The Wild Pigeons of Salisbury beach part 15

I've been sick all week. I've had a migraine that has lasted for seven days, plus it has been unbearably hot for weeks.

Last weekend, I forced myself to go running even though I should have just stayed in bed.

The pigeons were waiting for me.

Brownie was back, along with another whole group of pigeons that I haven't seen before. And yes, I feed the pigeons just about everyday. I know a lot of people disregard pigeons but I find them fascinating.

At the same time, I see the same early morning people out as well. The grey bearded fisherman out fishing for stripers. The dog walking guy with his basenji dog. A couple of walkers. A guy with his metal detector looking for lost treasures.

There was this black honda parked half way on the side walk taking up two parking spots including the one I usually park. I noticed that there was this couple sitting on a blanket sitting at the public beach entrance at about 6:30am. I believe it was their car.

We did a slow run since my head was killing me. On the way back you could see the couple a half mile down the beach.

They were not wearing any clothes.

And they were not just sitting on the beach.

They were engaging in some heavy duty sexual activity right smack on the middle of the beach near the main entrance.

You could see the guy's white bum pumping away like a jack hammer a half a mile away.

There were people walking right by these two pigs on the beach who obvious got their jollies off by exposing themselves without any regard.

I walked straight up to police station that was around the corner to report this obscene behavior.

Sadly, the dispatcher told me "they didn't have time for this" and that "the two cruisers were out investigating (more pressing) domestic disputes".

Needless to say, I was taken aback.

I gave the dispatcher info on the car, license plate number and where the culprits could be found (or at least to report this incident).

What would you do?

Strangely, I just happened to watch an evening TV program last night titled "What would you do?" It posed these social/ moral dilemmas to see how people react.

It showed frat boys hazing these two kids by doing humilating and possibly dangerous things to them. Some passerby-ers ignored what was going on. Some folks stopped and stared. Few people intervened and called the cops. The producers of the program set up the same incident but had girls instead of guys. The results were shocking. No one stopped to break up the humilation and bullying. Guys actually stopped to leer at the poor girl getting "hazed"rather than to intervene.

This show also posed other dilemmas such as having a well dressed lady pass out on a crowded street. Many people did stop to help her. They had the same scene but this time it was a scrotty looking guy that passes out. No one helps him except a homeless lady.

I have to be honest, I would be leery of helping a scrotty looking guy. I can't help it but I would be afraid I could be grabbed and pulled down by somebody who could possibly be a psycho. (Remember in that horrifying movie ,"Silence of the lambs", where there was this nut case who would pretend his arm was in cast. He would then ask unsuspecting females for help lifting something onto his van only using it as a ploy to then chuck them into his van for horrifying results.)

I thought the concept of this show "What would you do?" was a very thought provoking show regardless. It takes a lot of guts to intervene and to do something.

I dunno, in certain circumstances, what would you do?

week 10 on WW

I weighed myself and I remain at a steady 115lbs.

So far so good.

And still, not a donut has been consumed.

This week has been physically rough on me. I've been dying for a donut or a coffee cake muffin since my serotonin levels have crashed.

The strawberries and cool whip are keeping me on the straight and narrow.

I'm still faithful about working out daily down in "cell block #9" but it hasn't been easy.

I would like to lose another 5 lbs just to rid myself of any remaining chub but I seem to be managing on this particular diet. I'm not starving by any means but to be able to lose that extra desired weight I think I would have to starve myself. Would it be worth it?

I happen to pass my favorite la de da consignment shop in Newburyport. They had this gorgeous suit hanging up with the original tags still on it. I could tell it was an European design by the fabric and the cut.

Sure enough, it was made in France. It was an European size 36. I knew it would be too small but decided to try it on just in case. I could zip the pants up but it was tight. My pudge was squishing over the top like a playdoe fun factory. The jacket was a bit snug as well.

After all it was a size 36 (US size 4). I was amazed that I could even get my ankle down the pant leg never mind fitting my rear-end in it.

Whoa, what a beautifully cut suit . I thought to myself, if I was only about 5 or so lbs lighter this suit would fit alright. There is definitely a difference in US brand suits compared to European designer suits. A Jones New York suit looks very standard business-like. They are rather shapeless without any stand out style, but functional.

Very Hillary Clinton-ish (sorry Hillary!).

A Jones New York suit is a US brand suit but they are generally made in China or some other crappy cheap labor country. It's almost impossible to find a suit with a US brand on it that isn't made in these countries. Yes, I have a couple of these suits I use for business functions.

