Jul 30, 2009

If Looks Could Kill....

How do they learn expressions like this? It's priceless, totally not contrived or with affect. Right from the core of their little mini-beings, kids are amazing photographic subjects. But you have to wonder, who is she watching to get that look down sooo well? Hmmm? Or this little moment of 2 year-old reflection. Where oh where does this come from? Is it organic? Would she know to do this even if she never saw another in her species do it? Is it instinctual? Hereditary? Or is it environmental, and if so, it begs the question once again, whooo is she emulating?
If this were a close-up, it would be amazing. The look on his face appears to be that of pure bliss. To be riding and steering a "cool-car"? To drive it the whole length of the long, green acre? And Back? With Daddy? Ohhhh Man! This is living, people!
Pin-Up Girl Goes Country!
I love photos that capture life and people in the act of being themselves! Candid shots that resonate on some level, like a look or glance between two people who know each other very well. Every picture tells a story of a thousand words, don't it? My "good" glasses, tweaked to an unrecognisable mass of twisted metal, they barely stayed on my nose to begin with. Now, I have to kind of prop them up against my left ear, at an angle so the other side comes to rest around mid- temple. But isn't she irresistible while she's doing it? The Bug, practicing Shakespeare in the Park no doubt, Here again, is this level of dramatic technique a function of genetics? How many Shakespeare plays could she have seen at 2 years old? And Monkey boy finds another creature in the lawn as he masters the art of squashing. You don't want to be up near that face. Really, you don't
Absolute angst in this corregated brow speaks to the torture that is being two. It's not easy being green. Or over ripe for that matter. Not for sissies, that's for sure!

Jul 28, 2009

Historical Spit and Glue!

Is this classic or what? Back in 82 this was to be the cover for Sis' album of Spit and Glue photos taken when they first purchased the property! Look closely and see her writing at the top: '1982 We Moved to rural Georgia'.

She dug the old album out of a dark closet last night only to have the thing disintegrate in her hands upon opening. Much of it had to be trashed, but not all of it, so I hope to share similar historical Spit and Glue material with you as it falls into my hands over time.

What makes me laugh about this cartoon is the amount of money this guy speculates it will take to fix the place. Try adding a 1 in front of that number and we can talk... And what makes me sad about it is in my mind, 1982 was only a few years ago, wasn't it? Yikes, how did I manage to live more than two decades in a nano-second? Like we always say, folks, it ain't for sissies!

Jul 27, 2009

A Whitetail's Fate!

This is not some badge of honor for a kill, it's an unfortunate find. I'm no hunter, neither is Sis. So when I stumbled upon the dead-body of this White-Tailed Deer while walking last February it wasn't a happy moment. Tucked deep into shrubs that define the property line, he lay on his back, snout pointed to the sky, dead. We guessed he'd been wounded by hunters and chose this place to die. We checked to see if a 'removal' type service exists. It doesn't.Next morning I walked by the spot again. What a shock to see much of his body had disappeared. By the fourth morning all that was left is what you see in the above photo. Look closely, you can see the antlers hidden in the shrubs. That's where they've been ever since, until last weekend when Mr. R. brought them out and placed them on the cottage fence.
Antler development is important to many hunters and deer observers. Buck antler development is controlled by age, nutrition, and genetics. However, in Georgia genetics do not appear to be an important factor. For most deer in this state, age is the single most limiting factor for antler development, followed by nutrition. Under heavy hunting pressure, bucks simply do not live long enough to produce large antlers. In parts of the Lower Coastal Plain and Mountains, bucks live much longer but nutrition levels often are poor which limits antler development. Likewise, poor nutrition also occurs in the Piedmont when deer herds get so large that their food supply is reduced in quality or quantity resulting in poor antler growth. So sad!

Farmer's Market - Dekalb!

Our busy weekend included a trip to Dekalb Farmers Market. Evidently a mighty popular place on Saturday mornings.At just about every concession and down each isle crowds of people stood 2 and 3 deep trying to get to the food. Aproned employees rushed to restock shelves and produce stands keeping up with the eagar pace and hoards of shoppers. Add to that a few hundred pretty good sized shopping carts and one can see why it's difficult to walk through the place, much less have a leisurely shopping experience.
Unfortunately, they have a rule against photography inside the Market. That says fierce competition to me, so I'm looking forward to exploring other similar Markets soon. Dekalb is big, their prices are okay (not stellar), but frankly we were disappointed to find very little locally grown produce and not such hot deals on wine!
You didn't think a little sign like that would stop me did you? Admittedly not the best photos but I did my duty risking embarrassment, maybe even harassment, and got a few shots in spite of the rule. I'm secretly hoping someone sees these and reports me. It'll mean someones actually reading this stuff, or at least visiting the page!
What did we buy? Whole red lentils, Black Beluga Lentils, Jasmine Rice, Long Beans, Guatamalan Parcley, Pate, Cheese, Wine, BREAD and I forget what else. We tried the parcley last night on a new sandwich creation of Sis'. It was fabulous! Wait till I show you the photos in a later post!


