This morning, while drinking coffee with Kinky, we discussed ranch business, and when that was done, Kinky showed me Mr. Magoo’s latest toy. It is a green and yellow, stuffed ball, and when you squeeze it—it starts playing zydeco music! Gooie was running around the Lodge, with the toy in his mouth—serenading us!
Then, while in the kitchen, we looked outside to find our donkeys, Roy and Gabby—trying to remove Kinky’s new rain gauge! We went outside, and quickly took it from Roy, and then Kinky remounted it in stump of wood.
Before leaving, Kinky told me that he was doing Fox and Friends, tomorrow morning at 7:15 am in Austin. Then he is doing Fox and Friends again on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7:15 am and then doing Imus live with Ratso and Little Jewford—right after he does Fox and Friends!
I just received a call that has made my day! My Spirit mattress and bedding is going to be delivered late this afternoon! Yee Haw! I can’t wait! It will definitely be a Kodak (Sony) moment and will post pictures on its arrival!
Kinky just called, and he is cooking boneless chicken thighs—for Toto! He is coming over in just a few minutes to have a picnic in Outer Space with Toto and my gang!
Here is an update on Kinky’s latest upcoming events:
Kinky & Co. Head East!
Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere
.Start: Aug. 28 2008 - 7:30 pm
Join Kinky and special guests Little Jewford and Washington Ratso on August 28 for a night of classic Kinky Friedman songs at one of the DC area’s finest listening rooms, the Birchmere.
Kinky’s new book, What Would Kinky Do? How to Unscrew a Screwed Up World, will also be available. With gas prices on the rise, an election on the horizon, and global warming making the summer hotter than ever, this country is in dire need of Kinky's notorious humor and wit this season.
The Birchmere is located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria, VA. For tickets and more information, call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.
Woodstock, NY - The Midnight Ramble
Start: Aug. 30 2008 - 8:00 pm
Kinky is joining Levon Helm (The Band) on August 30 for his legendary Midnight Ramble Sessions.
This show is one of the hottest tickets anywhere on the east coast. Held at Helm’s intimate home studio in the Catskill Mountains, the Sessions are known for their festival atmosphere and the great show Levon and his band put on.
Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
Start: Aug. 31 2008 - 8:00 pm
Join Kinky and special guests Little Jewford and Washington Ratso on August 31 for a night of classic Kinky Friedman songs at one of Philly’s best venues, World Café Live. The small room upstairs is where it's at in this venue, and that's where Kinky and the boys will be presiding.
New York, NY - B.B. King Blues Club
Start: Sept. 1 2008 - 8:00 pm
Join Kinky and special guests Little Jewford and Washington Ratso on September 1 for a night of classic Kinky Friedman songs at the legendary B.B. King Blues Club. Kinky hasn't played a full show in New York in so long, you'll definitely want to book your tickets early. The Village Irregulars and Kinkophiles will be haunting this show—a do not miss event!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Space Ship Update!
Guess what? Today was a wonderful day! This morning, after breakfast,Tony, Aaron and I worked on my Space Ship! ‘Mission Impossible’ is now nearly complete and it looks absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait to show y’all the pictures once it is finished and decorated. Sad news—still no Spirit mattress, but it should be landing here this week—I hope. When Kinky gets back from his East Coast Tour, next week, he will be shocked when he sees it all decorated!
Around 12:30 today, we wrapped things up outside and came inside the trailer, to find that Drew had called and he and Renee were thinking about coming out to see the Space Ship, and go into Outer Space, for the very first time, with us, since moving back to Kerrville. Tony immediately called them back. In less than two minutes, it was decided that we would meet at Luby’s to start the countdown celebration to Drew’s birthday on Wednesday the 27th! Drew will be seven-ish in dog years!
Having lunch with Renee and Drew, was just what the doctor had ordered for me! We laughed and laughed, throughout our entire meal and then some more—out in the parking lot! And, that was exactly what I had needed, since being so upset and depressed about Danny dying. Renee and Drew had cured me! I am now back in the saddle, again and ready to enjoy life, again, and I am counting every blessing that I have!
Following our super fun lunch, Tony and I went to Home Depot, then we went to the craft store, so I could buy some material for the big cushion, that I am making for the Space Ship’s ‘big room.’ Then we came home.
When we arrived, it had just started to rain, thank goodness, and we came inside. We received about a half inch of rain and then the sun came out. I then went out to the Space Ship and began working on tiling my kitchen countertop!
My good friend, Cindy Pickard, who has just been nominated for her and her son, Andy’s—documentary— “The Eighth Fire” by Native American Music Awards—had given me her leftover tile to use on my countertop! And, I am nearly finished with it! I ran out of tile and will get more at Lowes. Congrats to Cindy and Andy! I love ‘The Eighth Fire!” It is awesome!
Well, it is starting to thunder here and I need to wind this blog up, so I can unplug everything.
P.S. Last Thursday, we rescued a new dog from Kerrville, which I have named Hannah Montana! She is 19 months old, spayed, all shots and the cutest, sweetest little wannabe dachshund! Everyone please meet Hannah Montana!
Around 12:30 today, we wrapped things up outside and came inside the trailer, to find that Drew had called and he and Renee were thinking about coming out to see the Space Ship, and go into Outer Space, for the very first time, with us, since moving back to Kerrville. Tony immediately called them back. In less than two minutes, it was decided that we would meet at Luby’s to start the countdown celebration to Drew’s birthday on Wednesday the 27th! Drew will be seven-ish in dog years!
