was a beautiful fall day. More pictures here.

Defy the chicken

Maybe that's what I should have named this blog. Or "Fate's Bitch". Oh how I miss you, Wonderfalls.

Anyone want some candy? We had even fewer trick-or-treaters than normal (we never get that many despite our prime location) and have way too much candy left. I don't get it.

Gwyn had her follow-up massage yesterday. She did really well and was feeling quite good afterwards. Hopefully she won't feel the need to constantly pin her ears back now.

I took Magellan to the vet yesterday because she's missing some fur. No problems were found that could explain the hair loss. (I wonder if she was stressed after Persia passed.) She does have bad teeth and has to go in for a cleaning. Sigh.

I am so ready for elections to be over.

Phantom's Feaste

Last Saturday night we went to the Phantom's Feaste, held at the Renaissance Festival grounds. It was fun but freezing! I think the temp got into the 30s. We wore victorian costumes and I didn't have a cape/cloak to match. I must find warmer clothes for next year.

The Prestige

I've been looking forward to this movie for a long time because of the people involved. I was not disappointed. I loved it and look forward to seeing it again.

Magellan eats spider webs

What's up with that?

Possibly good news

for Veronica Mars. Click here for article.

Gwyn got a massage

She really doesn't like to canter and has some attitude problems, so someone suggested a massage therapist to check her out for soreness. She did have tightness and pain, especially in the neck. Gwyn's reaction was pretty severe at first, but by the end of the session she was really enjoying it and obviously feeling better.

On to TV...

I watched 30 Rock last night and was disappointed. I'll watch another couple of episodes, but won't keep it on my schedule if it doesn't improve.

I like Friday Night Lights, despite not liking football. There are some things that turn me off, like the insane obsession over football and the nauseating camera work, but the show is still really good. It may not last long due to poor ratings.

Kidnapped (one of my favs) was cancelled, but they are supposed to air 13 episodes and give a resolution. Vanished is being moved and will probably be gone soon. Smith was cancelled and completely removed from the schedule. I haven't been enjoying the last two shows much so won't miss them.

Ugly Betty is one of my favorite new shows, but that time slot is killer. We have ordered an HD tuner that will hopefully solve our problem.

So far I like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Heroes, Men in Trees, and The Nine. I also am interested enough in Jericho, The Class, and Brothers & Sisters to keep watching.

And those are just the new shows. Sigh...

Funny Flu Shot Video

It's the second to last video clip on the page.

Flu Shot Video

Stupid web host

is having problems again, which is why the pictures of Persia are not showing up. I will try to get it fixed when I get a new site going.

Persia passed away one year ago

today. We miss him so much.

Something I never want to do again

is replace fence posts. We had two badly rotted ones and tried to replace them ourselves. That involved digging up the old concrete. We spent several hours last Sunday doing that and still couldn't get the old concrete out. I called a handy man and it took him over two hours to just finish digging out the concrete (and that was after he rented a jack hammer). Then we still had to put the new posts in with new concrete. I now know that I do not like working with concrete.

Next time I'm finding experts to hire.

Veronica Mars was awesome

but what else is new. :) I am worried though. They only retained 69% of the Gilmore Girls audience. What is wrong with people? Is it too much to ask to watch the good shows.

Also, I'm loving Kidnapped more that I expected and of course it is already in danger. Update: This was cancelled. My first sadness of the season. I hope NBC really does air 13 episodes.

Veronica Mars season 3 premiere tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 3rd. I hope you'll be watching.

Veronica Mars on CW

I could waste a lot of time

on this site, but I won't. At least I hope not.

For examples of what can be done with Line Rider see here and here.

More New Shows

Yesterday I watched Smith. This evening was Jericho and Kidnapped. I liked them all enough to keep watching for now. We'll see if they get better or worse...

Tummy Tuesday

OK, so he isn't a cat. I just couldn't resist this picture of my brother's dog, Elvis.

New Shows

So the new tv season is officially starting. I'm going to be busy.

Last night I watched The Class. It was okay. I may watch it for now, but it isn't "must see". I also watched Sudio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It was excellent and could become one of my favorites.

I'm watching Vanished (on after Prison Break). I'm sort of hooked, but only because I want to see how the mystery pans out. I don't care about any of the characters.

I've tried Justice -- only worth watching because of Victor Garber; it won't be regular viewing -- and Standoff which I tried because of Gina Torres. She's barely in it and the show is pretty blah.

And I actually like Men in Trees. It's perfect Friday night fluff.

I'm ridiculously excited

about the Veronica Mars premiere (Tuesday, October 3). Hope you'll be watching too!

Gwyn (a horse)

I finally have some decent pictures of Gwyn, the horse I am leasing. The birds were in her stall a few weeks ago. I discovered them after finding bird poop on Gwyn.

I went riding today and the weather was perfect. Gwyn did well. She didn't have much energy in the arena, but she perked up as soon as we went outside. I don't blame her. It is much more pleasant in the open air than the dusty arena.

Tummy Tuesday

It's Tummy Tuesday again on lisaviolet's site. Here's an oldie of Roshi...

I have a couple of new ones that sort of show the tummies....

Wyatt's tummy

Simon's Tummy

Nickel Creek

Nickel Creek is going on an indefinite break at the end of 2007. I'm sad, but can't say I'm surprised. It's been a great run and I look forward to their continued solo work. Click here for article

Little Miss Sunshine

We saw Little Miss Sunshine last night. I loved it. It is funny and sweet.

Veronica Mars, Invasion, and Prison Break

Woohoo! I just bought Season 2 of Veronica Mars and Invasion. I'm easily excited, I guess.

Prison Break premired last night. I'm still hooked. As sad as I am about Invasion being canceled, I'm loving the addition of William Fichtner to the cast.

I can't believe new shows are starting already. Where does the time go?

Tummy Tuesday

This tummy belongs to my wonderful Persia who passed away last October. I miss the old coot so very much.

It's over

I've been working hard finishing a couple of slide shows for my sister's wedding. I don't know why I was working until the last minute. I got no sleep on Friday night, but everything got done and people seemed to love them.

The wedding went perfectly. My sister was beautiful. Hubby and I had to do readings and we were both very nervous (I hate public speaking), but we somehow got through it.

The reception was fun, though I was too tired to close out the night. I'm glad it went so well and I'm glad it's over.

Favorite Returning Shows

I feel like making a list of my favorite returning shows for some reason. I had a difficult time ranking them, so only #1 is definite.

Honorable Mentions

24 -- I didn’t watch last season because my DVR messed up the first recordings. I will be checking it out on DVD and I’m sure I’ll get hooked again.

The Dead Zone -- I wish they’d spend more time on the main story-line and have fewer “filler” episodes.

Desperate Housewives -- I didn’t much care for the second season, but the actors still make me want to watch.

How I Met Your Mother -- Just missed the list. I love Barney.

Monk -- Tony Shalhoub makes this worth watching.

Psych -- Light, fun show, but I've only seen two episodes so far.

Smallville -- Can be very good, but too much "filler".

*********************************************

My Favorites

10. Bones -- The characters and actors who play them keep this from being just another procedural show.

9. Gilmore Girls -- This show was disappointing last season. I hope it moves up the list this season.

8. Prison Break -- Despite the implausibility of pretty much everything in this show, it got me hooked and kept me on the edge of my seat.

7. Grey's Anatomy -- This is soapy, but the acting continues to impress me.

6. Everybody Hates Chris -- Very funny with a great cast. Love the Chris Rock narration.

5. Lost -- I'm hooked on this mysterious show. I just hope they know where they are going with it.

4. My Name is Earl -- These characters crack me up.

3. Scrubs -- This show is getting even crazier and I love it.

2. Battlestar Galactica -- This is very heavy drama and very addictive.

1. Veronica Mars – Easily my favorite show that is still on the air. Please check it out!

A break in the weather

We got some rain and the streak of temperatures over 100 degrees is broken. I hope it lasts a while. I haven't been riding all week, but will be going tomorrow. Woo hoo!

I just finished rewatching Once and Again on DVD. It was such a good show.

Heat and Pirates

It is hot. 94 with a heat index of 107. I may not be doing much riding in this weather.

We saw Dead Man's Chest today. I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. It was still fun and Johnny Depp is always worth watching, but something felt off. I had a headache though, so that may have effected my mood.

Movies & T.V.

I saw Superman Returns yesterday. I hadn't been looking forward to the movie, and was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. I was happy with most of the cast, though I felt Kate Bosworth was miscast. Her acting was fine; she just didn't seem to fit the part.

I am looking forward to seeing Pirates, but I will wait for the crowds to die down.

Psych, a new show on USA, premired on Friday after Monk. I loved it.

