mug shot or head shot

I rarely blog about work. But, last night we had our annual pre-storm season Storm Chaser Round-up.

This is an evening where Frank dazzles those that love chasing tornadoes. I'm pretty sure it takes a LOT to dazzle them, and Frank is the man for the job! (yes, he pays me for comments like this)

Anyway, Carlton asked if I have a digital camera. Of course I do. Then he asked me to get a pic of the whole team in the Weather Center.

I mentioned to him that I had brought my camera and we were also going to take head shots of the chasers that we do not currently have. He spent the next 20 minutes giving me a lesson in how to NOT take mug shots for head shots.

So I thought I would post this Non Mug Shot - Head Shot that I took of Carlton. Another criteria is that they not smile because when the photo is up most likely the person will be talking about weather damage. For some reason CH thinks they shouldn't be smiling about that.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Twitter?

When I was growing up you were "all a twitter" when something exciting happened - like you scored fig newtons from Nannie's secret stash.

As a young woman, I knew I was pregnant when I felt a "twitter" in my tummy.

It seems that now the word "twitter" has been hi-jacked much in the same manner as the word "gay" was hi-jacked. Only when you hear someone is "twittering" these days negative and bigotted remarks do not follow.

I joined the "Twitter" crowd yesterday. The most exciting thing about my new membership was that Nicole isn't yet "Twittering"

Hee hee - I beat her to something new and cool! Woo Hoo!!!

The down side is that now I have to begin learning a whole new language. I'm not sure that my head can handle all the information.

If you want to follow me - simply go to twitter.com and search my name!

You can also follow the station - search for ktulnews.

long days and pleasant nights...

Busy weekend...

This picture sums up the weekend...

May ye never forget the face of your father, young Skylar...

Long days and pleasants nights...

Lessons of a Toddler

Just a quickie right now. I have to download the plethera of pics from the weekend. This was my first "monthly" visit with Skylar. Odd calling him that.

He taught Aunt Mammie a lot this weekend.

The short list:

The washing machine that shakes the whole kitchen isn't annoying - it's fun!
Baseball lessons on top of the shaking washing machine are the best.
DVD's play better when licked and wiped on your diaper.
You can never see enough of Sponge Bob Square Pants, Dora and Shrek.
Bathtime and teeth brushing are an adventure, not a chore.
Pictures should be moved around instead of sitting in one place for more than ten minutes.
Always start your day sitting at the big kitchen table, smiling and saying "good morning."

Long days and pleasant nights...

Rambles - literally

Wow how time flies. Has it really been FOREVER since I last blogged?

The sadness comes and goes now. I can be in the throws of hysterical laughter and a thought of Skylar hits and the laughter turns to choked back tears. Just today I forced the tears back, all that happened was that the people that won Bob The Builder tickets actually picked them up. The tears are because that means now I have no "excuse" to keep Zeke Friday. Silly, huh?

Time isn't really flying. I can't believe it is only February. Mayhap the problem is that sweeps has been changed to March due to the digital revolution. Or it's possible that I'm feeling so very mortal.

Getting back to finding pleasure in the little things has become the most important goal right now. For example:

...I have the money to buy a small deep freeze. Why is the something to be happy about? Well, Jo and I are going to have a garden this year. I will be able to freeze things from said garden. Also, I'll now be able to take advantage of sales on things that I can throw in the freezer thus saving money.

...I have decided to at the least cut back to basic cable, and might actually cut cable altogether. Where is the "happy" in this? Well, it will give me more time to blog, walk, take pictures of the kritters (I don't have nearly enough) chat on the phone, totally annoy Nicole... you probably get the picture.

...I'm considering getting a part-time job and/or take some classes. Happiness in a part-time job is that I will be able to pay off debt faster and save money for a down payment on a house.

All of these are small steps that are taken one day at a time. I woke up fat yesterday. So, I drank more water, didn't buy a cheeseburger and today? I woke up a little less fat.

Oprah reminded me that you really don't need an expensive shiny toy to play with when a perfectly fine Diet Coke box is in the middle of the floor.

Guess that's all for now.

hoping to see you in the clearing at the end of the path...

Adorable...

Aren't these the most adorable babes?

Their daddy is Toby the lab - he died in December. Thier mom is a beautiful german shepard. Just thought I would share these babies.

They are living with their Grandpa Steve and Grandma Irene right now. Their Uncle Tuvok isn't allowed anywhere near them. hee hee

They will be ready for adoption in about a month.

