Ants! - Us Vs. Them

R.a.n.t. of week 07/29/12
Back in my youthful Summer days, I recall how some people were very bothered by ants. Not me, I didn't seem to mind them. Of course back then, there was only the occasional tickling I felt on an arm as an ant marched along. A minor inconvenience to be sure, not a 'big' problem. But now I'm much older and have to tend to adult responsibilities such as keeping my house clean and pest free. Truly, who likes pests of any nature? Bees, roaches, rats, those drunken family members who have no social graces but show up at every family function?

As you may have guessed (or you may as well stop reading right now), the pest problem I'm having of lately is ants. It doesn't matter how many times I've cleaned the counter or the floor, these little pests are persistANT. Traps I've set for them in years past, they seem to skip right over this year. It's starting to drive me buggy. If there were only a few, I'd be fine. But this is starting to get ridiculous. I'm getting tired of their ANTics.

OH NO THEY DIDN'T! I just found them in my FRUIT LOOPS! That's it, all bets are off!

Social Butterfly

Oh social butterfly, flutter my way.
You fly about without a care,
fluttering on with your elegant flair.

Your gracefulness to others bring,
admiration of your flight,
on your brightly coloured wing.

You share your beauty, as I can see.
So why won’t you, please, fly to me?
Oh social butterfly, flutter my way.

J.A.Scott

Jefferson Co. Fair Demolition Derby: Part 3

Heat 6

This heat involved larger vehicles; trucks and vans.

In years past, there haven't been many entries.

This year was an exception. We were really treated to a great show.

These two trucks got stuck together and had to be separated.

Ramming each other against other cars didn't seem to help.

Heat 7

The final heat consisted of previous winners, that were still able to operate.

The final heat is always a must see.

I love when cars loose pieces or wheels...

...almost as much as I love to watch the cars get pummelled.

These cars truly take a beating. It's amazing they can be refitted for another year.

It comes down to the final two, the judges try to determine who wins.

Jefferson Co. Fair Demolition Derby: Part 2

Heat 4

Just the good ol' boys,

Never meanin' no harm,

Beats all you've ever saw,

been in trouble with the law since the day they was born.

Makin' their way,

Heat 5

The only way they know how,

That's just a little bit more than the law will allow.

Just good ol' boys,

Wouldn't change if they could,

Fightin' the system like a true modern day Robin Hood.


Yeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaw

I Just love a good Demolition Derby

Jefferson Co. Fair Demolition Derby: Part 1

The first real competition was mid-size cars - of which there were only two. So this heat didn't last very long. But still, lots of damage was done.

HEAT 1

To start the day off, a new event was scheduled. Lawn mowers came a calling!

The lawn mowers were plentiful and many.

Lots of great hits to start the event off with.

But as more and more of the competition dropped out...

...it came down to two. Which resulted in both continually smacking into each other till one finally died.

Heat 3

Finally, some demolition to write home about.

These cars really take a beating, some even catch on fire.

But no worries, Fire Fighters are standing by.

The demolition can once again continue.

One car finally stands alone. Or more accurately, half a car - or so it appears.

Another set to come.

Diana Krall - Milwaukee: 16, July 2012

An evening with Diana Krall. What could be finer?

Sitting quietly in the dark, pondering her next song as we are entertained by the rest of the band.

The evening commences.

Diana is a great entertainer all alone...

... or when accompanied.

Diana Krall is very personable and always entertains, even when just talking of home life or playing to the audience.

The evening is over, but Diana graciously performs an encore.

Beautiful

Beautiful is a Summer flower.
Blooming fresh,
after a refreshing shower.
And she's beautiful every day.

Beautiful is the setting sun.
The florid colours,
when the day is done.
And she's beautiful when she smiles.

Beautiful are the stars above.
Twinkling gems,
to share with your love.
And she's beautiful in every way.

J.A.Scott

Vacation Day 11 - Leaving Isle of Man

Our final day was mostly used for travel. Taking one last shot of the grandstand.
[Side note: the Grandstand was terrible. The best way to view any of the races are from street locations. Free to spectate and MUCH closer to the action.]

In a rare photo of myself. I pose in front of the time-board. (Which as I recall was not used).

Trying to get a final landscape shot. Unfortunately the rain was not co-operating and I rushed the process, making for a bad photo.

An impressive looking "tower" at the airport.

Another quick shot of the plane we flew in to get back to Ireland's airport. This was the first time I took a plane where we had to go outside to get into the plane.

Vacation Day 10 - The Isle of Man TT (Moving On)

A random photo of the crowd watching the TT races.

Another view showing how close we actually are to the course. You can see one of the motorcycles zipping past.

Between races, we were able to move to new locations. We often took the opportunity.

As we were moving on, it gave me the chance to take some local photos. I found this house flying the Isle of Man flag.

For the most part, people watched the races from wherever they could find a seat. Here is an interesting place for rest we found.

The Isle of Man is a very hilly place.

I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE the view.

And never let it be said I don't take the time to stop and smell the roses. Or at least stop to photograph the local flora.