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Monday, June 30, 2014

Bacon's Show & Tell

Our buddy Bacon has a Mom who loves to collect old toys and they decided to have a show and  tell day where we can all flash back to old toys we had growing up.  Now Mom tells me that one of the great things about being 'old' is remembering what toys use to be like, when you could ride your bike all day and wander every where, build cubby houses and use your very own IMAGINATION to have fun. Personally - I the Reilly dog - wouldn't know because I am not ancient like she is but I did have my own special and most favorite toy - My Blue Moose. I had him for many years and he was sewn up and patched up constantly until the destuffinator (Denny) came to live here - then poor old moose just got chomped beyond repair. Okay - you can eww and ahhh over how cute I was as a pup back then :)

Now Mom didn't have a lot a toys when she was young but one of the things she did remember was a scooter she got for Christmas We couldn't find an exact match for the scooter she had but this one is pretty similar. Mom's was a pretty dark blue a bit more fancier than this one in the picture, had the pump up tires, a foot brake, a kick stand so it stood up by itself and a little carry rack on the back.  It was the most expensive gift Mom ever got (back then it cost $39.00).  Mom remembers riding it for years she especially loved whooshing down hills on it.

The other toy she remembered was game called Creeper Critters. It was a dice and pieces game. You rolled the dice and each number corresponded to a part of the critter - when you built the whole critter you won. Mom wanted the game so badly but  that year she only had $2.50 to spend (in Moms family the kids got given a certain amount to buy their own present) The game cost $3.00 and Mom only had $2.50 was so upset...but the nice lady at the store saw how much Mom wanted it and let her have it for $2.50.  Mom always remembers that even though she was like 8 years old at the time. Mom even remember the dice - body numbers - the legs were 1, body 2, tongue 3, head 4, eyes 5 and antennae were 6.  You had to throw 1 six times to get all the leg, and get 5 and 6 two times to get the eyes and antennae.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Sunday Snippets # 7

Snippet 1 - Blueberry Coleslaw. Mom and Dad loved this and we noticed a few people mentioned they don't like cilantro - neither does Mom so she just swapped it out for plain parsley or you can jut leave it out.  Mom also made a second batch and added some apple too - totally yum! Sugar suggested using a Greek yoghurt as a dressing which would also be delish!

Snippet 2 - A few of you asked why I was having Cold Laser Treatment - well I have bad arthritis in my feet, leg joints and back and the treatments help lessen the inflammation and make me feel so good :) Mom says she often wishes she could get a treatment too. Mom has been looking around and has bought me my own hand held Cold Laser Therapy 'thing'. Now we know this is not going to be as good as the one MY Dogtor W. has - but those machine cost around $3000 -$6000 and we can't afford that - so we are going to give this small hand held one a try and see if it will help on the days between treatments.  The treatments I have cost $240 for 6 treatments. Our vet is pretty expensive so they are probably cheaper at your own vets. You can find a cold laser hand help device on Ebay - search for "Cold Laser Therapy"

Snippet 3- Quite a few of you mentioned how lucky we are to have a Layes factory in our town, we also have a Post Cereal Factory - we love driving by there and smelling all the cereal cooking. We also have a Nestle plant which makes many of the frozen Stouffer meals and is the only plant making the new Mac 'n' Cheese Cups. These are small cups of frozen Mac N Cheese and what my Dad has been working so many hours getting ready for production.  Psss these are made with fresh made pasta (they make it and cook it right there), real cheese, real butter and real bacon. They are only just coming out in stores now so it might be a few weeks before you see them in the freezers and there are three flavors - white cheddar and bacon, cheese burger and traditional.

Snippet 4 - We also mentioned the new Planters Salted Caramel Peanuts. Now Mom doesn't normally like peanuts - she's a Macadamia gal.....but she does love these peanuts so give them a try because they are pretty darn yummy. Mom also tried the cocoa and the smoked but she didn't like those and there is no way she would go near the chipotle one because she can't have spicy stuff.

Snippet 5 - It sounds like lots of peeps have the same problem with the "mosquitosaurus" that we have. The ones we have in Arkansas are particularly nasty as we are in a huge rice growing area with rice paddies full of water. When they bite, the itch beyond belief, swell up like a tennis ball, form a huge blister which eventually turns into a welt and continues to itch for at least two weeks - Mom speaks from experience about this. Did you also know Mosquito's prefer with an "O" blood group - they are also very fond of anyone who has alcohol in their system as this increases the carbon dioxide that we breathe out and is what really attracts the mosquitoes around us.

Snippet 6 - Thank you for all the wonderful comments asking how Mom is doing. She is feeling a lot better but has to  be super careful about she what she eats and drinks and what medications she takes. With Mom's chronic back pain this has been a real issue but her rheumatologist prescribed Lidocaine Patches and these have been really helping.

Snippter 7 - Our buddy Bacon is having a "show and tell" day tomorrow - here is what he says

"I am putting together Bacon’s Show and Tell scheduled for Monday, June 30th, 2014.  Post a blog this date to share a toy(s) from your childhood and tell us a little something about the toy.  What it meant to you.  Do you still have it?  When did you get it?  Do you have a picture of it?  Whatever you want to share.

Let’s see how many people we can get to post on June 30th, 2014 and participate in Bacon’s Show and Tell.  Mark your calendars and share with your friends – let’s relive some childhood memories!

NOTE:  You don’t have to still have your toy from your childhood.  Talk about what your favorite toy that you had, describe it and why it was your favorite :)

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Just a reminder

We just wanted to remind everyone that Mom is still doing pet portraits - so if you need a really unique present for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas etc please order a head of time so it will be there in time.

The paintings are done in Acrylic and are 20" x 16" on stretched canvas (this is ready to hang as is or can be framed) The cost of the paintings is $35.99 - plus shipping (which averages around $10.00 in the USA). We are happy to ship overseas but please be aware it is very expensive (usually between $25-$35).

Mom doesn't have an commissions at the moment so is twiddling her thumbs - not that we mind - it means more walkies:) Rest assured - she has excellent quality control too - here I am am dogervising one of the paintings - it's a tough job but someone has to do it :)  Now about half of the paintings Mom has done are of doggies who have crossed the rainbow bridge and we love being able to help keep their memories alive. Mom can also do two pups in one painting and any breed of dog. (Just a note - Mom is part of a Sheltie Group on Facebook which is why there are so many shelties but she has done all breeds of dogs).

