My Neighbor the Artist, pt VII

Bush as Cartman (From South Park)

Pet Peace Progress

Upon hearing, only recently, the results of the presidential election, a peace treaty has been "signed" between Lily and Lenora. It stipulates at least 30 minutes of play together a day. (The treaty refers to "Hunting technique familiarization")
The negotiations were aided by liberal doses of catnip on the remaining cat tree. (The other was returned to the coast), and restrictions on access to Lenora's base of operations (our bed). This has the added benefit of increased sleeping time for the non feline members of the household.
Oh, and the cats have been trapped in the house for long periods because the house is being painted.

Here's what we did last night.

This was the first song of the night. I'm enjoying the music as much today, I seem to have several of the tunes running thru my head all day.

Special thanks to Bill & Kathy who invited us and paid our way. Good Time!

New feline fotos

Lenora seems to be shy. She was initially very attached to us and would jump into our laps at every opportunity. Now she's a bit more aloof. She's claimed most of the house, in particular our bed where she spends most of her time. It seems like there are few if any chances for "cute" shots. She chases Lily off if they interact at all.

Dis udda cat has made me a basket case I tells ya!

My Neighbor the Artist, pt VI

Here are the rear view mirrors he made for the car which are only put on for special occasions due to fear of theft.

Here they are in approximate position they would be on the car

Another neighbor, another artist of a different kind

He writes and sings music for young kids.

Here is James K at the Saturday Farmers Market just down the street where they had craft booths and entertainment for kids revolving around Halloween

Here's his website.

Introducing LENORA!

Stats: 9lbs 1 oz, throws right, bats left.

Meet Charlie's apprentice

Introducing... Studley Segal

He isn't taking food from the hand yet, but he shows up regularly, often after Charlie, and goes to the birdbath expecting food. Who is training whom?

Something There Is That Likes a Wall (Us)

Before

After

A Wednesday on the water

"A three hour tour", well, 2.5 actually. Bought tickets at a fundraiser. Original plan was to sail over to the channel and let the 5+ knot ebb tide carry us out the gate and sail back in on the evening westerlies. But there seemed to be more interest in seeing the results of last weeks fires on Angel island, so that's what we did.
This "boat" is owned by a non profit educational group. Thus we were likely to learn something. It is actually a "Schooner". What makes it a schooner? I'm glad you asked because I haven't quite forgotten yet. A schooner has multiple masts (2 in this case) and the larger (or equal) mast is to the rear, but in front of the helm. If they were reversed it would be a Ketch. If the larger mast were BEHIND the helm it would be a Yawl. (which I thought was just a boat from the south)

Somebody had too much money.

A Wednesday in Wine Country

A lot of people seem to not have gotten the memo about the economy crashing. That, or it's a case of eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.

First stop was Copia, who decided THIS was the day they would start being open only on the weekends. (No open, no free advertising guys!)

Second stop was Trefethen winery. Copious amounts sipped and purchased.

Should have eaten first, but oh well. Lunch was here.

Olive oil is also important. The presentation is somewhat less ostentatious.
Napa Olive Oil Co

Winery art.

Bridge Update

They can't get it (the bridge) up for about 10 weeks. They are replacing the hinge pin, bearings, and right now are sandblasting it. It will be repainted in the original black.

When we first moved here, elderly couples lived in the small "house" and operated the bridge as needed. Now you have to call and make an appt to have the bridge raised.

As a bonus pic, these are on the top of the railing posts in our new Theatah (We are required to pronounce it that way) District. Some people say one theatah does not a district make, but after being without ANY movie house for a number of years, we'll go along.

Otter Update + Professional Otter wrangling!

Memo for Gov Palin

My Neighbor, the Artist, part V

Still needs a real latch.

Finally a picture

We've all seen comments by a particular person throughout the internet. I assume that most of you, like me, have wondered what this "person" looked like.

I give you...

ANON A. MOOSE

Strange invaders who Otter know better

Our town was invaded late Thurs. by strange men who docked their odd craft while calling out "Beeeds for yor weeemun!!"

For more info go here or

Here

They were intercepted coming upstream by a group of 4th and 5th graders on a nautical field trip to learn about the history and ecology of our "River" (Declared a river by act of congress, geologists say its a tidal slough) courtesy of the local Sea Scouts, The Bay Institute and STRAW





And since we're on a nautical theme, here's an update on the "rescued" river otters . BTW, they ARE RIVER Otters not Tidal Slough otters.

Do I look like I just fell off a hybrid turnip truck?

So, I just went over 30,000 miles last week, and the tires were showing quite a bit of wear. And just before the service appt, the tire warning light went on. I checked the pressures, added a couple pounds in front and the light remained on.

Service guy says you need new tires (duh). The wear was on the outsides of all 4 tires, and evenly worn down, not wavy. I read it as either low pressure wear or cornering too fast. (MOI?)

So I wanted to do some tire shopping. Toyota said about $525 with alignment. I asked what was the mileage rating for their tires. The service guy would not give me a mileage rating! He said it should be the same as what I had gotten (30K?) or better since they improve the tires all the time. Also they were "specially rated" for the Prius since it is SO much heavier than most cars due to the battery. Well I know tires have weight ratings. What they sell is nothing special.

Costco quoted $504 out the door for 80,000 mile Michelin's (no alignment, but I don't think it needs it)

My problem now is that I don't trust ANYTHING the Toyota dealer is going to say to me in the future, 'cause they obviously think I'm a bigger idiot than I actually am.

Lovett was great, but here's what's on tap for tonight!

A little eye candy for some.