I'm not really sure what's going on with the raccoon(s).
Sunday evening and last evening (Monday), one of them showed up and ate a little dog food each night.
Last summer and through the winter I had up to 3 that would show up and eat. Usually it was a pair that travelled together and a 3rd one. They would scarf down every bit of food I put out and then rattle the screen door looking for more.
Lately, visits have been few and far between. They eat just a little and then take off.
I guess the drought last year made natural food rather scarce so they made a habit of eating at my place. This summer, the rains have returned and I'm guessing that they are feeding naturally.
I don't know if it's now just one raccoon that is eating a little and then taking off or if it's 2 or all 3 showing up at different times and days. I tend to think it's the same one because he / she generally shows up just at dusk - eats quickly - and then takes off. And it's wary of me, not scared, just cautious - same behaviour each time it sees me.
I'm still thinking it's a female and that she's eating quickly and hurrying back to her den and litter. At least I'm hoping for another year of little raccoons. They're pretty cute when they are small.
I also think that with the return of normal humid weather - there's abundant natural food and the dog food I put out is only a supplement.
We'll see.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
90
Went down to Fayetteville today for Uncle Raymond's 90th birthday party. It was outstanding.
If you met and talked to Uncle Raymond, you wouldn't mistake him for being 50 - but if he said he was 60 or, more likely, 70 - you'd believe it. He and Aunt Edna are absolutely going strong and active as people a couple decades younger.
In fact, Uncle Raymond grouses about the fact that he sold the motor home about 5 years ago because he just didn't feel he could drive it like he used to.
Not the car - the huge, large motor home. You know - the kind they towed a car behind. Which he and Edna have traveled throughout the lower 48 States and most of Eastern Canada. His best estimate is something like 90,000 miles traveled in the motor home. But they still take day trips to their camping olub's camp ins and meetings.
Anyway - there is not much frailty about Uncle Raymond or Aunt Edna. In fact, most of my Aunts and Uncles are living independent lives well into their late 80's and 90's.
It was a good party held at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Movies Addendum
Watched Broken Flowers on DVD.
I like quirky films.
Bill Murray takes chances with some of his movies. Movies like The Life Aquatic (didn’t like) and Lost In Translation (contrived romance – but the fish out of water in Tokyo parts were great). His part in Ed Wood was just awesome.
Later Saturday night I watched NaPolA. I don't remember reading the review or why I had put this movie on my NetFlix list.
What a totally unexpected excellent, excellent movie.
Highly recommended. Be forewarned however, it's very sad.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Koko
Koko was the pet of Nuke's parents. She sometimes came up and visited with us.
As with all creatures, great and small, Koko was subject to life and age. She lived a long and happy life.
As with all creatures, great and small, Koko was subject to life and age. She lived a long and happy life.
Fan Mail
I've received a couple emails asking about smoking and the raccoons.
So - to update everybody - here's the scoop.
Smoking
So far, so good. It's been 6 months now since I quit. I don't think the cravings will every actually go away. But they're becoming less and less powerful and are no longer a daily issue.
It's always possible to backslide - but I think that's pretty much not ever going to happen.
Raccoons
I haven't seen my raccoon in over two weeks.
For a little while - a feral black cat was hanging around and eating the food I was putting out. There's also a possum who was coming in at night and feeding as well. God, that is one ugly ass critter.
I thought that maybe the cat was keeping my raccoon away - so I quit putting food out.
But - I've made sure the hanging bird feeder with the sunflower seeds is kept filled. The raccoon would climb up on the trellis - walk over to the roof - go on the house roof to the porch roof - then climb down the bird feeder holder rod to the feeder and feast.
Haven't seen or heard the raccoon at the feeder in two weeks either.
I hope she's OK. I'm hoping that she's just staying near her den with her kits (which I presume she has - which - also assumes it's a female). If this is indeed the case - she may start showing up in a couple more weeks once the kits are old enough to be left alone for a while or they start following her out on her hunting / feeding rounds.