You can check out more paintings on our website and you can either email Mom to order or you can now order direct from her ETSY store.  Please remember though - Mom needs VERY good photos to work from (the better the photo - the better the portrait) - and details of how to get the best photo are also on our website.

Our Portrait Website is http//

Friday, June 27, 2014

Rangers Sunglasses Day

Growing up in Australia which has the brightest and clearest sunshine in the world - Mom knows  only too well the importance of sunglasses to protect the eyes and she can barely remember a time when she hasn't worn them. She decided it was time for us to join in too and she found us each a pair of these cool kiddies sunnies that fit us just perfectly - plus it is  Ranger's Sunglass Day and what better excuse do you need to wear some stylish shades?   Now something we do want to point out - many doggies love to hang "1" (as in one nose) out of the car window while driving. (You should ALWAYS make sure your pup is tethered so they can't jump or fall out the window) Hanging "1" can actually be quite dangerous for our eyes too. A small stone flicked up by a passing car or even a bug can hit us in the eye and cause serious damage. There are special sun glass goggles for doggies you can get now - they cost around $12.00 but are well worth it - compared to a vets bill. So let the wind flow through the furs, the ears flap, the tongue lolly goggle and be safe wearing some pawsome goggles.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Out and About

We have been taking Mom for little walks at the park - SHE says we are taking small walks because of  MY arthritis but we really KNOW it is because she is just an old slow poke. As with most places we seemed to have got about two week of spring and now we are straight into summer with temps in the 90's and humidity at 70%. We try to walk early in the morning and stay in the most shady parts of the park but that is also where the mosquitosaurus live (giant prehistoric mosquitoes big enough to slurp the blood of a dinosaur in one gulp!)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Bacon and Fozzies Shipping across the World

It is time for Bacon and Fozzies Shipping across the World again. This months items are:

Price of cable services for one month – what do you get for that price? - Our cable includes the internet and basic tv and cost us $119 a month - YIKES!!!!

A 12 ounce box (360 grams) of Cornflakes - $2.99 for the real ones and $2.49 for the generic brand

A 15 ounce package (432 grams) of Oreos or other cream filled cookies. - $2.99 for the real ones and $1.99 for the generic

A 7 ounce bag (225 grams) of Lay’s potato chips. - $3.99 for Lays and $1.99 for the generic. We actually have a Lays factory right here in our town!

1 pound of real butter. - $3.99 for the branded version and $2.99 for the generic

A 6 ounce can of peanuts. - $2.49 - Have you tried the new planter salted caramel peanuts - YUM!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Fuel The Cure - With Oz and Zukes

We are joining in Oz's "Fuel the Cure" blog hop which is helping raise money and awareness of pet cancers in conjunction with Zukes pet treats who donate a portion of all their sales to research in this area.

Now PLEASE do join in as Zukes is donating $5.00 for every blog hop entry PLUS you have a chance to win to win some yummy Zukes too - what could be better. The Contest and Fundraiser Blog Hop will be open from Tuesday, June 24 through Saturday, June 28 - so you have NO excuses not to join in as the contest is open to USA, Canada and the UK !!!!!  But anyone anywhere can still join the blog hop in support of pet cancer!

Now we must admit we have been EXTREMELY lucky for over a life time of having pets, dogs, cats, birds, fish etc -  we have only ever had one dog with cancer. He was a beautiful doberman/greyhound mix by name of Tinto that developed bone cancer of the leg. Even though they thought they were able to catch it in time - he did eventually develop a brain cancer too and passed away at the age of 4. Sadly some 30 years ago when this happened there was little if no real treatment for pet cancers.

What these things do more than anything...... is remind us to live life in the moment and enjoy every second for all it is worth as all to easily it can be snatched away from us in a blink.  Now Oz wanted us to include some photos of us enjoying life and we couldn't think of anything better then seeing Mr Dweeb Denny playing with his favorite tennis ball and ME just smiling  because OCCASIONALLY I like too :)

Monday, June 23, 2014

That HAPPY buzz

I got to go and have my cold laser therapy this morning and it was wonderful !  The treatment actually causes the body to release endorphins that make you feel good and it also helps relieve inflammation and pain.  I was so excited about getting it - I jumped up on the chair and then the table without even waiting for them to pick me up! (Mom was not happy I did that as I could hurt myself). I had 15 minutes of a wonderful happy buzz...Mom and Peggy (the technician) were laughing because I was making all these happy grunting sounds. I have 5 more treatments to go and can not wait!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

What to do with cabbages and blueberries

Mom says things are plodding along in the garden - we lost a few plants while she was sick cause she forgot to tell dad to water them - but overall most things survived. What we do have though is an over abundance of cabbages and blueberries  (we planted 2 blueberry bushes last year and they gone CRAZY) Now thank fully dad loves corn beef and cabbage and Mom mamkes awesome stuffed cabbage rolls but today we found something different to try - Blueberry Coleslaw! Now we know you are going to want the recipe so here it is.

1 head Savoy cabbage
1/2 onion
1 carrot, julienned
1 pint blueberries (about 2 cups)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Kosher salt

Shred the cabbage and thinly slice the onion, preferably using a mandoline on its thinnest setting. Combine the cabbage, onion, carrot and blueberries in a large bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, cilantro and 1 tablespoon salt and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Thank you Mr Chewy - You Made Our Mom Smile

Mom got a wonderful surprise today - there was a ding dong of the doorbell - followed by lots and lots of woofing and barking. When she opened the door there was a lovely person with a beautiful vase of flowers and those flowers were for Mom!!! They came from - can you believe that - Mom doesn't know how they knew - but they do ! There was also a lovely message saying they hoped Mom feels better soon.  Of coarse the Dweeb was just terrified of the balloon - seriously we just shake our head at that boy! Anyway - Thank you - they made Mom smile and she needed that. Best of all there was two of her favorite flowers in the bunch - Asian Lilli's and Roses.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Well about time!

