In Loving Memory of Frank E. Lewis "Daddy" Born Hinton, OK March 18, 1926 Died Addison, TX May 26, 1988

 

"Ayv vdadida, Edoda"

"I remember, my Father"

Cherokee Calendar The Windy Moon - "Anuyi" "First New Moon" of the new seasons. This is the traditional start of the new cycle of planting seasons, or "Moons". New town council fires are made. The figure used to portray this moon is the historic figure of Kanati, one of the many beings created by the "Apportioner" Unethlana. These "helpers" were variously charged with the control of the life elements of the earth: air/earth/fire/water. Their domains are the sky, earth, stars and the Seven Levels of the universe.

TUESDAY - March 1, 2005

7:30a – 23° – I slept fitfully (again) last night. I had a steady "theme" of dreams dealing with Darkover and the MacAran family. At one point I remember I was back on Earth and members of my family from Darkover were coming to live or visit. We were telling people they were from the Middle East for some reason! In another dream, I was riding with others in the back of a pickup truck. There was one road we went down in the mountains that literraly spiraled and we had to hold on for dear life! Very nerve wracking and exhausting. I am so tired this morning!

7:34a – 23° – It looks like the snow, what little there was, has melted. It's cold out though. I better go let Kira back in now.

7:39a – 23° – I had a doctor's appointment on the 4th, but it was cancelled. I called to reset it yesterday, but got no answer. I will have to try again today.

8:07a – My wheresgeorge rank has gone up from 117 to 87 this morning.

It was snowing again on the way to work this morning, and very cold.

Yesterday the new Applix "incident type" tree was implemented. Boy is it screwed up. I can't even use it now. I can't believe they implement something like this without even consulting us who will be using it all day long every day. Whatever! <disgust>

My phone's battery is nearly dead. I forgot to charge it last night.

Had a nice lunch of roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy and corn. Too much, but very good.

The phone went off at last.

6:38p – I've been sitting here scanning some of my Cherokee book in for RD to see. Cartel sh'erkweingy' eitl' uut' aitne. Iihe sh'os' uutkye! <sigh>

6:41p – Time to start shutting down.

9:54p – I got bills paid, "wheresgeorge" entries made, email read and supper is on. Kira is fed, pills are distributed and now its almost 10pm.

WEDNESDAY - March 2, 2005

7:09a – 24° – I had another night of turmultuous dreams. At least they took place on Earth as far as I can remember. I don't really remember any of last night's dreams.

The current "issue" at work has finally culminated. I got a written warning. No one else got any kind of punishment, though they too were not doing their job as prescribed, but... whatever. I am just glad its over. For now. I wonder what will be next? I am a bit "gun shy" at work these days!

Oh, reminder to self: Calisa ahd' uut' arborre 332 ahdorsl' aamfr' iim' uutede.

THURSDAY - March 3, 2005

Felicxan Nasktagon! al Jerry Johnson - Klubano de EASL

"Bucket Day"

7:53a – 26° – The sun is out. I hope that's a sign we will have a nice weekend.

10:01p – 43° – This entire day has felt like it was Friday. Too bad I know better.

I got the shed supplies ordered & paid for. Actually, Skip did the ordering, I did the paying. It is to be delivered on Saturday.

I did not feel good this evening and went to bed early.

FRIDAY - March 4, 2005

10:18a – 51° – I woke up at 3:00a this morning and could not get back to sleep. My stomach was doing terrible things. I could not make it to work this morning. I will be going in a bit later though. I feel better.

I found my missing City of Orlando jacked this morning! It was crammed over behind the chair in the living room; and soaked in cat piss! ggrrrrr! I put it in the washer... will turn it on tonight.

Lowes called Skip and told him that they will not be able to deliver the shed and materials on Saturday; that they do not have driver available. They say they are going to deliver it today instead. I called them back and after several aborted attempts, I finally reached someone who I could explain the situation to. WE WILL NOT BE HOME! I finally spoke to a "John" who (once I finished ranting) explained that it was too late; the order had already been delivered at around 11:30am! How odd...

Blake called and said he will be coming by on Sunday to inspect the property.

I got home and Skip had already started part of the frame. I helped him move the box containing the shed around back.

I got my coat washed, and dropped the rugs from the kitchen and bathroom in to wash with them. Kira's pillow case too.

SATURDAY - March 5, 2005

Skip spent most of the day working on building the deck for the new shed, with a little help from me. I spent most of my time doing house work trying to spruce the place up a little for Blake's visit. I went to Schnucks and picked up nice a pork butt (whole) and baked it. I also fixed a pot of collard greens with a whole onion and lots of garlic.

