tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156260162024-03-07T05:00:01.989-05:00Citadel of StarsNamed after the city of Osgiliath in JRR Tolkien's <i>Lord of the Rings</i>, but it's really just a blog devoted to the musings of a curious human being.
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I plan to post approximately twice a week, so visit often! Don't expect serious stuff like the meaning of life, the universe, and everything; just whatever strikes my fancy this week.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-38638170546509491222012-02-02T10:08:00.003-05:002012-02-02T10:11:43.043-05:006 More Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE6TmN0cM-2C6s1a_6ewQG1kSVUmJgbXSMCAP7xbJ5R4V6WCZ-xp9b944KzPDbWpYxWAPzsza9jHpgXH_eKjV46RuBxWohmqw4Uk2j2BUtgiIXBMyuN0GzycHg_BAIzQ34iUcxA/s1600/Phil2012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE6TmN0cM-2C6s1a_6ewQG1kSVUmJgbXSMCAP7xbJ5R4V6WCZ-xp9b944KzPDbWpYxWAPzsza9jHpgXH_eKjV46RuBxWohmqw4Uk2j2BUtgiIXBMyuN0GzycHg_BAIzQ34iUcxA/s400/Phil2012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704555430416090658" border="0" /></a>Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/10386225-418/punxsutawney-phil-predicts-6-more-weeks-of-winter.html">today</a>, indicating 6 more weeks of winter. For more abut Phil and this silly tradition visit <a href="http://www.groundhog.org/">Groundhog Day</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmZdbfq0uyF4bltZ5_qevoVrSbJN-SpzCCOuV-H6Sm4SkgpyiN93jvEvXkFM0ta7YPvdPesFWowj3yadK0yGqSsOmfzvCg4xcwuafTRIbP6QODj43XigK-w1jz2ffF2mbeHO03g/s1600/HiAndLoisGroundhog2Feb12.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmZdbfq0uyF4bltZ5_qevoVrSbJN-SpzCCOuV-H6Sm4SkgpyiN93jvEvXkFM0ta7YPvdPesFWowj3yadK0yGqSsOmfzvCg4xcwuafTRIbP6QODj43XigK-w1jz2ffF2mbeHO03g/s400/HiAndLoisGroundhog2Feb12.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704556063796675906" border="0" /></a>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-68913736048744788242012-01-26T15:47:00.004-05:002012-01-26T16:05:30.817-05:00It's Time for Eagle Cam!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSFe8dSnpHf5P_HBMbBMnL3CW7CoU_3ZbTeb7o34q-xt78ybsHnuT-Yu_atgLXK2nExGWObiJC93Ucn-4_dEcTSqnm3YP2J94lzDgw05TMbl6pn4mAabR1f3pLS4j4u7hT_xLQ/s1600/Bald+Eagles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQSFe8dSnpHf5P_HBMbBMnL3CW7CoU_3ZbTeb7o34q-xt78ybsHnuT-Yu_atgLXK2nExGWObiJC93Ucn-4_dEcTSqnm3YP2J94lzDgw05TMbl6pn4mAabR1f3pLS4j4u7hT_xLQ/s400/Bald+Eagles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702049358195948722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last winter I got hooked on Eagle Cam: <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles">Decorah Eagles</a> (in Iowa). Watching these magnificent birds hatch and raise their eaglets was amazing and addictive. I was so proud and sad to see them grow big enough to leave the nest.<br /><br />At the same I discovered another cam: <a href="http://www.wvec.com/eaglecam">Eagles at Norfolk Botanical Gardens</a>. This eagle family suffered a tragedy when the mom was killed by an airplane. The dad eagle couldn't feed three rapidly growing eaglets alone, so they were rescued, raised, and later released by the <a href="http://www.wildlifecenter.org/">Wildlife Center of Virginia</a>. I, along with thousands of other viewers, became very attached to "our babies" as we watched them grow at the Wildlife Center. Watching their release into the wild was stunningly beautiful and emotionally overwhelming.<br /><br />And it's all starting again with the new nesting season! Mom and Dad Decorah have been seen mating and nesting. Dad Norfolk has a new lady. They, too, are mating and nesting. Soon, both sets of parents will be protecting their eggs as we watch in awe. I learned so much about eagles (and other wildlife) last year that I'm looking forward to this season. I wish both sets of eagle parents safe and long lives with many healthy eaglets.<br /><br />Want to join the Eagle Nation? The web cams are free and both sites include links to lots of info about Eagles. The <a href="http://www.wildlifecenter.org/">Wildlife Center of Virginia</a> also has lots info on animals is it treating and their own wildlife cam.<br /><br />Warning: Eagle watching can be addictive may lead to lack of housework and cooking, excessive Eagle Cam viewing to the exclusion of TV, DVDs, etc., and obessesive talk of "beaking," "nesting," and "branching."The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-86952447143036133342012-01-15T18:47:00.012-05:002012-01-16T08:58:11.979-05:00Getting Ready<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh646i1FLd-f-zAIlDM_d9sIeCNc8mXSUTgAZNcspLrgFHrAl_z90bkqWbG9OcSZTl0brcAUZ_JtzQB4U7PZKTQ5ZKqEBupvAIRuntnCCmScZj2wHMB2QxX9wrTrpBg8j9Ej2qRtg/s1600/tai+chi+pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh646i1FLd-f-zAIlDM_d9sIeCNc8mXSUTgAZNcspLrgFHrAl_z90bkqWbG9OcSZTl0brcAUZ_JtzQB4U7PZKTQ5ZKqEBupvAIRuntnCCmScZj2wHMB2QxX9wrTrpBg8j9Ej2qRtg/s400/tai+chi+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698038214791925730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I started a Tai Chi class in the fall and I love it. I feel so relaxed and energized after each class session!