Category Archives: The Basics

I woke up feeling sort of down yesterday.  It’s so funny because I ask myself  “What’s the matter with me? Why to I feel so out of whack?” Then I remember there is a lot going on right now in my life.

My mother is having knee replacement surgery today
My uncle has been given a few months to live
Ray’s aunt (who I am close to) had surgery to remove cancer this week – she’s been in hospital since February.
My dad has two types of cancer going on
I have a ginormous monumental project going on at work which will have an effect on the entire county in which I live so it better be perfect
My finances are a bit strained (for now)

I know some people may read this and say “Yeah, yeah, yeah everybody has problems.”  I understand that.  It just seems to have hit me hard over the past few days.  Not to mention there’s some other minor personal stuff that I don’t care to broadcast to the world.

Guess I just have to keep moving.  Just got back from a two-mile run.  That seems to help.  Off to the shower and then to work. 

Going to Prescott tonight to see my cousin’s kid’s (1st cousin once removed? Homer, help me out here.) mural.  Will return with lots of happy pictures!

My friend Lesley is a little bit creeped out by certain members of the critter family.  As noted on my previous post in the comment section, it’ll probably be a while before I can convince Ms. Crankypants (Lesley) to come West for a visit to Stolen Horseshoe. 

Lesley, this is for you…

I’m furry and cute!

This little guy was hanging outside the master bedroom patio when I got home from work today.  He was rather patient as I collected my camera and positioned myself for a good shot.  So patient that it made me wonder…am I becoming the photographer of the Middle of Nowhere?  Did Mr. Snake tell Mr. Tarantula,  “Great headshots at the Shu–he’ll put ya online.”

Some people may be a bit creeped out by this unassuming visitor.  I’m not.  Hell, I grew up right next to Tarantula Hill.  I think Mr. Tarantula is quite beautiful actually. 

Gives ya a sense of scale huh?

I so did not want to post a bit about the tarantula on the patio right after the snake in the front entryway but…that’s just how it is here at Stolen Horseshoe.  I just have to tell it like it is.
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This just in:
Minutes after posting my blog entry, I happened upon this sinister creature in the office by Ray’s desk. 

Not crazy about this guy.

Sucked it up with the vacuum cleaner. 

Maybe he just wanted a photo posted online…well, he got one alright.

So I’m home from my travels in Chicago.  I got in late on Sunday and went to bed.  Got up the next morning feeling groggy and went to work.  When I got home, I had a few drinks and made dinner.  Naturally being so weary, I fell asleep in front of the TV.  About a half hour later, I woke up and set off to the bedroom.  Most of the lights were off and the house was rather dark.  While making the routine front door lock check,  my bare foot came within direct contact with something kinda squiggly.

It was a snake.

Good thing I have high arches.  I stepped right on top of it.  Surprisingly, after noting that said snake had a relatively oval head and a thin tapered tail (READ: was not a rattler) I realized that I was in no real danger.  I do believe it was a glossy snake (Arizona elegans).  *I grabbed a pot and used it to escort Mr. Snake out to the front patio…

Come on out.

Yeah, that’s a shy snake.

Buh-bye!

Ssssssss…

Yes, the snake is totally annoyed.

The snake slithered around for me and my camera for a while like a photo shoot.  We finally looked into each other’s eyes and came to an agreement; I got to go back inside and Mr. Snake gets to stay outside.   I said goodbye, he flipped his tongue and faded into the courtyard. 

I’m off to bed now.  I know that half of my soon-to-be-visiting friends are going to call and cancel their trips after reading this. 

Really, it’s just a snake.

*I grew up in the hills of Conejo Valley, California and spent my childhood catching lizards and snakes for fun.  They don’t bother me unless they rattle.

Met up with Gretchen for drinks at Marty’s wine and Martini bar in Andersoneville last night.  Had a great time hanging out.  Tried to go out after we ate dinner but was a bit too tired and full so we made our way back to our friend’s house.

Ray’s aunt is not doing so well.  She needs surgery so I’m heading home today and Ray is going to stay behind. 

Going to try to go standby on the 2:30 to Tucson.  If I can’t make that, I’ll be sitting at the airport until 7:00 PM.

Doesn’t that sound like fun?

I met up with my friend Stephen for lunch.  We had a great time catching up.  Steve showed me his office at the School of the Art Institute.  I so knew him when.  🙂

He’s got a window office!

Later that evening, Ray and I met up with Steve to see his girlfriend perform with her band Too White Crew.  They were so loud, I could not tell if my hair was vibrating or the fluid in my brain–or both!

They totally rocked!

Sing out!

We had a great time and the band was very cool to Ray and me.  I can’t wait to see them play again. 

Last night I went over to see my pal, Lesley.  We met at Zefer years ago. (She was in the Boston office but now lives in Chicago.) We hit it off when we discovered we both Have the same last name.  

Lesley has a fabulous new condo in the Printer’s Row area of Chicago.  The building used to be a paper factory.  After showing me her place, we had cocktails, cheese and crackers.

Later on, Ray, his niece Gretchen and our friend Cathy joined us for dinner at La Sardine.  It was really good. 

Cathy is a marathon runner and breast cancer survivor.  She is featured in the October 2007 Runner’s World magazine and running her 8th Chicago Marathon this year to raise funds for the American Cancer society.  Please help her out here.

Clowning around with Cathy.

Clowning around with Gretchen.

Gretchen and Ray (disgustingly photogenic).

As you can see, we tend to clown around a lot.  The night was a blast.  I ate and drank way too much.  What a surprise!

We’re going to stay at Cathy’s house tonight which is great because we can take the train and not drive! 

I’m going to have lunch with my friend Steve today.  Later tonight, we’re going to see his girlfriend Kristen perform at the Cubby Bear with her band Too White Crew.

Can’t wait!!