So - to update everybody - here's the scoop.
Smoking
So far, so good. It's been 6 months now since I quit. I don't think the cravings will every actually go away. But they're becoming less and less powerful and are no longer a daily issue.
It's always possible to backslide - but I think that's pretty much not ever going to happen.
Raccoons
I haven't seen my raccoon in over two weeks.
For a little while - a feral black cat was hanging around and eating the food I was putting out. There's also a possum who was coming in at night and feeding as well. God, that is one ugly ass critter.
I thought that maybe the cat was keeping my raccoon away - so I quit putting food out.
But - I've made sure the hanging bird feeder with the sunflower seeds is kept filled. The raccoon would climb up on the trellis - walk over to the roof - go on the house roof to the porch roof - then climb down the bird feeder holder rod to the feeder and feast.
Haven't seen or heard the raccoon at the feeder in two weeks either.
I hope she's OK. I'm hoping that she's just staying near her den with her kits (which I presume she has - which - also assumes it's a female). If this is indeed the case - she may start showing up in a couple more weeks once the kits are old enough to be left alone for a while or they start following her out on her hunting / feeding rounds.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Great Call
Continuing with entries related to the upcoming football season -
Here's a clip from last year - last game of the season - Maryland at NC State.
It's very late in the game. Maryland is beating the dickens out of State which will end our year with a 5 and 7 record. Frustration is setting in and one of our players makes a personal foul.
Listen for the crowd. Since the game is at State - at first the crowd starts to boo the call against our guy. But then - we decide we like the foul and start cheering the player. Damn Skippy - Do It Again - LOL
Referee Ron Cherry Makes the Classic Call
Here's a clip from last year - last game of the season - Maryland at NC State.
It's very late in the game. Maryland is beating the dickens out of State which will end our year with a 5 and 7 record. Frustration is setting in and one of our players makes a personal foul.
Listen for the crowd. Since the game is at State - at first the crowd starts to boo the call against our guy. But then - we decide we like the foul and start cheering the player. Damn Skippy - Do It Again - LOL
Referee Ron Cherry Makes the Classic Call
Sunday, July 20, 2008
It Worked for Noriega +Addendum
You can ignore the Constitution - but don't dare cross the RIAA.
http://music.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2289778,00.html
I wonder if they played any Englebert Humperdinck?
Addendum
Here is a link to the top 10 songs played in the Gitmo rotation.
Number 7 is Bodies by Drowning Pool.
Actually, I have that CD. Really.
http://music.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2289778,00.html
I wonder if they played any Englebert Humperdinck?
Addendum
Here is a link to the top 10 songs played in the Gitmo rotation.
Number 7 is Bodies by Drowning Pool.
Actually, I have that CD. Really.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
One Thing Often Leads To Another
Dale, of 64 West Service Center is a pretty sharp cookie. He's top rate and has multiple certifications. He used to be a high performance specialist with Hendrick in Charlotte (NASCAR fans will recognize that) but moved back to the local area about 10 years ago.
Darn lucky to have found someone this sharp and knowledgeable right down the road out here in the middle of nowhere.
Anyway - Dale called yesterday. Would I please come over - I need to look at some things on the truck.
Due to age (the truck, not me - 1992) and environment (Warrenton VA snow and salt) the gas lines and fittings on the gas tank are all severely rusted and corroded. A brake line is rusted through as well.
It will be problematic to get into the gas tank to replace the fuel pump due to the heavy rust. The access portal may or may not be removable without further damage.
This is often the case with older vehicles. Especially trucks and working vehicles that are used in a harsh environment. I see it a lot on construction sites. Vehicles and equipment are subject to very harsh conditions and repairs are seldom simple. One thing often leads to another.
If the vehicle were at my brother's - he could fix all this himself. He has a fully equipped shop at his home. But - it's down here and Warrenton VA is a long way away.
So - Dale will have to fix it and it's gonna cost.