<br /><br />Since I won't be able to lift or drive for 6 weeks after surgery, that also means no Tai Chi. :(<br /><br />I'm taking the class for stress reduction so now that I'm feeling really stressed what does the doc say? No Tai Chi. Oh, the irony.<br /><br />I have a phobia about general anesthesia (based on bad experiences I had during multiple ear surgeries as a child) and I'm starting to get nervous about my abdominal surgery next week. Since I can't do Tai Chi, I'm working on my Tai Chi meditation with lots of positive and healing imagery. It's helping some (but so does anxiety medicine). At this point, I'll just be glad when the surgery is over.<br /><br />I have a few work-related things to do Monday. After that I'm really going to focus on relaxing and de-stressing. It will be hard but I know it will help with anxiety and healing, or so my doc, nurses, and Tai Chi instructor all tell me. Wish me luck!</div>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-41415309227217553492012-01-09T18:45:00.006-05:002012-01-15T20:35:56.184-05:00iPad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-1DhoXOKh8wcgtgb4odAVMDpmKs1A3Jt-TYfzTRI2vohyphenhyphenPxtiC46J8-V3-fT707ZaLcpYqikisZwntCEO5qNVj55D58FHBd0U3Rn6_4WRd8Mj1KCPD1aXz0SLpelhh09_PCjcQ/s1600/ipad2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-1DhoXOKh8wcgtgb4odAVMDpmKs1A3Jt-TYfzTRI2vohyphenhyphenPxtiC46J8-V3-fT707ZaLcpYqikisZwntCEO5qNVj55D58FHBd0U3Rn6_4WRd8Mj1KCPD1aXz0SLpelhh09_PCjcQ/s400/ipad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698034812634521986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm expecting to lie around a lot during my recovery from abdominal surgery. Since I may not even be comfy with a laptop on my lap, I splurged and bought an <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/">iPad 2</a>.<br /><br />I have to admit, it IS cool. So thin, so light, so pretty! (Of course it's pretty, it was designed by Apple.)<br /><br />My husband loves his iPad and recommended lots of work-related apps:<br /><br />Course Smart (access your textbooks as e-books)<br />Blackboard (access your online classes)<br />The CIA Factbook (a favorite reference tool)<br />Pages (like Word for the iPad)<br /><br />He also recommended AppStart which introduces you to many useful apps (described by category) and Netflix (watch movies and TV shows, including <span style="font-style: italic;">every episode of Star Trek every made</span>).<br /><br />Of course, everyone suggested I download the Angry Birds game. ($%^& addictive game!)<br /><br />So far, I love my iPad. I can't access the instructor tools in Blackboard so I'll still use my laptop for grading, but the iPad will be great for travel and for when I'm recovering from surgery. So far my favorite app is Netflix. I'm watching the BBC's new, modern <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t4pgh">Sherlock</a> Holmes.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-67842918495620910632012-01-05T18:47:00.004-05:002012-01-15T20:20:06.277-05:00Surgery (Again!)In the fall I learned I have a painful condition called <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Adenomyosis/DS00636">Adenomyosis</a>. It's "a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, is present within and grows into the muscular walls of the uterus."<br /><br />I'm thankful I only have pain and not all the other symptoms listed on the Mayo Clinic web site! Strangely, I don't have any of the risk factors (childbirth or prior uterine surgery). Since I'm in my 40s, I thought the symptoms were the beginning of menopause. Nope.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the Adenomyosis getting worse and the only cure is a complete hysterectomy. I'll be having surgery Jan. 18, so I had to scramble to re-do my lesson plans at the last minute and make arrangements to work at home. Fortunately, my on-campus class does not mind becoming an online class during the 6 weeks or so while I can not drive. Thanks, guys! You made my life a little easier.<br /><br />I'm hoping that, like my elbow reconstruction surgery, I'll feel better immediately after the surgery. Not lifting or driving for 6 weeks will be hard, but at least I won't have cast! Yay!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-24429728638095300452012-01-01T18:25:00.004-05:002012-01-15T22:34:57.449-05:00The Titanic Books is Here at Last!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b5f36vwG_RCcbn-KvQFrjy6Sj7fuxY6c4EuOq4Q3gzv9zCfeR29He9Pg5e5lqeFtbSOtw3-HStW4fpF3AXIQsalqdawhG3uKMztMSwsTUZbQzhhZq6ZwzdR16mDbIDViA_CCpg/s1600/Titanic+Book.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b5f36vwG_RCcbn-KvQFrjy6Sj7fuxY6c4EuOq4Q3gzv9zCfeR29He9Pg5e5lqeFtbSOtw3-HStW4fpF3AXIQsalqdawhG3uKMztMSwsTUZbQzhhZq6ZwzdR16mDbIDViA_CCpg/s400/Titanic+Book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698004200868456546" border="0" /></a>I spent my summer working on this book with 10 of my Titanic friends. It finally arrived Christmas Eve. I am proud to work with so many prominent "Titanicologists"!