Ending in Sad News

I believe this blog has come to an end.

I can't even begin to think about writing here when I shared so much with my writing partner... who is now gone. Circe will be greatly missed and my heart breaks for her. She was so full of life!

I love you Circe! Rest in Peace.

K.

I'm Not Surprised

Seriously!?!

Another one!?!?

At some point (like way before baby 19) don't people decide they've had enough? Maybe when you're oldest if having a baby and you're gonna be gpa and gma... maybe its time to throw the towel in? I'm just saying... God thinks its ok to use B.C.

Some RAGBRAI pictures

Hairball performed in one of the pass-thru towns. If you ever get the chance... see them. What a great show!


Richard, Me, Sheri and John after we'd finished 7 days of RAGBRAI


Me and Sal SO happy that the week has ended. We successfully rode the 442 miles, dipped our tires and now taking our aching legs back to the bus/Coach. This was the first time i'd ridden with Sal... what a hoot! He's from New York and has that sassy New Yorker attitude. LOVE IT!!!


Our group, including Larry and Troy (our drivers). We wouldn't have made it without those guys driving the bus and Coach every morning to our next overnight town, setting up and getting ready for us when we pedaled into town. Then tearing it all down the next morning and moving to the next town in time to be ready for us when we pedaled in again. They made it all so much easier!!!


One of the many HELL hills.


Our bikes all lined up nice & neat... ready to roll out the next morning.


Me and Mac enjoying the expo!


Our cycling club, Blood, Sweat & Gears, on the morning of the first day of RAGBRAI

RAGBRAI

We just completed our 5th day of RAGBRAI and I'm happy to report all is well! Everyone on our team (of 12 this year!) is injury free and recovering from all aches and pains from sitting hours on end on that little sliver of a seat and pedaling up one side of the mountains and pedaling even faster down the other side.... to get a head start on the next one! The next two days will be relatively flat in comparison to what we've done the past few days and on the final day we begin to dive downwards... to dip our tire in the river. I'll have pics soon!

Just Cuz

Well, it was one hectic week during cousin Ron's visit. Hectic but enjoyable. Sis and I shared him with his spending most days with us and every night with her clan. We had a cookout, a small dinner party and also treated him to the best steakhouse in town. TBC helped tremendously with the hosting and yes, he did show him where Twister was filmed! We pretty much spoiled him rotten but if any man deserves it, he does. I knew my aunt was a BITCH but after things he told us, I was ready to race to California and cheerfully ring her scrawny worthless little neck myself. How he didn't become a serial killer after her abusive treatment of him during his childhood is beyond me. And while I don't necessarily mean physical abuse, she inflicted enough pain, suffering, and humiliation complete with permanent mental scars to last more than one lifetime. I realize I am hearing his side, but you must understand I have seen her in action throughout the years during visits and heard enough stories from my mom to know these are not exaggerated fabrications. Were that it was. Anywho, for two solid days we doggedly poured through old picture albums that he brought along. Mz MotheroftheYear saved everything. And I do mean everything!!! She even had old grade school report cards and old picture IDs from every company she ever worked for. And enough pics of her to choke a horse. Course, she thought she was a seductive hottie, and while she was attractive, I wouldn't call her a great beauty by any stretch of the imagination. Sheesh! Ron, on the other hand, is one handsome guy. Must take after his dad. *snicker* And that's a whole other can of worms we won't even get into. After all the rectangular perusing, we hit the genealogy packets in our possession and that helped determine who some of the ancient, nameless faces were. Without boring you to total tears, our grandmother's side came over from Denmark in the mid-1800s while our grandfather's side came from Wales in 1659! They were practically on board with the first Pilgrims and/or Puritans. I had no idea the fam went back that far. On my dad's side, I'm clueless in terms of dates but I know they were from England and Germany.

That pretty much describes the highlights of his visit. I think it was 2001 the last time either of us saw him so it had been awhile and he had never come out this way. I guess it's all about the wife's family at his house because except for sis and I, there is NO contact with our other cousins (I think they're in Michigan) and with his being an only child, he feels outnumbered and voiceless. Hopefully, he felt loved and cherished amid his adoring (transplanted) Okie relatives. :) Three cheers for cousins!