At least we know that it will be done properly and right and that Dale's charges are reasonable.
I'm In Love With Lisa +Addendum
Lisa Horne is a contributing writer for Fox Sports.
This is an except from her latest entry: The House Rules For College Football
"August 28th, the first day of college football, should be viewed as a National holiday and treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Every one of the games will be the most beautiful games I have ever watched, and South Carolina v NC State, an ESPN Thursday night special, will be watched with tears in my eyes as soon as the theme music starts up."
Addendum
Continuing with the theme of women sports writers - here's a link to a revised column by Heather Dinich of ESPN.
Heather put together a piece ranking the toughest places to play football in the ACC. It was right about 40% and totally wrong about 60%.
She and ESPN got so much flack - she wrote a revised column / blog entry.
She got it right on stadiums 1 through 4 on the second time around. Still don't get her 'thing' with Bobby Dodd in Atlanta.
She moved Carter-Finley from number 11 to number 4 - which is absolutely correct.
In the ACC, the top 4 toughest places to play - Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech and NC State are all big time, passionate and loud.
After those top 4, it's a pretty dramatic drop in atmosphere and fan support at the other 8 ACC schools. You can pretty much lump everyplace else in the ACC together.
Heck, East Carolina has a bigger time football atmosphere than the remaining 8 ACC schools. (Don't tell 'em I said that. We don't want those Down East rednecks to get the Big Head and all.)
We're not winning the way we'd like - but that doesn't mean Carter-Finley is a pushover place to play in. Not by a long shot.
We're loud, we're rambunctious and we sell out Carter-Finley year after year after year. With losing records no less.
The way folks around here carry on about football, you'd think we'd have a long tradition of winning teams and national expectations.
We've got the expectations. The winning will get there.
(Bill's prediction: 6 and 6 this year - but next year - look for no less than 8 and 4)
Clemson
Speaking of expectations and predictions. I almost feel sorry for Tommy Bowden down there at Clemson. If Tom O'Brien were coaching this year's Clemson squad - they'd go undefeated and would play for the BCS National Championship.
But Tommy B will find a way to lose at least 1 and possibly 2 games during the regular season. I'm pulling for 'em though. I'd like to see them play in (and win) the Orange Bowl.
This is an except from her latest entry: The House Rules For College Football
"August 28th, the first day of college football, should be viewed as a National holiday and treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Every one of the games will be the most beautiful games I have ever watched, and South Carolina v NC State, an ESPN Thursday night special, will be watched with tears in my eyes as soon as the theme music starts up."
Addendum
Continuing with the theme of women sports writers - here's a link to a revised column by Heather Dinich of ESPN.
Heather put together a piece ranking the toughest places to play football in the ACC. It was right about 40% and totally wrong about 60%.
She and ESPN got so much flack - she wrote a revised column / blog entry.
She got it right on stadiums 1 through 4 on the second time around. Still don't get her 'thing' with Bobby Dodd in Atlanta.
She moved Carter-Finley from number 11 to number 4 - which is absolutely correct.
In the ACC, the top 4 toughest places to play - Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech and NC State are all big time, passionate and loud.
After those top 4, it's a pretty dramatic drop in atmosphere and fan support at the other 8 ACC schools. You can pretty much lump everyplace else in the ACC together.
Heck, East Carolina has a bigger time football atmosphere than the remaining 8 ACC schools. (Don't tell 'em I said that. We don't want those Down East rednecks to get the Big Head and all.)
We're not winning the way we'd like - but that doesn't mean Carter-Finley is a pushover place to play in. Not by a long shot.
We're loud, we're rambunctious and we sell out Carter-Finley year after year after year. With losing records no less.
The way folks around here carry on about football, you'd think we'd have a long tradition of winning teams and national expectations.
We've got the expectations. The winning will get there.