SUNDAY - March 6, 2005

Happy Birthday! to Sonia Walker

Today was spent much like yesterday. I got up and made a brothy soup from a slice of yesterday's pork and a fork-full of collards. Then I got busy doing more house work which was sporadically intermixed with Skip getting my assistance with building the shed. By the end of the day, he had it all done except for the roof and the doors.

Skip and I went over to the Chinese Restaurant for lunch today and treated ourselves. I had about 3 plates full! Skip got some movies and we took a break from our endeavors and watched, "Without a Paddle." Very funny and a nice light-hearted break. Ch'aadh' ey' aaltl' aavye ~asheiya nye che.

Skip got me to put his pork loin on to roast tonight. I saturated it with garlic slivers like Néhna used to do and created a blend of things from the fridge (with Skip's input) to marinate it. The marinade included a Mesquite sauce, brown mustard and some of the vinegar from my Habañero peppers which are still in the fridge! I think it came out pretty good. I also made some Sugar Snap Peas in cheese sauce, but I over cooked the damn things <pout>.

Blake and a friend of his came by about 8:00p and checked out the house. It was a nice visit.

Later, Skip put in another of his movies he rented, "The Exorcist: The Beginning." It was "okay" ... but I was not all that impressed.

MONDAY - March 7, 2005

I felt awful this morning after another night of disturbing dreams of inadequacy and feelings of failure. At least it was a nice, pleasant morning; not cold at all. I wore only my light City jacket and didn't even have to fasten it.

I tried calling the Department of Motor Vehicles in Swansee several times today. Robin has arranged to take me to try for my license next Saturday. I could not get an answer from them, but I finally figured out that they are closed on Monday! (duh!). I will call them again on the morrow.

We actually had a Help Desk meeting this morning!

I am currently reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover novel called "Two To Conquer." (one of the series of the Hundred Kingdoms).

It got COLD this evening! I wish I had worn my heavy coat. I have been sneezing and sniffling since walking home from the bus. I left three windows open this morning; but I turned the heat off. Skip came home and turned the heat on, and (I assume) went straight to his gaming. The windows were all still open. I closed them first thing when I got home.

11:32p – I am stuffed on left over pork, collards and baked Sugar Snap Peas. Off to bed!

TUESDAY - March 8, 2005

Happy Birthday to Debbie Melius!!

7:36a – 28° – I slept a little more soundly last night than I have been. I had the TV playing "New Age" music in the background. Usually when I do this, I set the timer and the TV turns off some time after I have gone to sleep. However, the sudden silence of the TV turning off seems to wake me and I will turn it back on (and set the timer again). This time I just let the TV play all night long and that seemed to have helped.

I am still having problems with one arm going numb when I sleep. Whichever arm is "on top" goes numb. If I am laying on my right side, my left arm goes numb and vice-versa. The doctor says it is a nerve being pinched in my arm, not circulation. Caused most likely by bulky fat or muscle (not muscle in my case I'm afraid), and related to getting older. So I am getting old and fat and my arms are going numb. Great.

I had another artery clogging breakfast of potatoes & gravy with a few slices of bacon. That has become my regular routine lately. Sadly.

Continuing to read "Two to Conquer." The main character, Bard, is really an ass. I don't like him, but as time go by, I do see him as a real character. I still want to slap the sh** out the nedestro outlaw.

GV is still on vacation. I hear she is in Aruba at present. I am envious.

I felt SO STUPID when I got to work this morning. I saw the balloons and pastries set out for DM's birthday and suddenly remembered I was volunteered to decorate her office last night! I completely forgot! LZ was supposed to call me and remind me, but she was caught up at the dentist and didn't remember either. Oh well... I think we made up for it okay. Me, Gary & Lisa got her some gifts. A cup, a WU shirt and a new WU key chain. Also, Lisa picked out a cute birthday card which I will not describe here, but it was funny and quaint.

10:03p – 36° – I am making a soup out of left over pork that I cooked on Saturday. I am sure eating a lot of roast pork and beef here lately!

I called on Saturday and ordered a couple of bottles of Proin for Kira. She has 1 tablet left as of tonight. They did not remember to get the order sent out, nor did they remember to call me about it. I called them again yesterday and added a request HeartGuard to the list (so it worked out for the best). I see it has been charged to my account, but it did not arrive today. I have K-dog on half her prescription. She will get her last pill in the morning. I hope her meds get her tomorrow.

I tried calling the Driver License bureau several times today, but the line was busy every time. Very aggravating.

WEDNESDAY - March 9, 2005

Happy Birthday to Debbie Melius!!

7:22a – 31° – I forgot to put my clothes in to dry last night! It is a mad rush this morning to get my clothes dried. However, I may have a pair of pants left hanging in my closet. I should check...

