I discovered an amazing line of soups a few months ago. Since I want them to continue to stock them for ever and ever and ever, I will share them with you, and thus increase demand.
The brand is Pacific Natural Foods, and the soups are organic, non-dairy, wheat free, low-sodium, low-fat, etc. etc. etc... Wait wait wait! Don't run away! The reason I bought them the first time was that they were WAY CHEAPER than just about any soup in the store. The feel-superior vibes of Organic low-this, non-that were just deal sweeteners. I shop by comparing price per ounce, and both grocery stores I shop at put price per ounce on the label for most things.
First, the packaging they use is that pressed-cardboard stuff like juice boxes. This is way way way cheaper than metal cans and those plastic microwavable Campbell's Soup things. Second, there are about 4 servings per container, so it is like buying in bulk ONLY BETTER because the container is re-sealable. That means I can have a tiny mug of soup one day, a giant bowl of soup the next, and a regular bowl a week later, all without that metallic taste of soup in a can, or cleaning tomato soup stains out of Tupperware.
Did I just say Tomato Soup? You may (or not, if you don't love me, but that's ok, I swear) be aware that I hate tomato soup with the fiery passion of a Orthodontic Torture Veteran, but The Husband loves it very much. I bought all 3 varieties available: Butternut Squash, Tomato, and Tomato w/ Roasted Peppers. I HAVE NEVER LOVED ANYTHING MORE THAN I LOVE THIS TOMATO SOUP!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gasping for breath* It turns out he likes the roasted peppers more, and I love all 3 pretty much equally. The squash is nice and sweet, and I like it slightly cool on a hot day. The other two go great with my grilled cheese sandwiches and are good with a little diced green onion or shallot mixed in, or some shredded cheese.
Um. I think my crazy is showing, just a sec...
Ok.
They also have smaller boxes of creamy corn, and some ginger thing that I tried. Not so good as soups, but pretty good as a sauce on roast chicken and rice.
OH LOOK! There's one called Creamy Roasted Carrot. I'm going to have to try that!
There's my crazy again...dammit!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Diapers
We need BSG diapers, so we don't have to take bathroom breaks during episodes and risk missing critical seconds of BSG greatness.
Also, apparently some car company is in with the Cylons, the background is just like the lights when the final 5 were revealed to the 3's.
I really need to pee right now.
Also, apparently some car company is in with the Cylons, the background is just like the lights when the final 5 were revealed to the 3's.
I really need to pee right now.
Reflections
Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle
Wow, I needed this today. I've had a pretty rotten day (week, month, etc.). I went to my local coffee shop for a sandwich and picked up a book off the shelf, thinking the sandwich would take awhile to be ready. I was wrong, the food came quick, but I still stayed for nearly an hour because the book was so good!
These poems made me feel sentimental, open. They are honest, humorous, and intense in their simplicity. I was halfway through and almost walked to the counter to ask if I could keep the book. I changed my mind, and returned it to the shelf. Everyone deserves to read this book, I can buy my own copy.
Wow, I needed this today. I've had a pretty rotten day (week, month, etc.). I went to my local coffee shop for a sandwich and picked up a book off the shelf, thinking the sandwich would take awhile to be ready. I was wrong, the food came quick, but I still stayed for nearly an hour because the book was so good!
These poems made me feel sentimental, open. They are honest, humorous, and intense in their simplicity. I was halfway through and almost walked to the counter to ask if I could keep the book. I changed my mind, and returned it to the shelf. Everyone deserves to read this book, I can buy my own copy.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Happy Hatchday!
The little card that described the birdy in the cage said he was hatched on 20 April 2007. It also called him Sonny. A year later, he has a better name, a willing servant/playgym, and the gift of flight.
Here are a few pictures I took of Rigel this month. There are more on my flickr account.
Here are a few pictures I took of Rigel this month. There are more on my flickr account.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
It's 5 o'clock....now!
Oh. it. is. so. FINALLY. The Weekend.
This week has been stressful. It started with registration and scheduling problems, and therefore stressing over my finances. The Husband filed his taxes, and we decided to file separately because I didn't have my W-2 ready. Also, he has had some breathing problems while running, and the chest x-ray showed cause for concern. The CT scan results are pending. I spent all day yesterday studying for a physics test, but still felt lost this morning when faced with Lenz' Law.