<br /><br />The format is based on the report for the British Inquiry but we've included 100 years of research and forensic analysis. We know so much more than we did at the time of the disaster and the book reflects the most current research on every aspect of the disaster.<br /><br />I worked with George Behe on the treatment of the Third Class Passengers and the question of gates. Were passengers really locked in and left to die? Most Titanic scholars have long believed this to be a myth since no gates are depicted on the blueprints, but George and I have some interesting passenger accounts to the contrary. You can read a summary in Ch. 8 and excruciating details in Appendix J.<br /><br />Where can you purchase this magnificent book?<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Report-into-Titanic-Centennial-Reappraisal/dp/0752462105/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324423356&sr=1-1">Amazon UK</a> (available now) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Report-into-Loss-Titanic-Reappraisal/dp/0752462105/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324423413&sr=8-1">Amazon US</a> (available April 2012). In the meantime, you can also visit the <a href="http://centennial.titanicology.com/">official book site</a>.<br /><br />*****<br /><br />I got out of the habit of blogging when my arm was in a cast after my elbow reconstruction. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to begin blogging again. Happy New Year!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-8668302055078771562011-04-10T15:10:00.005-04:002011-04-10T15:15:29.131-04:0099 Years Ago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKIDPUkEVdU4L78RW8j9yUVyGNHxXrBPdQEupdhdZ_gILBQYvVpGQShkRI36gAjpFJ6zVuHWYMFsXm6lod7Ni5gdiSPUiDDpmuJcSE-IEQnh0FU0rieMRqzz33fIqxXtA3kW8kw/s1600/lastshot.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKIDPUkEVdU4L78RW8j9yUVyGNHxXrBPdQEupdhdZ_gILBQYvVpGQShkRI36gAjpFJ6zVuHWYMFsXm6lod7Ni5gdiSPUiDDpmuJcSE-IEQnh0FU0rieMRqzz33fIqxXtA3kW8kw/s400/lastshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594034964893134626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />99 years ago today, Titanic sailed from Southampton to Cherborg. Her next stops would be Queenstown and history. She had only four more days to live.<br /><br />This is the last known photo of her.<br /><br />God bless all the souls who died with her.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-63864372533914604852011-04-08T15:23:00.007-04:002011-04-09T09:32:50.177-04:00I Met Tony Shaloub Today!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBLB4UpaYs499XyGfTdH93Xjq-3cVKedzgPO_UWDVT4N4g6tWafvKdFSZE4E6gDSzY1civSCjpjiDrZNEzR8FBcCmkJTmiEKKwpQhYriEqeZYjabqYI7hZTxFyXmOexnO-d6Eqg/s1600/CIMG0209.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBLB4UpaYs499XyGfTdH93Xjq-3cVKedzgPO_UWDVT4N4g6tWafvKdFSZE4E6gDSzY1civSCjpjiDrZNEzR8FBcCmkJTmiEKKwpQhYriEqeZYjabqYI7hZTxFyXmOexnO-d6Eqg/s400/CIMG0209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593295783919246514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001724/">Tony Shaloub</a> was guest lecturer today at Mott Community College (part of the Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series). Actutally, it was more of an interview, with the stage set to look like the office of Dr. Bell, Mr. <a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/series/monk/">Monk</a>'s psychiatrist.<br /><br />Shaloub was funny, gave lots of good advice for young actors, and talked about his career. At the end many of us walked up to the stage to get our programs autographed. Although the organizers did not take this into consideration and Shaloub had to move on to his next engagement, he signed programs and DVDs for as many people as he could. I didn't really get a chance to talk to him but <span jsid="text">I got a big smile when I handed him a wipe to take on the plane (they never clean those tray tables, you know). :) What a wonderful, funny man. I'm just sorry he had to rush off.<br /><br />Congratulations on the </span><a href="http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/04/07/award-winning-actor-tony-shalhoub-honored-in-flint-detroit/">Arab American of the Year Award</a> you'll be receiving tomorrow night, Mr. Shaloub!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-57750730601384564792011-04-07T20:19:00.009-04:002011-04-07T20:42:22.197-04:00Worth the Wait: One was a Soldier by Julia Spencer-Fleming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWMfT3RNuYdXP9dUAjLDvfJyHcYd8UoT2Db0ikPevdvMunXdEiqR8hMoV8NlWysvEh8f3bRlFD3sPIvmKAqcUbN30cf9lJ-jIczn7xSsKGLFiBL6u7LEqQLuDROFHx0wLw8X3xw/s1600/OneWasASoldier.