Useless Information

Did you know:

 Back in the early 60’s when President Kennedy put an embargo on Cuba, he waited until he took possession of 1,200 Cuban cigars.

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my loves and doves!  How are you?  It's chilly here, but, so far, nothing like last winter.

Our shimmering Green Bay Packers have won a bye-week in the playoffs.  No matter what, it's alredy been a hell of a season.

Tonight, you can get drunk and raise hell and not get arrested.  Hooray! I'm still staying home.  Everytimg I go to a party, I drink too much and make an ass of myself.  Stay home and take it easy.

 
I love you all, each and every one of you!  Have a great time tonight, 

Open Blog - New Year's Eve

Don't forget a designated driver.

What's on the Menu!

I know that the weather is getting very cold now and I thought I would share a recipe that Drew loves at this time of the year. I am in the process of making this for dinner tonight. I just hope everyone will try this recipe and enjoy it also.

                                                         Ham and Bean Soup

8 cups of water
1-1lb bag of northern white beans
1 ham shank bone
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder
1 teaspoon powder mustard
2 bay leaves
2 cups chopped ham
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

In a big soup pot put beans in 8 sups of boiling water for 1 hour. Then add ham shank bone, carrots, onion, garlic, mustard and bay leaves. Also fill pot with more water bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 hour. After the hour take out the ham shank bone then add chopped ham and white pepper, I also take off the ham that is left on the bone and add to the soup. Let that cook for another half an hour and your soup is ready to serve.

This soup is a bit of a process but it is all worth it. It is also a good idea for you ham bone after your holiday dinner when you don't know what to make with it. Enjoy the recipe!

Open Blog - Tuesday

That image confuses me.

A Colorful Sunset Animation

I like photographing green flashes at sunset. Tonight's sunset was particularly rich for a couple of reasons. The Sun set behind  a particularly nice set of mountains resulting in a long series of green flashes with occasional hints of blue and purple. I set my camera to burst mode and took 65 frames. Since my camera takes about 5 frames per second, this corresponds to a little under 11 seconds of video. I animated them all so you can watch it roughly in real time. Sorry for the slight camera shake...the battery in my remote shutter release died so I had to push the shutter release by hand!

Open Blog - Monday

You can have it.

More On Comet Lovejoy

I went out again last night (Saturday, December 27th) and did some more with Comet Lovejoy. I was out a little later so the Moon was very low and even set while I was observing. The comet was again an easy naked eye object and very nice through 8x42 binoculars. I set up my trusty Canon 60D and iOptron Skytracker to take some more photos.

I took a bunch of 30 second exposures...hope to go back and stack them. Anyway, I just want to post this one since a plane flew right by the comet during one of them and I thought that was kind of fun.

Here is a longer 120 second exposure that brings out the tail. The small globular cluster M79 is to the upper right of the comet.

Finally, I put the 35mm lens on my camera and did a 30 second exposure so you can see where the comet is in the bigger picture.

I went out tonight just outside my townhome (not to Saguaro National Park). The Moon is brighter and I have more light pollution here. I was not able to pic out the comet naked eye from here but it was easy in binoculars. Comets are notoriously fickle but it is forecast to brighten in the couple of weeks and I hope it gets to naked eye visibility from here. It is also climbing higher in the sky which should help, especially for those farther north (it tops out around 30 degrees above the horizon in Tucson right now, take one degree off that for every degree farther north you are!)

For better and for worse, I travel a lot the next couple of weeks and am trying to figure out how much equipment I can take with me to keep track of this comet on my trip!

Wacky Wisconsin Weekend News

WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

The Huffington Post  |  By David Moye

"A man in Wausau, Wisconsin, is facing bestiality charges after being suspected of performing oral sex on a horse.

"Jared Kreft, 30, was arrested last Wednesday after deputies in Marathon County responded to a call about strange goings-on in a Wausau barn, according to TheNorthwestern.com.

"When they arrived, they saw Kreft near a horse wearing a face mask, black jacket and blue wind pants with holes cut in the areas of the crotch and butt.

 
"The suspect also had a marijuana pipe and a jar of petroleum jelly in his possession, according to court documents.

"Police said Kreft allegedly admitted that he had been performing oral sex on the horse in the barn, which came about after viewing 'horse pornography,' according to the Metro."

Read more: .http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/23/jared-kreft_n_6373878.html


Yeah, we sure know how to grow nut-jobs in Wisconsin. Wtf is "horse pornography"?  Never mind, I don't want to know.