I went to the nearby H&R Block this afternoon, where they did a great job for me. I'm getting back way more than I thought, actually ALL of what I payed in last year. Very nice. Turns out I won't have to use my considerable "skills" to put myself through college. Not this year, anyway. This also means Rigel gets a play stand, long overdue, and I get to come home for a week or two in late June (probably).
So...yeah...It's 5 o'clock right ....now. Last week I set some strawberries to soak in some lemon vodka. Today, I added the lemonade. Much of this post might not make sense. I'm okay with that.
Also, there's sake, but I want to be mostly-conscious for tonight's episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures (AMANDA YOU MUST WATCH THIS!!!!!) and Battlestar (also this, but you knew that already, (holy shit they're going to unbox the 3's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)).
Um. Yeah. Strawberry Lemon Vodka Yumminess.
WE'RE GOING THE WRONG WAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I swear the director told her, "play this one like a 3 year old in a tantrum" FUN!)
This week has been stressful. It started with registration and scheduling problems, and therefore stressing over my finances. The Husband filed his taxes, and we decided to file separately because I didn't have my W-2 ready. Also, he has had some breathing problems while running, and the chest x-ray showed cause for concern. The CT scan results are pending. I spent all day yesterday studying for a physics test, but still felt lost this morning when faced with Lenz' Law.
I went to the nearby H&R Block this afternoon, where they did a great job for me. I'm getting back way more than I thought, actually ALL of what I payed in last year. Very nice. Turns out I won't have to use my considerable "skills" to put myself through college. Not this year, anyway. This also means Rigel gets a play stand, long overdue, and I get to come home for a week or two in late June (probably).
So...yeah...It's 5 o'clock right ....now. Last week I set some strawberries to soak in some lemon vodka. Today, I added the lemonade. Much of this post might not make sense. I'm okay with that.
Also, there's sake, but I want to be mostly-conscious for tonight's episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures (AMANDA YOU MUST WATCH THIS!!!!!) and Battlestar (also this, but you knew that already, (holy shit they're going to unbox the 3's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)).
Um. Yeah. Strawberry Lemon Vodka Yumminess.
WE'RE GOING THE WRONG WAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I swear the director told her, "play this one like a 3 year old in a tantrum" FUN!)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
TJ: "Special", Has No Class.
I've been told that before, I just never knew it was official. I am "Special," and I have "No Class." Actually, it has been fixed now, and I am officially a non-special Senior. Still, today was stressful. After re-re-rethinking my English minor, and this Professional Writing specialization, and talking to several people , and getting special permission and exceptions for a bunch of stuff, I am finally registered for both Summer and Fall. I'll be full-time in the fall, because otherwise I will start donating blood plasma get a job to cover my expenses. I might still get a job with the VA this summer, which might put any going-home plans in jeopardy. We'll see.
Cinnamon Rolls
My recipe is at RecipeZaar.com, unfortunately I keep getting an error when I try to access it. So sad. I made a new batch tonight, and tweaked it a bit and they are even better. I rolled the dough out much thinner, which meant I made two different rolls. One was honey-caramel and apple butter inside, and the other was sugar and apple butter. They are much more like cinnamon rolls now, instead of whole-grain bread with some flavoring. Here's the recipe, with a few changes from the original. Also, now with pictures!
10-Grain Honey-Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Time: 2 hours or more-ish.
Makes: 12-35, depending on how thin you roll them and how thick you cut them.
Dough:
10-Grain Bread Mix (Bob's Red Mill)
yeast packet (included)
3 tbs olive oil
1 1/4 cup warm tap water
Extra flour for kneading
All further measurements are approximate, that's just how I roll. (get it? haha)
Filling:
3 tbs soft butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tbs cinnamon
1/4 cup apple butter
1/2 tbs warm water to seal
Caramelized Honey Topping:
1/4 cup honey
1 tbs butter (optional)
dash cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tbs vanilla extract
Directions:
Honey Topping:
Make while the dough is rising. Ingredient amounts are VERY rough and to taste. Add honey, cinnamon, and butter to small saucepan and heat on medium for 5-10 minutes, watching that it doesn't boil over. It will darken alot. Remove from heat and allow to cool until it is the consistency of regular warm caramel, cool enough that you can dip a skewer in and taste. Add vanilla to taste. You may not want any at all, but straight honey is to strong for me, and the vanilla mellows it nicely. You may want to warm it a little to drizzle it into the buns, but don't get it too hot.