This French suit was different.

When I was looking in the mirror I was amazed at how this suit tranformed my figure. My middle-aged "gravity challenged" butt was instantly transformed into a "Jennifer Aniston stair-mastered" bum.

Wholy smokes! Wow!

It was like the first time I tried on a 'wonder bra". I was transformed from an "A" to "C" in 30 seconds. I had instant boobs without the hassles.

Oh well, that was fun to just try on.

Right now, I just have to focus on not falling off the 'donut' wagon.

That is a challenge in itself.

dive #800 & 801 July 25 2010

I probably should have just stayed in bed that morning.
I really didn't think I was going to be able to even get out of bed.
I had such pain running up the right side of my back, shoulder and neck. I felt as though I had been in a car accident but I knew what in reality what was happening.
A mother of a migraine was emerging.
I had pain for three days starting in my ankles making it impossible to sleep. A migraine isn't just a headache. It affects everything that has blood vessels and nerves.
I thought if I get up ,walk around and perhaps, get my head in cold icy water I might feel better. So disregarding my better judgement I went diving.
Unfortunately the pain was spreading and getting worse. You would think by now I would listen to my body rather than thinking that ,"oh it's nothing".
Dive #800 July 25 2010
Thankfully, we had a great group aboard. Larient, as usual, Myanna, Linda, Diane K, a new guy named "Alan' and "Kat". The wind was blowing from the north-west with a strong incoming current making it challenging to find a good calm spot to anchor. The water was a bit choppy and under water there was a sickening surge. We ended up at Salt island off of Good Harbor beach.
Myanna, Linda and Larient were out hunting lobsters.
I found a humungous lobster under a rock missing a claw. I found the claw a few yards away from the lobster. I am assuming that was his/hers. I mostly stayed in one spot pulling at my hood just to get the cold water on my head.
Unfortunately it wasn't helping. The surge was getting the best of me and making me sick.
It turned out I wasn't the only one battling the surge. Kat was feeling rather green as well.
I couldn't even eat my snacks I brought afraid that I would barf.
I am hoping the next time Kat is onboard we can spend some time talking about aquariums and fish since she is the aquarist for the restaurant "Rain Forest Cafe"'. She is charge of their many salt water fish tank displays.
Dive #801
I have no idea where we landed for the second dive.
I tried desperately to "ignore" the now engulfing pain.
I figured just sitting under the boat with my eyes closed in the cold water would help.
I was progressively getting sicker.
It was a short dive.
Everyone was on the boat was kind, sympathetic and helpful. Pete and Chris chopped a chunk of ice and positioned it to fit snugly under my hat to cool my brain off.
What a wonderful invention.
I drove home very slowly. Thank God I can take the back roads home.
I took my hat off but the ice melted and formed to my head like a little hat itself. It stayed there all the way home. The ice kept me sober for the ride home.
These F*&^ing migraines rule my life. This will stay with me for a week.

the turtle diaries

This weekend, I have one of my favorite cockatiel customers boarding with me.

I also have a blind 12 year old bunny boarding with me as well.

This morning, I took care of an elderly kitty down the street.

I was suppose to be getting a "new " customer this weekend as well.

A couple of large box turtles.

But at the last minute the owner of these reptiles cancelled on me.

I hate to say it but I had the feeling this was going to happen.

When ever a guy inquires about my pet sitting service they never follow through.

I know this is stereotyping but it has happened every single time wherever I've had to exclusively deal with a guy.

All of my regular customers I deal with, married or not, are females.

I think it is because women are the ones who make child care arrangements, call for a plumber when something is leaking, and if they are over whelmed, they call for a house cleaner to clean their house, and so on...

Guys don't.

And they have no clue of what things cost.

If a guy has a leak around a toilet in their abode they try to fix it but if they can't, they just live with it, even if starts to stink .

Forget about a house cleaner. What mess?

Child care? Babysitters? You think they are going to pay them how much????

For doing nothing?

Both my husband and my father still think you can buy a suit for 50 cents.

I had this one unfortunate lady customer who was in the hospital at the time. She wanted me to take care of her six cats. Her "male friend" made the arrangements with me and he just "could not believe how much money I charged for (what he considered) a five minute job".

You have got to be F*&^ing kidding me.

That job actually took me 45 minutes to do at each visit.