7:25a – 31° – Yes... I do. That's good fortune.

I contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles (finally) today. I am very upset. I must provide them with a copy of my Birth Certificate AND my social security card. That's not all that hard, but they want the names to be the same on both. That will be a problem. It appears that I will have to seek a legal name change before I can get a license! I have served my country ready to put my life on the line... yet I must jump through various bureaucratic hoops just to get a license so that I can (unwillingly) join the rat race of drivers, further dimininshing our reserves of fossil fuel, and further polluting our world. It is all very unfair and intrinsically wrong.

I ordered a DVD on Native American Dancing and arts today. It looked very interesting. The presentation is 34 minutes long for $20. I felt it was worth it. I spent some of the $150 balance in my PayPal account that has been sitting out there since last August.

Kira's pills arrived in the mail today.

Skip did not go to work today. He did get the doors installed on the shed though. The roof still needs to be put on, but he got some of that started too. He has done an awesome job in a very short time! 11:29p – 25° – I spent the evening creating a tribute to Mom. It may be viewed HERE.

 

THURSDAY - March 10, 2005

7:29a – 31° – The month is a third of the way past. It's going by quickly. This winter seemed to go by faster than usual. Probably because it was not all that harsh. Not nearly as harsh as I expected!

I didn't charge my phone last night and it was going dead this afternoon.

I created my "Year 2000" video tonight. Kira got a bath. Fixed the last of the pork roast in a stir-fry rice concoction.

FRIDAY - March 11, 2005

8:06a – 34° – In a rush this morning! Almost called in sick, but I am better now (I think). So GLAD that it is Friday!

It was snowing this morning on the way to work. It was fairly heavy in Illinois in fact. Yet, by the time we got to CWE the sun was shining! (tho a few flakes of snow were still buffeting about).

4:32p – I just finished reading the Darkover novel, "Two to Conquer." It was not one of the better ones, but it added to the history and body of Darkover.

5:23p – I am so bored! Can't wait to go home and sleep in tomorrow!

I felt rotten this evening. I walked down to the bar while waiting for my train and had a couple of Bloody Mary's. My feet dragged all the way there. I got home, fixed some leftovers, and went to bed. I watched Star Gate Atlantis, then turned the TV off. About an hour later I realized I was not going go to sleep, so I got up again, had about 4 beers, then went back to bed. This time I went to sleep.

SATURDAY - March 12, 2005

I got up early this morning, around 6:30a. Go figure! I had really looked forward to sleeping in on Saturday. Oh, well, I still got a good night's rest. I helped Skip a little on the shed as he continued to put the roof on it. LZ brought over my box of filters and my bowl from last November (from the Thanksgiving Luncheon that never happened). Then (bless her heart) she gave me a ride all the way to the Missouri Botanical Gardens! I had asked her if she would take me over to 5th&Mo to catch the train, but she took me all the way.

We left about 1:00p and I spent the day taking lots of photos. I left the Gardens around 5:00p, walked forever down Shaw Street to Grand Avenue and caught the #70 bus. From there I went to the Grand Metro station and caught the train. It was crowded with lots of drunken & rowdy white people tonight! They were celebrating St. Patrick's day. I exited at the Riverfront Landing and caught a cab to Schnucks. Having been reminded of St. Patrick's day, I picked up a couple of corned beef briskets and a head of cabbage. I have the corned beef on top of the stove cooking in the big skillet already. I think I put it on around 7:00p.

7:32p – 44° – I am now going to go through my pictures from the day. I think I may have some really good shots!

Marty & JR came by for the cans tonight. I cleaned out the freezer and sorted Skip's stuff from my stuff, giving the extra to JR. I only had one shelf of frozen goods. All the rest was Skip's.

SUNDAY - March 13, 2005

I slept in only until about 8:00a this morning. I was not feeling very good. I worked much of the morning on creating a video presentation of my trip to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday. Later, Skip and I took a walk over to Wal-Mart. That's when I realized I was really getting sick. I felt awful. However, we got home and I helped him get the ridge cap put on the shed and run an electrical line out to it. It's about finished now! Unless Skip decides to go ahead and bolt the entire thing to the wooden base. He is debating on doing that or not. I think he should, but its up to him.

MONDAY - March 14, 2005

I had to call in sick today. I was feeling better around 1pm, but around 2:00 or 3:00p I started to feel nauseous. Around 5:00p I walked over to Schnuck's and bought some groceries. I thought the fresh air might help, but I got worse. My stomach was doing flip-flops. I stopped by the Dollar Store and picked up some items, mostly cheap spices.

