Spring has sprung (despite the temps in the 30s yesterday morning), as evidenced by the return of hummingbirds and barn swallows. The latter will apparently try to take up residence in the same nest they built on our front porch last year, provided they can run off the wren squatters – which, up until the… Continue reading Rites (and blights) of spring
Ode to a Bulb
I subscribe to a small number of retail email lists that notify me of “special deals” on items that are of general interest to me…primarily electronics and some sporting goods. I rarely end up ordering anything via those e-flyers, but the one exception is Best Buy’s “Deal of the Day” email. I’ve gotten some really… Continue reading Ode to a Bulb
We interrupt this hiatus for some important scavenger footage
I noticed this evening that someone had added my Twitter account to a group called “Bloggers in TX.” That poor misguided soul had apparently not noticed the infrequency with which actual blogging-like activity occurs around here, but now I feel obligated to live up to his expectations. So, here’re some buzzards. Capistrano has its swallows;… Continue reading We interrupt this hiatus for some important scavenger footage
Best Dance Memories – Boogying on a Flattop
This is the second in a series of recollections of favorite dancing memories. You can read more about why I’m writing about this here (along with an account of our very first public dance). In 2011, we were vacationing in San Diego and found ourselves swing dancing on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS… Continue reading Best Dance Memories – Boogying on a Flattop
Random Thursday: The Sunday Graphic Edition
I just received an official notice from the OBO (Official Bloggers Office) that unless I post something immediately, I’m in danger of losing my official blogger credentials, along with all privileges and appurtenances accruing thereto. After looking up “appurtenances,” I decided I couldn’t risk it, so…this. Currently in Midland, Texas, winds are out of the… Continue reading Random Thursday: The Sunday Graphic Edition
God’s blessings are not a zero sum game
bless·ing [bles-ing] noun 1. the act or words of a person who blesses. 2. a special favor, mercy, or benefit: the blessings of liberty. 3. a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness. A friend recently shared this article on Facebook. The author is decrying what he feels is an inappropriate and non-Scriptural… Continue reading God’s blessings are not a zero sum game
Concealed Carry at the Mall? Not in Midland, Texas.
One of our local TV stations posted a link on Facebook to its report on the decision by Midland Park Mall to prohibit the carrying of concealed handguns on its property. It’s unclear whether these are new signs, but the mall’s policy and the station’s spotlight on the signs are drawing the reactions you’d expect… Continue reading Concealed Carry at the Mall? Not in Midland, Texas.
Political endorsements by newspapers do serve a purpose
Today’s editorial in our local newspaper notifies readers that the publication will no longer issue endorsements for political candidates, ending what I assume is a decades-long practice that still exists at many – if not most – print media. [The practice of political endorsements by newspapers goes back more than 150 years, according to this… Continue reading Political endorsements by newspapers do serve a purpose
Newly Framed Artwork
We had three pieces of “artwork” framed recently. You’ll see why I’ve qualified the subject matter in just a minute. Two of the pieces had been laying around the house for a couple of years, awaiting the time we worked an infinitely-expanding to-do list down to where they resided. They are both legitimate artwork, paintings… Continue reading Newly Framed Artwork
A [non-traditional] ballroom dance playlist
Once each year, the Ballroom Dance Society departs from its usual practice of having live music and uses a prerecorded playlist for a dance. This is done primarily as a fundraiser, saving the cost of a band, but it also gives us a chance to expose members and guests to music that they might not… Continue reading A [non-traditional] ballroom dance playlist