Jul 24, 2009

One Step at a Time!

What would we do without Edward? He came and fixed the step on the cottage deck, and did so in about 20 minutes. I may have mentioned Edward in a post or two along the way. He's a bit of a hero around here. He does excellent handy-work and understands our budgetary constraints. Most importantly, he knows how to use Spit and Glue when it's called for and makes no apologies about it. Thank you Edward!


TIMING. IT'S EVERYTHING!

OMG!!! Talk about timing! No sooner do I post a whine about the condition of my camera do I look up to see the family of Deer I keep talking about. This time I held my cool, put the dogs in another room, grabbed my camera and quietly stepped onto the porch. Only to have the FLIPPIN, FRIKIN zoom feature decide not to work. So these are the only shots I was able get before they saw me and ran off into the woods. Aren't they FABULOUS?
It's a bit of a shock to find yourself in the midst of their environment. For some reason every time I've seen them I start to shake with excitement! They're so beautiful! Gotta get a new camera!

I Need a New Camera!


I'm filing a complaint today about my camera. Pathetic isn't it? It's my Sony Cyber Shot Digital camera, the only camera I own and it's on it's last leg. Because of a small chip on the battery door I have to scotch tape it closed. It's becoming more and more difficult to turn it off and on because that button is warn out, there are some scratches on the lens and lets face it, I need a wide-angle lens for what I do here at Spit and Glue. Waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Jul 23, 2009

The Short List!

It's likely Mr. R. didn't think he was working from the 'short list' last week when he took on several tasks that Sis or I had tried and failed to complete. Also likely that he went home wondering to himself "how have those two managed to survive for as long as they have?"and "Between the two of them, do they have a functioning brain cell?"
We laughed it off, but it was down right embarrassing to watch him fix the things that had stumped Sis and I for so many months. Hey, we may not be good mechanically and could be lacking in the patients department, but let's not forget we wield one hell of a paintbrush!
Here's the awful truth:
1. Reconnect the overhead lights in the shop. ('Someone' forgot to try the light switch)
2. Fix the motion light above the garage ('Someone' also forgot to try that light switch)
3. Fix front porch light at Mom's cottage (Remove 2 small screws from lantern & replace bulb)
4. Exterminate both houses and surrounding yard (Buy bug spray and follow directions)
5. Transplant rose bushes (Dig a hole, place bush in hole, cover and fertilize)
6. Fix the tire on the mower (He had a generator on board his SUV so that was fabulous)
7. Mow the lawn (Any time some one else wants to do it, go for it)
8. Fix the BBQ so it will light (You must turn on the gas)

It's the small things that you think will be simple and quick to fix that make you the most cranky when they 're not!

Jul 20, 2009

Family Visit!


On the heels of a fabulous mid-summer family visit I'm left feeling giddy cause Mrs. R. (of HoityToityBaby.com) makes me laugh, mixed with a little sad cause I hate to see them leave. The twins are thriving, unstoppable, engaged in everything, smart, curious, sweet, funny, darling, noisy, beautiful and healthy. No longer babies, that's for sure. Hardly toddlers - turning into "kids" right before our eyes.
They took a walk in the cool meadow of what will come to be sweet childhood memories, stopping at the cottage along the way to pay a visit and have an afternoon snack with Auntie (me). They chased their own shadows across the newly cut lawn, drank from the hose as the wind tossed the water into the air and giggled as they ran away from Mom and Dad who were sure to catch them.

It was fun and special and theres more good news. Mr. R. didn't mind helping Sis and I with a few Spit and Glue 'to-do' items from our short list. Photos and story to follow.

Jul 18, 2009

Kids who Grow Up Wet!



Yeah, these two are definitely growing up wet. When the weather cooperates the way it has this weekend, the only thing to do is celebrate! How do you celebrate? Cook, drink, eat, play board games and laugh! Laughter remedies all that ails! Having the twins here has breathed new life into Spit and Glue. Their fresh faces and their curiosity are contagious. It's a reminder of my own childhood days playing in the hose and growning up wet! That's all we needed. A hose and a friend!

Jul 15, 2009

The Breakfast Sandwich to End All Breakfast Sandwiches, For Dinner!

