she's just saying...

This fish is not dead*

He just likes to sleep upside down on the surface of his tank.

Actually, it's the dreaded swim bladder disease. It happens because they've been bred to be "fancy": i.e. egg-shaped, which screws with their air bladders.

It's hard to get a good shot of him when he's upright as he has to swim constantly or he'll flip over and float to the top.

Is he suffering? Happy? Should we put him out of his misery? Maybe he's okay with his rotated view of the world. Several other fish we've had have lived for as long as a year like this. It's very distressing to look at, but when he's right-side up, he seems happy, cruising around looking for food as usual.

Don't buy fancy goldfish - it only leads to heartache.

*With a tip 'o' the blogging hat to Cathi D. (Yes, I have a thing for her. And her chickens).

Permission to say "I told you so"

Somehow I missed Tuesday and the Top Ten. That's what happens when you're not working. So here is "What was I thinking Wednesday" - Water Feature edition.

Steps to make simple little trickling waterfall down existing rock outcropping:

1. Dig hole.
2. Buy liner, pump, pvc pipe, extension cord, cement, caulking, pvc ball joint, tub, waterfall foam, liner tape, wide drill bit, pvc glue, wood putty, plastic edging, stakes, extension cord,
3. Inlay plastic edging and rock around the perimeter. Backfill.
4. Clean and patch cracks in rock (should have done before digging hole in front of rock) trying waterfall foam and cement.
5. Clean up and trim waterfall cement.
6. Measure for liner and pvc pipe.
7. Drill 2” holes in deck for extension cord.
8. Snake extension cord underneath deck by rigging up pole and hook, and using tape measure, flashlight and duct tape.
9. Set up and program timer, using directions written solely in Spanish.
10. Fill mistake holes in deck with wood putty.
11. Drill holes in tub for pump vault.
12. Measure even level all around hole, using 2x4, level, chalk.
13. Place underlayment of old rugs in hole.
14. Roll out and fit liner in hole and adjust folds.
15. Attempt to seal liner to rock with waterfall foam, cement, liner tape putty, roof caulking.
16. Assemble pump in pump tub.
17. Fit pipe around back of rock.
18. Fill the pond for wet test of pump and pipe.
19. Trim liner.
20. Cut pvc pipe for ball joint.
21. Glue ball joint to pipe, glue pipe to pvc joint that attaches to pump.
22. Re-attach liner to rock due to weight of water pulling liner down.
23. Add screening material to pump vault.
24. Put rocks in pond to secure pump vault.
25. Figure out how to secure pipe to top of rock.
26. Build weir on top of rock crack.
27. Adjust flow.
28. Place rocks around perimeter of pond to secure liner.
29. Hide pipe, extension cord, liner.
30. Landscape.

I'm on step #20 today. I haven't yet figured out #15 other than to drill into the rock, which I'm greatly resisting, probably futilely. Any ideas?

ittie bittie kitties

Since y'all are going to say it anyway, let's get it over with, shall we?  All together now: "That Melissa - she crazy!" Okay, now you don't have to say it again in the comments, do you?

I turned in the baked kittens for some fresh ones right out of the oven. When I took the former ferals back to the shelter they (the shelter) begged me to take two more, 24 hours old. They were being separated from their mom who was truly a wild cat, so they could be socialized, vaccinated, wormed, spayed and everything else they do to make them acceptable, adoptable pets. How hard could it be? They don't even move yet! Right. Just like human babies, they have to be fed every 4 hours AROUND THE CLOCK.

Not being completely out of my mind (no, really), I agreed to take them on for 4 days until another foster home opens up. Otherwise, it's an 8-week commitment as a mom cat. They are awful cute, though...

More to come.

:30 sec. script

Establishing shot: Melissa watching the Red Sox/Angels game.  Pan to TV screen: Home Depot spot showing mom/child painting room together. Enter Henry.

Henry: That's what we should do. Look how fun it looks!

Melissa (reluctantly): Sure, honey, we can paint your room. You'll have to think about what color you want.

Henry: over his shoulder, out the door: Checkers!

Cut to shot of Henry's floor:

Fade out on Melissa, cursing softly.

What's on the needles

OK, let's all take a break from my water feature obsession - I'm all banged up with scrapes and bruises, my wrist is sore and my back is protesting. The best part still to come on it I'm afraid - hauling rocks.