I spent the evening working on another video project. Nothing spectacular; more an exercise than anything. The music gave me a hard time since it refused to overlay on the video. I had to import it into GoldWave and chop it in half, then save it out again as an MP3 file. For some reason that worked. I called my latest creation: "Back Yard Birds III" (click HERE to view).

TUESDAY - March 15, 2005
We were burglarizd today!

7:21a – 31° – My wild "electric dreams" hit new heights last night! Two of them were most notable. In the first one, I am with some people that I have never seen in my life, including a young man who is pregnant.

YES! I said pregnant! I seemed to know that he was part of some new experiment and he was to be the first man to ever give birth to a child. Of course, the dream went right into the business of him giving birth. There were a couple of people assisting him. He seemed to be very in little pain (sorry ladies) and was very happy (no sign of drugs present). The exact mechanics of the process were not clear to me and even in the dream I was wondering just how this was being done. I suspected some kind of surgical preparation. Meanwhile, I had my trusty camera on hand and was catching the entire birth on video. I want to take a still shot, but birth was so quick I didn't have a chance.. I remember thinking that I would be famous for filming this historic event! However, after the baby was born I switched my camera from video mode to still shot mode and started to take a picture. I was stopped from taking the pictures by the father (father?). Well, whoever he was, he was very tall, muscled and bald with a no nonsense attitude. He just stuck his hand in front of the camera and said, "no flash photography!" (I seemed to have the understanding that the flash could harm the new-born's sensitive eyes). What made this dream extra strange, was that I was dressed up in my Klingon costume! I don't recall if I have ever dreamed of being my character, K'Pach before. Then I awoke.

The next dream was shorter and less bizarre, but still full of emotional content. I was again dressed in my Klingon outfit and was attending a big convention. All the Klingons were being line up for a group photo and one entire section was all members of the Theld of jubchuQun! There were so many of us! I felt so proud. We were asked to snarl for the picture and everyone obliged while holding their hand up on a "claw." I held up both hands and tried to symbolize a big hug to the entire Theld. The dream was full of warmth and pride and very un-Klingon mushy emotions! LOL! Then... I awoke again.

7:38a – 31° – Time to get motivated. I am (as usual) tired this morning, but I feel about back to "my normal" again. So, it's off to work <sigh>. I downloaded and experimented with Pinnacle's Studio 9 today. Sadly, it was overshadowed by other problems. 11:56p – We were robbed today. The back door was bashed in and they ransacked the house. I am not well to comment in detail at this. I am very upset. Kira and Barnabas are fine at least. Oh... on a family note, my great-aunt Kitty's husband, Gene Barton, died today. Ken told me. Well... life kinda sucks now. I think I will go to bed. Maybe I will wake. Maybe not....

WEDNESDAY - March 16, 2005

9:32a – Last night I got the monitor off the server and hooked it up to my computer so I can "see' what I am doing again. I am very sad to lose my big monitor. I am going in to work late this morning. All this upset, plus my medication, and probably the pizza we ate for supper, did a number on my stomach. I woke up at 4:00a and was running to the bathroom. I feel yucky still, but now its time to drag myself back to the office. Skip is on the phone checking into a security system. The phone line was slice, so we have a repairman coming out to fix it today. I will need to contact Lowe's and see about buying a new door. Skip learned that Lowe's will install the door too.

10:46a – The phone line is reconnected ... but they are going to charge me for the repair now. They said it wouldn't cost last night. Now they hand me a bill for $146.00!!

This is the email I sent out to family today...

Dear family... Well... our home was burglarized yesterday. My nearly new 19" $500 thin panel monitor was stolen. (Thankfully, the computer was left!). The dog and cat are okay. The back door was bashed in. I had about $600 in rolled coins stolen, though they scattered/dropped them all over the house. They even stole 3 bottles of cologne from my bathroom! (odd). My room and Skip's room were both trashed with draws & closet emptied and strewn about the room. <dismayed> My accordion's case was bashed open. This was the last Christmas gift I ever received from my Mom back in 1976 and was of great sentimental value. The accordion is as good as it was (which is poor and sickly), but instead of simploy opening the case, the fools had to rip the side off of it! <disgusted> The phone line was cut and I had repair service out today, having called them last night. I was told there would be no charge, but they left me a bill for $146.00!! And all they did was to splice some wires together; which I could have done. One would think that for $146 you would get a new cable! <disgruntled> I am trying to see about a security system to install in the house, but since we rent, most security systems won't deal with renters. They need the home owner to sign a contract, submit to a credit check, etc. I think I will check into a non-monitored system that I can install myself. (Anyone have ideas?) What a mess... Lee Lewis

<sigh> ... this would be a good time for everyone whom I have loaned money to pay me back!