Having lunch with Renee and Drew, was just what the doctor had ordered for me! We laughed and laughed, throughout our entire meal and then some more—out in the parking lot! And, that was exactly what I had needed, since being so upset and depressed about Danny dying. Renee and Drew had cured me! I am now back in the saddle, again and ready to enjoy life, again, and I am counting every blessing that I have!
Following our super fun lunch, Tony and I went to Home Depot, then we went to the craft store, so I could buy some material for the big cushion, that I am making for the Space Ship’s ‘big room.’ Then we came home.
When we arrived, it had just started to rain, thank goodness, and we came inside. We received about a half inch of rain and then the sun came out. I then went out to the Space Ship and began working on tiling my kitchen countertop!
My good friend, Cindy Pickard, who has just been nominated for her and her son, Andy’s—documentary— “The Eighth Fire” by Native American Music Awards—had given me her leftover tile to use on my countertop! And, I am nearly finished with it! I ran out of tile and will get more at Lowes. Congrats to Cindy and Andy! I love ‘The Eighth Fire!” It is awesome!
Well, it is starting to thunder here and I need to wind this blog up, so I can unplug everything.
P.S. Last Thursday, we rescued a new dog from Kerrville, which I have named Hannah Montana! She is 19 months old, spayed, all shots and the cutest, sweetest little wannabe dachshund! Everyone please meet Hannah Montana!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Oh, Danny Roy!
Yesterday afternoon, my dear friend, Sandy Wolfmueller, called to ask if she and her brother, could come out and go into Outer Space with us, and she also wanted to see my Space Ship! I said, “Come on! The countdown has begun!”
I couldn’t wait to show off Outer Space and the Space Ship—I love them, and am so proud of them! Ten minutes before Sandy and her brother showed up—Kinky called!
“Hello, Nance,” Kinky said, and then there was a long pause. “I’m sorry to call, but I have some sad news to tell you.”
“Oh no,” I said. I was scared to hear it and hoping that Perky hadn’t died.
“Our good friend, Danny Young—died yesterday from a heart attack in Austin.”
“No, Kinky,” I said, with tears filling my eyes. “No not Danny. God, I loved that man, Kinky. He was as good as it gets. Always happy, always smiling and always positive—Danny had no negative side to him. I can’t believe Danny is gone. Poor Lu. Listen, Sandy is fixing to be here. I’ve got to go now.” As soon as I hung up the phone, I went to the bathroom, grabbed a washcloth, ran cold water on it, and put it up to my eyes to stop the tears. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself—I told myself that I would cry later. Little did I know how much.
Sandy and her brother showed up—wearing grins. It was show time for me—smile and don’t think about Danny—try to act happy. I went outside to find Sandy and her brother inside the Space Ship talking to Tony and Aaron. “Nancy, I love this!” Sandy said. “I cannot believe what you have done to this—it was a wreck from the pictures that I saw. This is beautiful!” Her kind words cheered me up. Then Sandy introduced me to her brother.
After spending about ten minutes in the Space Ship with them, I invited them to follow me into Outer Space. They could not wait to go! When we entered Outer Space, Sandy once again was full of compliments. That cheered me up, again. She is such a special lady. Jon is lucky to have her. Kinky, Tony and I adore her.
We sat in Outer Space for about thirty minutes, enjoying the view and visiting. I let Sandy and her brother sit in the best seats, and we rocked away, as Tony showed Sandy his portable Bose iDock. When Allison Kraus started singing, Sandy said, “I love Allison Kraus—crank it up, Tony!” Four of my favorite words.
And, Tony did. Sandy was impressed with the Bose sound system and I am pretty sure that she is going to buy one for her new iPhone, which she is absolutely crazy about.
When it was time for Sandy and her brother, to go over the river and through the woods to see the Kinkster, we said our goodbyes, hugged and then they drove away. When they were out of sight, I told Tony the bad news about Danny Roy Young. Tony shook his head and then he hugged me and the tears flowed again. He knew how much I had loved Danny, and he had heard the many funny stories I had told him about Danny. He had met Danny, eaten at his and Lu’s Texicalli Grill, and had also seen him a couple of other times, and Tony had really liked him, too. Heck, everyone that met or knew Danny loved him—he was like a family member to everyone who met him. He was officially known as the “Mayor of South Austin,” and his motto was—Be Nice! He was and will always be remembered as an Austin treasure!
Before my husband, Jim died back in 1995, Danny used to come to our embroidery shop to place orders for jackets or hats for his great restaurant at least once a month. Whenever he would show up, Jim and I would automatically turn off our embroidery equipment, no matter what deadlines we faced, just so we could visit with Danny! He was funny and the kind of guy, that when he walked into a room—it would light up!
When Lonesome Dove first aired on TV, Danny would come over everyday after an episode to discuss the book and the movie with us! He was so much fun!
One day, Danny showed up at our shop in Westlake, to show Jim and me his latest purchase. It was a stainless steel stomach Steinway! He had had it custom made for him—with a star on it, near the top! A stomach Steinway is a washboard basically, that hangs from your neck and shoulders, and you rub car keys or coins across it to make rhythm. When we saw it, I knew I had to have one, too!
When Jim went into the restroom, I asked Danny— “How much?” Danny told me that he had gotten this guy to make his for $125.00. He told me that if I wanted one he could make it happen! I told Danny that I wanted one just like his—star and all. I quickly wrote him a check for $125.00 and asked him not to discuss the price with Jim.