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWMfT3RNuYdXP9dUAjLDvfJyHcYd8UoT2Db0ikPevdvMunXdEiqR8hMoV8NlWysvEh8f3bRlFD3sPIvmKAqcUbN30cf9lJ-jIczn7xSsKGLFiBL6u7LEqQLuDROFHx0wLw8X3xw/s400/OneWasASoldier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593001924168795874" border="0" /></a>For <a href="http://www.juliaspencerfleming.com/">Julia Spencer-Fleming</a> fans it's been a long wait, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Was-Soldier-Fergusson-Mysteries/dp/0312334893/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1302222337&sr=1-1">One Was a Soldier</a> was worth waiting for!<br /><br />Since Episcopal Priest Rev. Clare Fergusson re-upped in the military to serve as a helicopter pilot in Iraq at the end of the previous book, fans have been eagerly awaiting this new installment in the series. The plot focuses on Clare and other vets adapting to civilian life. When a young veteran appears to commit suicide, Clare disagrees with her lover, Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne, and investigates the case as a murder (with help from her fellow vets). I'm afraid to say much more about the plot for fear of giving anything away but, like her other books, the plot is compelling, the characters complex and unforgettable, and the end leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the next book. Let's just hope we don't have to wait three years. :)<br /><br />For those who haven't read the series yet, the Kindle version of the first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-the-Bleak-Midwinter-ebook/dp/B002SKDGOW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1302222473&sr=1-1">In the Bleak Midwinter</a>, is currently on sale for $2.99. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download free Kindle software for your desktop, laptop, cell phone, or iPad.<br /><br />Thank you, Julia, for this wonderful book and for the opportunity to review an advance reader's copy.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-85615248369316995242011-02-08T18:51:00.004-05:002011-02-08T18:56:16.843-05:00WordleHere's a word cloud based on this blog, created by <a href="http://www.wordle.net">Wordle</a>. (You can click on the image for a larger view.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZyLpx95BCJELsKNCJ620Rqaczv3_rKb0fSRoVg15ABnzRPLHv1_Gn5r-a_QqrsKKd-7X2mOIZWES3qDlHcXfHIeK78kLNgBOnA58zGMvTHLIKEceLGnMREAOSwCsv0mezxp6vQ/s1600/CitadelWordle.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZyLpx95BCJELsKNCJ620Rqaczv3_rKb0fSRoVg15ABnzRPLHv1_Gn5r-a_QqrsKKd-7X2mOIZWES3qDlHcXfHIeK78kLNgBOnA58zGMvTHLIKEceLGnMREAOSwCsv0mezxp6vQ/s400/CitadelWordle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571471057087132386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Apparently all I write about are Ray Bradbury, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord of the Rings</span>, writing, and my cats!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-76085080620847729572011-01-27T13:34:00.003-05:002011-01-27T13:37:28.336-05:00Tenth Life Fund-Raiser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdBzneqExJa9i8_7ARXVFfdQJR-Yk939yBlQhyphenhyphenUFX5y7ht_rW8Xmwz6ntkSWDoFSdJ7oFUTITRFprAZwywwqNNaSN5AqLf0Y1G-CM1zftoB3nxPe3S-U1CABcQPrcy1kgzO0f9w/s1600/Tenth+Life+V-Day+Flyer+2011.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdBzneqExJa9i8_7ARXVFfdQJR-Yk939yBlQhyphenhyphenUFX5y7ht_rW8Xmwz6ntkSWDoFSdJ7oFUTITRFprAZwywwqNNaSN5AqLf0Y1G-CM1zftoB3nxPe3S-U1CABcQPrcy1kgzO0f9w/s400/Tenth+Life+V-Day+Flyer+2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566936522692028338" border="0" /></a>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-54696009240739449372011-01-20T09:57:00.003-05:002011-01-20T10:02:15.264-05:00The Cat Who Fetches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNvH_zdmn5AWxcgEOS351vZop7i1LST4vYLAyuvhhjSm9bm_vsp9aB836Ja98I-qdM9bmyt34Y8DbqvwR6Uq0Sq3cLm68RU14vThnE24b_kBMDYQUMD-ZkXbs-tfNOqw2U0mnbA/s1600/Misty.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNvH_zdmn5AWxcgEOS351vZop7i1LST4vYLAyuvhhjSm9bm_vsp9aB836Ja98I-qdM9bmyt34Y8DbqvwR6Uq0Sq3cLm68RU14vThnE24b_kBMDYQUMD-ZkXbs-tfNOqw2U0mnbA/s400/Misty.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564283167663852418" border="0" /></a>Misty, our 9.5 month old kitty, likes to fetch. She brings toys for me to throw, but she also likes to explore the basement and bring me whatever she finds. Here's what she's fetched so far:<br /><br />* bubble wrap sheets (on several occasions)<br /><br />* a strip of dried caulk (I have no idea where she found that!)