Finally - after a week I got to go to MY park. Now the Mom isn't up to much walking but we sat and fed the pesky ducks and just enjoyed the sunshine for a bit. Looks to me LIKE MY park has been invaded by the feathery pests and check out the ducky family - really - we don't need any more of you guys even if you are cute. At least I got a couple of "good chase them into the water barks in" Mr Tuffy and is mate are back together again - sadly no babies. She sat on the nest a long time but we guess the eggies were not fertile. And now - after the long long long winter - we get to start complaining about the heat - phew 91degress at 7.00 am - YES summer has arrived !

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Woof It From The Roof Tops

MOM IS HOME - MOM IS HOME  - After abandoning us for days and days and DAYS with no reason - Mom is FINALLY home! Dad told us she at the big peoples vet hospital and even though I knew what that was - Dweeb had no idea. When she came in I bounced around woofing my head off - Dweeb hid a corner all shy wondering who this person was - it took a good 15 minutes before he realized it was Mom. They didn't really want to let Mom go but told them she had to get home to her boys. As for an answer as to why she was sick - they found one but still can't explain some of the other issues she is having. Yesterday Mom has and Ultra Sound and a EGD scope of her stomach which showed the ulcer she has is now 3 times bigger than it was was they looked at is back in November and this was probably the cause of her stomach pain and not being able to eat. She has some follow up appointments with specialists in the next month and hopefully they can sort out the rest of the problems. Thank you thank you every furbody and their peeps - we KNOW you all sent her lots of healing vibes.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

A huge thank you

Mom (Bree) here. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the wonderful support and prayers. It has been a very scary and worrying few days........especially as we are no closer to an answer yet....but knowing there are wonderful friends out there praying for me and sending lots of positive thoughts has given me courage and strength to keep fighting. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully an answer will come...but until then I am sending everyone a big old hug and many heart felt thanks. The boys are getting lots of extra cuddles from their dad but I will be so glad when I can get home to them all. Hopefully in a few days I will be be able to start visiting you all again and please remember to keep P.O.T.P going for all those that need it.

Monday, June 16, 2014

An update

We just wanted to send out a huge thank you for the power of the paw for mom. Apart from Dad  - mom doesn't know anyone else so blogville and all of you are her family and it means so much when she is feeling scared that she isn't alone. Mom is still in a lot of pain but sadly they still don't what is causing it.  Mom is still keeping Frankie in our thoughts and anyone else who needs some loving. We will try to keep everyone up to date when we have more news...thank you so very much everyone.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Power of the paw for mom

Reilly's dad here. Reilly's Mom is in hospital ...she's been in a lot of pain the past two weeks and we just found out she has a bowel obstruction. Please send lots of good thoughts that it resolve itself and she won't need surgery. The boys and I are very worried. Dad, Reilly and Denny.

Sunday Snippets #6

Snippet 1 - We were so happy to be able to share the Sojos - we sent out 8 boxes of it on Wednesday so they should be arriving this coming week. We still have some more to share so keep watching.

Snippet 2 - Some of you were worried about me being in pain with the arthritis - well being the stoic old dude I am - I would never let on....but yes I do have some pain medication I take every morning and evening and it helps a lot. Mom says she is going to take me for some more cold laser treatments which I totally loved and that will help too. Even though I don't let on when I am pain - Mom knows and is ever watchful.

Snippet 3 - Mom is half way through the next rug already - or coarse she couldn't do it without my dogervising - Can you guess what it is?

Snippet 4 - We have a swallow/swifts nest right by our front door, it is unfortunately too high to see into but we found all the shells yesterday and figured the babies must have hatched. Can you believe the cheeky buggers dive bomb us every time we go out the front door. Luckily we don't go out that way very often but really - after I LET them use MY porch!

Snippet 5 - Mom and I are super happy as it is Saturn Peach time. Have you tried these......Mom and I wait all year for them as they are so sweet and juicy. Sadly they are only ever available for a few weeks :( Mom, Dad and I also went to Farmers Market yesterday and we had such fun - especially as the 'dog cookie lady' was there and she gave me free samples!  Cheddar and Bacon bites - those were totally delish! She thought it was so cute when I put my front feet up on the table and pushed the treat jar with my nose - it worked - she gave me another one!!!  Dweeb of coarse - doesn't go to the farmers market as he would be trembling shaking terrified bundle of nerves if he saw all the people - but Mom bought ME him home a bag of cookies.

Saturday, June 14, 2014 - Orbee-Tuff Sport Ball Review

14 June 2014

Today thanks to - I THE DENNY am getting to do a review all by myself. See the other day Mom was mowing the lawn on the "Red Beastie" (ride on lawnmower) when she ran over my most favorite ball - it was devastating !!!!!!!!!!  Now admittedly with all the rain we have had the grass was so long she didn't see it but she heard it as it squeaked it's final squeak, flew around under the mower and then got spit out and hit the fence in bright yellow fuzzy pieces.  I know - the details are gory ....and I think I am still in shock!

Well thankfully and Mr Andrew came to the rescue because one of this months review items was "Planet Dog" balls. Mom quickly sent an email and said we would be happy to review a the new Orbee-Tuff Sport Ball.

Here Are The Basics

  • Durable
  • Buoyant
  • Minty flavored
  • Bouncy
  • Has space for treats inside
  • Made in the USA
  • Cost $9.95 (Sale Price)

The Play Test
Now this looks like a tennis ball but it isn't fuzzy and I was a bit scared skeptical of it  to begin with. It also smelled different too and I wasn't sure about that either.

Mom pondered for a moment - then she washed the ball and rubbed it all over ME !  What kind of strange ball game is this oh my DOG ...I didn't like that at all !!!!!

BUT - then Mom did something totally AMAZING with it - she put YUMMY treats inside it..... nice smelly stinky salmon treats - my most favorite and that Orbee ball suddenly became irresistible ! Mom would throw it and I would chase it and little bits of freeze dried salmon would fall out - what a wonderful magical ball it is.

I do like this one being a soft rubber - it means I can leave it outside and it won't get soggy when it rains. Of coarse it might get run over with the "Red Beastie"  if I do that.

Now as much as I LOVE playing with this ball - I am only going to give it 3 paws rating. It loses a point because it doesn't squeak and I love me a good squeaky ball and also because the treat section seems like a good idea - but it is so small that it is hard to find treats small enough to go in it and if you crumble treats up small enough to fit - they also fall straight back out again. Now even though I am a BIG STRONG boy - I found this ball is also a bit to heavy for my little mouth.
Disclaimer sent us an Orbee Ball in return for an honest review. We were not paid or compensated for our review in any other way and our opinion is purely our own.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Advice for Dui

We heard that the newest addition to blogville  - little Dui - is in need of some training tips. Now as a supremely intelligent dog .....I am only too happy to share my wealth of knowledge - just don't let the peeps read this as these are TOP SECRET training tips!
  1. Use all that puppy cuteness to the FULL advantage, ear rubs and tummy tickles will follow
  2. Practice the "big sad eyes" look - the peeps can't resist it
  3. Learn the fine art of blaming "some doggie"
  4. Begin training your human immediately - don't go easy on them - they can be stubborn but persistent cute tail wags, lolly-gogging tongues, puppy yaps and funny antics will melt the hardest of hearts and treats in abundance will follow
  5. Give your Peep lots to do - pooping and peeing occasionally indoors will keep them busy as will digging up their favorite plants in the garden, emptying the indoor trash cans and spreading the laundry around.
  6. Make them teach YOU new tricks - It is really a way of teaching them to give you treats!
  7. Give them lots of exercise - while on walkies - don't come when called - it will make them chase after you.
  8. Learn the fine art of "Hide and Seek" hide some of their favorite items so they have to go searching everywhere for them. It also gives them lots of exercise.
  9. Teach the peeps not to be greedy - they need to learn to share - especially cookies and other yummies we are not supposed to have.
  10. When being accused of doing something VERY naughty - LIMP - feign a paw injury - trust me - this one works like a charm - irritable peeps will all of a sudden become a cooing "poor baby - did you hurt yourself" peep. All naughtiness will be forgotten. As soon as they mention a car ride to the vet - start walking around happily on all 4 feet again :)
So there you have it Dui - our little Aussie cousin - MY top 10 tips for training your human :) :) :)

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Annual Check-up

Yesterday I went to MY favorite Dogtor for my annual checkup and shots.  They stole my blood, pocked me with needles and put drops in my nose and zapped me with an x-ray machine. Mom says they will help keep me safe for the next year so I guess it is worth it. My thyroid levels are holding steady with thanks to my medication but we did get some not so good  news.

Dogtor W says I have the doggie equivalent of rheumatoid arthritis and it is now affecting all my joints and even my spine. Mom had noticed me getting stiffer and she was very worried about me slipping on the wood floors which I seem to be doing more and more.  I have some new medication to try for the arthritis and will be getting a shot every 3 months that will also help. After the dogtors visit Mom said we needed to go to  Petco to get some PAWS boots for me. Needless to say I wasn't at all interested in those - not when there was so many yummies to sniff and YES - we got plenty of those too :) :)  Dogtor W said it was still okay for me to go adventuring but no really long ones anymore.


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Monday, 25 June 2012

Why use promotional mugs?

Promotional merchandise has been used for over 100 years to advertise and promote companies around the globe. The idea of giving a potential customer a useful tool or a enjoyable gift with you company logo on it has been a successful marketing strategy, providing success to businesses who chose to utilise this method. But why choose mugs to promote you business?

Mugs are common place in the office environment, nearly everybody has a cup of tea or coffee whilst getting on with the daily grind. A coffee mug will sit on a desk all day long, almost becoming part of the office furniture. Interesting mugs can become conversation pieces and people develop a affectionate attachment to the favorite mug. Mugs are mobile and can be carried safely around the work place and are heavy enough not to tip over from slight knocks or bumps.
The point of these observations is that you can attach your logo to a highly used object which will last years if looked after. Its will sit on a customers desk and will be seen by all passing, and being mobile it can be carried from place to place, increasing its visibility. Unusual designs will be seen by customers coming in and out your office, often being noted and commented on.

A promotional mug with a printed logo is a great advertising platform which is affordable, useful and has a much longer lifetime than a most promotional merchandise, plus it will be in front of your potential customers on a daily basis. Why not try promotion mugs for you next adverting campaign.

This article was written by Sean Devlin for MPH Enterprises. To contact please email

Friday, 8 June 2012

Favorite Mugs

At cheap promotional mugs, we love mugs! New promotional mug designs are always welcomed within the office but we do find all kinds of styles fascinating, especially new ceramic styles. Below is a selection of creative designs which we have found online that have become our favorites. Let us know what you think and if you have a unique mug picture of your own please send it in to

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Hello This is our first post as Cheap Promotional Mugs on Blogger! Please visit the website to check out our promotional mug range at

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Dec 31, 2012

goodbye 2012...

and now...a look back at what you loved on {crab+fish} in 2012...

thanks to a feature on {apartment therapy}, my most popular posts were the instructions for DIY washi tape switchplates and the collection of switchplates i've done in our home so far.

Dec 30, 2012

a look back...
(achieving goals)

do you know what feels great?? looking back at old posts and seeing that we accomplished goals we set for ourselves.
   not great? terribly edited pictures i've posted for the world to see...

FOR EXAMPLE...K's room!

it was the one of the first areas we focused on because we wanted our little guy to have a safe place to play. and it was his first room. i don't know that he much cared, but WE were excited.

i wrote a post before we even closed about all our grand plans for K's room.

i talked about painting it from drab olive to bright white:

check! we immediately began brightening up that room on closing day.

Dec 29, 2012

bringing down the roof

...or i guess more accurately, the ceiling.
in the garage.

keep reading to see what in the world is going on here!

Dec 26, 2012

the sunroom just got a lot comfier

i hope you all had a wonderful christmas!

we had a cozy christmas eve in our first house -- just me, fish, and K exchanging our small gifts for each other. it was perfect...i will have warm, fuzzy memories of it for many, many years.

K received another large influx of toys, yet...

Dec 23, 2012

merryDIY recap

it's nearly christmas!
are you looking for some last minute holiday decor inspiration?

maybe you're throwing a party...
or hosting the family get-together...
or just want a little more love and joy around your home!

here's a quick recap of the christmas projects i cobbled together this year...
click the picture to see a project in detail!

Dec 22, 2012

whimsical christmas curlicues

do you need to add some last minute whimsy to your tree?

if you have five minutes and a fistful of pipe cleaners,
it's ridiculously easy to whip up some christmas curlicues:

Dec 21, 2012

it's (faux) snowing!

i have an abundance of white fuzzy balls (why?? they must have been for some forgotten craft project...) and what better way to use some than by hanging faux snow in the window?