Fact

Hooters wings stop tasting good when a man becomes the father...of a daughter!

How Now Brown Cow

After many months of the caring and feeding of Boy George (I have no clue why TBC named him that. Does he look like a "Boy George" to you?), we recently had him sent to the er, well, you know and he has morphed into tasty steaks, roasts and hamburger. Yum! Thankfully, I did not get to know him on a personal basis and am able to partake of his bovine goodness with nary a tear. He was an attractive steer--part Texas longhorn and part Mexican longhorn--as you can see in the pic. This was taken not long after we purchased him though I did not snap anymore to show his growth and downright ornyness. And he was quite orny! If you recall, he and I had one run-in last summer when I was on the riding mower in his pasture and he came trotting up to check me out. I was terrified and screamed bloody murder thus sending our neighbors on both sides scurrying out to see if TBC was beating the crap out of me. I think I may have blogged about it. TBC kept telling me to just keep going and Mr Steer would run away. He did NOT. However, he did slowly saunter out of my way but not in a scared manner whatsoever. I continued my mowing but kept a watchful eye on him and never did attempt mowing in his territory again. Anyway, TBC bought him for the sole purpose of future meat in our freezer and frankly my dears, this is Oklahoma and we eat meat out here in the wild west. Circe Carnivore!

My fav cousin, Ron, is coming to visit this weekend from California and sis and I could not be more excited. He will only stay from Sat-Thurs but hopefully it will be a wonderful visit. Two cookouts complete with extra relatives are planned not to mention a boat ride on the lake thanks to "K". He'll also get the Grand Toure of Podunkville though I'm scratching my head what that will entail. There just ain't that much to see 'round these here parts. Oil wells? Flat plains? Um, the place they filmed the movie Twister (which is very close to us)? Guess we'll play that by ear.

Our main bathroom renovation is thankfully 95% complete. It's got a brand new bathtub, tile, walls, paint, floor, window, fixtures, etc. The toilet was replaced not that long ago and for now the vanity was just repainted though that will eventually need replacement. I plan on a beach theme (shock there, eh?) so I just need to pick up a few extra touches. He'll be staying in sis' gorgeous log house so I don't have to gussy up the guest bedroom. I still need to do some major cleaning in the next few days and I'm working on a menu for his gastronomic pleasure. Oh, did I tell you I totally cleaned and rearranged the bedroom? Yeah, Sat morning I was attempting to watch one of my fav shows, Property Ladder, when thanks to pouring rain, lightning and thunder, the satellite dish went out. This prompted me to get off my lazy arse and do something I considered doing months ago. There is alot more room with the changes but it's funny how you can clean something thoroughly and no one but you can really tell the work that went into it. I've also got new drapes ordered from Penneys so it should really look pretty when they arrive.

I would be remiss not to mention July 6th was our BLOGAVERSARY! Funny I remember the date but not the year. I'm thinking it's our 4th or 5th but I'll need a ruling on that from Mz Kerbear.

smooches,
circe

The Gloved One

I have to admit that I was a proud owner of Michael Jackson's Thriller album. I watched his videos over and over on Night Flicks and even cheered on my classmates as the guys moonwalked and tried to dance and move like MJ. Over the years I fell out of such deep like/love for Michael and it became more of fascination. I was fascinated by the way he changed appearances and his odd/freaky sense of style and hair and makeup and girl voice and the "friends" he chose to keep. Just all so odd. Then all the allegations came out. I watched some of the news during that time and kind of kept up with his story...enough to know he was not convicted. Showing up to court in his PJ's was just so freakin' weird!!! Then dancing on the tops of cars. What is up with that!?

Since his death I have become more fascinated with him. His lack of childhood and desire to recreate one for himself; his brothers and sisters; his drive and desire yet he seemed to not have common sense or awareness. I dont know... but its a sad sad story. Its heartbreaking that he seemed like such a kind heart, but just going in an entirely wrong direction. May he rest in peace.

and may his Father STOP seeing all this as a money making opportunity!

A Dark Heart

awww. How sad! Farrah Fawcett passed away.