A few weeks later, Danny came to our shop to deliver my stomach Steinway—star and all! I hung it over my shoulders and grabbed my keys and tried to play it! I wasn’t good, so Danny took it and hung it from his shoulder and began playing the best rhythms. I hated when he quit playing it. After Danny left our shop, I lied and told Jim that it had only cost me $25.00. Even though I knew that Jim wouldn’t care—I lied. Big mistake! Karma caught up with me quickly!
A few weeks later, a customer of ours was inquiring about my stomach Steinway over in the corner of our shop, and Jim said, “We can get you one made for you for only $25.00! They’re really cheap!”
I had to do the right thing. “No Jim,” I said. “They really cost $125.00, I lied, sorry. They cost $125.00.” Jim laughed out loud! The customer did not order one.
Last night, I received an e-mail from Debora, Little Jewford’s better half, about Danny Roy Young. When I went to Danny’s site, I cried and cried as I read the posted stories that Danny’s friends had posted about him. And, that is why I didn’t post a blog last night. Please say a prayer for his wife, Lu. Here is Danny’s site:
http://www.legacy.com/Statesman/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=116105368&PageNo=1
Danny, I will never forget you. Please tell Jim hello for me. I love you and Lu, and always will. Rest in peace and thank you for being my friend. You will live in my heart forever!l Real Love to you and Lu, Cousin Nancy
Danny Roy Young, The Only Mayor of South Austin! God Bless!
1941-2008
I couldn’t wait to show off Outer Space and the Space Ship—I love them, and am so proud of them! Ten minutes before Sandy and her brother showed up—Kinky called!
“Hello, Nance,” Kinky said, and then there was a long pause. “I’m sorry to call, but I have some sad news to tell you.”
“Oh no,” I said. I was scared to hear it and hoping that Perky hadn’t died.
“Our good friend, Danny Young—died yesterday from a heart attack in Austin.”
“No, Kinky,” I said, with tears filling my eyes. “No not Danny. God, I loved that man, Kinky. He was as good as it gets. Always happy, always smiling and always positive—Danny had no negative side to him. I can’t believe Danny is gone. Poor Lu. Listen, Sandy is fixing to be here. I’ve got to go now.” As soon as I hung up the phone, I went to the bathroom, grabbed a washcloth, ran cold water on it, and put it up to my eyes to stop the tears. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself—I told myself that I would cry later. Little did I know how much.
Sandy and her brother showed up—wearing grins. It was show time for me—smile and don’t think about Danny—try to act happy. I went outside to find Sandy and her brother inside the Space Ship talking to Tony and Aaron. “Nancy, I love this!” Sandy said. “I cannot believe what you have done to this—it was a wreck from the pictures that I saw. This is beautiful!” Her kind words cheered me up. Then Sandy introduced me to her brother.
After spending about ten minutes in the Space Ship with them, I invited them to follow me into Outer Space. They could not wait to go! When we entered Outer Space, Sandy once again was full of compliments. That cheered me up, again. She is such a special lady. Jon is lucky to have her. Kinky, Tony and I adore her.
We sat in Outer Space for about thirty minutes, enjoying the view and visiting. I let Sandy and her brother sit in the best seats, and we rocked away, as Tony showed Sandy his portable Bose iDock. When Allison Kraus started singing, Sandy said, “I love Allison Kraus—crank it up, Tony!” Four of my favorite words.
And, Tony did. Sandy was impressed with the Bose sound system and I am pretty sure that she is going to buy one for her new iPhone, which she is absolutely crazy about.
When it was time for Sandy and her brother, to go over the river and through the woods to see the Kinkster, we said our goodbyes, hugged and then they drove away. When they were out of sight, I told Tony the bad news about Danny Roy Young. Tony shook his head and then he hugged me and the tears flowed again. He knew how much I had loved Danny, and he had heard the many funny stories I had told him about Danny. He had met Danny, eaten at his and Lu’s Texicalli Grill, and had also seen him a couple of other times, and Tony had really liked him, too. Heck, everyone that met or knew Danny loved him—he was like a family member to everyone who met him. He was officially known as the “Mayor of South Austin,” and his motto was—Be Nice! He was and will always be remembered as an Austin treasure!
Before my husband, Jim died back in 1995, Danny used to come to our embroidery shop to place orders for jackets or hats for his great restaurant at least once a month. Whenever he would show up, Jim and I would automatically turn off our embroidery equipment, no matter what deadlines we faced, just so we could visit with Danny! He was funny and the kind of guy, that when he walked into a room—it would light up!
When Lonesome Dove first aired on TV, Danny would come over everyday after an episode to discuss the book and the movie with us! He was so much fun!
One day, Danny showed up at our shop in Westlake, to show Jim and me his latest purchase. It was a stainless steel stomach Steinway! He had had it custom made for him—with a star on it, near the top! A stomach Steinway is a washboard basically, that hangs from your neck and shoulders, and you rub car keys or coins across it to make rhythm. When we saw it, I knew I had to have one, too!
When Jim went into the restroom, I asked Danny— “How much?” Danny told me that he had gotten this guy to make his for $125.00. He told me that if I wanted one he could make it happen! I told Danny that I wanted one just like his—star and all. I quickly wrote him a check for $125.00 and asked him not to discuss the price with Jim.
A few weeks later, Danny came to our shop to deliver my stomach Steinway—star and all! I hung it over my shoulders and grabbed my keys and tried to play it! I wasn’t good, so Danny took it and hung it from his shoulder and began playing the best rhythms. I hated when he quit playing it. After Danny left our shop, I lied and told Jim that it had only cost me $25.00. Even though I knew that Jim wouldn’t care—I lied. Big mistake! Karma caught up with me quickly!
A few weeks later, a customer of ours was inquiring about my stomach Steinway over in the corner of our shop, and Jim said, “We can get you one made for you for only $25.00! They’re really cheap!”
I had to do the right thing. “No Jim,” I said. “They really cost $125.00, I lied, sorry. They cost $125.00.” Jim laughed out loud! The customer did not order one.
Last night, I received an e-mail from Debora, Little Jewford’s better half, about Danny Roy Young. When I went to Danny’s site, I cried and cried as I read the posted stories that Danny’s friends had posted about him. And, that is why I didn’t post a blog last night. Please say a prayer for his wife, Lu. Here is Danny’s site:
http://www.legacy.com/Statesman/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=116105368&PageNo=1
Danny, I will never forget you. Please tell Jim hello for me. I love you and Lu, and always will. Rest in peace and thank you for being my friend. You will live in my heart forever!l Real Love to you and Lu, Cousin Nancy
Danny Roy Young, The Only Mayor of South Austin! God Bless!
1941-2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Here's To You, Mrs. Simons!
This morning, I woke up in a fine mood, surrounded in bed, with my six dogs and Lucky, the cat! Who could ask for more? I was surrounded with love, so I just stayed in bed, enjoying the moment, until Mama, my faithful, rescued Great Pyrenees, jumped up, barking, as she pounced on my stomach, before leaping off of the bed—followed by everyone else, except the cat!
I quickly got out of bed, and went to the front door, to let them out. As soon as I opened the door, the dogs rushed outside barking, and I knew exactly what it was, without having to step out onto the porch—skunk. Ah, that recognizable ‘Eau de Toilet smell,’ so unique, filled the air, but there was no skunk in sight or to be found. The dogs were disappointed. I was disappointed, as I closed the door, now wearing a frown.
Trying to blow it off, I grabbed my organic spray bottle of orange scent, and squirted it above my head. The air immediately smelled of fresh squeezed oranges, and I inhaled. Yes, I inhaled to get that foul odor out of my nose and it worked—thank goodness!
As I filled the dogs and Lucky’s dishes with food, I wondered if the skunk was an omen or a sign for how my day was going to be. After getting the pets fed, I did my other morning chores. Then Tony came home and then Kinky called.
I pulled out the Vita-mix machine and quickly filled it with, organic pomegranate juice, soy milk, flaxseed, soy protein powder, an apple, orange, banana, blueberries, bell pepper, ginger, carrots, cantaloupe, avocado, organic maple syrup from Canada and ice cubes. I then flipped the switch, and in four seconds, breakfast was nearly ready.
Then I grabbed a couple of eggs from the fridge, an onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, jalapeno and garlic and some sharp organic cheddar cheese and made Tony an organic omelet. I took one of his heirloom organic tomatoes and sliced it up, and placed them on his plate, beside the omelet. “Breakfast is ready!” I announced. Tony and the dogs came running!
Following breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen and Tony went outside to work. After taking care of some paperwork and phone calls, I decided to track my Spirit mattress and the bedding that I had ordered from J.C. Penneys. Since I placed that order on Sunday, I was hoping that it might arrive today, because I can’t wait! So, I went online to get my purchase order and then I called their customer service number.
I was very impressed with how nice, friendly and efficient there customer service was—I was actually talking to a representative in less than fifteen seconds! “Let’s see, Mrs. Simons. Your order has been picked up by the trucking company and you should be receiving it within the next seven to ten days.”
My spirit instantly sank. I wanted my Spirit mattress! But, I did the right thing. I didn’t complain and I thanked the woman for her help, before hanging up the phone. Then I fell apart—not really. I’m just kidding.
I decided to not let it get me down, so I turned on my iPod, found the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and clicked play. It worked! I was happy! Thank you Bobby McFerrin!
I am determined to have a great day no matter what! “I will survive!” just like Donna Summers is now singing! Gotta go, someone is driving in!
I quickly got out of bed, and went to the front door, to let them out. As soon as I opened the door, the dogs rushed outside barking, and I knew exactly what it was, without having to step out onto the porch—skunk. Ah, that recognizable ‘Eau de Toilet smell,’ so unique, filled the air, but there was no skunk in sight or to be found. The dogs were disappointed. I was disappointed, as I closed the door, now wearing a frown.
Trying to blow it off, I grabbed my organic spray bottle of orange scent, and squirted it above my head. The air immediately smelled of fresh squeezed oranges, and I inhaled. Yes, I inhaled to get that foul odor out of my nose and it worked—thank goodness!
As I filled the dogs and Lucky’s dishes with food, I wondered if the skunk was an omen or a sign for how my day was going to be. After getting the pets fed, I did my other morning chores. Then Tony came home and then Kinky called.
I pulled out the Vita-mix machine and quickly filled it with, organic pomegranate juice, soy milk, flaxseed, soy protein powder, an apple, orange, banana, blueberries, bell pepper, ginger, carrots, cantaloupe, avocado, organic maple syrup from Canada and ice cubes. I then flipped the switch, and in four seconds, breakfast was nearly ready.
Then I grabbed a couple of eggs from the fridge, an onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, jalapeno and garlic and some sharp organic cheddar cheese and made Tony an organic omelet. I took one of his heirloom organic tomatoes and sliced it up, and placed them on his plate, beside the omelet. “Breakfast is ready!” I announced. Tony and the dogs came running!
Following breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen and Tony went outside to work. After taking care of some paperwork and phone calls, I decided to track my Spirit mattress and the bedding that I had ordered from J.C. Penneys. Since I placed that order on Sunday, I was hoping that it might arrive today, because I can’t wait! So, I went online to get my purchase order and then I called their customer service number.
I was very impressed with how nice, friendly and efficient there customer service was—I was actually talking to a representative in less than fifteen seconds! “Let’s see, Mrs. Simons. Your order has been picked up by the trucking company and you should be receiving it within the next seven to ten days.”
My spirit instantly sank. I wanted my Spirit mattress! But, I did the right thing. I didn’t complain and I thanked the woman for her help, before hanging up the phone. Then I fell apart—not really. I’m just kidding.
I decided to not let it get me down, so I turned on my iPod, found the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and clicked play. It worked! I was happy! Thank you Bobby McFerrin!
I am determined to have a great day no matter what! “I will survive!” just like Donna Summers is now singing! Gotta go, someone is driving in!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mind Your Own Business!
This morning Kinky called, to invite me to join him and two friends of ours, for breakfast, around 9:00 in Kerrville. “I’d love to go,” I said. “Wait. Not that restaurant you took me to for huevos rancheros?”
Kinky laughed. “Yes, Nancy. You need to give them another try.”
There were a couple of moments of silence, then I reluctantly agreed to go.
When I arrived at Kinky's dreaded designated eatery, there were no cars in the parking lot, again—which was not a good sign, again. I decided to sit in Trigger, and listen to my iPod, until Kinky and our friends arrived. Then Beth and Sue walked outside of the restaurant and waved at me. “Hi Cousin Nancy,” they said, in unison.
“Hi, girls, I said. “Where is y'all's car?”
“We took a taxi,” Beth said. “And, it was expensive—$14.00. Come on in, and sit down with us.”
When I walked in—nothing had changed. The place was empty, except for us, and the two unhappy waitresses. The ceiling mounted television, was broadcasting a soap opera in Spanish, and the volume was so loud, you couldn’t hear a plate drop. Sue and Beth were drinking coffee and we started visiting. Ten minutes had passed, and neither waitress had bothered to come over to give me a menu or to ask me if I wanted something to drink. So finally, I hollered over to them and asked to see a menu, and to please bring me a glass of tea. That was a mistake.
One waitress got up, shot me an angry look, and then she brought me a menu and my tea. Kinky was running late, but he finally showed up fifteen minutes later. As soon as he walked in, the waitress perked up—she knew who Kinky was! We then gave her our order. Before she left the table, Kinky tried to talk me into trying their huevos rancheros again, but I refused—I knew better.
Ten minutes later, we were eating our breakfast—after Sue and Beth requested aluminum ware. I have to admit—my meal wasn’t the greatest, but it wasn’t bad. As soon as we finished our meals, we went outside, so Beth, Sue and Kinky could smoke. Kinky told us that he was going to Wolfmuellers and invited us to come, too. Beth rode with Kinky, and Sue and I rode together.
When we arrived at Wolfmuellers, we quickly introduced Sue and Beth to Jon and Sandy. Kinky had a huge amount of books to sign, so Beth and Sue went outside to smoke. “Nance, I can’t smoke in here anymore,” Kinky teased. “Because, Sandy won’t let me.”
“No,” Sandy shot back. “That's not fair—It’s the law—not me. I could care less if you smoked in here until now. In fact, this morning there is an article in the Kerrville Daily Times, about Gloria’s Flower Shop, that has decided to close, after ten years of doing business here, because an irate woman, turned her in for smoking in her own shop. Here, let me print it out for you to read.” Sandy then went online and printed out the story by Alyson Chapman. “Here read this.”
“I can’t,” Kinky said. “I’m signing books.”
Sandy then handed me the story. “I’ll read it out loud,” I declared, and then I began to read it to Kinky. To read the full story, go to: http://dailytimes.com/story?tool=print&ewed=19eb936d678bc679
This is my "put it on a bumper sticker" version of the story. The owner said the city of Kerrville’s smoking ordinance was responsible for her decision to close her store. The owner said, that a woman had come into her flower shop complaining that the owner’s car was blocking her view at the intersection. The owner, then went outside and moved her car, hoping to solve the problem. Then the woman gets mad and leaves the shop.
The reason that Gloria had parked there, is because her husband, who is wheelchair bound, can only get out of their van—parked on level ground.
In less than thirty minutes, after the lady had left her flower shop—a city code compliance officer shows up, about a complaint for smoking inside her own shop! Gloria was told she could not smoke inside her store. Thankfully, the officer, who was only trying to do his job, only gave her a notice of violation—not a ticket, which could have cost her $100 to $500.
Quoting her, from the Kerrville Daily Times, Gloria said, “I’m not hurting anybody. I wish I could quit smoking. I’ve been smoking since I was 13, and now I am 56. I hate the fact that I am 56,” (Me, too!) “and now have to find a way to support me and my invalid husband.”
She then says “I am in here in my own building. I tell all my customers that if they don’t like smoking, there are other flower shops that they can patronize. I can’t go outside to smoke. I can’t just leave my invalid husband in here by himself. That’s like leaving a child or a dog in a vehicle alone. I have no choice, but to shut down. It just really sucks. I am not a wealthy woman, but I do what I can to help this community. I send free flowers to the VA and to the senior center every week. Now, I’m closed up.”
When I had finished reading the story to Kinky, we both shook our heads in disbelief. “I can’t believe this,” I said. “Smoking laws have become ridiculous from the get-go. I think, if you own a store and want to smoke in it—it is your right. If people don’t like it, then they should go somewhere else. No one is making them go inside. I’m going to blog about this. Our rights are going away faster than we can blink an eye.”
The four of us then had a brief discussion concerning smoking laws, and then Sue and Beth walked back into the store. We hung out for a few more minutes, and then we all went outside, so Kinky could light up, with Beth and Sue. When it was time to leave, Kinky volunteered to drive Beth home, and I volunteered to drive Sue home, to save them money on a taxi.
“Cousin Nancy,” Sue said, as we drove away. “I know that you are married to Tony, and he is good looking, but I think you and Kinky make a really cute couple.”
I slammed on the brakes, so as not to run a changing yellow to red light, because I knew that cameras were watching and taking pictures, from up above—ready to hand out a ticket. “Now, that’s real sweet, Sue, but you see, Kinky is too O.L.D. for me, and I am too F.A.T. for him, and besides—I love Tony.”
After dropping Sue off at her apartment, I ran a few errands and then I drove back to the ranch. When I arrived, I told Tony all about the fun breakfast with Beth and Sue, and going over to Wolfmueller’s. Then he says, “I need to go to Kerrville. Will you come with me? I’ll treat you to lunch.”
Thirty minutes later, when we arrived at Luby’s cafeteria, we went inside. Fortunately, we had missed the lunch crowd. It was now Senior Citizen time—blue plate special! About twenty gray / blue hairs were in there eating with friends or by themselves. On our way to a table, I saw one cute, old man, sitting alone, at a table near the cash register—reading the white pages, of a telephone book, with great enthusiasm! He was having fun.
During lunch, Tony and I talked about the flower shop, and when I told him about eating at that certain restaurant, and getting annoyed about having to listen to a blarring soap opera in Spanish—he laughed! “Nance, that’s their right. It’s their restaurant. And, you don’t have to go in there, and that’s your right. And, that’s the way it ought to be, period. It’s that simple. It has worked out fine, for all of these years—up until now—when our government stepped in, and decided to make our business—their business.
I could not have agreed more with Tony. As we were leaving to go pay our check, I noticed a small elderly woman, all dressed up, over by the wall, sitting in a booth, having one funny, laugh out loud, conversation with no one—she was sitting alone. It made me smile. I sure hope that I’m still laughing, if and when I get that old.
P.S. Sorry, for getting on a soap box today. I promise I will lighten up on tomorrow’s blog, or maybe not—it’s my right! Have a great evening or not—that’s your right! Am I right?
Kinky laughed. “Yes, Nancy. You need to give them another try.”
There were a couple of moments of silence, then I reluctantly agreed to go.
When I arrived at Kinky's dreaded designated eatery, there were no cars in the parking lot, again—which was not a good sign, again. I decided to sit in Trigger, and listen to my iPod, until Kinky and our friends arrived. Then Beth and Sue walked outside of the restaurant and waved at me. “Hi Cousin Nancy,” they said, in unison.
“Hi, girls, I said. “Where is y'all's car?”
“We took a taxi,” Beth said. “And, it was expensive—$14.00. Come on in, and sit down with us.”
When I walked in—nothing had changed. The place was empty, except for us, and the two unhappy waitresses. The ceiling mounted television, was broadcasting a soap opera in Spanish, and the volume was so loud, you couldn’t hear a plate drop. Sue and Beth were drinking coffee and we started visiting. Ten minutes had passed, and neither waitress had bothered to come over to give me a menu or to ask me if I wanted something to drink. So finally, I hollered over to them and asked to see a menu, and to please bring me a glass of tea. That was a mistake.
One waitress got up, shot me an angry look, and then she brought me a menu and my tea. Kinky was running late, but he finally showed up fifteen minutes later. As soon as he walked in, the waitress perked up—she knew who Kinky was! We then gave her our order. Before she left the table, Kinky tried to talk me into trying their huevos rancheros again, but I refused—I knew better.
Ten minutes later, we were eating our breakfast—after Sue and Beth requested aluminum ware. I have to admit—my meal wasn’t the greatest, but it wasn’t bad. As soon as we finished our meals, we went outside, so Beth, Sue and Kinky could smoke. Kinky told us that he was going to Wolfmuellers and invited us to come, too. Beth rode with Kinky, and Sue and I rode together.
When we arrived at Wolfmuellers, we quickly introduced Sue and Beth to Jon and Sandy. Kinky had a huge amount of books to sign, so Beth and Sue went outside to smoke. “Nance, I can’t smoke in here anymore,” Kinky teased. “Because, Sandy won’t let me.”
“No,” Sandy shot back. “That's not fair—It’s the law—not me. I could care less if you smoked in here until now. In fact, this morning there is an article in the Kerrville Daily Times, about Gloria’s Flower Shop, that has decided to close, after ten years of doing business here, because an irate woman, turned her in for smoking in her own shop. Here, let me print it out for you to read.” Sandy then went online and printed out the story by Alyson Chapman. “Here read this.”
“I can’t,” Kinky said. “I’m signing books.”
Sandy then handed me the story. “I’ll read it out loud,” I declared, and then I began to read it to Kinky. To read the full story, go to: http://dailytimes.com/story?tool=print&ewed=19eb936d678bc679
This is my "put it on a bumper sticker" version of the story. The owner said the city of Kerrville’s smoking ordinance was responsible for her decision to close her store. The owner said, that a woman had come into her flower shop complaining that the owner’s car was blocking her view at the intersection. The owner, then went outside and moved her car, hoping to solve the problem. Then the woman gets mad and leaves the shop.
The reason that Gloria had parked there, is because her husband, who is wheelchair bound, can only get out of their van—parked on level ground.
In less than thirty minutes, after the lady had left her flower shop—a city code compliance officer shows up, about a complaint for smoking inside her own shop! Gloria was told she could not smoke inside her store. Thankfully, the officer, who was only trying to do his job, only gave her a notice of violation—not a ticket, which could have cost her $100 to $500.
Quoting her, from the Kerrville Daily Times, Gloria said, “I’m not hurting anybody. I wish I could quit smoking. I’ve been smoking since I was 13, and now I am 56. I hate the fact that I am 56,” (Me, too!) “and now have to find a way to support me and my invalid husband.”
She then says “I am in here in my own building. I tell all my customers that if they don’t like smoking, there are other flower shops that they can patronize. I can’t go outside to smoke. I can’t just leave my invalid husband in here by himself. That’s like leaving a child or a dog in a vehicle alone. I have no choice, but to shut down. It just really sucks. I am not a wealthy woman, but I do what I can to help this community. I send free flowers to the VA and to the senior center every week. Now, I’m closed up.”
When I had finished reading the story to Kinky, we both shook our heads in disbelief. “I can’t believe this,” I said. “Smoking laws have become ridiculous from the get-go. I think, if you own a store and want to smoke in it—it is your right. If people don’t like it, then they should go somewhere else. No one is making them go inside. I’m going to blog about this. Our rights are going away faster than we can blink an eye.”
The four of us then had a brief discussion concerning smoking laws, and then Sue and Beth walked back into the store. We hung out for a few more minutes, and then we all went outside, so Kinky could light up, with Beth and Sue. When it was time to leave, Kinky volunteered to drive Beth home, and I volunteered to drive Sue home, to save them money on a taxi.
“Cousin Nancy,” Sue said, as we drove away. “I know that you are married to Tony, and he is good looking, but I think you and Kinky make a really cute couple.”
I slammed on the brakes, so as not to run a changing yellow to red light, because I knew that cameras were watching and taking pictures, from up above—ready to hand out a ticket. “Now, that’s real sweet, Sue, but you see, Kinky is too O.L.D. for me, and I am too F.A.T. for him, and besides—I love Tony.”
After dropping Sue off at her apartment, I ran a few errands and then I drove back to the ranch. When I arrived, I told Tony all about the fun breakfast with Beth and Sue, and going over to Wolfmueller’s. Then he says, “I need to go to Kerrville. Will you come with me? I’ll treat you to lunch.”
Thirty minutes later, when we arrived at Luby’s cafeteria, we went inside. Fortunately, we had missed the lunch crowd. It was now Senior Citizen time—blue plate special! About twenty gray / blue hairs were in there eating with friends or by themselves. On our way to a table, I saw one cute, old man, sitting alone, at a table near the cash register—reading the white pages, of a telephone book, with great enthusiasm! He was having fun.
During lunch, Tony and I talked about the flower shop, and when I told him about eating at that certain restaurant, and getting annoyed about having to listen to a blarring soap opera in Spanish—he laughed! “Nance, that’s their right. It’s their restaurant. And, you don’t have to go in there, and that’s your right. And, that’s the way it ought to be, period. It’s that simple. It has worked out fine, for all of these years—up until now—when our government stepped in, and decided to make our business—their business.
I could not have agreed more with Tony. As we were leaving to go pay our check, I noticed a small elderly woman, all dressed up, over by the wall, sitting in a booth, having one funny, laugh out loud, conversation with no one—she was sitting alone. It made me smile. I sure hope that I’m still laughing, if and when I get that old.
P.S. Sorry, for getting on a soap box today. I promise I will lighten up on tomorrow’s blog, or maybe not—it’s my right! Have a great evening or not—that’s your right! Am I right?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Rain Check!
This evening, we are lucky to be getting rain, along with severe thunderstorms! Unfortunately, we unplug everything when it is thundering and lightning outside. I will write more tomorrow. Thank goodness it is raining—we need it so badly.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Spirit Mattress!
This has been a “too many weekend.” Too many visitors, too many phone calls, too many e-mails, too many things to do. I know that we all have them, but I am blaming mine on ‘full moon time’ or that eclipse. All in all, it has been a good weekend—just too manys— ‘I’ve had to do.’
Yesterday, we had many visitors, but no adoptions. At three o’clock, after we closed the gates to the rescue ranch, I went—online to shop for the Space Ship. I first went to Cabellas to look for an air bed. I found one for $49.00. When I put it in my cart, there was a notice posted. If I would spend $150.00, I would get free shipping. I went all over their bedding department. They had some great quilts, etc. but the ones I liked were way too expensive for me, or they were camo designs—sorry, no hunting here. Not wanting to pay shipping on the heavy air bed, I decided to check out J.C. Penney’s online to shop.