I've had guys call me in regards to caring for their reptiles but cancelled at the last minute.

I've also had guys inquiring about walking their "multiple-big-sometimes-unruly-dogs" for way over the normal walking time limit but flinched when I told them there would be an extra charge for that.

Yes, I've had women do that as well.

And yes, I had to take one female customer to small claims court for failing to pay me.

But guys, are harder to deal with.

I am hoping this stereotype will be debunked at some point.

And I am also hoping at some point another stereotype will fall to side as well.

I am hoping to get female customers with reptiles!

squish!

It doesn't matter how much I spend on sneakers that I use to walk dogs. Whether I spend $10.00 on sneakers I get on sale at KMart or la de da Nikes for $80.00, it doesn't matter.

In three months they will end up in the bucket.

I wear sneakers out at the heel real fast plus having to walk in all kinds of weather they just get nasty. Another problem is no matter how careful I am I always manage to step in a big heaping pile of dog shit at least once a week.

Since I go through sneakers at a rapid rate I tend to buy the $10.00 no name brands at KMart. Seriously, they are just as comfortable as the fancy brand names. I also have problem buying brand names knowing that poor asian girl is making a dollar a day no matter what the sneaker's brand name is and the rest of the $80.00 spent on the fancy brand goes to some stupid overpaid sports figure.

I used to like nikes.

About 25 years ago when I first started running I bought a purple nike sweat suit with matching purple sneakers. This when nike products were made in the USA. I remember the whole outift at the time cost me well over $100.00. It looked really nice too. Unfortunately, my former brother-in-law's dog liked the outfit too.

The dog liked it a little too much.

Unbeknownst to me, the color purple "turned him on".

When ever this dog saw me wearing this running suit he would run over to me, position himself and proceed to hump my sneakers with vigor. The whole clan thought this was hilarious.

I didn't.

I was disgusted and never wore that suit nor that sneakers over their house anymore.

That outfit and sneakers are now long gone.

Today, I refuse to buy any nike products. I think the last straw was that obnoxious tiger Woods ad aluding to his infidelities. I think it was really gross and tacky, tacky TACKY.

Shame on them.

So I buy the kmart brand 'joggers".

I just bought a pretty nice pair that was listed for $39.98. It was on sale for $7.50.

God, I love a bargain!

My old sneakers by now were hurting my ankles since I wore out the heels.

I took a new dog out for a walk and guess what happened?

SQUISH!

I stepped right into a huge nasty pile of shit.

All the crap stuck deep into the new grooves of the fresh white sneakers.

I'm beginning to think all new sneakers are just shit magnets.

sigh....

blind date

Any time I get a call from a potential new customer I do an initial "meet and greet" to see if when they meet me they want to want hire me or, I decide weather or not I will take on this new client.


I get the same feeling in my stomache like when you are going on a "blind date".


It's really not any different.


You do the "meet and greet" thing to see if you are "compatible".


Dogs, especially, are like guys on a first date.


My biggest criteria (when dealing with both dogs and guys) is good behavior.


Think about it.


If a dog rushes you at the door, jumps on you barking and knocks you down.


Not good.


If a dog rushes you and shoves his nose at ramming speed into your crotch.


Not good.


If a dog absolutely has no boundaries and will not listen.


Not good.


Aggression.


Never good


If the dog is so fearful to the point they pee on the floor whenever they see you or craps on the floor everytime to make a point.


Not good


If the owner makes excuses for the dogs bad behavior or even encourages it.


Never good.


Does this sound like past 'blind dates ?' Am I talking about dogs or am I using euphemisms of past (bad) dates?


HA!


It's all the same to me.


Yesterday, I had a "new client".


A golden retriever.


He was A-OK. They are friendly dogs. A bit big but "easy going" types.


If were to compare my husband to a dog I would say he is more like a grey hound.


He's sweet, mellow, well behaved and likes to go running.


Hmmmmm...I wonder what dog he would say I am like?


Hmmmmmmmmm..........

(*God, I hope not a basset hound or a pug)

the Wild Pigeons of Salisbury beach part 14

The public beach is always a mess especially after the weekend.

It's really a disgrace.

There are tons of buckets to throw your trash but some pigs prefer to leave their little piglet's ca ca diapers on the beach. Pizza boxes, disgarded styofoam coolers filled with debris, broken beer bottles, chip bags, fishing lines with hooks, and even clothes are scattered all over the beach.

It's just nasty.