Some of you may be aware of the fact that this is not my only blog. I have a second one called "Sandwich 365" where one can go for "The freshest in Sandwich news, stories, lore, recipes, photographs, contests, articles, freebees, twofers, ideas, inspiration, conversation, and Sam, the Sandwich Guru sharing his expertise in, knowledge of, and passion for the Sandwich, 365 days a year."

If you'd like to see it, go to: http://www.samwich365.com/!
If you think it's fun to read, hit the Follow button and become one!
If you like to make sandwiches or if you have any special sandwich recipes, email or comment them written in your own style and I'll try them, photograph them, and post them on the site for the world to see. Sounds like fun, right?

Take the example pictured above. We took the BLT with Cheese and Egg Sandwich to another level last night with one more step in the process. We grilled it. So technically, you're looking at the makings of a Grilled Cheese BLT with Avocado and Egg.... YOW!

Connectivity, the Nightmare Continues!

I'll spare you a blow-by-blow for fear your eyes will bleed and your head will explode upon reading the nightmare that is AT&T Customer Service/Tech Support........ The fact that Mom's cottage is approximately 75 yards away from where the modem/router sits (Sis' house) is the reason I'm unable to establish an Internet connection in the cottage.

This means all blogging, emailing, job hunting, etc. is done from Sis' computer in the main house. Not a major inconvenience, but I have this awesome new Dell system with bells and whistles galore, but all I can do with it is write and play solitaire. Until I find a way to pay the $50.00 per mo. fee for another modem, it'll have to stay that way.

Why not just bring my PC down to the main house? No room, people! There's just no room for it.
What's wrong with Sis' PC? It's so FLIPPIN slow it makes me want to rip the hair out of my head. Yesterday I counted 15 seconds while waiting for a page to load. Don't get me started. If you know of some way I can get connected wirelessly using HER router/modem, please comment and tell me how!

Jul 14, 2009

Indulge Me!

If you're like me you're particular about opening email. I try never to open it if it's unsolicited or unfamiliar as a precaution against virus', etc., and only a limited # of forwarded emails from friends. But this morning I stopped to read this forwarded message sent by a good friend in Nevada. Indulge Me:

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebodies beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

Jul 13, 2009

Dry Wall Blues!

By now you may have guessed that Mom's cottage was built long after the main house (Sis' house) was, about 125 years ago. The cottage on the other hand is only about 10 years old. When Mom caught her low-life husband of 38 years cheating with the toothless, down-trodden housekeeper, she "optioned out" and brought her proceeds here to Sis' place in GA.

Mom was a sweet natured and demure Austrian beauty. She was never demanding or confrontational, not even with us kids (me, Sis & other Sis). You could describe her as shy and unassuming, and just about everyone who ever met my Mother, all throughout my life, loved her and regarded her very highly.

On the other hand, Mommy was stubborn like stucco, so when it came time to find a builder for her little investment, she listened to no one in her own camp and hired a team of guys to do the job based on the fact that they were NICE. OY!


To make a very long story short, after completion and over time, the place has a few 'idiosyncrasies'. Example, because no one bothered to tape off the sheet-rock walls you can now see them separating from each other and the ceiling. They neglected to finish securing the counter top to the kitchen cabinet, and Oh... I could go on, but why. Sis and I have talked it over pretty thoroughly. We're painfully aware of it all, but like everything else, you start to fix one item and it creates another job which creates another, etc. So after I got here last January, we decided to do the minimum for now. Clean and paint and decide what to tackle as we go ... with our own Spit and Glue!

Jul 11, 2009

Sneek-Peek!




Ambitious, no? I started this weeks and weeks ago, then back-burnered it when we started painting decks. It had been out in the rain, and was obviously warped, so not even sure I can re-do the top. All those individual pieces of wood were glued to a piece pressed board. But the table frame is not veneer, it's nice wood and kind of pretty so may stain it. I'll keep you posted. On the edge of your seat, right? :)

A Walk in the Park!



We've been aching for a good walking place here in GA. Me and my K9 are used to the morning ritual. The first few months we were here, we carved out a little path thru the woods right behind the property. That was okay until the season changed and our little route became overgrown and difficult to walk. So lately we've been limited to walking the small parameter around the houses. Not a real walk by our standards. It was hot and sticky this morning at the little baseball park less than a mile from here, but BOY did it feel fantastic to move.
Roman outsmarted herself and slipped through the barbwire fence. She couldn't figure out how to get back onto our side, and the grass was so tall I couldn't see her. About 5 minutes went by and I went from zero concern to panic in a nano-second as I called out and whistled to no avail.
I started wondering how I was going to get over the barbwire and find my little darling. Had she managed to get as far down as the highway? OMG!!! But a few minutes later, she came barrelling out of the blue. From the opposite direction. I don't know where she went or how she got back, but it all's well that ends well.