Two hours later, I purchased a quilt with a matching doggie bed, two pillow shams, sheets (that were on sale) and a real mattress, that is pink with white clouds, which J.C. called—the ‘Spirit Mattress.’ I thought the name was odd, but I went ahead and ordered a double sized one for the Space Ship.
When I told Tony about buying my pretty pink ‘Spirit Mattress’ he laughed out loud. “Nance, you are the only person on this planet, that could find a pink ‘spirit mattress’, with white clouds. I want to know, is it a spiritual mattress or does it come with ghosts?”
Later that evening, after being in Outer Space with Tony, I decided that I needed to design a logo, of sorts, for my Space Ship. I went outside, grabbed a board, and brought it inside the trailer. I grabbed my paints and went to work, and that is why I didn’t post a blog last night. I was on a Space mission.
By ten-thirty, I had designed and hand painted my official signature logo for my Space Ship! Here is a picture of it! I’m hanging it above the kitchen sink. I love it! Not great artwork, but it works for me.
Today, Tony and I took off for Kerrville to pick up a dog, buy some more boards, and to eat breakfast. We went to Randy and Lisa’s Save Inn Restaurant, and had a great breakfast. Then we ventured over to Wal Mart to buy some canned dog food, because we were nearly out!
Lucky for us, Wal Mart was fixing to put up there Christmas decorations, and they had all of their ‘End of Summer’ stuff on sale! Their organic dirt was on sale, half price, so Tony took advantage of the sale and bought forty dollars of dirt, for next year’s garden. He was so excited—it was organic and dirt cheap! I’m sorry, but paying for dirt, is weirder—than buying a pink ‘Spirit’ mattress—even if it comes with ghosts.
When we arrived back at the rescue ranch, Tony went outside to the Space Ship, to put the rest of the flooring boards down. I wanted to help him, but since he was playing his music on his iPod Bose iDock, I declined, because—my music is better!
An hour later, I went outside to check on Tony and the Space Ship. The flooring was complete and it looked awesome. I then asked him to show me how to put the magnets on the cabinet doors, to keep them closed. That was a hoot!
Since Ben had nailed the cabintets shut for Cindy’s visit, we first had to pull all of the nails out. Then he and I, one by one, installed the cabinet magnets. There was a lot of dropped screws and realigning of the magnets. I am proud to say, the Space Ship is now nearing completion and ready for take off! It requires only two to three more hours of work! And, I guarantee that it will knock your socks off! I cannot wait for Kinky to see it!
Yesterday, we had many visitors, but no adoptions. At three o’clock, after we closed the gates to the rescue ranch, I went—online to shop for the Space Ship. I first went to Cabellas to look for an air bed. I found one for $49.00. When I put it in my cart, there was a notice posted. If I would spend $150.00, I would get free shipping. I went all over their bedding department. They had some great quilts, etc. but the ones I liked were way too expensive for me, or they were camo designs—sorry, no hunting here. Not wanting to pay shipping on the heavy air bed, I decided to check out J.C. Penney’s online to shop.
Two hours later, I purchased a quilt with a matching doggie bed, two pillow shams, sheets (that were on sale) and a real mattress, that is pink with white clouds, which J.C. called—the ‘Spirit Mattress.’ I thought the name was odd, but I went ahead and ordered a double sized one for the Space Ship.
When I told Tony about buying my pretty pink ‘Spirit Mattress’ he laughed out loud. “Nance, you are the only person on this planet, that could find a pink ‘spirit mattress’, with white clouds. I want to know, is it a spiritual mattress or does it come with ghosts?”
Later that evening, after being in Outer Space with Tony, I decided that I needed to design a logo, of sorts, for my Space Ship. I went outside, grabbed a board, and brought it inside the trailer. I grabbed my paints and went to work, and that is why I didn’t post a blog last night. I was on a Space mission.
By ten-thirty, I had designed and hand painted my official signature logo for my Space Ship! Here is a picture of it! I’m hanging it above the kitchen sink. I love it! Not great artwork, but it works for me.
Today, Tony and I took off for Kerrville to pick up a dog, buy some more boards, and to eat breakfast. We went to Randy and Lisa’s Save Inn Restaurant, and had a great breakfast. Then we ventured over to Wal Mart to buy some canned dog food, because we were nearly out!
Lucky for us, Wal Mart was fixing to put up there Christmas decorations, and they had all of their ‘End of Summer’ stuff on sale! Their organic dirt was on sale, half price, so Tony took advantage of the sale and bought forty dollars of dirt, for next year’s garden. He was so excited—it was organic and dirt cheap! I’m sorry, but paying for dirt, is weirder—than buying a pink ‘Spirit’ mattress—even if it comes with ghosts.
When we arrived back at the rescue ranch, Tony went outside to the Space Ship, to put the rest of the flooring boards down. I wanted to help him, but since he was playing his music on his iPod Bose iDock, I declined, because—my music is better!
An hour later, I went outside to check on Tony and the Space Ship. The flooring was complete and it looked awesome. I then asked him to show me how to put the magnets on the cabinet doors, to keep them closed. That was a hoot!
Since Ben had nailed the cabintets shut for Cindy’s visit, we first had to pull all of the nails out. Then he and I, one by one, installed the cabinet magnets. There was a lot of dropped screws and realigning of the magnets. I am proud to say, the Space Ship is now nearing completion and ready for take off! It requires only two to three more hours of work! And, I guarantee that it will knock your socks off! I cannot wait for Kinky to see it!
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