Even sadder is that Rosie O'Donnell is going to have a talk show again! A radio show on Sirius XM. I have never been a Rosie fan, but I grew to despise her on The View and if I never see or hear from her again... thats too soon!

Sunday

Happy Fathers Day!!!

Mutt and Jeff

There is this couple at the gym who absolutely drive me nuts. I detest seeing them walk in the front door. Thank God I am a good 45 minutes into my workout by the time they arrive, so I only have to spend about 15 or 30 minutes scooting around the gym in the opposite direction they are working. This only works if you are NOT upstairs though. If you're upstairs (where all the ab work is done or any floor exercise routines) there is no place to run...except back downstairs.

It never fails every time I go upstairs, these two nimrods come upstairs to do pullups using the steel support beams. Why the heck they can't use the specially designed equipment downstairs purchased for that very reason, is beyond me! They come bee-bopping up the stairs giggling like two little school girls (every morning and its too early to be giggling!). Their love pats and banter make you want to barf. "someone is looking pumped this morning" or "give me your all... go!" GAG! Even worse... its an old geezer... about middle 50's and an emotionally weak and def lacking in personality mid to late 40's dude. Yeah, they are both guys

This morning, I was leaving (OH THANKS HEAVENS BEFORE THEY GOT THERE) to see a ginormous Ford F-350 pull up next to my vehicle. Well try to pull up, back out, try to pull in, back out, try again, etc. Cram that dang thing into a spot the size of a Mini just so he could get a closer parking spot (HELLO! you're going to the gym!) Who opens the door!? Old Geezer. What a doofus. I saw his butt buddy inside so Geezer was late for his sweat session.

Now, if you're going to they gym... why the heck must you battle to park so close? Why can't you just freakin' walk!!! Park that thing in BFE where there is room! I'm just saying.

Dear Mother Nature,

Just what have you got against poor, defenseless Kansas? For countless evenings, I have checked the weather and every single time I view the radar map, Kansas is getting severely pounded by hail, wind, tornados, and pestilence. It's like they never catch a break! Night after night its 'head for the cellar' time for its weather weary residents. As I type, there are no less than three tornado watch boxes which pretty much covers the entire Sunflower State and one of them dips waaaaaay down into Oklahoma's (and Texas') Panhandle. I realize this is Tornado Alley and its late spring but just what kind of dumbass, bone-headed stunt did flat, boring, rectangular Kansas pull to deserve this repeated ass-kicking? You can tell me. I can keep a secret. ; )

your friend,
circe

Catching My Breath

Yeah, yeah, I’ve been bad about posting and I humbly apologize. Summer has kicked into full swing and health problems or no, it means busy busy busy! Treatment kicked my butt this past week so I haven’t felt real whoop but I’m coming around and should feel better for the next couple weeks. In the meantime, last weekend I attended Relay for Life on Friday evening and then an all out anniversary bash on Saturday for my sweet niece and her absent hubby. Here’s a pic of the cake her talented mom-in-law made. Half was orange cake and half strawberry and all of it was delicious. Needless to say, I was pooped by the end of the fete.

This whole week has been crazy beginning Monday morning with TBC finally going under the knife and getting his rotator cuff operated on. He's needed to have this done for ages. I wanted to outfit the cats (not that they were in any way helpful) in nurse’s uniforms but settled for a hankie wrapped around their fuzzy little heads. Stubbly looks more like a chef than charitable healer and BW doesn't look all that happy in his new role. I didn’t even attempt to tackle The Witch Queen, Spikey, for her prerequisite headdress.