Dec 20, 2012

christmas cocoa for our neighbors

it's the season of giving...and not much makes me happier than making something for others -- so i whipped up these jars of christmas cocoa which K and i then snuck onto our neighbors' porches!

they're a treat just to look at and verrry easy to put together!

Dec 19, 2012

geometric himmeli ornaments

<<< you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

time : minutes...hours
difficulty  ★ ★  ☆
hazards : going cross-eyed from repeatedly snaking fishing line through tiny straws
would i do it again? : yesss!

Dec 18, 2012

[GIVEAWAY] felix doolittle

{giveaway closed}

i'm thrilled to offer today's giveaway...and sitewide discount!...to you from the fine stationery experts at {felix doolittle}!
just a few of their many offerings...

Dec 16, 2012

chandelier crystals
become tree ornaments

i was packing away an old chandelier that was handed down to us from my grandmother...when the crystals caught my eye.

since the light fixture isn't really our style at this exact moment in time, i never bothered to look closely at the crystals hanging from it -- those are definitely my style!

i immediately repurposed them as ornaments on our christmas tree...

Dec 15, 2012

festive feather ornaments

<<< you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

time : minutes
difficulty  ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
hazards : feather fluff floating feverywhere
would i do it again? : yes!

Dec 13, 2012

christmas garland, part 2!

over the past few days, i've been busy making millions and millions of yellow and white poms for our christmas tree garland. okay, probably more like...150 pom-poms, best guess. that's still a lot!

see how it looks on our tree after the jump!

Dec 12, 2012

festive vehicle wreath

<<< psst! you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

time : minutes
difficulty  ★  ☆ ☆
would i do it again? : yes!

i'm one of those people that can be annoyingly cheery sometimes...and especially so during christmastime! so of course i wanted to attach a wreath to the front of my car! i'm just wondering why it took me this long to do it.

Dec 11, 2012

etsy love: oana befort
(...plus three DIY photo mats!)

<<< psst! you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

i am in love with oana befort's work and i had to share with you the creative and inspiring prints i bought from her etsy shop.

see more of her work...and three diy photo mats! after the jump.

Dec 9, 2012

twisted felt garland

<<< psst! you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

time : minutes...hours
difficulty  ★  ☆ ☆
would i do it again? : yes!

Dec 8, 2012

touches of christmas

i've already posted about a festive nightlight, my glittery patchwork tree, our christmas-sy car in a jar, some glistening HOs, and an in-progress pom-pom garland...but there are a few small holiday decorations around our house that don't warrant a full writeup by themselves -- hey, i set some little men in our window! -- so i decided to throw them all together in one blogpost.

...starting with these adorable nutcrackers!

they are only about fives inches tall. i bought the set of six for around $15 at a consignment shop a few months ago. i've been so anxious to display them! i love their feathery-fluffy powder-white hair.

see more touches of christmas around our house after the jump!

Dec 6, 2012

a new shed. part two!

last time we talked shed, this is how we left her:

a solid structure...but still incomplete.

i went with fish to pick out shingles. even though it won't match our house now, we decided on a black roof for the shed because we plan on re-roofing the house with black shingles at some point within the next few years.

Dec 4, 2012

christmas car in a jar

i've seen many pictures of tiny trees strapped on cars floating around the internet this holiday season...and since i have access to what seems like thousands of cars via K, it was the perfect opportunity to add another little touch of christmas in our house!

see more pictures after the jump!

Dec 2, 2012

DIY: mirrored monogram

<<< psst! you can see a full list of my diy projects here! >>>

time : minutes
difficulty  ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
would i do it again? : yep!

this fancy piece of home decor will set you back less than five buckaroos!
...as long as you've already got gold spraypaint.

and who doesn't keep gold spraypaint stocked in their arsenal??

don't believe me?
keep reading!

Dec 1, 2012

november in review

it's time yet again to quickly recap our projects.

let's see what fish and i accomplished last month...

the big projects: i gold leafed my nightstand, fish converted an ikea tived ceiling light into a pull-chain fixture...and we finally had new windows installed!

i was so excited to have my gilded nightstand featured on {knock off decor}!

see more after the jump!


text:
Player 1 has entered the game.

Here at CraterGaming, we take our games pretty seriously. Does that mean you need 200 apm or needle sharp focus to play them? No. It means that we put a lot of effort into designing our games.

Our awesome app store ratings are a clear reflection of our user base satisfaction. Previously ranked Top 100 in Canada!

From the smallest details, to the smoothest transitions, you will find that our games are so fine-tuned that you won't be able to stop.

Low Battery

Get used to seeing this warning, because you'll be playing a lot (not because we have memory leaks).

Have any feedback or found a possible bug? Report it in our Support section and let us know!

Artistic expressions of our passion


text:
Friday, 17 September 2010

It's Hell

Prom Nights From Hell - Unseen
Story one - Chapter one

It's Hell - Blogger. (Read more here)

Music engulfed the gym hall, where 2009's prom was being held. A mass of sixteen year olds swayed to the slow tune with their partners. Another throng of teens hovered at the back of the gym where refreshments were held. A gentle chime of voices vibrated throughtout the room. Most of whom were eager to dance and have a good time.

I stood at the end of the large table, mounded high with scrumptious food. Which I couldn't even eat.

Near by a couple of cheerleaders and jocks were deep in conversation, oblivious to my presence.

I was invisble, no one was conscious of my being. Asides from last year, that was another story. Last year I was the center of attention, I wasn't a cheerleader, but I was popular. I had many admirers, yet I didn't like anyone of them. Since I was in love with Nigel, who didn't seem to share my feelings. He was mysterious and handsome, with bleached blond hair, dangerous grey eyes, he was also very tall and muscular.

I gulped back tears, not like I could cry any way, but I felt the golf ball deep in my throat and the urge to cry. My past was terrible and I wished I could move on.

A girl (who's name I don't know) came strolling over to where I was, staring at the bowl of crisps that lay on the table behind me. Before I could move out of her way, she went straight through me. I gasped at the tingling sensation that spread over my whole body and the girl shivered, wrapping her arms around her self.