11:15p – I am fixing a concoction of various leftovers for supper tonight. I hope it is edible!

THURSDAY - March 17, 2005

12:03a – I am off to bed now. The last couple of days have been very stressful!

We had corned beef, cabbage & potatoes provided for lunch today. I ordered a security system from Radio Shack on-line and paid extra for next-day delivery ($24). I am still working with Lowes trying to get the back door replaced. I am glad Blake is going to absorb that cost. The place really should have been better secured. I will pay for my personal security system though (since it will go with me when I move).

Skip and I watched "The Incredibles" tonight. What an uplifting and enjoyable movie that was! I highly recommend it (including for children!).

FRIDAY - March 18, 2005

79th Birthday Wishes En Memorium to Daddy ~ Frank Everett Lewis ~ ( 03-18-1926 -- 05-26-1988)

I slept until about 8:30a. I have been very "unenthused" today. I can't even say "depressed" ... it is not that dramatic. Just...lacking in anything like "feeling."

RD spent her day tiling her bathroom walls. How talented she is with such things. I suck when it comes to home improvements and such. I am a terrible "home owner!" (or as Doug used to say, "homo owner" LOL!!).

My security system arrived around noon today. Then a a couple of hours later, Mike (from Lowe's) and his assistant arrived and took measurements for the doors. Later, after a few conversations with "John" (of Lowe's) we determined that the final total for the new back door, a new storm door, dead bolts on front & back doors and labor, will cost $951.66! (ouch!)

At least I kept it as low as I could. The doors are nothing spectacular, mostly functional, but they should be adequate security.

9:30p – I have a chuck roast in the oven. (I am getting sick of corned beef, which is normal for this time of year!).

SATURDAY - March 19, 2005

I did not do very much today, other than continue to coordinate the repair that are supposed to happen on Monday. I did finish watching the Pixar animated video, "A Shark Tale." It was okay, but I liked "The Incredibles" MANY times better! I watched, "Sky King and the City of Tomorrow" today also. Very "old fashion" in appearance, but it was quite fascinating as far as special and visual effects went. It was hard to tell where the special effects and the real life varied. That was neat.

SUNDAY - March 20, 2005

I have spent most of today being fairly productive. I got the security system installed and working. I have a motion detector working and at least on door sensor. I have the key chain control working, voice message entered and the system is automatically dialing my phone. Great. This is good. I feel better. Sad though that no one will be here to install the doors until Wednesday, but I guess it cannot be helped.

Around 2:00p today, Skip and I walked over to Captain D's (or as we call it, "the greasy fish place") and had lunch. I had fried calms and shrimp, with cole slaw, hush puppies, and fries (or "chips" for my UK readers). Then we walked on over to Radio Shack. I had not realized it was so close! Of course, I am used to walking, so maybe it is perspective. I bought several more items, including another motion detector, an appliance outlet (which connects to the security system), and one more window/door sensor (totaling about $60). Skip got a key chain unit and a "fake" video camera.

We walked from Radio Shack over to Wally World where I got K-dog some more Milk Thistle Extract, but they were out of Brewers Yeast. Then, out of the blue, I hauled off and spent $400 on a new 18" LCD monitor! It is not quite as big as my 19" screen, and it is only a .28 dot pitch, but it is not too bad. I am so glad to have a large monitor again!

11:49p – I am off to bed. I had more things I needed to do tonight, but I don't have the energy.

MONDAY - March 21, 2005
Ostara

7:25a – I woke up about 4:00a as usual and dozed off and on for the next three hours. I got up promptly at 7:01a, stumbled blearily toward the bedroom door and... THE SIREN WENT OFF. Kira came running down that hall to me, freaking out; while Barnabas went running FROM me knowing it was MY fault... and freaking out. I had to swim upstream through the sonic blast and remember how to disarm the alarm system first thing in the morning. Skip had set it to "AWAY" not realizing that I would trigger the motion sensor. Okay... so, it works. If this happens to many times I will be deaf!

I called Skip and told him, so we know to avoid doing THAT now. However, he said he had forgotten his bus pass and asked me to go in his room and get it for him. I looked and looked... could not find the pass. Then he realized he had put it in his coat pocket and had it with him the entire time! He paid $2 to get to work for nothing.

I just had cottage cheese & fruit for breakfast; and a smallish bowl of fried rice for lunch. I need to quit having the fat-laden breakfasts with bacon and such.

Since we had a planned power outage over the weekend, today was a hectic day. Dennis was kind enough to bring me one of the 19" monitors, and I spoke to him about the memory on my "freebie" PC. It is only 64Mb and it was supposed to be 384Mb. Hopefully I can get more memory. That server PC is pathetically slow.

I am almost to the end of "The Heirs of Hammerfell." This book has been much more interesting that "Two to Conquer." Both take place during the Darkovan era known as "The Hundred Kingdoms."

I picked up some "beef" sausages at Schnuck's tonight and baked them with some cabbage and onion. It came out quite tasty. I am taking the remainder for lunch tomorrow.

I heard from Jack today. Adam got a position in Cleveland! There will be moving this Fall. That's great news and, as Jack says, they are "stoked!" I look forward to an opportunity to visit them out there when they get settled. It would be nice to visit one last time before they leave California too, especially since they live near family.

Speaking of Family, Keri's baby is due this Friday! I thought it would be some time in April, but she has been in mild pre-labor for several days now, so it won't be long.

My DVD "Spirit Journey" arrived today. I watched part of it but could not really enjoy it since Skip wanted to watch some mobster movie with Johnny Depp (Donnie Brasco, or something like that). I will have to wait until I can watch it privately.

TUESDAY - March 22, 2005

7:32a – I slept better than usual. I still had lots of wild dreams, but only one really sticks in my mind. I was gambling and won either $500 or $5,000 in a slot machine. I seem to think it was $5,000, but it only filled up 2 small buckets with coins, and they were nickels and dimes only. Then LR from the office was standing behind me and asking which method I chose to win; the "linear" or the (something else I could not remember). I did not know what she was talking about, but seemed to know that one method was getting all the money from the machine at one time and the other method was when they send me payments over time. (All this was made up in my dream, of course). I think I also won a coupon for a very expensive meal. At least I won something, even if in a dream.

7:38a – I got up exactly on time, gave K-dog her pills (and took mine), then came to the computer. It was beeping and the screen was blank. It had attempted to reboot again and could not boot back up. Something is wrong. There is a driver conflict somewhere. So, I rebooted and took my shower early.

I was able with DB's help to get a 20" monitor from surplus at work tonight. Also got some RAM chips which I will try to upgrade my server PC with.

I left work promptly at 6:00p tonight. There was an issue with my forgetting to log out 5 times in the past 3 months. Three of those times were on the 21st of the month. A pattern was perceived. I am so tried of trying to defend myself to my employer! How can I be dedicated and loyal, etc., when I feel I am being blindsided and attacked at every opportunity? It is really wearing me out.

WEDNESDAY - March 23, 2005 The installers arrived about 9:15a. They did a good job. We now have a nice back door and storm door, and dead bolts in front and back. They changed the locks and we have now one key for everything. They finished around 3:15p. I created a quick video of the entire process. Click HERE to see video clip. Meanwhile, over in England, RD is simultaneously in the process of knocking down a wall in her kitchen. She sent me pictures of that project in progress and I sent her pictures of my project. (Of course, I am sitting be watching TV, while she's swinging a hammer; there is a difference).

THURSDAY - March 24, 2005

7:19a – I got to bed around 10:30p last night. I was watching "The Lost Boys," but fell asleep through most of it and woke up for the ending. One might expect me to have dreams about Vampyres after that, but ... no. I dreamed about being a space crafte that was marooned on an uncharted planet. It was ah habitable planet, except that there was a lot of radiation from the sun. We had to learn to protect ourselves from it. This dream ended up covering hundreds or thousands of years. Everytime I would wake up and go back to sleep, I would skip forward in time and be a new person in the history of this planet. Toward the end, no one remembered where they had originated from. They had lived on that planet for as long as their history was recorded. The descentdants had developed a higher degree of resistance to the sun's radiation levels, but still relied on other means of protection. My person (whoever I was) took a pill with a long string of letters and numbers printed on it to allow them to walk in the sunlight unprotected. The alpha-numeric string had a long history behind it (I seemed to know this).

Now that I think about it, I did (in a way) dream about Vampyres! Vampyres cannot go out in the sunlight either. Maybe there was a connection to my dream? What an interesting thought. This could make agreat science fiction book. A story about a people who crash on Earth a couple of thousand years ago and for whom our sun is too intense. They could be descended from a carnivorous line just as we humans are omnivorous; which means the would likely have more pronounced canines. They would have spent generations living among us, been few in number, and could have given rise to the legends of "Vampyres" in our own history. Most of them would be decent and "normal" beings, but throughout their history there would be (just as with us) a few individuals who were warped and cruel. These would be the ones around whom the scary Vampyre stories would have evolved, giving the rest of them a bad name.

7:33a – That's enough exercise of my imagination for THIS early in the morning! Time to get ready for work. I just let Kira out side a bit ago. It was sure nice to NOT have to undo screws in the door!

FRIDAY - March 25, 2005
Empire Union Day
Good Friday
Barnabas' Birthday

8:15a – Arrived at the bus stop.