Dough Per package directions:
Add the yeast packet to the mix. Add the oil and water and mix until combined. Using the extra flour, knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 90 minutes.
Deviate from package directions (as per my usual behavior):
Punch down dough and roll thinly into a rectangle, or divide into two and then roll out. Keeping everything an inch away from the top edge so the batter will seal later, Spread the soft butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, drizzle some honey topping, and spread apple butter. Roll tightly away from you toward the top edge. Lightly wet the top edge and seal the roll. Turn the roll onto so the seal is down and cut into individual rolls with a bread knife. Place approximately 1/2 inch apart in greased pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Butter the tops lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until not squishy inside. Drizzle with more topping and allow to cool 15 minutes.
Devour warm.
Hints: Leave enough honey to dip the rolls in.
These aren't exactly light and fluffy, the whole grain gives it a crunchiness, but mine were still moist underneath. I think these will make a fairly healthy breakfast bun, good with coffee.
Before Baking:
After:
10-Grain Honey-Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Time: 2 hours or more-ish.
Makes: 12-35, depending on how thin you roll them and how thick you cut them.
Dough:
10-Grain Bread Mix (Bob's Red Mill)
yeast packet (included)
3 tbs olive oil
1 1/4 cup warm tap water
Extra flour for kneading
All further measurements are approximate, that's just how I roll. (get it? haha)
Filling:
3 tbs soft butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tbs cinnamon
1/4 cup apple butter
1/2 tbs warm water to seal
Caramelized Honey Topping:
1/4 cup honey
1 tbs butter (optional)
dash cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tbs vanilla extract
Directions:
Honey Topping:
Make while the dough is rising. Ingredient amounts are VERY rough and to taste. Add honey, cinnamon, and butter to small saucepan and heat on medium for 5-10 minutes, watching that it doesn't boil over. It will darken alot. Remove from heat and allow to cool until it is the consistency of regular warm caramel, cool enough that you can dip a skewer in and taste. Add vanilla to taste. You may not want any at all, but straight honey is to strong for me, and the vanilla mellows it nicely. You may want to warm it a little to drizzle it into the buns, but don't get it too hot.
Dough Per package directions:
Add the yeast packet to the mix. Add the oil and water and mix until combined. Using the extra flour, knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 90 minutes.
Deviate from package directions (as per my usual behavior):
Punch down dough and roll thinly into a rectangle, or divide into two and then roll out. Keeping everything an inch away from the top edge so the batter will seal later, Spread the soft butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, drizzle some honey topping, and spread apple butter. Roll tightly away from you toward the top edge. Lightly wet the top edge and seal the roll. Turn the roll onto so the seal is down and cut into individual rolls with a bread knife. Place approximately 1/2 inch apart in greased pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Butter the tops lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until not squishy inside. Drizzle with more topping and allow to cool 15 minutes.
Devour warm.
Hints: Leave enough honey to dip the rolls in.
These aren't exactly light and fluffy, the whole grain gives it a crunchiness, but mine were still moist underneath. I think these will make a fairly healthy breakfast bun, good with coffee.
Before Baking:
After:
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Boys Are Cute
I got a call this morning that the blood test came back, and Rigel is a boy. That's good, because it means we won't have to worry about issues like egg binding. I was pretty sure he was a he anyway, because male birds are known for having more vibrant colors than females.
Also, his birthday is this month.
Just sayin'.
Also, his birthday is this month.
Just sayin'.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Some Crappy Original Poetry
Today I walked half a mile in my own shoes,
Through the park and to the playground.
She asked if I would like to play.
Suddenly, I wished I was eleven years old,
for the first time since I was ten.
I walked half a mile in my own shoes
until I became, for a moment, myself.
Through the park and to the playground.
She asked if I would like to play.
Suddenly, I wished I was eleven years old,
for the first time since I was ten.
I walked half a mile in my own shoes
until I became, for a moment, myself.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Only 20 Percent?
