must have been a blonde

By 7:30 this morning as I drove to Lynden, I knew this day was going to be anything but normal. A flashy black Honda smartly pulled onto the road behind me. The woman driver, who I assume was a blonde, had just completed her roadside mocha stop. Oblivious to her completely flat front tire, I felt a stroke of sympathy which I was soon to find would be totally ignored. I thought it would be easy, but no sir. She ignored my signals and continued on her way as she proceeded to pass. Flashing my lights a few times, I merely received a wave. Pretty soon she pulled off onto a side street to "shake" me. I followed for a very short distance, and turned around, deciding not to waste any time and thinking about her future surprise or embarassment.

Still thinking about that, I was driving through Lynden and turning a corner was very surprised to see a lone railroad car parked clear across the road causing traffic to turn around. There he was... poor guy - how embarrased he must have been... all these cars waiting or reversing their course while he tried to push and pull the hugh railroad car one way or another off the road... with his little bobcat. I just had to take a picture. It was so cute. Pretty soon they found a bigger piece of equipment a fertilizer vehicle and a chain and pulled the dumb rusty thing off the roadway. By this time I knew something else out of the ordinary was surely creeping up. Sure enough.
... To be continued....

Bee Bold

An edacious thirst for adventure surrounds me. It knows it's bounds, but those that know me find it haunting. Fortunately they contrast with Kristi's audaciously hilarious episodes that have earned her a "special" blog link.

Those that find running a perfectly boring exercise need to get out of the gym and onto the street. Where I live, stuff happens. I prefer not to be caught by surprise, but unfortunately most often this isn't my choice.

There are few things that make a tired runner feel less tired - instantly. Yesterday, a few miles down the road one of those times befell me. I can only imagine the cruel feeling of anonymous pleasure those witnesses may have enjoyed safe behind the windows of their nearby home, while watching me fall victim to their pets. I think I shall avoid those parts for a while as I find this experience a tad more unnerving than even a pesky dog.

I was covering ground enjoying the noon summer shine and letting my thoughts wander, when I suddenly thought, "that's odd, I've never heard these power lines hum like that before." Oh, ok, that's not the power lines - that sounds like flies and they're real close but I can't tell. Hives! clean white honey hives. I think I know what's around my head now! I didn't have to think about running fast... it just happened. Then I felt the first one on my neck. How many there were I don't know, but the sound I do know. I've been around bees enough to know when there's way more than one - and they seem to have a way of sounding vicious when you're their victim.

My focus quickly shifted from a burst of speed to a more disconcerting dilemma. The running shirt intended to keep me cool had trapped a least one bee aft of my shoulder. He was one angry beast. A quick glance back told me I had to act quick. It all happened so fast. Somehow he escaped, but I immediately sensed another on my right shoulder. Another quick swat and I though it was over. Nope! Another buzz on the back of my head. A close shave but his luck ran short and a quick swipe found it's mark.

My heart was beating a little faster than it should have. but Ha! they'd not scored even one kill! ... or so I'd thought. Checking my right shoulder again I found a stinger that must fallen short. However, upon removing it, I learned otherwise and surmised that no pain was felt until the stinger itself is removed.

Without a delay I shook out my shirt and gave it a quick glance since the thought of more was a little too uncomfortable. Besides if there are any more stingers I'd rather not suffer the embarrassment of being stung by a dead bee.

So. The "buzz is worse than the bite". I have been stung more than a few times.... yet I insist... the pain is way more pleasureable than it's counterpart - the moment just before.

I shall simply scratch that route of the list for a while or until the weather lends them less freedom.

Show me the dogs. Even more... may they all be loose to chase me every day.... just don't drop a bunch of sour bee hives in my path so suddenly!

Dogs, On Choosing a Person

Dogs are very selective when it comes to their persons. Most dogs choose a person that matches their character qualities and that exhibits a good temperament. Underlying psychological factors affect the dog's likes and dislikes when it comes to different kinds of people. It is often observed that the human they like best, fall in love with, or ultimately deem suitable - whichever the case may be - draws a nearly imperceptible, yet keen parallel of likeness.

Dogs can find it tough to find a good breed of human. If they are lucky enough to get past this decision, the battle is half won. It's best to find a person when he or she is quite young, since they are much more easily trained in the early years. Yes, the incessant discipline is necessary, particularily when it comes to new tricks, but they learn relatively fast if you are clear and consistent. Treat them right and you'll have a loyal human for life.

Dogs love the carefree attitude that human's often display - not a trouble in the world. One of the most desirable traits, that stands out in a dedicated, lovable human is one they are most known for - the quality of utter unselfishness and complete dedication to their owner. However, it's a pity humans aren't more useful. They tend to lie around and be lazy unless their owner is around. Bear in mind the presence of other humans can have a despairingly negative affect causing some to momentarily lose control. Simply keep an eye on him or her and keep others away. You'll spare yourself a lot of grief and keep him or her from possible injury.

Dogs simply love it when after a long, tiring day, they arrive home to be greeted by their guy or girl who's all excited, ready for dinner and a walk.

Fellow dogs. Get yourself a person. Your type. Life will be a lot more interesting... and exciting.

There are many places to experience the awesome grandeur of God's creation. Colorado is one. The icy, whining wind is lost, but not this view of nature.

Democracy is the word

"Democracy is the word with which you must lead them by the nose. The good work which our philological experts have already done in the corruption of human language makes it unnecessary to warn you that they should never be allowed to give this word a clear and definable meaning. They won't. It will never occur to them that Democracy is properly the name of a political system, even a system of voting, and that this has only the most remote and tenuous connection with what you are trying to sell them. Nor, of course, must they ever be allowed to raise Aristotle's question: whether "democratic behaviour" means the behaviour that democracies like or the behaviour that will preserve a democracy. For if they did, it could hardly fail to occur to them that these need not be the same.

You are to use the word purely as an incantation; if you like, purely for its selling power. It is a name they venerate. And of course it is connected with the political ideal that men should be equally treated..."

- Screwtape addressing his audience of Thorns, Shadies, and Gentledevils at the annual dinner of the Tempters' Training College for young Devils.

from Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis