NASCAR Sister Flogs The Blogger

Where Does The Time Go?

NASCAR Sister tactfully reminded me today that once again this site is in remission. Gentle reminders like, "What are doing with all of your time bro?" and. "Why don't you post more often?"

She's right. When my life is on a roll, my priorities take a hit, and lately blogging has been DOA. So, let's correct the situation and bring everyone up-to-date on what was so darned important that Father Time couldn't spend five minutes on the laptop!


Here's One Distraction

Yes it's a dog. Son and SigO's Dog. He's also a fan of an Oregon university whose football team is nationally ranked. To clarify, any dog who is NOT a football fan is merely - a dog. Nothing else. Just a dog.

But as you can see, this is not just a dog. This is a Duck Dog. And, as the second photo shows, he's happy with or without his "uniform." Why we do this to our pets is a mystery to me. The worst part, however, is the dog doesn't even know the team's fight song!

I can handle that!


Family and Tailgating

Now, here's another time-consumer in the fall. Tailgating! We get together in a parking lot and set up an organic juice bar. Every conceivable fruit juice is available. Notice how happy it makes the participants. The happy couple pictured here includes my daughter - the one wearing the Duck hat.

Tomorrow we'll review some other meaningful social activities that happen around The Place. Maybe!

Finally!

Father Time has been looking for a Shaker-inspired end table design. The idea started with the traditional long legged Shaker side table, but needed to be lower to fit into today's more relaxed interior designs.

My obvious non-original idea showed up in an advertisement for "particle board" furniture featured at a local store. So, the only thing original about my version will be the fact that it's 100% solid cherry.

"Better late than inexpensive" is my new motto.

Did You Know?

Little Known Fact - Maybe

Did you know that you can see an enlarged version of the pictures posted here by clicking on the picture? (The photo on the previous post really comes to life when expanded; however, if you try that with my profile picture, you just see the winner of the Freddy Krueger look-alike contest!)

OK, So It's My Time Of Year

Declaration Of Bias
I'm a "seasons" fan. My outlook and energy levels are never higher than during the equinoxes and solstices. If we had eight distinct seasons rather than four, I would be in Nirvana. However, overwhelming my senses, an acknowledged character flaw, (along with sniffing a good Pinot Noir well beyond the requisite 15 seconds), to the best of my knowledge, is neither harmful nor addictive.

Hidden Agenda
So, this picture of the Columbia Gorge not only lets me indulge myself, but concurrently performs a semi-public service. If you happen to be reading The Good Rain by Timothy Egan, this picture can help you attain some great mental images.

Enjoy! Envy is OK too.

Special Request

Here's another reason to leave civilization behind and see what nature has to offer. There are no sirens, dogs barking, or hammers pounding away building new homes. Instead, it offers a glimpse of where we were before we decided that seeing inside our neighbor's kitchen was more important than seeing wilderness. Sorry for the cynicism. Not like me at all. I'm from the "live and let live" school of tribalism; must need more coffee!

And what about the "Special Request?"
It's for a good friend in the Midwest whom, I'm sure, has scenery to rival this. Enjoy!

Some Benefits Of Maturity

Hijacked "Thoughts For The Day"

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
"And what do you think is the best thing
about being 104?" the reporter asked.
She simply replied, "No peer pressure."
-Author Unknown

I'm not tired. I'm just more relaxed.
-Father Time

And that's the truth!

Backpacking Weather Turns Wet

Hobby Or Obsession?
If you have followed this blog in the past, you know one of my passions is getting out in the woods for a few days of solitude. Since this summer was a blur of unexpected activities that controlled me rather than vice versa, my secret affair with Mother Nature is now limited to the few remaining days of semi-temperate, but continuously changing weather. So, when I get wet, I get really wet! And why do I torture myself like this?

The answer is evident in this picture, as well as literally hundreds of other breathtaking back-country scenes that keep me coming back for more. There's plenty of time to be dry when I get home, so this method of recharging of my inner being is worth every moment of discomfort.

Thus endeth the sermon for today. Drip, drip.

New Look Means Means I'm Back

Where Has Father Time Been?
No posts in September. No explanations or prior warnings. Was it just plain old American negligence?

"Yes."

The prosecution rests.

Making Amends
OK, I confess - I was dogging it and just having too much fun. But, there is an upside if you are one of the few who has ever followed this blog. Things look different but the posts will follow the same format; my overarching guidelines are still chaos, randomness, and the exercise of free will - my free will. Maybe.

I'm back and will be just as serious or goofy, philosophically heavy or sardonic, satirical or whimsical, and just plain off the wall as ever.

Is This Good News?
It is for me because now my conscience is clear, my soul is relieved, and my feelings of guilt are in high gear! Life is good.

Thought For The Day
"It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker."

No joke!