Anniversary and TGIF

I'm ready for it to be Friday. I feel like sleeping all weekend, but will be going riding tomorrow morning and then going to look at the building where my sister is having her wedding reception. I hope I can help come up with decorating ideas.

I had fun (with some frustration and help from hubby) creating a slide show set to music for a family reunion last weekend. I'll be creating a couple for the wedding. The Mac is pretty cool.

Yesterday was our nine year anniversary! Time does fly. We ate at PF Changs to celebrate. We had never been, but I kept hearing about how good it was. It was very yummy, but also very crowded.

More on Net Neutrality

From someone that knows -- Net Neutrality: This is serious

Finally

I think this cold is finally over and last night I went horseback riding. Yipee! :)

Reading and X3

I hadn't read any books in quite a while and now I remember why. I can't stop until they are done. So I've read three in about a week. Two are by Laurie R. King -- Locked Rooms and The Art of Detection. Then I read The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard. Good stuff.

I've had a hard time getting over this head cold and still haven't been riding. Hopefully sometime this week.

Oh, and I saw X-MEN 3 tonight. I was underwhelmed. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.

Being sick sucks

I've had a head cold since Tuesday, so I haven't been riding at all this week. I doubt I'll feel up to it tomorrow, but maybe I will on Sunday.

Nielsen changes

This looks promising. I've never understood how the Nielsens could be accurate. Hopefully the changes will be an improvement.

Wakarusa

So I went to Wakarusa last night, sort of. Hubby wanted to see a band, Hurra Torpedo, that played at midnight. I wasn't excited about going, but decided to tag along. I'm glad I went. We didn't get there until 9:00 PM and got in free. The weather was good. The walking and standing got to me, so I'm glad we weren't there too long. I was going to try to catch Bela Fleck, but instead saw Hot Buttered Rum who played before Hurra Torpedo. They were very good and I could actually see the stage. Hurra Torpedo was quite entertaining. Not my kind of music, but the live show was definitely worth it.

Woohoo!

I just got my music working properly with iTunes on my new MacBook Pro. Now I'm happy.

It's HOT!

I had my horse lesson today. Not ten minutes into it both Gwyn and I were sweating up a storm. I didn't do any extra riding after my lesson. I figured we both needed a rest.

I get home and check the weather on wunderground. It says 85 degrees, heat index 88. Sheesh, it felt hotter than that. And it is only going to get worse. I hope we have some cool weather once in a while.

The lesson did go well. Gwyn and I seem to be getting along fine. Hopefully I will remember to take my camera one of these days.

Save the Internet - Update

The House voted against net neutrality. Let's hope the Senate is smarter.

Clean Diesel

This is good news -- Coming to a pump near you: clean diesel

Maine

My parents, siblings, and I visited Maine over Memorial weekend to bury my grandmother's ashes and to visit family. We got to Portland late Saturday night and drove to Skowhegan. The next morning we went to the service in Madison, where my grandfather was from. We stayed with my aunt and visited with family.

Monday we drove to Franklin to visit with my grandmother's side of the family and see some of the area she was from. It was a nice visit, but hotter than we expected in Maine. The bugs were crazy. On the way to Franklin, we drove through Skowhegan to get some pictures of the river and Empire Grill (from the book Empire Falls).

Tuesday we went to Mount Desert Island in part to visit Bar Harbor, which my grandmother often mentioned. We also drove up Cadillac Mountain and saw some of Acadia National Park.

It was a nice visit and we'd like to go back when we have more time to spend. Click here to view pictures of Maine.

A Horse and a Mac

I've been taking horse lessons for a while now and decided to lease a horse yesterday. I help pay for boarding in exchange for riding pretty much whenever I want. It is perfect for me; I want more time to ride but am not ready to own a horse yet. Her name is Gwyn. She is beautiful and very sweet.

Today I bought a MacBook Pro. I think I'm going to love it.

Nickel Creek

I saw Nickel Creek at the Voodoo Lounge (Harrah's) last night. They were great as always. I love their version of Britney Spears' Toxic. Who knew? And they don't want to play the lighthouse song, just get over it people.

I liked my seats - table 1 on upper level. It was almost like being in the front row without having to stand and fight the crowds. The sound was better than the Lawrence show, but it wasn't perfect. I could barely hear Sean sing. And the venue was way too smoky. I won't be going there often.

I was very impressed with the opening act, Ben Lee. I was not familiar with him before this. I loved his music and his personality (he's quite funny). And he's Australian. :)