Between TBC’s understandable crankiness and my undertheweatherness, it’s been pretty chaotic in Circeland. I finally rallied somewhat yesterday enough to make it to Podunkville’s annual Draggin Grand. Our group staked out our usual corner and watched the wheels go round and round. Surprisingly, I didn’t partake of my usual refreshing repast from my favorite nippy bottle but stuck to soft beverages therefore averting the inevitable brazen flashing and flirty ass-wiggling at the startled drivers. I’m KIDDING! Mz Circe would never behave in such an improper and flagrantly unsuitable manner. *takes ladylike sip of brewed English tea*

Sis, hub, TBC and I had tickets to see the Eagles cover band, Hotel California, following the car promenade but since TBC was not up to all the festivities and stayed home, I recruited “S” to be my date for the show. Though they looked rode hard and put up wet, (I imagine the real Eagles do too) the group sang and played with remarkable likeness and the colorful lighting used was first rate. My only complaint (and I’ve remarked on this problem before) is Podunkville just doesn’t know how to let their hair down and get up and BOOGIE. Come on, people! Beer was prominently for sale (admittedly, pedestrian Bud and Bud Light), so open those pinched wallets, down a few (bunch) and let your thinning, graying hair down! Let’s par-tee! *sigh* Anywho, I’d definitely go see them again but a livelier bunch of fellow concertgoers would be much appreciated. Must I make my own bracing hooch and generously dole it out to get some positive results? Okay then...

So today is TBC’s company picnic and he was to receive a service pin but considering its several hours drive away and TBC’s physical status remains ouchy, we are not attending. And you know those wild hellions will be a-partying hearty. Que sera sera.

Just Kate

I was in the grocery store the other day and on the front of every trash magazine was Jon and/or Kate Gosselin. Their (truth or not) story is everywhere and it seems to only be getting worse. Then today (it got worse) there are pics of Kate frolicking on the beach in a bikini... now "they" are making that a big deal.

So, I had this horrid thought. Playboy will make an offer!!! You watch. She's so damn greedy she'll probably take them up on the offer and pose. *gag* Who's worse? Octo-mom or Kate!? She should def be October issue... Halloween... the month of evil people. HA

Show Me the Muscle!

Congratulations to my Bro-N-Law for placing 3rd in his first ever Fitness/Bodybuilding competition!!! That is fantastic!

Not only did I get to watch John compete at the 2009 NPC Oklahoma Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships in Tulsa last night, but several people that workout at my gym plus one of our trainers. Sal looked good!

The competition wasn't the only thing to be watching... there was some serious muscle in the audience and I saw a couple of professionals that I see in Flex and Muscle and Fitness magazines. One of my POWER instructors sat in front of me and we jabbered to catch up on the latest gym gossip and I swear that Kristen's husband was on stage competing. I never did find her... but I know that was him. She teaches spin at my gym. OKC rocked the show!



I guess here in a few months we'll find out if we will be doing this all again! What fun!

Limp Wangers

ROFLMAO!

According to Mens Health magazine, Tulsa, OK ranks #100, one of the Limpest cities. More men in Tulsa need a little help with their willies. Yep...

#1 was Boston, MA. The hardest :)

Drop Kate

I finally watched (fast forward all the boring crap and watch all the important parts where they fight) Jon & Kate Plus 8 season opener. I'm still convinced she's a complete bitch and now, more than ever, i'm convinced they are officially seperated if not divorced. Would not surprise me in the least if it comes out later that they tried to cover it all up and hold it together just to be able to have a dramatic Season 5.

She can't stand to look at him and he seems completely "let go" of her BS. It rolls off him like no other... he's checked out. I don't blame him!

I'd stopped watching the show a long time ago and happened to catch one episode last season and noticed alot of changes; they turned away from each other while in the interview chair, she'd started tanning and lost alot of weight, etc. THEN it started coming out there was trouble in paradise... so I started recording it and fast forwarding all the cutsie crap and watching the interviews. Yeah, they have been faking it for a while.

Jon is a nice guy. Poor thing.

Cheers

Bone asked me about visiting Cheers while we were in Boston. We visited both! The orginal one that inspired the tv show has several floors, each with a bar and one with a large dining area. The top floor bar is set up like you're on the set. Its pretty fun! The bartender was awesome and hooked us up with some good drinks. From the look of the gang that night, its a popular local hangout. Not real touristy.


This is outside the replica Cheers thats located downtown in the Market area. It was built to appear like the Cheers you see on TV.


Me going upstairs to another bar area. The top floor bar was set up like the show and they'd even put up all the production equipment. Spotlights, mics, etc.


Outside the Original Cheers that inspired the show.


Richard with the gang!