What a hectic day at work. LZ left early, so I was by myself. IDXRad dropped, we had network glitches, and it was just generally hectic. I had a diary document I was writing, but my PC had a "blue screen of death" and I lost it all.

I created a new video to day at work. I think it is one of my best. I call it "Kenneth's Aquariums." Click HERE to see it.

SATURDAY - March 26, 2005

I got up around 7:00 and made a pot of hot & sour soup. I didn't do much all day. Marty came by in the afternoon and picked up the cans for JR (he was busy working and could not come). Marty gave us a ride to Wal-Mart and we got some mulch. Then he dropped us off over at Block Buster. I picked up "The Butterfly Effect" and an animated movie called "Kaena: The Prophecy" (or something like that). RD and I worked together on logo for the "My Graphics Store" site... that was fun.

 

SUNDAY - March 27, 2005
Robbed again today!

Again, I did not sleep in very late. I was up at 7:30a. I put a big chunk of bread out on the tree yesterday, and this morning the birds were tearing into it. I went out and added some seed to the feeder and had all kinds of birds out there. There was even a Redheaded Woodpecker! I ran for my camera, but he was gone. I did get shots of some Redwing Blackbirds, a couple of Bluejays and a Cardinal hen.

I sat down and watched my video about "Kaena." It was really very good with great graphics and an interesting story. However, the DVD screwed up in a couple of spots and I missed some of what was going on! I will complain about this to Block Buster.

Skip got motivated and dug up the front "garden" and put mulch down. While he was doing that, a woman came to the door saying her name was "Kim" and asked if I was "Lee." She knew my name... hmmm... she must be the same person that Tad said was asking for me at his house. She told me that she heard we had been burglarized and said that she had been burglarized too. She wanted to compare notes. I put Kira in the bedroom and invited her in. I was hoping to get a clue as to who robbed us. We chatted for a bit and I learned that she suspected some man name "Fred Wooten" who she said lived in East St. Louis, and who had allegedly robbed her daughter at gun point. She said that "Daniel" (the Puerto Rican guy I met on a bicycle recently) is her brother-in-law and she even told me their address. Then it started to get a bit strange. She said that Daniel is in jail and she is trying to get the money together to bail him out. She needed $33 and wanted to know if she could borrow it from me. I said "no" and then she asked about Skip. I said she would have to ask him herself; and of course he said "no." I tried to hint that she could leave now, but she persisted in asking me for a loan saying she would pay me back the next day. I finally said I would loan her $5 (not expected to ever see it again). I stepped into my room, got the five and gave it to her. She left (finally). I was starting to feel funny about her. I tried to get motivated after that and went to clean up some of the mess in my room. Skip finished up the front yard – it looks great. I was sitting watching TV and having a bite to eat later when Skip noticed his jacket which he had laid on the sofa looked "disturbed" ... not as he had laid it. He reached over and patted it (thinking of his wallet)... and sure enough it was missing! That "Kim" person had stolen his wallet when I stepped into the other room to get the $5 bill. I am tired of being nice... I have really had it.

Skip went online and found his card had been used about 3 times. Twice at Q-Mart and once at Amoco. Apparently it was at Amoco that the Bank became suspicious for some reason and put a freeze on his account. We called the police; actually, Skip called 911 and the bitched him out because it was not a "crime in progress" and they said he could be cited for calling for a "non-emergency." The police sent a an officer out and we conveyed all the information we could to him. He went over to the address she gave us and to my surprised, she was actually at home. Of course, she denied taking the wallet, so there was nothing he could do. However, we learned from a comment the officer made that they knew her and she had a criminal record. He suggested that we call on Wednesday to follow up on this case.

This is so stupid. I bet she is the one who burglarized the house, or else she is involved. She is obviously the one who stole Skip's wallet. I feel to guilty for letting her in the house and then leaving her alone for that brief moment.

Anyway, we called the police. They went to the address I gave them and (to my surprise) she was actually there, though of course she denied taking the wallet. Since she was the only person to enter the house, we know better.

I spent some time this evening getting more sensors on the door and windows. I also set up security for the shed since "Kim" saw Skip's bike and commented, "that's a nice bike." We've taken precautions (which I won't put in writing here).

9:23p – The handsome young officer who was here earlier today just came by a moment ago. He wanted Skip to confirm a signature. He had two receipts from Q-Mart. Skip looked at them and said that they looked more like MY signature! (He did not understand what was being asked yet. He is not usually so slow on the uptake!). I looked at Skip, help my thumbs up to get a perspective, and retorted, "and now that I think about it, you DO look somewhat like a black girl!" LOL! (the cop chuckled over that too...). Anyway, they got her on video tape and we have confirmed a forgery.