(Bill's prediction: 6 and 6 this year - but next year - look for no less than 8 and 4)
Clemson
Speaking of expectations and predictions. I almost feel sorry for Tommy Bowden down there at Clemson. If Tom O'Brien were coaching this year's Clemson squad - they'd go undefeated and would play for the BCS National Championship.
But Tommy B will find a way to lose at least 1 and possibly 2 games during the regular season. I'm pulling for 'em though. I'd like to see them play in (and win) the Orange Bowl.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Manufacturing Dissent
For full disclosure, let me state up front that I despise Michael Moore for his mixing lies along with truth as much as the next person. So, I was likely predisposed to like the movie that this entry is about.
I watched Manufacturing Dissent on IFC (Independent Film Channel) Monday evening.
The documentary has flaws. The filmmaker isn't as professional as I would have liked. It stuck me as being superficial at times. Like any (purported) documentary - watch it with a grain of salt.
However, overall, it does a real good job of exposing Moore for the self aggrandizing person (braying jackass) that he is. And it does a pretty good job documenting his lies and half truths.
I'll be so glad when Bush is finally out of office. I wish we could vote Moore out on his fat ass as well.
I watched Manufacturing Dissent on IFC (Independent Film Channel) Monday evening.
The documentary has flaws. The filmmaker isn't as professional as I would have liked. It stuck me as being superficial at times. Like any (purported) documentary - watch it with a grain of salt.
However, overall, it does a real good job of exposing Moore for the self aggrandizing person (braying jackass) that he is. And it does a pretty good job documenting his lies and half truths.
I'll be so glad when Bush is finally out of office. I wish we could vote Moore out on his fat ass as well.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sunday July 13
Nothing new to blog about.
Work is good. Nothing too noteworthy there.
The 2 teams have been at NCSU and UNC respectively the past couple of months. I've finished my field work so I've been back at the office for a couple of weeks. Almost everybody else is still out so I've had the office to myself.
Which I like. A lot. A whole lot.
I actually like interacting with people - it's just that when I'm at my desk working I don't like to get interrupted. If I could get away with it - I'd have "office hours" - say from 9 to 10 and 2 to 3. You could only drop by my desk during those times. Off limits for the rest.
Of course the flip side is that when I need someone - bam! I'm at their office and on 'em in an instant!
I used to actually catch myself walking in and sitting down to wait for someone to finish a phone call. Not angry or anything - I'd just sit quietly and interpose myself on their private phone call so I could speak with them the nanosecond they hung up.
I mean - after all - what's more important than what I needed at that moment?
ROFL
It was totally unintentional - A number 1 asshole behavior - but I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to get with them ASAP - get whatever taken care of - and then out the door. Efficient.
Man, I can't believe I used to do that!
I haven't done that in years. At least I don't think I have.
But have someone interrupt me when I'm working intently? Grrrrrr . . . .
Remember the character Major Major Major Major from the book Catch 22? That's me.
Living in my own little Private Idaho.
DVDs
Watched 3 movies this week on DVD.
Junebug - how did this crappy thing get such good reviews?
Juno which was cute – witty dialogue. A light happy movie.
Also watched Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead. Awesome move – excellent acting. But very depressing. Yikes - I'm glad people don't behave that way in real life.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is such an excellent actor. Compare him in this move and in Capote - The Big Lebowski - Almost Famous - Charlie Wilson's War just to name a few. This guy throws himself into his parts, big or small.
Truck
Let’s see, what else?
Oh yeah - Getting my brother’s truck fixed. Found a local mechanic and had it towed there. Fuel pump needs replacing.
Work is good. Nothing too noteworthy there.
The 2 teams have been at NCSU and UNC respectively the past couple of months. I've finished my field work so I've been back at the office for a couple of weeks. Almost everybody else is still out so I've had the office to myself.
Which I like. A lot. A whole lot.
I actually like interacting with people - it's just that when I'm at my desk working I don't like to get interrupted. If I could get away with it - I'd have "office hours" - say from 9 to 10 and 2 to 3. You could only drop by my desk during those times. Off limits for the rest.