<br /><br />* a phone jack<br /><br />* a tupperware lid (I have no idea where the matching freezer container is)<br /><br />Isn't she clever? She certainly keeps me guessing! I just hope she doesn't start bringing me mice. (So far, so good.)The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-13887801800493643222011-01-13T17:40:00.005-05:002011-01-13T18:28:22.722-05:00Hobbit Rumors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjFx3FKNNIYhtBWnDBNS0xd0b9shjC_xGyF-xvM29VqswvmpLekeBACJFc21tyOvxexB-OHBT9F6z9MAO0YlFkVlKl-QloHwDN9XCceeQAwN58JMwJW0XZ7CquntVIigKYM0Vow/s1600/frodo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjFx3FKNNIYhtBWnDBNS0xd0b9shjC_xGyF-xvM29VqswvmpLekeBACJFc21tyOvxexB-OHBT9F6z9MAO0YlFkVlKl-QloHwDN9XCceeQAwN58JMwJW0XZ7CquntVIigKYM0Vow/s400/frodo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561816228179376674" border="0" /></a>It's a new year so there are lots of new rumors about the long-awaited <span style="font-style: italic;">Hobbit</span> movie, directed by Peter Jackson. The latest news is that Elijah Wood (pictured left) will be playing Frodo, who isn't in that book. This prompted me to look for cast info on <a href="http://www.theonering.net/torwp/the-hobbit/cast/">TheOneRing.net</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/fullcredits#cast">The Internet Movie Database</a>.<br /><br />I was surprised by two things:<br />1. The release date (Dec. 2012)<br />2. The inclusion of characters who are not in the book<br /><br />The latter includes Frodo, Saruman, Radagast, Galadriel, and Legolas. It's rumored that Orlando Bloom will be <a href="http://www.showbizspy.com/article/224116/orlando-bloom-1-million-pay-day-for-british-actor-orlando-bloom.html">paid $1 million</a> for a two-minute cameo as Legolas. Since Legolas wasn't in that book, I had hoped they wanted Bloom to play Thranduil, King of the Mirkwood Elves (and father of Legolas). Now it rumored that David Tennant (who recently played Dr. Who and Barty Crouch, Jr. in Harry Potter IV), will play Thranduil.<br /><br />Speaking of Elvish characters, what the heck is Galadriel doing here? Where is Elrond? I hope the writers don't send Bilbo and company to Lorien instead of Rivendell. (Let's all hope they stick to the book and take a good look at the map of Middle-earth before they make any radical changes).<br /><br />Perhaps Jackson has other plans for these non-<span style="font-style: italic;">Hobbit</span> characters. In the past he said the movies (yes, plural, there will be two of them) would be based on material written by Tolkien. Other than <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hobbit</span>, I wonder if he's referring the "The Book of Years" in Appendix B of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord of the Rings</span> (LotR). Other than the events in <span style="font-style: italic;">LotR</span>, there's not much mention of these characters in that Appendix, certainly not enough for a movie, so I can't help but wonder how inventive Jackson and co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will be. Goodness knows, they took quite a few liberties with <span style="font-style: italic;">LotR</span>! At least we only have to wait 23 more months to find out...The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-31567267336196291962011-01-09T08:22:00.008-05:002011-01-14T15:41:34.835-05:00A Reply from Ray Bradbury!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLNl9lM0LrMOSev99P18VHs1P8G2gpruTupFq5mW3Y5p4aZaMONor58ccuRwXyPGWDVUBf5rsZnP3_rvSYPQmesTFZ4X04IC-ZRAN2ShbsO4QK9-zO31TrMFdmr-4wSTyJVaCfA/s1600/bradbury_sm.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLNl9lM0LrMOSev99P18VHs1P8G2gpruTupFq5mW3Y5p4aZaMONor58ccuRwXyPGWDVUBf5rsZnP3_rvSYPQmesTFZ4X04IC-ZRAN2ShbsO4QK9-zO31TrMFdmr-4wSTyJVaCfA/s400/bradbury_sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562144491391868018" border="0" /></a>Ray Bradbury is one of my all time-favorite authors. Just look under Bradbury in the <a href="http://citadelofstars.blogspot.com/search/label/Bradbury">topics</a> list if you don't believe me! The older I get, the more he inspires me. Not just his wonderful writing, but his optimistic and loving attitude toward writing, life, and doing what you love.<br /><br />This week Sam Weller, Ray's biographer, posted a request on his blog about Ray: did you have a question for Ray? I did -- and I was thrilled when Ray sent me an answer on Sam's blog, <a href="http://listentotheechoes.com/?p=298">Listen to the Echoes</a>!<br /><br />I pasting the relevant parts here, just in case Sam's blog ever disappears:<br /><br /><blockquote><p class="postDate">January 4, 2011</p> <h3 class="storytitle"><a href="http://listentotheechoes.com/?p=298" rel="bookmark">Ask Ray Bradbury!</a></h3> <div class="meta">By Sam Weller at 4:38pm ET</div> <div class="storycontent"> <p>I am visiting with Ray Bradbury later this week. If you have a question for him, I’m happy to ask. Just post your inquiries in the comment field down below, and Ray and I will do our very best to answer. All questions must be submitted here before noon pacific standard time on Friday.</p> <p>Best,<br />Sam Weller</p><p><br /></p><p>Dear Ray,<br />You are my favorite author and I feel like I’ve come to know you through your stories. After reading Sam Weller’s biography, I almost feel like you are family, a dear uncle who lives far away but whose visits and stories I eagerly await.<br />I would love to receive a note from you. If I write to you and send a card for you to sign, will you send it back? I know you are very busy but I would treasure it forever. Also, is sending a letter to your publisher (HarperCollins) the best way to write to you?