It's the turistas, the out-of-towners, that do it.

They don't care.

I won't even tell you what the public bathroom looks like.

Last weekend, I stepped on a metal wire buried in the sand and cut my foot.

It's really too bad because it is basically a decent beach. I sort of avoid the public beach in the height of turista season because of the crowds and mess.

Since you have to pay to get in the state beach it is much cleaner.

I buy a yearly beach pass every year to enter the state beach.

I get my moneys' worth in one weeks usage.

The bathrooms are clean and there are three of them on the state beach parkway.

As far as the pigeons are concerned, Brownie has not been with the usual group of pigeons on the public beach. I saw him about two weeks ago a half a mile north on the beach with a different group of pigeons. There is a new one that joined the group who I will call "Snowflake' since this one is all white with a spattering of black making this pigeon look like a cut-out paper snowflake. I do not know what Craow Dum got in to but I noticed he had a piece of green twine wrapped tightly around a toe on one foot and another thicker piece wrapped around his ankle.

Some jerk threw a hacky sack (a small bean bag filled with pellets) up on his nesting ledge. I tried to knock it down but it is too high up. The pigeons that reside up there seem to be afraid of it.

Although the food is more plentiful in the height of turista season ( fried dough, french fries, and pizza)I think the pigeons are happier during off-season where is less hazards and dangers.

Ahhhhh.. I really sound like a local, complaining about the tourists.

week 9 on WW

It's been NINE weeks since I've had a donut.

NINE WEEKS!

I still slowly drive by dunkin donuts like a pervert leering at the donuts.

I hopped on the scale this morning and I have reached my targetted goal of 115lbs.

I do not know if my scale is accurate but I do know I've lost a total of 13lbs.

Now the hard part is keeping it off and not falling off the wagon.

Jackie has been sticking to the 'program" too. I do not know how much weight she has lost but she looked slim and fit. Diane was on the "program" as well and she looked thin.

It works.

I keep my fat free international cookbook and my WW cookbook on my kitchen counter so that I shop and plan my meals properly for the week.

I've made an attempt of growing herbs, peppers and spinach in garden pots. My peppers and herbs are doing great. I water them twice a day and add plant food to them once a week. I pick off any bugs in the morning. My spinach did well in the beginning of the season but the scorching weather did it in, to my dismay. Fresh herbs make a huge difference in taste enhancement in any dish I make. I add basil to everything.

I think it helps that my husband likes to eat healthy as well so it makes things easy planning our meals. I think it would be hard to stay in line if he said things like, "oh, one donut won't hurt you". "Have a second helping". "I'm not eating that".

Thank God we are on the same wave length.

Dive #798 & 799 July 18 2010

I had a problem yesterday while posting this post. I spent an hour writing yesterday's blog and when I pressed "publish post" it disappeared. So I will make an attempt again this time without adding a picture.
It was another triple H day so I was glad I was scheduled aboard the "Easy Diver".
The ride in my car getting to Cape Ann was an adventure in itself . In Rowley, these two shit-heads driving a beat up impala cut in front of me and decided to chug along at 20MPH in a 45MPH zone. This is so aggravating because there is no place to pass a slow poke along rte 133 legally or safely even though I made a few attempts otherwise.
There was a thick cloud in their car in which the odors wafted back to me with a smell that reminded me of a high school hallway. I admit I was tail-gating them.
The fumes from their car was making me dizzy. I then realized these two bone-heads were tokin' big ass ganga rolls.
Thank God "Cheech and Chong" finally turned off in Gloucester because I was really starting to get "stupid" breathing in their potent second hand reefer.
Not a good way to start the day.

Dive #798 July 18 2010

We had a good group of customers aboard. Larient as usual, Jackie K and Diane K.
Fred and Chris worked with Diane on a refresher scuba course while the rest of us did a little shallow water exploration by Kettle island.
I went in with Jackie. We practiced some UW navigation but the currents kind of threw us off.
No matter. We basicallly went around in a circle. We saw flounder, some skates, small moon snails and small cunners. The water temp was a seasonable 58F at 20 feet.

Dive #799
I wasn't planning on doing a second dive but the water temp was pretty comfortable so I went in 'seagull mode" scavenging any small tanks aboard that any air left.
Diane's "mini' had 800psi left.
That'll do.
So I logged another dive at the stone garage.
Not a bad day after all!

true confessions

Yesterday I was busy with the dogs and squeezing errands in as well. I didn't have time to stop by my house to make lunch. I was starving too.