KNITTING POST WARNING! This is really too boring to post, as the only new thing started is a secret project for a baby, and I still have to finish the 2x2 socks (2 socks on 2 circs) and the guernsey for Henry that he doesn't want. So I'll list the projects lined up behind those, ready to take off.

1. The Montego Bay scarf in Zen for me
2. Fingerless mitts in Kureyon for Xmas gifts
3. Aran cardigan in Shetland Marl for me
4. Entrelac felted bags in Kureyon for Xmas gifts
5. Worsted socks in Limbo Mexiko for me
6. Felted clogs in Paton's Merino for Xmas gifts

Hmm. I'm beginning to see a pattern here. What are the odds of doing this all by mid-Dec? Right. I guess I should focus on the gifts and hold off on the me stuff. I can't wait to start that scarf though. And I have to get serious and finish the 2x2 socks that have been promised to a sister since January.

Jeez, I've got to get busy! Who has time for a job with all this going on? Honestly.

Pioneer woman 2008

I'm feeling very self-sufficient and capable these days. Of course, you know some calamity will now smack me upside the head just for saying that.

Today I went from out digging the waterfall hole-to-hell to cooking up a fancy blueberry-nectarine crumble to buying macho things at Home Depot like concrete and caulking guns. Now I'm going to knit a little. A true Oregon suburban homesteader! Even though I don't raise my own chickens like my blogbuds Amber and Kathi [and what's with chickens and blogging, anyway?]

Here's an update on my water feature follies:

random materials and tools

This doesn't include the most important items like the pump, the pump filter and the hose, which I have to buy at a landscaping supply place on Monday.

Here's the hole, ready to be covered with underlayment (old carpet) and the incredibly expensive and heavy liner.

Every step in the process raises another unforeseen problem to be solved. One step forward, two steps back.  I really want to finish this, though if I turn on the water and the whole thing craps out, I may throw in the towel and hire somebody. 

What's your nemesis project? Did you give up or persevere?

Over it

The spell has broken. The hook has come out. The chain has snapped. Pick your metaphor: I'm over it.

It is my on and off, drama-filled, wonderful/miserable relationship with my neighbor down the street. We were best friends and soulmates, but one of us couldn't commit long-term (as in: more than six months). He is sixteen years younger, but that's no excuse.

Yes, yes, I know: how many times have I said "This time it's really over!"? I won't even say it this time - maybe it's a jinx to my efforts to get past it. But this time it really feels different (I know, I've said that too). Only time will prove me right or wrong. My heart is on the mend, though there's still a bruise where it's been broken.

Meanwhile I'm out to keep digging my way to China. Primal, muddy, exhausting, satisfying work!

Knit-Up

So far I've only gotten 4 responses to my Reader Survey. I'm not whining, I'm taking that as an indication that you love it all and happily read everything I blather on about. However, I did get votes for Bend and Knitting, so this post is for you!

The Bend Knit-Up group met last night, as we do every Wed. (and Fridays during the day). We have regular and enthusiastic participation from a core group of about 30 or so attending weekly or every so often. Of our 90 members (yes, since January!) about a third have never attended a meeting, a third have attended less than 5, and a third have attended 5 or more. There are about 16 who've attended 20 or more. That works out to a nice bell curve. (We market researchers like bell curves - they satisfy our expectations of human behavior.)

I know, not very interesting unless you're a statistics geek. So here's a photo:

I'm probably more proud of starting this than anything I've done in the last 9 years (that's when I adopted Henry, and that's definitely my most significant accomplishment).

Your turn!

I'm inviting you to write today's post! What's on your summer list?

Or maybe a list of the things you've actually accomplished so far - that's a bit more positive...

I like Kathi D's attitude: make sure you do the fun stuff - that's what summer's about. 

Visiting the cousins in Maine, 1958 (that's me in my mom's arms)

Top 10 Summer edition

Around here, we measure the summer in daycamp weeks. First Multisport, then Gymnastics, Bike Week at the club, British Soccer Camp, Flag Football, etc. We're on Island Week now, so that puts us halfway through the summer. Hence the list:

Things I planned to do this summer but haven't*
      *plus the likelihood of them happening

1. Clean out the garage                                  Unlikely.
2. Go camping at the lakes                             Fairly unlikely.
3. Lose the last 5 pounds                                Fat chance.
4. Go to a Mariners game with my boyfriend    Problematic as we've broken up.
5. Take Henry to Universal City                      Could still happen.
6. Work out regularly                                     As of tomorrow. Really.
7. Build the water feature                               Still digging.
8. Practice math problems with Henry            We're starting tonight.
9. Get a job                                                  Still have 6 weeks-don't rush me!
10. Hang out at the pool                                Headed there right now.