<br />Thank you very much,<br />Cathy Akers-Jordan Davison, MI<br />Comment by Cathy Akers-Jordan — January 5, 2011 @ 5:48am<br /><br /></p><p><br />Dear Cathy,<br />Thank you for your note! If you send a message to me in care of HarperCollins publishers, they will forward the letter to me.<br />Love!<br />Ray<br />Comment by Sam Weller — January 7, 2011 @ 5:56pm<br /></p></div></blockquote><br />Mere words can't express how happy this simple answer made me! Ray answered my question! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an important letter to write. :)<br /><p></p>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-44981707846298019152010-12-11T07:35:00.004-05:002010-12-11T07:44:01.961-05:00Some Favorite Christmas SongsIt isn't Christmas without Bing Croby, but here are some new Christmas songs that I love:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmR7qqoBK2k" id="" target="_blank" style="" rel="nofollow">Michigan Christmas - Brian d'Arcy James</a>. <span class="UIStory_Message">Click the link to listen via YouTube. Brian is from Saginaw and you can buy this album in iTunes.<br /><br /><a href="http://maddog77.libsyn.com/md-05-christmas-song-found-after-23-years-now-yours-to-download-free-">A Michigan Christmas Card</a> by the Meijer Choral Group. Click the link to go to a safe download site for the mp3 file. This brings back happy childhood memories. :)<br /><br />They play both songs a lot on 96.1 WHNN. No matter where you live, you can listen to their <a href="http://www.whnn.com/article.asp?id=583285">live broadcast</a> via their web site.<br /><br />A snowstorm is predicted for tonight. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...<br /></span>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-22353576379304984322010-09-11T08:44:00.002-04:002010-09-11T08:50:44.709-04:009/11Was is really 9 years ago? It seems like <a href="http://citadelofstars.blogspot.com/2005/09/we-will-never-forget.html">yesterday</a>. <a href="http://citadelofstars.blogspot.com/2009/09/never-forget.html">Never Forget</a>.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-56764174396459253532010-03-08T12:08:00.004-05:002010-03-09T06:54:06.362-05:00My Favorite E-Book Gadget<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcoTIuLUhgfebkRbLTI5rvZBYU9v4Y7u6_t5S5FGiYT8tBsot2Fd3ZgS_FOcHqg61b9oDr6v5F9LiAnNiuIHKkp1E7EL364rYqFdi_ZSZHwYHLwQr3D5wSFyPvX0BMNxh6j0I7g/s1600-h/ebuddy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcoTIuLUhgfebkRbLTI5rvZBYU9v4Y7u6_t5S5FGiYT8tBsot2Fd3ZgS_FOcHqg61b9oDr6v5F9LiAnNiuIHKkp1E7EL364rYqFdi_ZSZHwYHLwQr3D5wSFyPvX0BMNxh6j0I7g/s400/ebuddy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446311276842021442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A while ago I wrote about how much I love my <a href="http://citadelofstars.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-favorite-hardback-book-gadget.html">Book Buddy II</a>, a pillow designed to hold hardback books. I was thrilled when Reading Comfort released a similar product, the <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/category_s/46.htm">E-Buddy</a>, for use with e-book readers!<br /><br />I chose a beautiful <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/E_Buddy_Lapis_p/eb-008.htm">Lapis</a> design for my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=amb_link_86425631_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=01ZR1WH24WN9K0GJPK9Y&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1243855842&pf_rd_i=507846">Kindle</a>. Now that I have tendonitis in both elbows even holding the 10.2 ounce Kindle (which is lighter than most paperback books) can be uncomfortable. (Knowing that makes me feel like a total wimp!) Now I read comfortably again. I recommend Reading Comfort's many products for book lovers (and e-reader lovers) of all ages.<br /><br />UPDATE: I just discovered it's also the perfect size for paperbacks!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-34336171518279158912010-03-05T11:41:00.003-05:002010-03-08T11:49:38.946-05:00Why the Government Shouldn't Run the Post OfficeNow that we've survived moving and are getting settled in our new house, we've noticed that we don't get much mail. My husband especially misses his daily Wall Street Journal.<br /><br />Monday I filled out the change of address form at the Post Office, thinking that it would only take a couple of days for our forwarded mail to start arriving. After all, this is what happened the last time we moved (just a year and half ago).<br /><br />Today I stopped by the Post Office to find out what happened to our mail. Silly me! I assumed the change of address would be handled by the local Post Office, but no!, it's being done at a major P.O., probably Detroit. Once our new address is entered in the system, we'll be notified and our mail delivery will resume. In the meantime, our mail is piling up in some other P.O., probably Detroit, and we can't even pick it up.