Created by OnePlusYou
Around 20% of the pages on your website contain cussing.This is 150% MORE than other websites who took this test.
Do they count things like "I fraking love The Battlestar Galactica!!!!!!!!!!!!!"? If not, their count is off.
Also, please watch this cute and serious little video about body image that I found via Shapely Prose
Thursday, April 3, 2008
I may be excited.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
I made some fairly kick-ass cinnamon rolls last night, mostly from scratch, which took nearly 4 hours. The recipe should be up at RecipeZaar.com eventually, and when that happens I will post a link. They're made with a 10-Grain bread mix, and I've eaten 6 so far, so I may never poo again. I'll let you know.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
Rigel is cute and cuddly, and only has 2 more flight feathers to grow out. I'll take some pictures this weekend so you can see how pretty blue they are. We went through a bit of bloody ordeal at the vet because I wanted to find out his real gender, and they did that while trimming his toenails. He was such a good bird, though. We find out in about a week, and I'm trimming his nails myself from now on.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
I have a Calculus test tomorrow morning. I am fairly unprepared, but there will be more studying this afternoon. For real. No seriously. Oh shut up, you never believe me. :P
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
School is generally good right now. I'm still waffling on what to do this summer, but I'm probably taking Medieval Lit and Technical Writing during Second Summer. That fills my advanced requirement for the minor, and I just need one more course. I can wait and hope that the new Professional Editing course doesn't conflict with my Physics schedule when/if it comes available. If it doesn't then I can always stick an easy lit class in my schedule and be done. I think that's the plan, but I still have to run it by my Advisor.
Oh , also, in case you were unaware, the best show currently on television will start its final season tomorrow. I'm kinda excited.
I made some fairly kick-ass cinnamon rolls last night, mostly from scratch, which took nearly 4 hours. The recipe should be up at RecipeZaar.com eventually, and when that happens I will post a link. They're made with a 10-Grain bread mix, and I've eaten 6 so far, so I may never poo again. I'll let you know.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
Rigel is cute and cuddly, and only has 2 more flight feathers to grow out. I'll take some pictures this weekend so you can see how pretty blue they are. We went through a bit of bloody ordeal at the vet because I wanted to find out his real gender, and they did that while trimming his toenails. He was such a good bird, though. We find out in about a week, and I'm trimming his nails myself from now on.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
I have a Calculus test tomorrow morning. I am fairly unprepared, but there will be more studying this afternoon. For real. No seriously. Oh shut up, you never believe me. :P
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA'S FINAL SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
School is generally good right now. I'm still waffling on what to do this summer, but I'm probably taking Medieval Lit and Technical Writing during Second Summer. That fills my advanced requirement for the minor, and I just need one more course. I can wait and hope that the new Professional Editing course doesn't conflict with my Physics schedule when/if it comes available. If it doesn't then I can always stick an easy lit class in my schedule and be done. I think that's the plan, but I still have to run it by my Advisor.
Oh , also, in case you were unaware, the best show currently on television will start its final season tomorrow. I'm kinda excited.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Oops.
We got our last physics test back today. I totally forgot to do the second half of one problem, didn't read one correctly, and really messed up another. 70% ... Outch!
I talked to my advisor about my schedule. She says I should CLEP the Biology course and go ahead with the English minor over the summer. Sweet. Now I just have to talk to the GI Bill office to make sure its okay with them, the base Education Office to see if I can take the CLEP for cheap as a military dependent, and chat with the English department. *sigh* So much work.
Oh, Mommy, if you're reading this: Sorry I didn't call you on Saturday. I'll call you back this weekend, promise. :D
I talked to my advisor about my schedule. She says I should CLEP the Biology course and go ahead with the English minor over the summer. Sweet. Now I just have to talk to the GI Bill office to make sure its okay with them, the base Education Office to see if I can take the CLEP for cheap as a military dependent, and chat with the English department. *sigh* So much work.
Oh, Mommy, if you're reading this: Sorry I didn't call you on Saturday. I'll call you back this weekend, promise. :D
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Spring Break
Ok, so I've started 2 posts with this title, and ended up babbling about whatever for half a page. Third time is a charm?
Woohooooooo! Spring Break!