10:33p – I just finished taking some night shots of the work Skip did in the front yard today. I would had taken pictures earlier, but the "Kim" person got us all distracted.

MONDAY - March 28, 2005

After everything that happened yesterday, I think my nerves exacerbated the stomach problems caused by my medication. I ended up not getting to work until 2:00p. At least I was able to get here and cover the evening shift. I was also able to get a picture of the Redheaded Woodpecker this morning! It was such a beautiful day! Spring is finally making itself known... YAY!

I put the Easter Rabbit in to bake tonight. Late... but at least I finally got it cooked.

TUESDAY - March 29, 2005

I had left over rabbit for lunch today. It was a bit tough. It should have cooked longer. For supper, I made beef fried rice using leftover beef from a few days ago. I put some corn on to cook and forgot about it though... and scorched the pot! The fire alarm was going off... I feel so stupid when I do something like that!

WEDNESDAY - March 30, 2005

Twenty-nine years ago today, Mom took this picture of me
on a Greyhoud bus in Pasco, Washington.
I was on my way to Spokane to the AFEES station where I
would swear in to the U.S. Navy and begin life on my own...

Skip went home early today. He spoke with one of the Detectives on our burglary case and it looks like "Daniel" is in custody. Later I learned that they *may* have my monitor and CD burner, but I am not getting my hopes too high. I won't get them back until after he goes to trial anyway.

The sky was beautiful this evening! There was a storm brew in the East. I took some pictures including my very first RAW images.

I fried up some chicken breast for supper & lunch today, along with some broccoli & cauliflower in cheese sauce. It really hit the spot!

THURSDAY - March 31, 2005
Remembering Myrtle Everett's Birthday - En Memoriem
Remembering Douglas Cross who passed away 9 yeas ago today
I enlisted in the US Navy 29 years ago today!

I woke up around 2:30a this morning and barely slept for the rest of the night. I got up this morning and found that Kira had got into the trash AGAIN! She has been doing that a lot. I was angry with her and just put her outside. I put her dry pills in her dish... none of the braunsweiger wrapped stuff that she likes. She has got to quite getting into the garbage! She is eating foil and styrofoam and who knows what else. This is going to cause her a major problem if she does not stop. I try to remember to put the can out of reach or to cover it, but I don't always remember.

12:51p - Lisa & Gary just got back from getting GV and birthday gift and a card. They got her a nice little Angle plaque thing that goes on a stand in one's yard. I put my left over chicken lunch in to heat a few moments ago. I am hungry!

1:28p – That was a delicious lunch! The chicken breast I fried up last night was as excellent as it was last night... if not better! Of course, now I am overly stuffed.

2:18p – I am making my first ever call to DEC at the moment, speaking to "Lee" who is trying to find the needed parts to repair an LG02 line printer.

3:13p – Boredom is setting in. My work is mostly all done until the next phone call. I still have another 3 or 4 hours. It is starting to feel like Friday (which is going to suck tomorrow!).

3:35p – I just ordered 3 more Darkover novels, "The Keeper's Price," "Leroni of Darkover," and "The Planet Savers."

4:29p – I wrote a letter to the St. Clair County Clerk this morning, asking for help with my birth certificate confusion.

5:59p – Just traded emails with Henry S. from whom I bought the washer & dryer. He is going to bring over a coffee table, wet bar and swag lamp on Sunday. Meanwhile... it's time to go!

11:18p – I tried to watch "The Butterfly Effect" but is messed up about 2/3rd's of the way through it. Both of the CD's I rented have messed up. This is very irritating! Whatever... I am tired... off to bed...

Birthday Wishes to... Gates McFadden "Dr. Beverly Crusher" March 2nd [TNG/STVII-IX] actress James Doohan "Scotty" March 2nd [TOS/STI-VII] actor Jerry Johnson 3a de Marto St. Louis, MO Esperantisto Sonya Walker March 6th St. Louis, MO co-worker Diane Savioldis March 8th Deltona, FL friend Debbie Melius March 8th St. Louis, MO co-worker Georgette Vinyard March 17th St. Louis, MO co-worker En Memoriam Gladys Carrier March 17th Great Aunt En Memoriam Frank Lewis March 18th Father   John deLancie "Q" March 20th [TNG/VOY] actor William Shatner "Captain Kirk" March 22nd [TOS/STI-VII] actor Dr. Yuming Yin March 22nd St. Louis, MO friend   Leonard Nimoy "Mr. Spock" March 26nd [STI-VII/TNG] actor Marina Sirtis "Counselor Troy" March 29th [TNG/STVII-IX] actress