Here Comes Another Comet Lovejoy

Terry Lovejoy has done it again...another comet he discovered is becoming a nice object. This one is Comet Lovejoy 2014 Q2. He discovered it back in August and it has been a southern sky object but as it approaches Earth, it is moving into the northern sky. I finally got it tonight after fighting weather and my own busy schedule.

I went out to one of my usual spots at the end of Speedway in Tucson. This is the Douglas Spring Trailhead at Saguaro National Park East. It is about a 10 minute drive from where I live so it is reasonable dark to the southeast. Comet Lovejoy was faintly visible to the naked eye and easy in 10x42 binoculars. I took some pics but accidentally had my camera set in JPEG mode rather than raw (STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!) I will try again tomorrow night after the late improv show...Moon should be low enough then that it won't be a big deal and the comet should still be far enough east that it won't get lost in Tucson's lights. Anyway, here is my pic from tonight.

This comet will be around for a few weeks...see it now or wait until after the full Moon in January when the skies will be darker. You might see it naked eye!

Open Blog - Weekend

I'm not tackling the tree and decorations... until January.

Four for Fridays

Hello everyone and welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I did! Got to see the grandkids, a Snowy Owl, and got the day off today from work. Life is good! Anyways here are your questions....

1) Have you ever returned a gift?

2) What was the best gift you have ever received?

3) What is the furthest you have traveled for the holidays?

4) Have you ever won a trophy?

Enjoy your weekend!

"The Mysterious Floating Orb"

Open Blog - Post Christmas

Post holiday complications.  Hope you survived.

"After NYC deaths, a surge of support for police"

December 24th, 2014 1:08 pm by DAVID CRARY, Associated Press

"NEW YORK (AP) — Rocker Jon Bon Jovi donned a New York Police Department T-shirt on stage.Well-wishers delivered home-baked cookies by the hundreds to police in Cincinnati. In Mooresville, North Carolina, police and sheriff's officers were treated by residents to a chili dinner.

"At a time when many in the nation's police community feel embattled, Americans in cities and towns across the country are making an effort to express support and gratitude."

Read more: After NYC deaths, a surge of support for police | Johnson City Press http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/123137/after-nyc-deaths-a-surge-of-support-for-police#ixzz3MyXAqUKH
Follow us: @JCPress on Twitter | JohnsonCityPress on Facebook

 

 

Here's a pro-Police video.  WARNING: CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIOLENCE:

 

"Law Enforcement Motivation" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zyhOW-8Zcc&sns=em

Merry Christmas, Fido!

Here's your new bed.

We Failed to Celebrate Festivus This Year

How did we miss Festivus (Dec. 23)?

Here are some previous JTI Festivus posts: http://www.jtirregulars.com/search?q=festivus

Open Blog - Christmas

Thank you for always being there - for me, and for each other.  
Merry Christmas!

Dear Madame Zoltar

Hello, my firends and lovers, regulars and Irregulars, pink and black! How are you?

Today is Christmas Eve.  I love every one of you.  Thank you for being my friends. My wish for you is Peace on Earth. What a mind-blowing concept, Global Love.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Open Blog - Christmas Eve

Before there was an app for that.

Holiday Funny

"Preview: Joe Cocker and John Belushi - Feelin' Alright"

'Joe Cocker Is Dead at 70'

By BEN SISARIO

"Joe Cocker, the gravelly British singer who became one of pop’s most recognizable interpreters in the late1960s and ’70s with passionate, idiosyncratic takes on songs like the Beatles’ 'With a Little Help From My Friends,' died on Monday at his home in Crawford, Colo. He was 70.

"The cause was lung cancer, his agent, Barrie Marshall, said.".

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/23/arts/music/joe-cocker-is-dead-at-70.html

Open Blog - Tuesday

I know the feeling.

"Puccini - Mme Batterfly - Un bel di, vedremo - Ying Huang - Cio-Cio-San (Mme Butterfly)"

For Mom, 1921 - 2012. I love you.

Open Blog - Monday

Isn't Merry Monday an oxymoron?

Christmas Decoratios Pt 4!

Christmas is starting to approach very quickly and I don't think I will have enough time to post all of my pictures so I am going to try to get as many as I can. I hope everyone is getting the shopping, baking and decorations done. I still have shopping to get done.

Here are some more of the Christmas decoration picture I have-

               This picture of the Angel and Reindeer was taken on Taylor St. in Elmwood Park Wi.

       This picture of the Penguins with the Igloo was taken on Superior St. in South Milwaukee Wi.

                     This picture of the Christmas Dog was taken on Campus Dr. Wind Point Wi.