<br /><br />If that weren't frustrating enough, I asked how long it might take to get our new address in the system. Hold on to your socks: at least a week, maybe two. By the time the P.O. figures out where we live, we'll have a BOX of Wall Street Journals waiting for us, not to mention our regular mail, and all the junk we usually just throw away. SIGH.<br /><br />What would Ben Franklin think of his Post Office? Maybe, like me, he'd think someone more efficient than the government should be running it.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-15532894549970913302010-02-22T10:17:00.002-05:002010-02-22T10:21:01.488-05:00Another Snow Day!<span style="font-weight: bold;">The University of Michigan-Flint will close at 12:00 p.m. today, Monday, February 22, 2010 due to the anticipated winter storm. All late afternoon and evening classes, events and activities that begin at 12:00 p.m. or later are canceled. Only essential personnel should report.</span><br /><br />Woo hoo! Another snow day! The barometer change is making my sinuses hurt, so it's a good day to curl up by the fireplace (among the boxes) with a good book and a snuggly cat. This the third time U of M has closed this winter; since we hardly ever close, that must be some kind of record!The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-15036108315773173112010-02-20T03:08:00.007-05:002010-02-22T10:16:54.367-05:00RIP Dick FrancisI didn't hear this sad news until <span style="font-style: italic;">Entertainment Weekly</span> arrived today (click to enlarge):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM47bWzdJwA8X9Zj7QsWv_7GegN2LVmRGtErHxSH_GJJcGFb1ATGtvkIhV0o4I2NvxT9Spxmwh1WtCl03pxDtJJLq0ovCzJ9OebxHxGQVYpYTUWN7FxkbWvv7I7hGtJqS9BFErQ/s1600-h/DickFrancis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM47bWzdJwA8X9Zj7QsWv_7GegN2LVmRGtErHxSH_GJJcGFb1ATGtvkIhV0o4I2NvxT9Spxmwh1WtCl03pxDtJJLq0ovCzJ9OebxHxGQVYpYTUWN7FxkbWvv7I7hGtJqS9BFErQ/s400/DickFrancis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441085276137189682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I love his wonderful stories which often have a horse-racing connection and always have interesting characters and excellent plots. I'm glad his son Felix will continue writing but I will always miss his unique writing style. I like to think Dick's in Heaven now with his beloved Mary, chatting with the Queen Mum about horses.<br /><br /><br />Links:<br /><a href="http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/F_Authors/Francis_Dick.html">Dick Francis on Stop You're Killing Me!</a><br /><a href="http://www.dickfrancis.com/site/DIFR/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=3&cc=GB">Dick Francis author web site</a>The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-83583978167144344902010-02-19T15:38:00.003-05:002010-02-21T18:44:14.493-05:00Moving, at Last!A week and half a later than expected, we now know when we're moving! We get the keys Wed., Feb. 24 and the movers will be here Sat., Feb. 27. Yay! The end is now in sight! Best of all, I'll have my spring break (Mar. 1 - 7) to unpack the essentials. After that, I don't care how long it takes to unpack. :)<br /><br />Only one more week of listening to the shrieking neighbor children...The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-7800312881105555202010-02-09T18:57:00.003-05:002010-02-09T19:03:41.780-05:00Snow Day, Packing, and The BismarckI'm doing my happy dance because I had a snow day today AND Lost is on tonight! The only way this could be better would be if my husband also had a snow day. The poor guy has a night class and has to drive home in crappy weather.<br /><br />I spent my afternoon packing, with much feline assistance from Sophie. We packed photos, games, and models. When I found the model of the Hood, guess what song got stuck in my head? Let me share it with you:<br /><br />"Sink the Bismarck" by Johnny Horton<br /><br />In May of 1941 the war had just begun<br />The Germans had the biggest ship that had the biggest guns<br />The Bismarck was the fastest ship that ever sailed the sea<br />On her decks were guns as big as steers and shells as big as trees<br /><br />Out of the cold and foggy night came the British ship the Hood<br />And every British seaman he knew and understood<br />They had to sink the Bismarck the terror of the sea<br />Stop those guns as big as steers and those shells as big as trees<br /><br />CHORUS<br />We'll find the German battleship that's makin' such a fuss<br />We gotta sink the Bismarck cause the world depends on us<br />Yeah hit the decks a runnin' boys and spin those guns around<br />When we find the Bismarck we gotta cut her down<br /><br />The Hood found the Bismarck and on that fatal day<br />The Bismarck started firing fifteen miles away<br />We gotta sink the Bismarck was the battle sound<br />But when the smoke had cleared away the mighty Hood went down<br /><br />For six long days and weary nights they tried to find her trail<br />Churchill told the people "put every ship asail<br />Cause somewhere on that ocean I know she's gotta be<br />We gotta sink the Bismarck to the