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text:
‘You are just fat and boring.’ ‘Your bust is too big and your legs too small.’ ‘You have no charm…’ These are just some of the thoughts that French women – the style icons the world looks up to – have about themselves on a normal day. But how would they react if they overheard these comments directed at someone else?

In order to help raise awareness of women’s self-criticism and start a dialogue about silencing their inner critic, Dove France and Ogilvy & Mather Paris created a film "Mes Pensées" (“Inner Thoughts”).


text:
Village of Crestwood Police Department

Crestwood Police Home
Chief David Weigand

Department Links     Frequently Asked Questions
Other Village Links
Outside Police Links
State Links

(Since 4/7/05)
Where is the Police Station located at?
We are located at 13840 South Cicero Ave, north side of the building. Please see the location map for a visual aide.

What is the telephone number/mailing address for the police station?
Please see the information page.

I need to speak to an officer. What should I do?
If it is an emergency, dial 911. If it is not an emergency, call our non-emergency dispatch number (708.385.5131) to have a police officer stop by your residence or come to the police station.

What can I call the police for assistance with?
You can call the police for help with nearly everything. In most situations, the police can help with the exception of civil cases.

I filed a police report and I need a copy.
You may come to the police station and pick up a copy of your police report five business days after it has been filed during business hours. Be sure to have your case number with you for quicker service. The report number follows the format of: 05-XXXX.

I need an additional copy of a police/acccident report.
This may be acquired by going to the police station during regular business hours.

I received a parking ticket.
Come to the village hall during regular business hours and pay the fine listed on the citation or send your payment via postal mail.

I received a traffic ticket.
Look at the bottom right side of the ticket. It the 'Court Diversion' box is checked, you were given a Court Diversion envelope with your ticket. Read the back of the envelope carefully and check one of the three boxes. Then put the white copy of your ticket in the envelope and send this in the mail. If the 'Court Appearance' box is checked, you are required to appear in court at the date and time specified in the box.
*Please note that the yellow copy is now your driver's license. Do not lose or destroy this.

I received a Local Ordinance (LO) ticket.
This is a charge of a violation of the local ordinance. The ticket will have the offense listed and a corresponding court appearance date on it. You must be present in court at that time.

I lost my Court Diversion envelope and my ticket has 'Court Diversion' checked.
You can receive a new envelope during regular business hours at the police station.

I need to reschedule my court appearance date/time.
Call the Cook County Clerk/District 5 for a new date/time.

I need to park my car on the street overnight.
Call the police station and inform an officer you will be having a vehicle(s) parking in the street overnight. Please have the make, color and license plate of the vehicle ready.

Can I have a 'special watch' on my house if I am going to be away for an extended period of time?
Yes you may. Call the Crestwood Police Department and ask for a 'special watch' on your residence.

Please note that this site will not display properly in Mozilla Firefox.

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13840 South Cicero Avenue, Crestwood, Illinois 60445, USA 1-708-371-4800    Legal Information | Directions to Crestwood Police Station


text:
Second Eleven Championship 1962 Table

1Worcestershire Second XI18130104000001568.667
2Surrey Second XI147030400000846.000
3Kent Second XI187050400110844.941
4Sussex Second XI83040100000364.500
5Warwickshire Second XI185130710010764.471
6Hampshire Second XI103041100010364.000
7Gloucestershire Second XI103050101000363.600
8Leicestershire Second XI164040600020483.429
9Glamorgan Second XI143050510000443.143
10Lancashire Second XI82000501000243.000
11Middlesex Second XI122130500100322.667
Somerset Second XI1840100400000482.667
13Essex Second XI143080300000362.571
14Northamptonshire Second XI2240501200010482.286
15Derbyshire Second XI101030500010121.333
16Nottinghamshire Second XI141021900010120.923
Points Awarded and Column Key:
Won (W): 12
Won in match reduced to single innings (W1): 8
Lost (L): 0
Lost in match reduced to single innings (L1): 0
Drawn (D): 0
Won on 1st innings in drawn match played under 1-day rules (DW1): 8
Lost on 1st innings in drawn match played under 1-day rules (DL1): 0
Drawn match reduced to single innings (D1): 0
Not counted in computing final positions (NC): 0
Abandoned without a ball bowled (A): 0
Total points (Pts)
Average points per match (AvPts)
Order in the table:
Position of teams in the table is determined by:
Average points per match

This page was created by the CricketArchive Oracles

| Privacy Policy | FAQs | Contact |
Copyright © 2003-2017 CricketArchive


text:
Friday, March 25, 2011

The Republican Party will hunt you down! (by anon)

So if you are thinking about writing a not-so-flattering post about the Republican Party and you are a UW professor, you better watch out!!

for scary news - click here

Evidently UW history professor William Cronon wrote a blog post about some shadow group behind the Wisconsin Republican Party, and they are not happy.  Within only a couple of days of Cronon posting about the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (a shadowy kind of group) on Gov. Scott Walker's legislative agenda, Cronon got a formal request by the Republican Party to hand over all emails he sent from his UW email account regarding Republicans.  I guess they got pissed!

I have one thing to say to Republicans: GO BACK TO YOUR HOLE!

With all their talk of less government and less oversight, this smacks of hypocritical double-standards.  WTF

Watch, I'll probably get arrested for sending in this post!

  1. This use of FOIA is clearly intimidation and retaliation. It is a smear tactic that further demonizes academics. I think it works to further erode academic freedom. Having said that, I think Dr. Cronon must turn over the emails or risk putting himself above the law. This is a despicable move on the part of Republicans. The only bright spot in the whole mess is the widespread attention ALEC will be getting.

  2. And yet, when Evan Wynn and Joe Knilans appeared on campus for their tongue bath with Paul Ryan, nobody on campus said a peep. When the Know Nothing Nativist Steve Nass posed for holy pictures in front of the UC thousands of potential voters blithely walked by, unaware of the potential these men had for wreaking havoc on the education system of Wisconsin.

    In the grand scheme of things this attack on Professor Cronon is a trifling thing. Far more damge ccan be done by the lege than by the pipsqueaks in the party roles.