This picture of the Snowmen Family in the Hot Air Balloon was taken on Independence Dr. Mount Pleasant Wi.

This is the best Nativity that I had seen this Christmas the picture was taken on Independence Dr Mount Pleasant Wi.

This one of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Pluto I could not pass up I thought it was so cute the picture was taken on Bobolink St. Crestview Wi.

This picture of Santa Claus with the Teddy Bears in the Sleigh was taken on Independence Dr. Mount Pleasant Wi.

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures as much as I have enjoyed going out and taking the pictures.

Open Blog - Weekend

Try to relax a little this weekend. Christmas will come and be fine, even if you don't finish everything.

Four for Fridays

Hello everybody and welcome back! Let's say this has been an interesting week.... Yet, I'm looking forward to a little R & R this weekend. It's about time! Anyways, your questions.....

1) Have you ever served on a jury duty?

2) What is your favorite Christmas commercial?

3) What Christmas traditions do you have?

4)  What country would you like to visit?

Enjoy your weekend! 

Jingle Bells.........

A different rendition of Jingle Bells

Open Blog - Friday

Fly your Festive Friday Freak Flag....

What's on the Menu!

I have one of my families favorite cookie recipe to share with everyone. I have to make a double batch of this cookie because my son always wants a whole plate for himself. This was always my dad's favorite cookie at Christmas time. The reason everyone loves this cookie so much is because it melts in your mouth.

                                             Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 pound lard
3 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup peanut butter
3 teaspoons baking soda

Mix lard, brown sugar and white sugar very well. Then add vanilla and peanut butter and mix very good. After that has been mixed add baking soda and flour in and mix very good. The dough will be flaky and that is how it should be. Then you will take dough and form into about one inch ball and place on a ungreased cookie sheet. Take a fork and make a tic tac toe print on the cookie. Bake at 350 oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Open Blog - Thursday

Poor Dale, he always had that goofier look to him. 

Dear Madame Zoltar

Madame Zoltar is sick.

Open Blog - Wednesday

Happy Chilly Wednesday

Greetings to All

 

 

 

SER and Team

 

 

 

 

What's on the Menu!

I know I have not been putting up to many recipes lately I have been busy with making my Christmas Cookies trying to get them all ready to hand out to people. I am going to give everyone one of my Dad's favorite Christmas Cookies recipe.

                                                           Potato Chip Cookies

2 sticks of butter
1 egg yolk
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of crushed potato chips
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix butter and sugar very well then add egg yolk and vanilla and mix well. Add flour mix well then add potato chips and walnuts mix well. When everything is mix very good take a little of the dough and form into ball place on ungreased cookie sheet and keep repeating. When you have cookie sheet filled take a fork and press on cookie lightly. Bake at 350 oven for 10-15 minutes.

Open Blog - Tuesday

Sheriff sick.

Christmas Decorations Pt3!

I have more decorations to share with everyone and this past weekend we have gone to Candy Cane Lane in West Allis. If no one knows what Candy Cane Lane it the neighborhood decorates their houses and collects donations for the M.A.C.C. fund. The area is three blocks long and four blocks wide. A lot of the houses really go out of their way to have decoration in front of the houses. I really enjoy going every year to see what new decorations the people have out there.

I was talking to two of the men collecting the donations this year and I can't believe how they stand out there all night long. I let them know that I was taking pictures to share with everyone on our blog and they let me take a picture of them to share with you. They are really nice men and doing this for a very good cause.

Here are some pictures-

I hope everyone enjoys the pictures and there are more to come.

Open Blog - Monday

Oh yeah.

Useless Information

Did you know:

Dale Evans was married at the age of 14.

At 15 she gave birth to a baby boy. Shortly after her husband wanted his freedom and they divorced. They were married for 2 years.

Dale was married 4 times, her 4th was to Roy Rodgers.

All about the bass, but better!

Maybe it's just me, 

but I think the voices these guys bring together is amazing, 

by far, my latest favorite group!

Their voices are awesome, and their sense of humor, 

good stuff, 

enjoy!

Full of Cheer by Home Free

This one makes me laugh, 

wait for it, it begins mellow, then gets really good :)

Open Blog - Weekend

Will do.

Weather

Escapees Apprehended

aka; Bowzer and aka; Bowzet (brother and sister) while out in the backyard the two decide to escape. They shimmied under the back fence and where free.

They were not on the lame for long when the long arm of the law (Racine Police), apprehended them and transported them to doggie jail.

The two escapees remained incarcerated for a few days until their bond was posted, which included licenses and shots, for the tune of $250.00.

The are now 'sporting' fancy new collars with their tags attached.