Long days and pleasant nights...

forwarded email...

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Toby, Millie and Oprah:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest..

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children . . .

Evolution

Somehow, I have ended up with 3 puppies. I had two puppies when I noticed mouse droppings. That led to a serious discussion with the neighbors cats. They paid no attention just kept sunning on my roof.

So, we adopted a kitten from the mazie prairie. Being a responsible pet-mommie and wanting to save myself and my furniture - she has been spayed and declawed. She moved in around November. The first month or so she was 100% kitten. Somewhere along the way she has turned into 90% dauchshund.

Everywhere Millie goes, so does her sister. When Millie goes outside to potty - Oprah sits at the door waiting for her come back in. When Millie goes to bed, Oprah lies beside her on the blankie. When Millie eats, so does Oprah. I'm just waiting for the day when the meow turns into a bark.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Change

The whole world has been ecstatic at the "change" 2009 promises to bring.

I was optimistic that the "change" we have been promised would be at the least good. It never occurred to me that dramatic change would happen so close to home.

Last Fall, we had a pretty drastic round of lay-offs. The economy continues to go to Hell In A Handbasket, so to speak. Yet, I have a good job. My company is stable. Life is going on. I bought a new-to-me car. Money has become tight, but manageable.

January 23 I received a phone call that placed everything in perspective. My 23 year-old nephew, Skylar had died. He had simply taken a pill, gone to sleep and never woke up. From then up until the afternoon of January 30, things are a blurr. The afternoon that Skylar died I also received notice that there had been another lay-off. My job is still secure. However, we have taken a pay cut.

During the week going up to the funeral, I had a lot of time to reflect. In that reflection came a lot of argument with my Lord. What came out of the argument was that I am alive and loved. I also have so many memories of Skylar. Last Fall when he introduced me to his latest girlfriend, he said "this is Aunt Tammie - the Coolest Aunt on Earth." The last picture taken of him was snapped by me, just minutes before he hugged me, said "I love you, Aunt Tammie" and walked out the door. That was the day we celebrated Christmas with the extended family. He was so happy that for the first time ever he had enough money to give his boys what he considered a very nice Christmas. That was the last time I saw him alive.

The point of this day's blog... We are still alive. We still have two beautiful young boys that are so very much like their daddy. I still have a job. Yes, less money, but a job. I still have a home, 2 puppies and a kitty that thinks she is a puppy. Make every day matter. Let those close to you know how much you love them. We don't have a guarantee that there will be a tomorrow. We can guarantee that those we love will always know we love them.

Long days and pleasant nights...

DANGER: Falling Ice

The roads were better today. Mt Krumpit didn't bother the little Red Focus...

However, backing out of my place was very interesting. I almost ran into the ditch. We know the Rav4 can survive that, but I really don't want to test the obstacle with the Focus. When I finally hit the street, the car was facing the wrong direction. So, I went to the Stop sign, turned around and made my up the Southside of Mt Krumpit. This morning we reached the mind-boggling speed of 21mph!

Now the worries are being hit by falling ice. Our tower is shedding it's coating and the ice is pummeling to the front parking lot. Fortunately I parked at the far end of the NW parking lot - ice doesn't get that far.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Snow Snow Go Away...

Another early morning. I'm beginning to miss my little Sunfire. It was small and could handle Mt. Krumpit much better than the new larger Ford.

Anyway, I made it up the mountain... I did think about calling to say that I couldn't make it to work. However, Darrean would've just asked what's wrong with my legs. So, I popped the Focus into 2nd and let the wheel go whenever the car decided to try to slide. Thanks Daddy for forcing me to drive home from work with you in the passenger side. I haven't forgotten that terrifying experience and it has served me well.

If the temperature doesn't get above freezing tomorrow, I'm going to ask to borrow Strait. I already sleep with 2 dogs and a cat - a horse that stands 16 hands won't be too much more.

Anyway, I did remember my camera this morning. Primarily because when I looked out to check the car situation - I had to laugh. There were paws all over the snow running every direction. They ran all around my car. They ran from the porch in all directions. It was too funny. So I have snapped a couple of pics that I think are worthy. Not the quality of my friend Jo, but I like them...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Ice Storm 2009

At 7am when I looked out and saw the beautiful winter wonderland I thought, oh shoot, I forgot my camera at home.