  3. First, this is not a despicable law and it swings both ways. This law is the Wisconsin Open Records Law, and it was this law that obtained all of Walkers emails regarding the budget bill and one of the emails was from the right wing Assistant States Attorney in Indiana, who wrote to Walker and said that he should hire a thug to fake an attack on him. The Open Records Law is a good law! It promotes transparency. There is a simple way to side step this law. Do not use a state owned computer, network, or email to conduct political business. You will not get arrested for sending your comment, but if you sent it via your university owned computer or via the campus email network then your message is considered to be a public record and has to be retained for a certain period of time. DO NOT USE UNIVERSITY EMAIL. My advice to the UW Faculty protesting Walker's budget bill was to avoid using campus email for organizing because it is against the law. The state has an Internet Usage Policy preventing using their systems for political work. I don't believe using the Open Records Law erodes academic freedom, as the prof does not have to turn over his emails, the Univ of Wisconsin Madison has to turn them over. The prof is an agent of the entity, UW System and therefore they are legally responsible for complying with the law on his behalf. He will have four UW System lawyers and a bevy of State Attorneys working with him should he be sued. I am getting too legalistic here but ALL law suits, including open records requests, are routinely handled by the Office of the States Attorney. However, Madison has its own legal department so he is covered. BTW, you can submit an open records request on any public official and your request can be anonymous. They have to comply, however they can charge you for the copying, etc. Be safe, use yahoo or google.

  4. I agree with the value of transparency, but this wasn't a request done for the sake of transparency. It was a request out of backlash or intimidation. The request for Walker's emails is a different kind of case since people were really curious as to what email were coming in, and not really the emails going out. No one was trying to catch Walker sending something he should not have.

    But, yes, one should use his or her university email account. I personally don't want to associate my name with anything political. That is why I like this site. Anonymity rules.

  5. Yes, we always place own actions or the actions of those we like or support on the higher moral ground. So the open records request made on Walker was justified because people want to know, and the request made on Cronin was just gut bucket intimidation. I understand your feelings, you believe that you occupy the moral high ground here. Wake up, the GOP did not break the law, nor did Walker. You may not agree with their actions but they were elected. I do not support the GOP and Walker but I do not demonize them. The classic definition of politics is who get what, when, and how. In short, politics is war without bloodshed. So as my fellow ball players used to say to me when I complained about a flagrant foul, shut up and play the game!


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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

crochet abbreviations

You're trying to read a pattern and it looks like a foreign language. That is because most crochet patterns use specific abbreviations which are recognized in the crochet community. Most patterns use the same abbreviations but you may run across one that uses their own shortcut.

Here is a list of common abbreviations. I'm sure there are others I've missed. Feel free to holler out to me and I'll add any I can confirm.

alt - alternate
approx - approximately
beg - begin, beginning
bet - between
BLO - back loop only
bo - bobble
BP - back post
BPdc - back post double crochet
CC - contrasting color
ch - chain
cl - cluster
cont - continue
dbl - double
dbl lk - double love knot
dc - double crochet
dc2tog - double crochet two together
dec - decrease
dir - directions
dk - dark
dnt - do not turn
dtr or dbltr - double triple
ea - each
edc - extended double crochet
esc - extended single crochet
exdc - extended double crochet
exsc - extended single crochet
fch - foundation chain
fig - figure (picture of stitch)
FLO - front loop only
fo - finish off
foll - following
FP - front post
FPdc - front post double crochet
g - grams
gm - grams
gr - group or grams
gs - granny square
hdc - half double crochet
hhdc - herringbone half double crochet
hk - hook
htr - half triple crochet
in - inch
inc - increase
incl - including
inst - instructions
ldc - long double crochet
lp(s) - loop(s)
lp st - loop stitch
lsc - long single crochet
lt - light
MC - main color
med - medium
mm - millimeter
mod-sc - modified single crochet
no. - number
oz(s) - ounce
p - picot
pat - pattern stitch
patt st - pattern stitch
pc st - popcorn stitch (also pop, pc, ps)
pm - place marker
prev - previous
ras - reverse afghan stitch
rem - remaining
rep - repeat
rnd - round
rs - right side
rsc - reverse single crochet
sc - single crochet
sc2tog - single crochet two together
sctbl - single crochet through back loop only
sdc - short double crochet
sk - skip
slst - slip stitch
sp - space
ssc - shallow single crochet
st(s) - stitch(es)
tch - turning chain
tog - together
tr - triple (or treble) crochet
tr tr - triple treble crochet
v st - v-stitch
x st - x-stitch
x times - (such as repeat 5x)
ws - wrong side
yd - yards
yf - yarn forward
yo - yarn over
yoh - yarn over hook
y st - y-stitch

Happy crocheting!

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text:
06 April 2013

The 2nd Battle of Bergen – Easter Friday, WWIII Central Front 1985

Here are a selection of shots taken from our Easter Fridays Game. Odd purists may object the scenario won't fit in this dedicated Seven Years War Blog, but, I must say it does bear a compelling connection, really. That's why I chose to share it anyway.
Soviet T-80's attacking

To me and our group in Frankfurt/Germany, Easter Friday has been the anniversary day of the SYW April 1759 fought battle of Bergen for years. This year, I made it a "Cold War turned Hot" scenario settled in around 1985-86.
A Soviet reinforced tank regt (T-80's & BMP-2's) supported by 4 flight's of Mi-24 Attack-helos under the command of colonel “Brunswickov“ launched a deliberate attack on a NATO W-German battle group under overall command of a W-German general-major named "Breugler", drawn from 15th Armoured Brig/5th Armour Div with Leopard II & Marder IFV's (each 1 reinforced battalion plus 1 AT coy Jaguar II HOT and a battalion of 155 mm SP howitzers). NATO defended the high grounds to the east of Frankfurt - in fact the historic grounds of the 7YW battle of Bergen in 1759. Recon and AA platoons were also included on both sides.
A great battleground to the present day, as it turned out. Google maps provided the basic layout for the terrain. Worked excellent. An embarrassing lot of build-up-areas, rally. I need more buildings, I guess.
The Terrain (table size 2 x 1.9 m)
View shows end result with initial FEBA outlined red

For my scenario, I used the original set of Frank Chadwick's Combined Arms rules (long out of print) which I haven't played for years. Yes, it's still alive. I wonder if anyone else is still using this set of rules?

