Dispatch finally called me around 1:00 this afternoon with a load for me to pick up. I had to scramble to get down to Sebring, FL to get the machine picked up before 5:00. Geez, that's cutting it close. I rolled in there at 4:30. Naturally it was raining the whole time I was loading, securing, and tarping (I hate those damn things) this machine. Makes a lot of sense to load a machine outside, in the rain, and then want it tarped (I hate those damn things). Umm, hey dummy, the damn thing is...

48% of all polls are totally made up. 92% of people who believe polls are factual are complete morons. 66.7258792% of people who look up polls on the internet have a hang nail. 32% of people aren't. 97% of dogs lick their own ass. 2% of dogs lick their owner's ass. 1% of dogs are killed for biting their owner's ass. 98% of statistics are manipulated.

Grrrr. Ever have an itch on your back that you just can't quite reach? It's maddening. I have one right at the bottom of my left shoulder blade that I just can't quite get at. Must be a blackhead or something. Now is when I need a girlfriend to scratch it for me. Arrrrrgh!

There's a new movie release, Mr. Bean's Holiday. I am so looking forward to seeing this one. I've always loved Rowan Adkinson's Mr. Bean character. The guy is hilarious. I can hardly wait.

The new place is starting to come into some semblance of order. Well, ok, the bedroom still needs some work but it's better than it was. After finishing up the laundry, ironing, and doing the dishes, (no toenail clipping, sorry), I showered and then set about preparing a nice shave. I loaded a fresh Feather blade into my razor, selected a nice rose scented shaving soap, and set about building a good lather with my badger hair brush. The scent of the soap isn't very strong but it's plea...

My mother went to the doctor today. The doctor informed her that she has cancer yet again. This is the third time. First it was her throat, then breast, and now it's on her ear. I'm assuming the cancer on her ear must be some form of skin cancer, but that's more of a guess than anything. Naturally she is upset about it as she's been through the whole chemo/radiation thing twice already. I had to get a little harsh with her as she was doing the whole "why doesn't God just let me die" thing....

Some folks really shouldn't attempt home repairs themselves as they simply have no idea what they are doing. When I bought this place I noticed that the cold water valve in the bathtub had a slow, steady stream no matter how tightly you twisted it off. Obviously a bad washer. Today I finally got around to taking the valve apart to replace the faulty washer. When I got it apart I noticed that someone had previously tried to fix it and had used a flat washer. The compression marks on the was...

Earlier I went out to shop for a few items to help spruce up the new place. I wound up buying three prints to help decorate the walls and a small decorative fountain for that one corner in the living room that just needed something . The artwork pieces are all prints but I still like them anyway. These two I hung in the living room: And I bought this one for the kitchen: And of course the cheesy little fountain: Nothing really inspiring but they make ...

As I mentioned in another article, Elie (MM) sent me some of his home roasted coffee beans as a house warming gift. Yesterday I purchased a new coffee grinder and this this morning I put it to use. I have to say that our good friend Elie is a master coffee bean roaster. This is without question the best cup of coffee I have had the pleasure of drinking in a good many years. I drink a lot of coffee while out on the road, sometimes it's good, sometimes it would be better used as a drain cle...

Well, ok, more like a slightly off cook actually. I decided to make goulash for dinner tonight. My goulash is as much an experiment as a meal. I never make it quite the same way twice and am always searching for the perfect combination of flavors and cooking technique that will achieve the ultimate goulash. Tonight's variation is to use a large pot with a vented lid instead of a deep skillet, a tad more garlic and red pepper, a little less basil, and a couple of cups of water added to the ...

The power went out about 15 minutes ago. Hottest part of the day. Figures. I'm typing this on my laptop using the cellular card. The power company here is hit and miss on restoring service. Sometimes they get things back on pretty quick, other times not so much. I'm hoping for the former as I just got back from the grocer and stocked the fridge. I'd hate to have all of my fresh foods spoil and as hot as it is today it won't take all that long for the house to get really warm inside. The...

It's a very relaxing and enjoyable morning at home sweet home. I slept in, well for me anyway, and didn't get up until 7:30. I put on a pot of coffee, a little bummed because I couldn't grind the beans Elie sent me, and just sort of chilled a bit while it was brewing. There are things I need to do today such as making a grocery run, buying a coffee grinder, and returning to my truck to get my laundry which I left yesterday as I was just too damn tired to fool with it at the time. But none ...

When I got home today I found a package from Elie. It contained some of his home roasted coffee beans. I do love my coffee and this is a very thoughtful house warming gift. Sadly I won't be able to enjoy it tomorrow morning as I just discovered my grinder is busted. Argh! I'll be making a trip tomorrow to buy a new one. Thanks my friend. I am very much looking forward to enjoying it this week.

I finally made it home late this afternoon. It felt really good to be home again after a month of road bullshit. After dropping my bags on the living room floor I immediately walked over to the c-store for a 12 pack. I wanted to kick back in my recliner with a cold one or two. When I got back I fired up the computer so I could order a pizza for dinner. No internet service! What???!!!! It was supposed to be transferred to the new place a month ago for crying out loud! I looked over at the m...

I think this country needs to elect a Liberal President. Yes, it would mean tax increases and most likely would mean rampant government spending. Yes, it would result in an increased Nanny State. Yes, it would probably wreck our economy. Yes, it would likely mean political correctness run amok. Yes, it would probably mean that we would drop our defenses and allow terrorists free reign on our soil. Yes, it would probably mean illegal aliens would gain a preferred status in th...