Water World

Here in the high desert, water is scarce (though you wouldn't know it to look at our green green golf courses (34 at last count) or our acres of suburban lawn). Water's on my mind as I tackle the projects of summer: cleaning gutters, cleaning and refilling the hot tub, setting up the vegetable garden, installing more drip irrigation, and the exciting one right now: building a water feature. (I love the term "water feature" - it's such realtor/landscaper talk.)

My lot is blessed with a towering natural rock outcropping, unusual for our suburban neighborhood. I've always dreamed about a waterfall and pool in these rocks, and this summer I have the time and motivation to build it.

What I have in mind is more of a seeping spring down the rock, like you see on the sides of the road over the passes here. So I'm digging out the sandpit I built six years ago for Henry and reclaiming it for a lovely little trickling "feature."

It's hard, messy, dirty work, and I've never been known for my digging skills. It will either be a simple, enjoyable project or one of those projects from hell where you spend loads of time and money and then hire somebody to fix it all.

I've been doing a lot of internet research and have compiled my shopping list: a pump (submersible, magnetic, direct drive? What size?), PVC hosing, clamps, skimmers, filters, liners, etc. Tomorrow I'm going to brave the landscaping supply store and allow the men there to guide me.

That's how I've done a lot of intimidating efforts by myself: renovating a sailboat; becoming a scuba instructor; starting my consulting business; adopting a baby, landscaping my lot and so on. By researching and asking a lot of questions of helpful neighbors, professionals, and total strangers. I appreciated Amber's comment about learning how to do things alone - I've been managing most of my adult life, and it's a continual source of personal accomplishment and confidence. As my sister says: "Girls can do anything!"

What projects have you tackled alone and mastered? What have you gotten out of it?

Random question meme

OK, Kathi D: I'm doing it. However, did you play  "10 things I've done that you haven't"? No? Let's see 'em, missy!

On to this week's random q's & a's.

What is your favorite quotable line from a movie?

 "I'll show you a life of the mind!" Guess which movie.

Who is the most famous person you have spoken to?

 I'm going to have to say Rodney Dangerfield. I even got kissed by him (ewww).

How many bags/boxes of potato chips are consumed at your place in a month?

 

None. Glad this wasn't about wine bottles.

Who is your all time favorite cartoon character?

Tweety Bird.

What foreign food dish do you prepare from scratch and serve?

Pad Thai. Are you impressed? Messiest dish ever.

What is your favorite section of the supermarket?

Um - the exit door?

What was your high school team’s mascot and what were the school’s colors?

The Fox Chapel Foxes!  "Red and white, we're all for you, raise our banners high-igh-igh-igh..." 4000 students - I'm not kidding. We were the pig in the baby boom python.

the Queen of Parsley

Today's harvest: arugula, parsley and sweetpea blossoms. Sunflowers, shallots and peas are progressing nicely as well.

It has been so beautiful here all week - not too hot, perfect temp. Friends have been dropping by for wine and meals, and the knitting group met here on the deck for some fresh air knitting. My X is out of town so I get some peace. And I'm not working, but getting paid. What could be better? If the kittens would stop crying so piteously, that's what.

Henry shot of Sylvester

Henry shot of Sylvester, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

sleeping kitten

grey sleeping, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

Stinkin' cute!

La Clapotis est fini!

Yes, she's done! I'm ready to make another one. Next time I'd make it out of very thin, silky yarn. But I'm not going to just yet as I have 3 projects in the queue... I must say being a woman of leisure is ideal for getting projects done.

Taming the wild kitten

Poor shot, but they were hiding under the toilet.

One of the insane interesting things I've done in the past few years is to foster kittens for the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

These are kittens who are too young to be adopted and need ongoing care. Sometimes they come with their mom, sometimes not. Depending, they may need to be bottle-fed, weaned or just socialized.