So I stopped by dunkin donuts....

I got an egg white flatbread and and ice tea with a drop of skim milk.

In weight watcher terms this was a "5 point' lunch.

I swear to God, I just looked at the donuts.

There they were just sitting there all happy and colorful perched on the bubblegum pink paper beckoning me with their sweet talk.

But I ignored them.

Again, despite my efforts of living a healthy lifestyle, this morning I was rudely awaken with a nasty migraine. My whole body ached like I had the flu. I couldn't run this morning so I did some yoga stretches instead. I was so stiff and sore. When I was younger I was so flexible. Freaky flexible. Now, I feel like a stiff ol' turd.

I hate being out of my progressive routine. I waited a few hours and did a light easy workout down in cell block #9. I push myself to stay "on the program".

My close friends, including my cousin are what I consider 'health nuts". They tout the virtues of blueberries, flax seed, soy milk and vitamen suppliments. I respect their opinions and now, I take my vitamens and eat blueberries.

Yesterday, as I was standing in line with my groceries awaiting check out I can tell what people look like just by eyeing what they buy for groceries. The cart in front of me had two cases of diet tonic, at least 6 boxes of lean cuisine TV dinners, one bag of vegetables, bananas, 3 different bags of cheetos, drakes cupcakes, fruit loops cereal, and various boxes of cookies. When I looked up the lady in line in front of me had a huge bum.

I know that sounds bratty but it was true.

The lady in front of her had 20 cans of cat food, 3 boxes of cat litter, toilet paper and a bag of grapes. Her hair was a mess, her clothes were covered in cat hair and I could smell cat piss from where I was standing. Sorry, but I couldn't help observing.

I'm not going to fool you though, I still have my glass case with a hammer propped up next to it holding two boxes of poptarts and a bottle of Cayman gold just in case Seabrook melts down.

Thank God it is an overcast day today.

I need to take it slow and easy with the dogs today.

dog dayz of summer

We are having a heat wave.

Even though I live by the ocean the air temps have been stiffling.

I think as I am getting "older" my internal temperature guage is on the fritz. I am having hard time dealing with the heat especially since I have a job that requires me to be out in the midday sun.

Things have slowed down a little bit lately in my business which is OK. Most of my new customers have been cat customers which are for the most part easy so long as I don't have to give them an injection or that they are super finicky or neurotic.

I've had my regular customers of birds that stay with me which is my favorite part of my job. My birds enjoy these visitors as well. Linus loves when Princess comes to visit. He flirts with her like mad. Whereas Lucille enjoys when Dover comes for a visit. Billy Bob likes to tease the cockatiels but he is fun happy silly lovebird.

I've been a having bunny rabbit boarder quite often this summer. I keep "Benji" at my house in my nice cool basement. I let him out to hop around so that he can exercise his little legs. He is pretty old so I have to be conscience of the heat affecting him. I brush his shedding fur daily and supply him with cool fresh greens to keep him hydrated. At least having him in my temperature controlled cellar I don't really have to worry too much rather than leaving him at his home in his bunny hutch where he could easily overheat.

In this weather, heat stroke is a concern not only for the dogs but for me as well. I keep plenty of water in my car. I take the dogs in the woods or at the park to stay out of the sun.

I also have to keep alert of rolling heat thunder storms that seem to come out of nowhere. Lighting strikes are a real concern.

Most of the dogs I walk know it is hot and just like to do "their business" and sniff around for a bit. One dog doesn't understand that it is just to F*&^%ing hot to run around and jump on you.

"Riley" will run around no matter how hot it is with her tongue hanging 8 feet out of head.

I took the dogs over to my cousins for a change of scenery since she has a nice big shady backyard. Riley ran around like a nut, gulped a huge amount of water left in a bowl and then decided she wanted to get on my lap to wipe her mouth on my pants. This is one of the reasons I have to wear long pants all year round.

Dogs seem to gravitate towards my bare legs to:

1) wipe their mouths on my legs

2) lick my legs

3) as a climbing/jumping post

4) a yummy target for ticks, greenheads and mosquitoes

I bought two pairs of these 'dog friendly' pants at Kittery trading post that repels water and that for some reason, ticks can't hold on to.

I have to keep an eye on Riley epecially since she doesn't know when to stop. She gets over excited about everything. Sensory overload. This makes her more at risk for heat stroke. She's a a friendly pretty dog but can be a handful at times.