I'm driving over to see Traci & Family and hang out with them for the week. They're getting ready to move back to KS, so this will be the last time I can drive *only* 3-4 hours to see them. Also, Friday is my Bbbbirthday, so there will be fun and booze. I'm starting out right after my dental appointment tomorrow.
I'm worried about leaving Rigel this week. He needs his nails trimmed, and Michael will take him for that. My worry is that he's really flying now, so he has a little control to make turns and stuff. Will he sneak a chance to fly out the door, never to be seen again? Will he freak out and get attacked by a dog at the vet? Will he get stuck behind the fridge, or land in the kitchen sink full of knives and dirty water? Will he fly into the ceiling fan or the oscillating fan with the missing cover? The possibilities are horrifying and endless. My little cuddly wuddly guy.
Well. There goes upbeat.
Woohooooooo! Spring Break!
I'm driving over to see Traci & Family and hang out with them for the week. They're getting ready to move back to KS, so this will be the last time I can drive *only* 3-4 hours to see them. Also, Friday is my Bbbbirthday, so there will be fun and booze. I'm starting out right after my dental appointment tomorrow.
I'm worried about leaving Rigel this week. He needs his nails trimmed, and Michael will take him for that. My worry is that he's really flying now, so he has a little control to make turns and stuff. Will he sneak a chance to fly out the door, never to be seen again? Will he freak out and get attacked by a dog at the vet? Will he get stuck behind the fridge, or land in the kitchen sink full of knives and dirty water? Will he fly into the ceiling fan or the oscillating fan with the missing cover? The possibilities are horrifying and endless. My little cuddly wuddly guy.
Well. There goes upbeat.
Schedule Planning
So I'm doing fairly well in both my classes, much better than last semester. The Summer/Fall schedule is supposed to be out tomorrow. Some of it was up yesterday, and I'm assuming that it isn't set yet, but I started planning my schedule by it anyway. So far, none of the geology, math, or physics I need is available in the summer. These, of course, are the only classes I need anymore. I could get a job, maybe.
Orrrrr.... I could pick up and finish an English minor over the summer. I would only need 3 classes, 2 which must be upper-level. Grammar, Technical Writing, Medieval Literature would be kinda fun I think. Yup, I'm that weird, those courses sound "fun" to me. Technical Writing would be useful for Physics work anyway, grammar maybe less so. I liked the British Literature course from last semester, and Medieval is taught by the same professor, the one who kept bugging me to be an English Major.
On to the Fall. The last math course I need (hopefully) isn't offered this fall, but will be in the Spring, so I'm not worried. Math Physics is on for the Fall, so its not like I'm going to miss out on the *joys* of math for the semester. I'm also looking at Mechanics, Electronic Instruments, and Modern Physics. With labs, that rounds out to 14 credits for the fall. But then. Well dammitall I still have to take Geology, which puts me at 18, and that looks like overload. So I could go with overload now, with 2 more semesters to makeup any dropped classes, or I could go easy now, overload later, and risk having to take an extra semester to finish.
Orrr....I could take biology instead of geology, since they would both do for the requirement. Biology is offered in the summer. I don't have to pick up the English minor. I know this sounds like the more sensible idea, but I took lots of biology in HS, and I have a college biology credits from U. of Maryland. I'm pretty sure I know as much as I care to about biology, and geology is new. I like new. I'm not even sure if the biology course from UMUC would count for one of the classes even though there was no lab. I'm essentially trying to talk myself out of the biology, if you get my drift.
And if you still care this far down, I don't know who you are.
Orrrrr.... I could pick up and finish an English minor over the summer. I would only need 3 classes, 2 which must be upper-level. Grammar, Technical Writing, Medieval Literature would be kinda fun I think. Yup, I'm that weird, those courses sound "fun" to me. Technical Writing would be useful for Physics work anyway, grammar maybe less so. I liked the British Literature course from last semester, and Medieval is taught by the same professor, the one who kept bugging me to be an English Major.
On to the Fall. The last math course I need (hopefully) isn't offered this fall, but will be in the Spring, so I'm not worried. Math Physics is on for the Fall, so its not like I'm going to miss out on the *joys* of math for the semester. I'm also looking at Mechanics, Electronic Instruments, and Modern Physics. With labs, that rounds out to 14 credits for the fall. But then. Well dammitall I still have to take Geology, which puts me at 18, and that looks like overload. So I could go with overload now, with 2 more semesters to makeup any dropped classes, or I could go easy now, overload later, and risk having to take an extra semester to finish.