My Scenario Planning
We were 4 players. Two on each side. I played on the WarPac side.
NATO mission: Hold and defend
Part of the W-Germans were supposed to start in prepared positions, while a reserve of armour was to reinforce only later entering from NW direction of Nieder-Erlenbach.
Bergen-Enkheim and Bad Vilbel surroundings seen from the South

WarPac Mission: seize Bergen and Lohrberg heights
The Soviets approached from E on two axes. Most armour plus 2 Mot-Rifle coys approached from Schöneck while a Mot-Rifle bataillon approached along the A 66 Interstate tasked to seize Bischofsheim and attack NATO positions along A 66. 1st Bn/28 Armour following behind and tasked to assault Bergen from front the minute the northern group started its assault across the heights just S of Gronau. A single massed simultaneous strike was planned. That should do it, I thought. Part of NATO positions to the W of Bischofsheim were to be blinded by smoke to reduce defensive fire, to be delivered from the Regt Arty group of 3 battalions deployed behind the Hohen Stein high ground (each 1 bn SP 122 mm and 152 mm howitzers and 1 bn BM-21 missile launchers).
Soviet 3 bn Arty Group deployed to support the attack

Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA) was found by a pre assault recon action by all players operating with a company sized force to get a feel for the rules. The positions gained here could then serve to place forward elements onto the table. This, I did for the first time. To my feeling not so bad an idea to play out a prior mini game simulating the pre main action recon part, and then start the real game anew. It helps to avoid having an entire Arty battalion gang up on a single unsuspecting BRDM recon platoon the moment it comes into sight. I had all this in other games before.

How did it all work out?
Very different to my initial planning. The W-German reinforcing armour elements choosed to be already in position instead of coming in later. I somehow missed to tell this bit right after issuing the troops to my opponents. Soon later, while I was busy explaining our force to my partner, they had all deployed & I didn't bother to interfere. The heck. Won't make much of a difference, I thought. While the Soviet were deploying for the assault, W-Germans launched a smallish spoiling attack on Gronau, held by only a single BRDM recon platoon. Soviet plans remained unchanged, nevertheless, except Gronau was now also to be regained, which absorbed about 2 coys strength. Gronau now became the scene of a murderous close combat with both sides arty elements also joining in.
The fighting in Gronau
Soon later, 3 Soviet tank bataillons started the assault head on the Bergen position. I failed to fire the planned smoke mission, but instead decided to attack several spotted enemy with regular HE. Not a good decision, as it turned out, for it did little damage. Now basically all W-German elements in  position opened fire on Soviet tanks. The result was an outright massacre.
Too many tanks now received hit into their flank armour from the direction of Gronau and South positions in the woods behind Bischofsheim (the area that was to be blinded by smoke). This brought the game to a soon end with the Soviets taking a decisive defeat. Our Mi-24 Helos now could do no more then cover our retreat.
Finale seen from the South
W-German positions in Bergen. Most being 2/152 PzGrenBtl. – the unit I served in between 1984-1986. It suffered no casualties. I must have survived the day, I guess :-)
W-German M-113G A2 artillery Forward Observer. The model being a self-made conversion

  1. Congratulations on a remarkable table and a fine report. Can't understand why I am the first to comment. Blogs can be frustrating if one is looking for a bit of interaction!

    Thanks for posting, Keith.

  2. Very nicely done.


WARC-Truncated: length

text:
applications-chemical-article11Dry surfactant products offer versatility and cost less to handle and ship than traditional liquid detergents. However, the high cost of removing water to produce the dry surfactant materials often offsets their advantages.

A compact vacuum drying system offers a surfactant plant in Indonesia an efficient way to dry the material and avoid problems with air pollution control. Because the dryer process is a vacuum drying system, not an air-drying system, it also does not pose fire or explosion hazards and does not emit a plume to cause visual or enviromental concerns.

In the process, a high active paste is preheated and metered to a multi-tube, steam-jacketed dryer vessel. About forty percent of total drying takes place during the initial flash evaporation of the paste.

Drying continues as the resultant water vapor propels the detergent paste down the tubes at a high velocity. Paste and water vapor are subsequently separated in a downstream vacuum separation vessel.

One of the first applications of this new process is at a detergent manufacturing facility in Indonesia. The installation consists of two parallel drying systems. Vacuum for drying is supplied by two packaged steam jet ejector/liquid ring pump vacuum systems. The detergent processor had available both process steam and self-generated electricity. Cost and availability favored the combination of the two. The packaged steam jet systems, each composed of one steam-powered ejector stage followed by an intercondenser and electrify operated liquid ring vacuum pump, were considered optimum.

The drying systems and vacuum packages required little maintenance. The dryer operates with no moving components. The ejector stages of the vacuum system also operate with no moving components.

In the sub-tropical climate of Indonesia, cooling tower design temperature was a high 33 degrees C. Coupled with a desired vacuum level of forty Torr, this could pose a challenge to a dryer system. However, the completed system took the severe service conditions and is performing to specification.

Sulfonation process equipment was designed and built by Chemithon.

The steam jet ejector/liquid ring pump vacuum systems were supplied by Croll Reynolds Co., Inc.

By John Chittenden, Senior Engineer – The Chemithon Corporation, Seattle, Washington


text:
Friday, January 13, 2012

Coming Up For Air

No, I haven't been lost in the wilderness with no access to the internet. No, I haven't given up my pursuit of the Civil war and all things cavalry. I've simply been learning a ton of things in the process of preparing my first manuscript for publishing which will make a wonderful series of posts AFTER it is delivered by the 31st of this month.

But I'm back. Mostly. As times permits between now and the end of the month, then "full time" once again.

So what's been happening while I was gone?

Retiring. Again. Finished up my retiree recall with the Army on Tuesday, with all of the administrative joy and loss of productive time that one might suspect. It was an amazing ride, and I'm truly grateful to all of those who helped along the way.

Finishing the manuscript. One teaser from the upcoming Getting Published series of posts - plan for success. We were incredibly fortunate to have our (my partner, Jim Jones and I, there's no royal plural here) first query accepted by a publisher instead of searching for months for an interested publisher. An acceptance letter and one complete chapter leave you a LONG way to go in the process. Enough said.

Maps. We have not one, not two, but 14 maps for the book, by two very talented cartographers. After the much-lamented Blake Magner's passing, Steven Stanley was kind enough to step in on very short notice and provide the maps for the Beverly Ford and Brandy Station chapters.

Back soon, manuscript to finish, syllabi for spring semester to post....