Short snouted dogs I have to keep a watch out for. They have a hard time breathing AND really risk overheating fast. I have one pitbull mix with a short snout that strains on his leash. He makes me a little nervous because he doesn't know to stop, slow down and just breath.

Well, as much as I complain about the sizzling simmering heat at least it's not snow.

You never have to shovel 'humidity".

week 8 on WW

It's now the monday morning routine by hopping on the scale to see if I've lost (or gained) any weight.

I am down another pound.

I have only 1/2 a pound to go to reach my "official" goal.

But I am satisfied of where I am right now.

I haven't fallen "off the wagon" which is the big thing.

I was really tired and hungry on the weekend and I DID NOT mindlessly eat (which I've done in the past)

When I am tired, aggravated, depressed, you name it, I would eat a box of poptarts or anything else that was loaded with flour, fat and sugar.

A cup of tea helps these "pangs" as well a bowl of fruit with cool whip.

It's nice to be able to fit into my wetsuit without squashing in the pudge.

It is nice to have my pants loose instead of suffocatingly tight.

I've been religiously sticking to working out in "cell block #9" (my basement gym) everyday with having the weekends to rest. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but before I started working out I could not lift my arms over my head.

It was extremely painful.

I can now lift my arms over my head using weights. I have graduated ever so small the amount of weights in my routine but I am progressing. I can't stand having squishy jiggly arms. It's gross.

No, I probably will not look the way I did when I was 30 years old. My skin is now different and my stamina for exercising is much lower than it was but I am striving to be the best I can be at this point in my life.

Oh yeah, I still dream of donuts. Chocolate buttercrunch, glazed, cinnamon, powdered, a plain stick, jelly, blueberry, coconut and chocolate frosted.

It's still just one day at a time.

Dive #796 & 797 July 11 2010

Dive # 796 July 11 2010

The weather was predicted to have on and off thunder storms today. I figured if I brought my rain gear then the rain would stay away.

And it did.

It was hot and sunny.

Pat had the day off. The captain banged out two dives the previous day overworking his slowly mending knee so he directed operations topside instead on going in. Pete and Chris did some UW filming.

We had a good group of customers aboard.

Larient, Myanna and her partner Linda. They have easy going personalities and are good divers to boot ! I like having them aboard.

We ventured out to Lanesville since Larient, Myanna and Linda were in the lobster hunting mode. I like this spot too since it is shallow and close to shore.

Water was really murky as you descend but once you got to the bottom it was OK. Water temp was 56F at 30feet. I was hoping to see some dogfish but all I saw were few pollack. I only used a half a tank so I could do a second dive.

Dive #797

We headed over to "the restaurant" near Folly Cove for the second dive. However, there was fisherman with his son fishing at the spot that we wanted to drop anchor. We ended up heading back to Lanesville but edging closer to the mouth of Folly. For some reason, the water felt warmer. Chris and Pete were on a quest to film a "capture and release" involving a flounder as a part of their film footage. I found a huge flounder and tried to herd it over to where I thought Chris and Pete were filming. Even though I was conscience of the changing tide and the sneaky current I ended up not where I thought I was suppose to be.

I used lobster pots as landmarks. I got suspicious when I was near a yellow lobster pot when I had swore that lobster pot was green. Sure enough when I surfaced to check my bearings I was at the wrong lobster pot. I guess the flounder that I was herding was not going to be a movie star today.

I still had fun looking around.

It was a nice easy low key day of diving.

That works for me!

along came a spider...

In the summer, I hang my clothes outside to dry. Not only is it "environmentally friendly" but I like the way the clothes smell line-dried.

Fresh and clean.

Anything that comes out of the electric dryer ends up smelling like socks.

The only bad thing that happens when I leave my clothes out to dry on the line is occasionally I get a "hitchhiker" that comes in the house with the clothes.

Sometimes if I leave the clothes overnight outside I'll get an earwig or two, maybe even a sleeping yellowjacket. One time, my husband discovered he had a large moth stuck in a sleeve.

Since this has been a problem I give the clothes a good shake before bringing them in.

It is has been so bloody hot this week that I just grab the clothes off the line fast without shaking them out first.

Today I brought in two daddy long leg spiders.

I shook the shirt out over the toilet so the spiders would fall in. At the time, I didn't think much about it until I glanced back to see these poor spiders struggling to get out.