Then that thought was immediately followed by, I have plenty of pictures of Mt Krumpit iced over. Hopefully, this ice storm will not have the whollup the last two have had.

Yes, I was at work by 4:30 this morning. Schools all over the viewing area are closed. If they aren't, they probably won't have very many students attending.

If you live in Oklahoma and don't have to get out - DON'T...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Changing of the Guard...

A new day has dawned in our country.

As I sit here and listen to all the inaugural speeches, I am proud and ashamed at the same time. The Constitution states very clearly that "all men are created equal." Yet it has taken 232 years to elect a man of African descent to the highest office in our country. We have yet to elect a woman or Native American for the office. Indeed it took over 100 years for those of African descent and women to even get the basic right of voting.

The History Channel has been re-running their series on the American presidents. It has been interesting re-learning about our forefathers. As we move forward, a huge task is being placed on our newest president. He must somehow undue an economic mess that began in the years of Ronald Regan. Since then every president, including President Clinton, and each Congress contributed to the situation we face now. President Obama faces an economic situation similar to that of FDR when he first took office. He has made large promises. Time will only tell if he is up to the task.

I pray that the nation supports him thru the hard times to come. Good luck Mr. President.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Weekend Wrap

It was a busy yet not so busy weekend.

Steve and Renie came over and helped me out with the chainsaw. Seems my friends and family don't trust me with a chainsaw. Turns out the "big limb" that the neighbors told me was under the pile of brush, didn't exist. So we re-arranged the the pile into a manageable pile that I can actually work on. Steve did have to use the chainsaw on a some of it. Jo is going to donate old hay to my yard to help kill out weeds. The hope is that I will have an area to have a nice garden.

Steve's german shepard had puppies. They are a black lab/german shepard mix. If you're in the hunt for a good pup - give a shout!

Took the chainsaw back to Jimmy, yesterday. Kevin grilled burgers for dinner. They were really good. Mom and Dad came over with Zentner. We were entertained for a couple hours by him.

It was a good weekend. More of these are needed...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Great Decisions

This week I began what I had believed to be a Bible class.

It all began with an innocent conversation with a co-worker that discovered we are both Episcopalians. She mentioned this class that she and a friend go to at their church. She sent me the information and I quickly enrolled. I've participated in Bible classes sponsored by the Episcopats before. They have all been wonderful experiences.

When I picked up the book, I quickly began reading the first "lesson." It was a bit perplexing in that there was no mention of the Bible, God or even Jesus. Now, as an Episcopat this was no real surprise. Many times the moderator receives a larger manual that will have the Christian instruction. I love this aspect of my chosen church. They gently force you to think.

Well, I made it to the first class. It was the coldest night of the century. (not kidding) There were about 35 gray-hairs, two forty-something couples and me. Again, no real surprise. The surprise came when this very nice grandmotherly person began chatting with me. I mentioned that I was using this as a boost to get my behind back in church. She looked at me and asked "what does THIS have to do with church?"

Once I wrapped my head around the fact that this is a class that is only housed in the building because the moderator is a member... I was able to begin paying full attention to the subject at hand.

It is a wonderful discussion, so to speak, about world events and the situation the world finds ourselves in. It is fascinating and has already opened my eyes to a few things I had no idea about.

Thankfully my prayers to my Lord were answered and I wasn't allowed to talk myself out of going the first night.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Red Dirt Cram

I have begun a crash course in learning more of the music I LOVE! The test is the weekend of June 18 - 21.

Last night on the way to the most wonderful birthday celebration for my most wonderful Daddy, I listened to a newsly purchased cd.

In addition to being one of the Red Dirt Godfathers, Robert Earl Keen is freakin' hysterical. I found myself laughing out loud (lol for those of you younger than 25) As much as I love Boland, REK had much the same affect on me. I was all smiles last night. Slept perfectly well, just like a baby. I had to keep reminding myself that he influenced Pat, not Pat influencing him. Mayhap that is one reason I have that warm-fuzzy feeling.

It is a bit disturbing that Pat has already begun creeping into my dreams. He was standing in the shadows of one last night. So, Pat, I PROMISE I'll be at the Calf Fry. I will be dead on my feet at work the next day, but I'll be there. You could've at least played Friday to help me out...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

January 13, 1943 in Yakima Washington, Vernon Z and Martha E Smith became the parents of the greatest man I know.

My daddy was the second of 5 children. Being the oldest son gave him the birthrite to the Zentner name. A name which has become beloved in the family.

My daddy has always been there for me. When I was allowed to join the Speech and Debate team in high school, he became the parent that went on trips. That meant that he had to be on a school bus with anywhere from 10 or more teenagers from 4am until after midnight on the weekend. After having a teenager, I understand the sacrifice he made.

He was also in the room when my baby girl was born. One of my clearest memories of that day was telling Daddy that I was tired and wanted to go home. He sighed and calmly said "Sug if I could take you home, you know I would, but you have to do this first." Jeff and I were grossed out by the bloody mess... but my Daddy stood over the doctors shoulder making sure he was doing everything right and then gave the baby her first bath.

After the divorce, when I called and said that I was going out of my mind, Daddy drove to Pryor and took me to a doctor in Ft Smith to make sure I was ok.

They don't make Daddy's like this anymore. He taught me to respect God, country, family. He taught me that family always comes first, no matter how difficult it is to be there, physically or emotionally. He is always there for me and my sisters with an unconditional love. I love him more than words can ever tell.

We are celebrating tonight at his favorite place to eat - Golden Corral.

Long days and pleasant nights

February 14, 2009...

...is a very important day in my life.

It is the day that pitchers and catchers report to Spring training. That is only 5 weeks away.

The Redbirds have been busy in the off season. They still have a very light pitching/bullpen staff. I'm hoping that will change by the time the season actually opens. The good news is that most of the rest of the team is still in place. Miles was allowed the free agent exit. That is a loss of a good utility player, but only one.

Pujols and Yaddi are still anchoring the bases and bats. Ankiel and Ludwick are still around. Barton as far as I know will be back. I'm hoping we will see him in more games this season.

I'm sure LaRussa will be calling soon with all the off-season details I need to know...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Seriously?

Are we really having this debate again?

When the pitbull with lipstick stepped onto the national stage, I defended her as a "mom" in the workforce. I've been there and done that - so to speak. Everyone knows how I feel about the Governor of Alaska. Nevertheless, I do think she might actually make a decent Senator if she so desires.

As a card-carrying Democrat, I also know I'm supposed to pay homage to anyone that is in the Joe & Rose Kennedy lineage. Even a must to kiss the ring of the direct heir to the throne - in this case - Caroline. I kept quiet when the talking heads began spinning the whethers about her appointment to fill Senator Clinton's seat. But today I read an interesting piece about how qualified she isn't. Seems a woman that decides to get an education then stay at home to raise the children before re-entering the workforce isn't qualified for squat. I can not disagree more. What are her qualifications?

Well lets take a looksee...

**Bachelor degree from Radcliff (part of Harvard)

**Law degree from Columbia Law School

**Founded the Profile in Courage Awards, which honors elected officials who have shown political courage.

**Caroline co-wrote In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action with fellow law graduate Ellen Alderman. This is the first of several books she has published.

**She turned down an offer to be chairwoman of the 1992 Democratic National Convention. (has no problem saying no to the party)

**Serves as a member of the national board of directors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the vice-chair for the Fund for Public Schools in New York City, and chief executive for the New York City Department of Education Office of Strategic Partnerships.

You may not be able to see Russia from her backyard, but I think she is qualified to be a Jr Senator from the state of New York. We need more women in Washington DC that have a deep passion for what women care about. It doesn't hurt that she is a Kennedy either...

Happy

It really doesn't take much to make me happy.

Last night while I was washing my dinner dishes, I heard a knock at the door. Followed by a lot of barking to let me know there had been a knock at the door.

It was Nicole!

As wonderful as it was to see her, she brought my Christmas present. That is the source for today's happiness. She bought Just After Sunset - King's latest collection of short stories.

I'm thinking that his short story books are probably up there with my favorites of his releases. You get scared many more times than in a novel. The novel is a totally different kind of scare. It creeps up on you. For example, in Duma Key, he kept warning me that the paintings of the ocean and the boats were deadly. I didn't realize that he was being literal until one killed his daughter. Jo, I dismissed the earlier suicide and murder attempt as coincidental...

Out of King's tinkering with short thoughts, we got such wonderful stories as Jeruselem's Lot that later turned into the absolutely horribly scary 'Salem's lot. Along with The Mist and 1408. My absolute favorite series, The Dark Tower, began with tinkering as well.

Needless to say, my weekend is Booked!

Long days and pleasant nights...