Of course the flip side is that when I need someone - bam! I'm at their office and on 'em in an instant!
I used to actually catch myself walking in and sitting down to wait for someone to finish a phone call. Not angry or anything - I'd just sit quietly and interpose myself on their private phone call so I could speak with them the nanosecond they hung up.
I mean - after all - what's more important than what I needed at that moment?
ROFL
It was totally unintentional - A number 1 asshole behavior - but I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to get with them ASAP - get whatever taken care of - and then out the door. Efficient.
Man, I can't believe I used to do that!
I haven't done that in years. At least I don't think I have.
But have someone interrupt me when I'm working intently? Grrrrrr . . . .
Remember the character Major Major Major Major from the book Catch 22? That's me.
Living in my own little Private Idaho.
DVDs
Watched 3 movies this week on DVD.
Junebug - how did this crappy thing get such good reviews?
Juno which was cute – witty dialogue. A light happy movie.
Also watched Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead. Awesome move – excellent acting. But very depressing. Yikes - I'm glad people don't behave that way in real life.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is such an excellent actor. Compare him in this move and in Capote - The Big Lebowski - Almost Famous - Charlie Wilson's War just to name a few. This guy throws himself into his parts, big or small.
Truck
Let’s see, what else?
Oh yeah - Getting my brother’s truck fixed. Found a local mechanic and had it towed there. Fuel pump needs replacing.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I Forgot (Again)
In my last post, I forgot that I went to see a movie this past weekend - WALL-E.
Which kind of sums up my review.
Wall-E is nowhere near as good as the bandwagon reviews would have you believe. It's good, it's cute, it's funny - and there's the neat sly references to 2001 and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Overall though, the 'message' was too overbearing for me.
Before the movie there was a short cartoon - Presto that was great.
This was lifted from WIRED - I hope that makes it OK to use.
It's slapstick sight gags so you loose a whole lot on the small screen vs. the big screen. Like the post it note beside his cage which says "Feed The Rabbit". Kind of important - but you can't see it on a small monitor.
Which kind of sums up my review.
Wall-E is nowhere near as good as the bandwagon reviews would have you believe. It's good, it's cute, it's funny - and there's the neat sly references to 2001 and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Overall though, the 'message' was too overbearing for me.
Before the movie there was a short cartoon - Presto that was great.
This was lifted from WIRED - I hope that makes it OK to use.
It's slapstick sight gags so you loose a whole lot on the small screen vs. the big screen. Like the post it note beside his cage which says "Feed The Rabbit". Kind of important - but you can't see it on a small monitor.
Monday, July 07, 2008
July Fourth Weekend
July 4th weekend was pretty much the same as any other weekend.
I went to Depot Park in Sanford and listened to a little music and people watched but only stayed about an hour. It was just too darn hot.
Saturday and Sunday I just stayed around the house and did chores and such.
I did spend some time working on the blog format.
I switched some items over to blogger’s new Blog List feature. There are a couple nice things about using the Blog List. It opens the link in a new window which I like. Most importantly, it shows if there have been any new postings or updates and gives a time frame. That is a very cool and useful feature.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit buggy. It won’t accept my nephew’s URL. It changes it to the URL that you see if you click on it. It shows Adrian’s blog’s updated links – but not his own text and his own blog. Adrian thinks it might be some sort of anti-spam feature that’s still got some kinks.
Also, it wouldn’t accept at all the URL for www.anysoldier.com. I hope that’s just a bug and not social engineering on the part of Google. Blog List also complained about radioparadise – but it did accept the link (although I changed it back to a regular link).
So – due to Google blogger buggery – “personal” blogs are in the new blog list format. “Commercial” links are still in a regular link format (along with my photos and video links).
I also added the subscribe feature for those who want to go the RSS route.
One last minor change was to limit the posts to 6 per page. That's plenty vs. the waaay too many before. That might speed up page loads by a nanosecond.