I'm known as the go-to gal for socializing the feral kittens. They come to me all hissy and terrified and they leave happy, cuddly, well-adjusted kittens ready to find their "forever family" (as we say in the adoption biz). Or at least they're supposed to. Every so often there is a kitten who prefers to stay wild, thank you very much. Those cats get sent to "the barn," a supposedly-real place where they can catch mice and play with cows all day.

So I now have four little hissies that I'm working on. It's best to separate them so they have to rely on you for companionship, but it's a painful process. Hearing pitiful kitten cries from four different spots in your house is a little nerve-wracking. And then you have to go around to each one and cuddle/feed/play with it. Good thing I'm unemployed!

My household and the whole neighborhood gets involved so the kitties can get used to dogs, cats and kids. It's fun, really. You get the cutest part of them and then when they turn into destructive maniacs you trade them in for fresh ones.

That reminds me of a story about Henry, my (adopted) son.  I was explaining a few years back that it was time to take the kittens back to the shelter to be adopted by their new families. He was silent for a moment, then asked in a worried tone: "Am I going to have to get a new family too?"  AWwwww.

Top 10 procrastination activities

1. Look up projects on Ravelry - the MySpace for knitters
2. Take more pictures of the cats
3. Sudoku!
4. Sharpen all the pencils in the house for Sudoku
5. The Jumble (but only if you're really desperate)
6. Pluck your eyebrows (don't get carried away with this one)
7. Google ex-boyfriends
8. Just one more row on the Clapotis
9. Deadhead the pansies
10. Think up top 10 lists

So what's on your list?  Commenting on blogs is a good one, for sure.

The universe is back in alignment

standings, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

The Bosox are back on top.

Gutter Therapy

Nothing like clearing gutters for clearing the mind!

The gutters had not been cleaned in 9 years. I remember, because I had just gotten Henry and some kind neighbors came over and cleaned them.

It was deeply satisfying. First, because they were completely impacted with juniper droppings and dirt; second, because it was on my to-do list for, oh, a couple of years. Now that I've accomplished it, I can do anything! I'm strong and self-reliant!(gutter affirmation).

Of course cleaning up the decks after cleaning the gutters is boring, dirty, hot and annoying. Hey, that's why we have kids! If I could just find him . . .

Next up on the list: washing the windows. And then maybe I'll tackle the garage.

How not to get over him

1. Keep his number on speed dial

2. Follow his baseball team, even though it's National League

3. Let your dog hang out with him

4. Ask him for help with your bird feeders

5. Calculate his time zone when he travels

6. Leave his photos on your screen saver

7. Picture the three freckles under his eyebrow

8. Take an afternoon nap together

9. Return his texts when he's out with his friends

10. Let him make you Sunday dinner

11. Wear your lucky skirt

12. Open a second bottle

    

Sudoku morning

Sat. am, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

This one was pretty easy for a 5+ star!

Too much time on my hands . . .

You can teach an old dog new tricks, as long as you have liver snaps.

Almost blue

Do you ever get in one of those moods?  Sad, nostalgic, moody, adrift?  Anomie, malaise; I could go on...

This post title refers to a great version of a song by Elvis Costello (no, not the album Almost Blue), but nobody says it better (or more) than Van Morrison:

In the afternoon, baby in my room
When the lights are dim way beyond the hill
In the afternoon, baby in my room
When I'm really down get me off the ground
Melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

In the morning time when I go outside
In the morning time it's like that all the while
In the afternoon when I'm in my room
Every single day, it won't go away
Melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

And it's in my heart, when we're apart
And it stops and starts, and it's in my heart
Every single day it's always in my way
When I'm making hay, all I've got to say
Melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

Well it's in my blood and it's in my veins
Here it comes again, when I'm in the rain
In the wind and rain, well the sun don't shine
Well it's always mine, all of the time
Melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

And it's in my life and it's all the time
It doesn't go away when the church bells chime
In the evening time when I drink my wine
In the evening time when it's on my mind
Melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

It's only melancholia
Oh melancholia, oh melancholia, oh melancholia, oh melancholia
Melancholia, melancholia
They call it, call it melancholia, call it melancholia, call it melancholia, call it melancholia
Call it melancholia, melancholia, melancholia, melancholia

OK, we get it, Van! You're seriously bumming!

I'm feeling the same way today.