Orrr....I could take biology instead of geology, since they would both do for the requirement. Biology is offered in the summer. I don't have to pick up the English minor. I know this sounds like the more sensible idea, but I took lots of biology in HS, and I have a college biology credits from U. of Maryland. I'm pretty sure I know as much as I care to about biology, and geology is new. I like new. I'm not even sure if the biology course from UMUC would count for one of the classes even though there was no lab. I'm essentially trying to talk myself out of the biology, if you get my drift.
And if you still care this far down, I don't know who you are.
Mood
I've been quite busy, for quite awhile I guess. Avoiding the internet, at least. It sucks up so much of my time. I'm trying to spend more time with the bird I guess. I also had a difficult test on Friday, and baked a couple cakes for Pi Day. Fun.
I was planning a big update post, but I don't know, I'm in a bit of a mood tonight. I haven't talked to my Mom since before I left St. Joe back in December. I'm not sure if her boyfriend didn't give her my message because he doesn't like my opinion on drinking and driving and pot, or if she decided she just didn't want to say goodbye that day. Its a bit depressing either way. I guess I'm thinking more about Mom now since my birthday is this week. My first quarter century is about to close. I feel old, but also as if I haven't lived much of what I want yet. I feel like I've done so much, but it isn't worth much. Contemplating the future, bemoaning the past, the usual for me.
Eh. I think I'll start a new post.
I was planning a big update post, but I don't know, I'm in a bit of a mood tonight. I haven't talked to my Mom since before I left St. Joe back in December. I'm not sure if her boyfriend didn't give her my message because he doesn't like my opinion on drinking and driving and pot, or if she decided she just didn't want to say goodbye that day. Its a bit depressing either way. I guess I'm thinking more about Mom now since my birthday is this week. My first quarter century is about to close. I feel old, but also as if I haven't lived much of what I want yet. I feel like I've done so much, but it isn't worth much. Contemplating the future, bemoaning the past, the usual for me.
Eh. I think I'll start a new post.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
There's a Bun in the Toaster...Bad Boomer...
If you are not currently up to date on the series so far, this is NOT for you. You know who you are *stern*.
However, if you would like a humorous refresher on the series so far, and to get a little pumped for the upcoming season, this is the best.
However, if you would like a humorous refresher on the series so far, and to get a little pumped for the upcoming season, this is the best.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Joy of Flight
Rigel flew across the room this afternoon. Twice. I was so proud.
Ok, so I guess people thought Rigel could already fly, because I've gotten two comments along the lines of "Um, so?"
When I bought him at EvilPetCo, he was about 3 months hatched, and already clipped and could only walk around the cage. This means he was probably never "fledged," allowed to learn how to fly before first clipping. They can clip a varying number of feathers on each side, in order to adjust the distance they can go and whether or not they can get real lift. Rigel would stand on the door of his cage, 4 feet high, jump, and only get about 3 feet before he "landed" on the floor.
He has been molting for several months, but only the last few weeks has he lost any of his clipped flight feathers. Four or five have grown in fully, and maybe 2 partially by today when he took his maiden voyage across the living/dining rooms. The first time, I swear, he seemed so surprised in mid-flight that he was still going! He even landed perfectly at my feet on the chaise lounge. The second time he didn't get as far, but he also didn't start from as high up.
Now I have to bird-proof the house. It's all happening so fast! My big fear today was that he would fly into the kitchen and into the sink full of dirty dishes and knives. Yikes. Also, time to bolt the door when he's out of his cage, so Michael doesn't come home and open the door before I have Rigel secured. It's a whole new world. My baby is growing up! *tears*
Yes, I will probably have him clipped again, but not to the extent he was originally. Also, there is something called the "Show Clip" or something, where they cut fewer feathers, but closer to the base. It is apparently less irritating for him, and we get to see his pretty blue outer flight feathers. They're gorgeous!
Ok, so I guess people thought Rigel could already fly, because I've gotten two comments along the lines of "Um, so?"