The end result seems to break things up a bit and, to me, looks like it might be easier to spot the link you’re looking for. Actually, I think it works out nicely overall.
I went to Depot Park in Sanford and listened to a little music and people watched but only stayed about an hour. It was just too darn hot.
Saturday and Sunday I just stayed around the house and did chores and such.
I did spend some time working on the blog format.
I switched some items over to blogger’s new Blog List feature. There are a couple nice things about using the Blog List. It opens the link in a new window which I like. Most importantly, it shows if there have been any new postings or updates and gives a time frame. That is a very cool and useful feature.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit buggy. It won’t accept my nephew’s URL. It changes it to the URL that you see if you click on it. It shows Adrian’s blog’s updated links – but not his own text and his own blog. Adrian thinks it might be some sort of anti-spam feature that’s still got some kinks.
Also, it wouldn’t accept at all the URL for www.anysoldier.com. I hope that’s just a bug and not social engineering on the part of Google. Blog List also complained about radioparadise – but it did accept the link (although I changed it back to a regular link).
So – due to Google blogger buggery – “personal” blogs are in the new blog list format. “Commercial” links are still in a regular link format (along with my photos and video links).
I also added the subscribe feature for those who want to go the RSS route.
One last minor change was to limit the posts to 6 per page. That's plenty vs. the waaay too many before. That might speed up page loads by a nanosecond.
The end result seems to break things up a bit and, to me, looks like it might be easier to spot the link you’re looking for. Actually, I think it works out nicely overall.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Added Link
From time to time in my posts there are passing references such as "went to the football game with Chip and Fritz".
Fritz is a friend who is a big Nebraska football fan and often went to games with me and the gang. Fritz is currently between deployments - from Ft. Bragg to Iraq.
Fritz started a blog this past spring about training for the Boston Marathon. He's going to try and keep posting while in Iraq.
Link is to the right.
Fritz is a friend who is a big Nebraska football fan and often went to games with me and the gang. Fritz is currently between deployments - from Ft. Bragg to Iraq.
Fritz started a blog this past spring about training for the Boston Marathon. He's going to try and keep posting while in Iraq.
Link is to the right.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
8 Weeks to Go
College Football News is a very reliable source of information. Here’s their 2008 preseason analysis of the ACC – team by team.
I pretty much agree with their take on NC State.
Next year will be State's breakout year - not this year. I expect a 6 and 6 season. 7 and 5 would be awesome - but not likely. 5 and 7 is possible too.*
Last year was a new coaching staff and system. It was a steep learning curve for the players. This year, Coach O'Brien will have his first recruiting class - but preferably almost all will be red shirted (including Mike Glennon).
This year will again be played with Amato's recruits. The difference being O'Brien's systems will be solidly in place and the kids will perform better. But still - the record will be close to or the same as last year's 5 and 7.
The key is how closely we stay in the games we lose. I'm looking to be competitive in our losses. That will be the indicator as to how much progress we are making towards eventual ACC title contention and national ranking.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/741019.html
Note
*Looking a year ahead - in 2009 I expect 8 and 4. With 9 and 3 very possible.
I pretty much agree with their take on NC State.
Next year will be State's breakout year - not this year. I expect a 6 and 6 season. 7 and 5 would be awesome - but not likely. 5 and 7 is possible too.*
Last year was a new coaching staff and system. It was a steep learning curve for the players. This year, Coach O'Brien will have his first recruiting class - but preferably almost all will be red shirted (including Mike Glennon).
This year will again be played with Amato's recruits. The difference being O'Brien's systems will be solidly in place and the kids will perform better. But still - the record will be close to or the same as last year's 5 and 7.
The key is how closely we stay in the games we lose. I'm looking to be competitive in our losses. That will be the indicator as to how much progress we are making towards eventual ACC title contention and national ranking.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/741019.html
Note
*Looking a year ahead - in 2009 I expect 8 and 4. With 9 and 3 very possible.
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