bottom of the sea"<br /><br />CHORUS<br /><br />The fog was gone the seventh day and they saw the morning sun<br />Ten hours away from homeland the Bismarck made its run<br />The Admiral of the British fleet said turn those bows around<br />We found that German battleship and we're gonna cut her down<br /><br />The British guns were aimed and the shells were coming fast<br />The first shell hit the Bismarck they knew she couldn't last<br />That mighty German battleship is just a memory<br />Sink the Bismarck was the battle cry that shook the seven seas<br /><br />We found the German battleship t'was makin' such a fuss<br />We had to sink the Bismarck cause the world depends on us<br />We hit the deck a runnin' and we spun those guns around<br />Yeah we found the mighty Bismarck and then we cut her down<br /><br /><br /><br />What can I say? I was raised on WWII movies...The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-85634553406495346122010-02-08T08:32:00.004-05:002010-02-08T08:40:20.255-05:00A Snow Day at Last?The eastern US has is still digging out form a blizzard but here in mid-Michigan we have no snow. SIGH. I'm never going to get a snow day at this rate. I do have hope though! The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Tues morning through Wed morning, possible accumulation of 6-10 inches. It's time to do my snow dance...<br /><br />Cul de Sac by by Richard Thompson Monday, January 18, 2010 (click to enlarge)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5sR1shyphenhyphenQiVrW7Yr9p9tXN20kZRMH9rxIj51Xto4_lmvq4quMy29OF6L4pdImJdVkMkxzHSShY5PXoQuAyxeKAFEZlDb0mUltXKzx6mngBwGVRjOh-4YZo51Et4F5J-bKYHxUmQ/s1600-h/CulDeSac+18Jan10+Snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5sR1shyphenhyphenQiVrW7Yr9p9tXN20kZRMH9rxIj51Xto4_lmvq4quMy29OF6L4pdImJdVkMkxzHSShY5PXoQuAyxeKAFEZlDb0mUltXKzx6mngBwGVRjOh-4YZo51Et4F5J-bKYHxUmQ/s400/CulDeSac+18Jan10+Snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435866002612941154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(read it at <a href="http://www.gocomics.com/">http://www.gocomics.com</a>)The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-91421720280519111592010-02-04T13:56:00.005-05:002010-02-04T14:01:08.221-05:00RIP Mia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQG7OhjCBbCiPxjoB71In7ul6CkjLdQLU6EDLLpkRU937JCukay12C2EVuWfi-ig0gYhF6FIq528_z6dPxvuQ-GnbY9fMAqp6hoBmW_46e-oI9rPBuNC8AQwQwRzlYkBT_eSJRQ/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQG7OhjCBbCiPxjoB71In7ul6CkjLdQLU6EDLLpkRU937JCukay12C2EVuWfi-ig0gYhF6FIq528_z6dPxvuQ-GnbY9fMAqp6hoBmW_46e-oI9rPBuNC8AQwQwRzlYkBT_eSJRQ/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434464624055972242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mia Keeler<br />1992-2010<br /><br />Rest in peace, fiesty girl. You were my first (surrogate) cat and the reason I love kitties. I miss you already and I always will.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15626016.post-13437738864228682442010-01-29T15:00:00.006-05:002010-01-31T15:30:24.202-05:00We Are Homeowners - Yay!Since about 9:00am (after 45 minutes of signing and initialing papers), we are homeowners! I'm sure it will seem real after we move in -- and I can hardly wait.<br /><br />The owner's son is living there and packing her stuff. He has 30 days to move, but he thinks he'll be done by mid-Feb. That would be wonderful but we're planning on a late Feb/early Mar move, just in case.<br /><br />I met both realtors (ours and theirs) at the house last night to look at it again, go over any last-minute questions, and to learn how to light the sunroom heater. From the sunroom, we were treated to a beautiful view of the nearly full moon rising behind the branches of the huge trees in the backyard. It was especially lovely since we can't see the moon from our current apartment.<br /><br />We want to pack as much as we can (especially things like glass, china, and Roger's books), then have movers pack the rest and move all of it to the new house. I've been researching movers and have learned a lot about choosing a reliable, professional full-service company. I think we're going to use Personal Touch Moving, Inc (located in Lake Orion, MI). Their Better Business Bureau rating is A- and they are about $1,000 cheaper than Corrigan Moving Systems (which several friends have used; Corrigan is near Detroit and has a A+ BBB rating).<br /><br />I'm so excited about the house I'm having a hard time focusing on work. I've never wanted to move before and now I can hardly wait to do so. I'm looking forward to having more room, a yard (with bird feeders!), and no more neighbor kids playing Wii over my head or shrieking under my feet.<br /><br />As a parting gift to our apartment neighbors, you are invited to a reenactment of Riverdance after our apartment is empty. Be sure to wear your hard-soled shoes! I'll provide loud Irish music and all you have to do is jump around a lot.The Cat Bastethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766507614966971022noreply@blogger.com1