When I bought him at EvilPetCo, he was about 3 months hatched, and already clipped and could only walk around the cage. This means he was probably never "fledged," allowed to learn how to fly before first clipping. They can clip a varying number of feathers on each side, in order to adjust the distance they can go and whether or not they can get real lift. Rigel would stand on the door of his cage, 4 feet high, jump, and only get about 3 feet before he "landed" on the floor.
He has been molting for several months, but only the last few weeks has he lost any of his clipped flight feathers. Four or five have grown in fully, and maybe 2 partially by today when he took his maiden voyage across the living/dining rooms. The first time, I swear, he seemed so surprised in mid-flight that he was still going! He even landed perfectly at my feet on the chaise lounge. The second time he didn't get as far, but he also didn't start from as high up.
Now I have to bird-proof the house. It's all happening so fast! My big fear today was that he would fly into the kitchen and into the sink full of dirty dishes and knives. Yikes. Also, time to bolt the door when he's out of his cage, so Michael doesn't come home and open the door before I have Rigel secured. It's a whole new world. My baby is growing up! *tears*
Yes, I will probably have him clipped again, but not to the extent he was originally. Also, there is something called the "Show Clip" or something, where they cut fewer feathers, but closer to the base. It is apparently less irritating for him, and we get to see his pretty blue outer flight feathers. They're gorgeous!
In Which I Beg Forgiveness
Poor Tree. I misunderstood you. Texass is a fucked up place, and you have ever right to pick your own seasons.
So yeah, after several days of 65, 70, 80 degree weather, we had a feisty wind and thunderstorm. The next day it snowed, sleeted, and was all around nasty. Today it is 70 degrees.
I am so sorry, you poor poor tree.
Now I'm going to make a tinfoil hat and walk to my voting location.
So yeah, after several days of 65, 70, 80 degree weather, we had a feisty wind and thunderstorm. The next day it snowed, sleeted, and was all around nasty. Today it is 70 degrees.
I am so sorry, you poor poor tree.
Now I'm going to make a tinfoil hat and walk to my voting location.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Trees Are Confused
There is a very confused tree outside my window. There are, as far as I can tell, four different species of deciduous tree outside my window, which provide me with a nice view. These trees are one of the reasons I am still living in this apartment complex. Its very nice and well maintained, but not "manicured."
So each of these species of tree follow a different timetable for dropping leaves, each has a different idea of when spring has arrived. This I take to be normal. One shed its leaves early, and just this week came alive again. Its bright green leaves are catching the evening sun today. The tree next to it dropped blazing red leaves in three windy weeks in early January. Even so, you can see its buds starting to form this first day of March. To the other side, the tree that dropped leaves without notice in late December has bulbous spongy growth at the tip of each branch.
Then we come to the oddball. As spring springs into action all around, this stubborn plant has yet to drop leaves. Until today.
Then the lazy birdwatching. Its always fun to have a bird join you in birdwatching. He gets very excited about his wild counterparts. Right now there's a dusky pinkish lady cardinal in the crazy tree. She is undoubtedly confused by its behavior.
The weather is a joy right now. I would go running like I did last weekend, but my hot water has gone out for the second time this week. The office is closed, so I won't have a hot shower until Monday afternoon.
Now, I'm off to buy potatoes and pork chops, because I've denied this craving for long enough already.
So each of these species of tree follow a different timetable for dropping leaves, each has a different idea of when spring has arrived. This I take to be normal. One shed its leaves early, and just this week came alive again. Its bright green leaves are catching the evening sun today. The tree next to it dropped blazing red leaves in three windy weeks in early January. Even so, you can see its buds starting to form this first day of March. To the other side, the tree that dropped leaves without notice in late December has bulbous spongy growth at the tip of each branch.
Then we come to the oddball. As spring springs into action all around, this stubborn plant has yet to drop leaves. Until today.
Then the lazy birdwatching. Its always fun to have a bird join you in birdwatching. He gets very excited about his wild counterparts. Right now there's a dusky pinkish lady cardinal in the crazy tree. She is undoubtedly confused by its behavior.
The weather is a joy right now. I would go running like I did last weekend, but my hot water has gone out for the second time this week. The office is closed, so I won't have a hot shower until Monday afternoon.
Now, I'm off to buy potatoes and pork chops, because I've denied this craving for long enough already.
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