Driving Rules Bostonian Style

I've been talking with a friend of mine who just happened to have lived in Boston several years ago. He worked downtown, not too far from Fenway Park, so he's very well aware of how hellacious the traffic can be. He sent me this:

Basic rules for driving in Boston

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, everything you've heard about driving in Boston is true. If you're from some mild-mannered place like Nebraska, just turn around now - or stick to cabs and the subway!
Some rules:

To obtain a general idea of how to drive in Boston, go to a Celtics game and carefully watch the fast break. Then get behind the wheel of your car and practice it.
Never take a green light at face value. Always look right and left before proceeding.
When in doubt, accelerate.
Very generally speaking, the intransigence of the Boston driveris directly proportional to the expense of his American-made car, and inversely proportional to the expense of his foreign-made car. But in applying this formula, bear in mind that they are all more or less intransigent.
In the long run, parking your car in a lot is always cheaper than parking it at a meter.
Drivers whose cars sport "I Brake For Animals" bumper stickers may brake for animals, but they may not brake for you. Watch it.
Never drive behind a person whose head doesn't reach the top of the steering wheel.
Teenage drivers believe they are immortal. Don't yield to the temptation to teach them otherwise.
Taxicabs should always have the right of way, unless you are bent on suicide.
Never, ever, stop for a pedestrian unless he flings himself under the wheels of your car.
The first parking space you see will be the last parking space you see. Grab it.
Learn to swerve abruptly. Boston is the home of slalom driving, thanks to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which puts potholes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keep them on their toes.
Steer clear of people with antinuclear bumper stickers pasted on their cars. They are interested in preserving mankind, which is admirable. But they are not necessarily interested in preserving you, or themselves, for that matter. They have more important things to think about.
Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive body work.
Double-park in the North End of Boston, unless triple-parking is available.
Always look both ways when running a red light.
While it is possible to fit a 15-foot car into a 15-foot parking space, it is seldom possible to fit a 16-foot car into a 15-foot parking space. Sad but true.
There is no such thing as a short cut during rush-hour traffic in Boston.
It is traditional in Boston to honk your horn at cars that don't move the instant the light changes.
Never put your faith in signs that purport to provide directions. They are put there to confuse people who don't know their way around the city.
Use extreme caution when pulling into breakdown lanes. Breakdown lanes are not for breaking down, but for speeding, especially during rush hour.
Never use directional signals, since they only confound and distract other Boston drivers, who are not used to them.
Similarly, never attempt to give hand signals, Boston drivers, unused to such courtesies, will think you are waving them on to pass you.
The yellow light is not, as commonly supposed outside the Boston area, a signal to slow down. It is a warning to speed up and get through the intersection before the light turns red.
Never pass on the left when you can pass on the right.
In making a left turn from the right lane, employ the element of surprise. That is, do it as suddenly as possible, so as to stun other drivers.
Speed limits are arbitrary figures posted only to make you feel guilty.
Whenever possible, stop in the middle of a crosswalk to insure inconveniencing as many pedestrians as possible.
Remember that the goal of every Boston driver is to get there first by whatever means necessary.
Above all, keep moving.

And good luck. You'll need it.

It's all so true!

Return of the Bostonians

Have you ever had SO much on your mind and so many posts going through your head... that you can't write about any of it? I think its mental overload... and i'm having it.

We just got back from Boston. Or, Bahston as they say, and it was amazing! The traffic is treacherous. Once we made it to our newly kabillion dollar remodeled hotel, we had the valet take the car and told him we didn't want to see it again until we left for the airport! We'll walk. It is a "walking city", isnt it!? We walked all the way from the North to the South and walked figure 8's from East to West. What i'm saying is... we covered it all. Twice!

My favorite part was the Boston Common. Absolutely beautiful! People were out for a run or walking the dog, painting pictures, taking the school kids on outings. Everyone is so laid back and relaxed. Loved it!

I also had a great time at the RedSox game. Now that is a ballpark! What you don't see from looking at the grandstands, is the city underneath. It is literally like a whole other world taking place at your feet. Food and drink stands, vendors selling shirts and hats and any other kind of souvenir you can think of. It's crazy! Fun kind of crazy though.