So long 2005

It's incredibly strange to think that this year is about over. I have been working my job for 52 weeks, yet it seems in some ways like both 52 minutes and 52 years. What is now normal didn't exist in my world last year, but seems as though I have been here all along. I had never looked at a blog before last April; now it seems like a perfectly normal thing to spend time (5 minutes or 2 hours) reading through the various threads that catch my eye. A comment will lead to a profile which leads to a blog which leads to a link to an interesting idea. Another comment and profile and I am down a whole other path.
Many of you that are reading this have experienced the same. For me, there was no one's site I was looking for, no friend gave me posting that I had to see. Any place in the blog-o-sphere is someplace I stumbled on through some other site (except Mike, who has only come into this part of the cyberworld in the last week).
With that in mind, indulge me while I list some of the more memorable (to me) postings and sites I've seen. Rat, your site has been memorable but is probably not safe at work for others. mel, there were many times your postings made me think all day long, but alas, psychosoccermom is no more and there aren't many archives from the new stuff. Here goes:
Perhaps the first blog I saw was Jen and Annamaria's...blood on my teeth. I'm not sure the exact first post I read but it was about the time of the pickle lady story in April, then came my first Friday Random Ten. I was hooked. Follow this link to their April archives.
Alice's tales of the evil psycho (part 1 and part 2) in her town made for fascinating reading. It also proved to me that maybe the Jerry Springer Show isn't as made up as pro wrestling.
Jenn has provided one of the best story, retold I saw this year, as well as getting punk'd by Katie in outrageous fashion!
Leslie gave me a wonderful crock pot recipe.
Finally, here is a woman that may be kidding, she can't be serious.
Ah, well. To old acquaintances be forgot...

Annamaria's away

so I wish more would play...
It's Friday Random Ten time again. Here's my list -
1)Amor Bonito - Pablo Montero
2)Cuandos Los Anos Pasen - Jose Alfredo Jimenez
3)Drive South - John Hiatt
4)El Cantinero - Jose Alfredo Jimenez
5)Eyes of the World - Grateful Dead
6)Family Reserve - Lyle Lovett
7)Mi Ranchito - Linda Ronstadt
8)My Best Was Never Good Enough - Bruce Springsteen
9)Olvidame - Vicente Fernandez
10)Thirty Years of Tears - John Hiatt

BTW, Annamaria, if you happen to see this, I gave Picaresque to my brother-in-law as a Christmas gift.

Christmas for Kurt!

I'm so happy. Thank you Mid-States Graphics (one of the suppliers we distribute).
Today, an order arrived from them on an unusual pallet. As I got to looking at it, I realized that this has the potential to be the furniture Stephanie and I have been looking for.

Approximately 58" wide x 30" deep, the boards are nailed to make a solid surface, rather than with gaps between them as most pallets are. The frame underneath is sturdy and even. I can sand the faces, add a little trim, make legs from turned fence posts cut down and stain the whole thing. I want the finished height of the surface to be about 40 inches. Then I will affix patterned ceramic tile to the top to make a cutting board (sealing the grout to waterproof it), offset to one side. The other side will be big enough to drop a small stainless steel sink into. The single tap faucet will be designed to allow a garden hose to attach to it. Storage shelves under it will be the perfect place to keep utensils, spices and non-stick spray. It will go next to my grill just off the patio and be very handy as a very low-rent, WT outdoor kitchen.
Another reason I can't wait for summer (did you notice the days are getting longer?)!

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.
William Blake

One picture is worth a thousand words.
I picture myself -
Brushing the outside of my fingers across your cheek
Reaching, gathering a few strands of your hair between my thumb and fingers, holding it softly
Sliding my fingertips over your forehead into your hair and over your head – almost a scratch, but not quite
Feeling the back of your neck soften as I move the outside of my thumbs down it to your shoulders
Kneading, circling your temples with my fingers
Cradling your hand in mine and drawing my thumb from your wrist to each fingertip, massaging the pressure of your day out
Gently rubbing your eyelids and cheekbones, starting from the bridge of your nose moving out to your ear
Holding you close.

You know what the words are.

Back to work!

It's back to work in the morning - Tuesday as Monday.
I hope everyone got what they wanted and only some of you got what you deserved!

My daughter Hannah made it home from Spain and immediately assumed the Princess role which she expects (and generally gets at home). It is good to have her here, but even better to hear of her desire to continue to see what is over the next hill...

Nicki, our 17 year old high school senior is leaving for a trip to visit friends in Odessa, Texas on Wednesday - if she has a clean room...