I felt terrible that I chucked them in the toilet so I did what any saint would do.

I took a piece of paper and got those spiders out of the toilet.

They sat on the paper for a bit to dry off and then I gently opened the screen door to let them out.

I felt better afterwards that I had rescued them rather than let them drown.

But I will confess, I am not that kind to yellowjackets or hornets.

the wild pigeons of Salisbury beach part 13

The temperatures have been heating up. The thermometer was pegged on 100F in the shade. The thermometer on my back deck in the sun reached 122F at 2:00pm.

Last January, only six months ago, we had temps that dropped to -15F with the wind chill factor.

Welcome to New England.

I am always amazed at the resilience of the beach pigeons surviving in the extremes of our fluctuating temperatures.

Still, you gotta love Salisbury beach.

There is a certain style, attitude and lifestyle that is a part of living by the Massachusett's coastline. Things that you don't normally think about but are unique to this area despite the globalization and massive chain store invasion amalgamation.

Yes, I shucked clams as a kid, I was on the "Major Mudd" show during the 60's, I head to Hampton beach in the summer, I cheer for the Red Sox no matter what, I listen to Howie Carr on the radio,I apple pick in the fall, I know what greenheads are, I 've been to the saint's festivals in the North End, and I go to the Patriot's day parade on April 19th in Lexington.

I don't wear skimpy clothing, I'm not a huggy feelie person. I'm a bit uptight.

Yes, I am a true Bostonian.

This is a part of my identity and yes, I'm proud of it

I remember about 25 years ago sitting in the airport down in Miami. A fellow with a dark tan wearing a tropical shirt drinking a cocktail said to me in this slow languid accent, "I can tell you are from Boston". I was wearing a Lacosste shirt and tailored pants. As soon as I opened my mouth the Boston accent came out. I laughed and said to him, "I can tell you are from Florida!"

It made me sad when I went to Texas last January and half the people did not have that distinct Texan accent. Some of the transient "Texans" even made fun of those who had the accent.

I thought that was rather sad.

I enjoyed the Texans with their distinct accent and friendly 'big' ways. I loved the cowboys hats, boots, steak houses (even though I don't eat steak) and the pretty ladies with big hair. I hated seeing a "Burlington coat factory", "home depot" and "Olive garden" in their strip malls.

Beleive it or not, I noticed the pigeons.

The pigeons were a bit bigger but a little more scroggier in Texas.

The pigeons in San Francisco were really scroggie looking but super friendly with more color variations.

The resident pigeons were unique like the resident people.

I hope the pigeons are proud of who and what they are.

week 7 on WW

OK this photo is pretty bad but I couldn't help but crack up.

I think Jesus would've thought this was pretty funny too.

Anyways, it is week 7 on my weight watcher's journey. I got on the scale this morning and so far, I've lost total of 12 pounds. I have 1.5 pounds to go to reach my goal.

I'm not starving either.

I really think I can live like this.

And that is the mantra of weight watchers is a life style eating change over.

I still haven't touched a donut for 7 weeks now. Those will remain on the "no fly" list.

Pat bought something from DD and brought it on the boat this weekend. I have no idea what she got but I had to sniff the empty bag as an excuse for 'taking her trash" away. I guess this is what it is like for people who give up cigarettes. I've seen "former" smokers sniffing that second hand smoke aroma as they struggle to detox from their cigarette addiction.

I still plan, prepare and cook in advance my healthy low fat meals everyday.

I can't help but wonder if people who do the Jenny Craig or nutrisystem diets can keep the weight off once they reach their goal since all their meals are these tiny pre-made TV dinner-like "meals".

Have you seen these "meals"?

It is no wonder you lose weight if you stick to eating just these prescribed 'meals". They are the size of a deck of cards of this brown mucus-like mass called a "nutritionally balanced meal". Let's be honest, you can't eat this crap forever. It's all processed crap but I guess it is easier than having to cook.

I guess these folks have a diet coach to help them integrate into eating normal and healthy after they stop eating those TV dinner entries. It IS a big effort to properly shop, plan and prepare for healthy meals when you have a busy lifestyle.

So far, so good. It's working for me.

dive# 795 July 4th 2010

Dive #795 July 4th

Out on a dive boat was the place to be on a horrendously, hot and hazy fourth of July.

My head was still a bit foggy after a weeks worth of zomig but I figured a plunge in the icy depths would do me some good. However, if we were to dive at cathedral rocks I would wait this dive out and dive at the second site. I don't like this spot because it is deep, bloody cold and murky.

We had Janet M, her friend Neal, Larient and Fred's old time pal Jerry C.

Fred assigned me to dive with Jerry.

I was little nervous about this because I was still a bit 'off" and Jerry being the cantankerous but fragile ol' scroggie might have issues in the water.

Jerry has been diving before I was born but at 80 years old with health issues I was a bit nervous about getting in the water with him..

It was unbearably hot. I made the mistake of putting on my wetsuit too early before arriving at the second dive. I was severely over heating so I just jumped in without my hood. I had to get my head cooled off. Pete delighted in the fact of "helping"me submerged my head by stepping on my shoulders dunking me it.

AHHHHH! that felt good!

When I hopped out of the water I felt something "wiggling" behind my knee. I thought to myself, "oh gross I must have some insect trapped in my wetsuit after being stored in the garage since the fall". Sure enough, when I was helping Pete and Pat with the anchor TWO plump earwings crawled out of the sleeve of my wetsuit. Pat was horrified and totally grossed out. I can't say I blame her but I wasn't about to take the suit off at that point before completing my dive.

The ocean was filled with boats partying and enjoying the day. The beaches were completely packed. People were enjoying their holiday to the fullest.

The second dive was at Lane's crossing which I was glad of. It is shallow and close to the rocks. There is usually good things to see exploring at the rock formations.

I got in the water with Jerry. All seemed well except he started to swim like a bat out of hell straight out to the open ocean!

What the ....?!?!?!

I started following him thinking maybe he was disoriented. I pointed to the shore area but he still kept swimming furiously out further to the boating lanes. WTF! At that point, I had to surface before we both ended up far away from the boat and shoreline to see if I could find Pete. Jerry has been diving a very long time and I'm sure he wasn't about to follow a girl.

I alerted Chris of the situation and tried to at least have an idea of where he was going just in case he had to be rescued.

Thankfully, about 15 minutes later, I did see Pete AND Jerry diving together getting closer to the boat.

I relaxed and was relieved after seeing them together. I saw some lobsters and a school of small pollack. I even found Pete's lobster that he had dropped overboard with it's claws banded. I was tempted to remove the bands and set him free but Pete was having a big cookout at his house and the fresh lobster feast is a big highlight for his guests.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy fourth of July.

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!

girl's night out

It had been a tough week for me fighting off the migraine demons once again.

The heat and blasting sun doesn't help matters. I just want to hide in a hole for a week with ice packed on my head.

It is predictably unpredictable similar to the course a virus takes. I kind of figured it would last about a week. I take my zomig, ice my head and try to lay low. It's difficult because you still have to go to work and fulfill your plans and appointments you make with friends and family.

Life doesn't just stop and wait.

I had made plans to see "Craig Ferguson" at the Wilbur theater with my old time grammar school chum. Craig Ferguson is a late night talk show host and comedian. He played the snotty "Mr. Wick on the "Drew Carey show". He is also the author of two books. His latest book "American on Purpose" I recommend as one of those good summer reads.

Thankfully, the migraines were managable so I was able to enjoy a 'girl's night out"in Boston.

(You would be amazed how days like this without your head and body aching you appreciate feeling just being "normal".)

One of the main things that makes a comedian good is not only the timing of the punchline their ability to know their audience.

The opening act did not have this skill, I say with regret.

For example, a preppie white guy would not do well telling racial jokes to an all black audience.

That just would not fly.

This opening act guy (who's name eludes me) was telling jokes about women's periods in regards to bitchiness to a mostly over 40 year old female audience.

That went over like a lead balloon.

I'm surprised he wasn't pelted by a blizzard of tampons and sanitary pads with his lame attempt of trying to be 'cute".

Craig, however, had that comedic flair and appeal.

I think having a audience that could relate to his Scottish humor was big. Let's face it most people in the Boston area are either northern Isle (Irish, Scottish or English) decent or Italian (or the combination of both) so his humor was appreciated.

We got a kick out of his rapid fire quips plus he's not a bad looking guy to boot either!

Yup, it was a good time to be had by all.

We topped the evening off stopping off at a high school friend's house.

It was a late night for me being the old fart that I am but it was fun hanging out and listening to funny stories with my high school pals.

Yup, I got to do this more often.

* just in case you were wondering, a Scotsman does'nt wear anything under those kilts.