The Black Cat - part 3

The Black Cat - part 2

The Black Cat - Part 1

Because It's Christmas

Black Water Haddie

I have always loved this song by Jim Stafford. It seems just the ticket to get us in the Halloween mood!!!

Groundhog's Day

You know ... there has been a lot of talk from PETA saying how cruel it is to "cage" a groundhog and parade him around in front of thousands of people every February 2nd. They were specifically referring to Punxsutawney Phil in their tyraid. It is PETA's belief that Phil should be replaced by a robotic facsimile. *sigh*

Now I can't speak for any of those other rodent weather prognosticators, but have you ever seen Phil's "cage"? He has a very large climate controlled room with both a public sun room where he can lounge with his family and make fun of his adoring fans and a private area, complete with "underground" digs. That "Whistle Pig" has got it made in the shade!

Yes ... it is true that he is carted up to Gobbler's Knob once a year to make his prediction. The fact is that this groundhog has never run wild and is totally comfortable being cuddled by his handlers. As the local celebrity, he lives a life of luxury and really soaks up the attention. As a domesticated groundhog, he will far outlive his wild brethren. And despite the fact that he only has a 39% accuracy record when it comes to his weather predictions, he is adored by all.

Particularly since he generally predicts 6 more weeks of winter and everyone is happy when he IS wrong! *grin*

6 Week Deep Tissue Detox

Spring has sprung!

Time to get those lingering toxins from winter, bad eating habits, pollution and stress OUT of your body to
make room for more energy and vitality!

Sign up for the 6-Week Deep Tissue Detox before bikini season hits!

This is Dedicated to the One I Love!

I've been holding on to this video for a while now. I mean ... could anything be more perfect for Valentine's Day? I don't think so! In fact, I feel compelled to go snuggle with my honey right now!!! [grin]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hamster on a Piano

Okay ... I admit it, I have no ground breaking news and I have been too busy with work to do anything TOO exciting! (Though Bob and I did get to meet up with a couple of friends for dinner a few nights ago and a week earlier a woman was licking my ear in a local gay bar ... and yes ... Bob did take a photo. *sigh*)

However, I ran across this cute little fellow today and it brought a big smile to my face. I hope it does the same for you!

VOTE for HOPE

Need I say more?!?!?

Welcome Back to the Night!

This is my new wallpaper for my computer. I have decided that I am not going to decorate the whole house for Halloween, this year. Just the outside. (I know ... I know ... I'm just too worn out this year!) So even though I am not decorating the entire house, I am still decorating my computer!!! [grin]

It's a Half Full Kinda Thing!

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

HBPS - The Optimist

Humanity, Background, Big Picture, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

HOPE

Spring White Sale

Keely Bush

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 2 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

There are 2 people in the U.S.A. with the name of Keely Bush.

Yeah... I know what you're thinking. One was enough!!! [grin]

Spring, Sprang, Sprung!

Wednesday was a near perfect day here in central Ohio. The sun was shining brightly in a vivid blue sky, interrupted only slightly by wispy white clouds. It was around 50 degrees out, so you could run around in just a sweatshirt, or a light jacket. The birds were sweetly singing their spring songs in the fresh scented air.

To prove it's point, when I arrived for my massage therapy session at 1:00, I was greeted by this beauty, just bursting at the seams. My therapist did not know what it was called, but after a quick e-mail to my friend Dawn, I now agree that it is some variety of hellebore.



After my massage I was in a state of relaxed bliss. Just the way my chiropractor wanted me! So I headed straight over to her office to get adjusted. After the adjustment, I was feeling that all was right with the world, and sure enough... right there in front of my car was a small patch of four or five crocus, saying hello to the sun!



I was so relaxed after all of this that I had to stop in a parking lot on my way home because I was afraid that I would fall asleep while driving. (Of course, it was a Michael's store parking lot, so I had to go in!!!) I did end up taking a three hour "nap" after I got home. I had only intended a short nap, and then I had planned on taking a nice little walk in the sun.

By the time I got up, the sun was almost down... and it has rained every day since. [sigh]

Where's the Passion?

Doesn't that just make your mouth water? It is called Pineapple Passion Fruit Salad, but alas... I could find no passion fruits to lend their seeds to this wonderful dish!

I thought it was about time to wake up our tastebuds for spring. This is a very refreshing and light dessert, or appetiser! Plus... The photo above makes a delicious wallpaper for your computer! Go ahead and download it... you know you want to!

Patches the Horse

Just when you thought you had seen everything!!!

Update: I just found an article that tells a little more about this horse before his passing on September 1, 2006. (I'm guessing it was clogged arteries from all those cheeseburgers!!!)

Sea-Salted Smokey Almond Chocolate Bark

Here is a guilty pleasure for you for Valentine's Day!!! You can use any kind of good quality dark chocolate to make these. (Godiva would have been ideal!) I used Dove brand because it was easy to get, and I got to read all of the little verses inside the wrappers!!! [grin]

Sea-Salted Smokey Almond Chocolate Bark
(preparation - 10 min. / cooling time - 1 hr. / makes 12 pieces)

8 oz. Dark Chocolate, broken into small pieces
1/2 cup smoked-flavor almonds, coarsely chopped,
1/8 tsp. sea salt* (preferably coarsely ground)

Line 8-inch baking pan with wax paper.

Microwave small chocolate pieces in a small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds. STIR. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10 to 15 second intervals, stirring just until melted. Stir in 1/4 cup almonds.

Pour into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Tap pan several times to spread chocolate and settle nuts. Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces**. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

* I like to use Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt
** I prescore when chocolate has started to set to make breaking when totally set easier.

A Place to Bark ... and meow

Bernie thanks you, I thank you... but most importantly, the dogs and cats that have been and will be saved by A Place to Bark thank you!

Did they win the $50,000 grant? It doesn't look like it. But the official counting must be done to make sure that there are no duplicate donors. So in theory, if one of the other badges had a lot of duplicates that dropped them down, Bernie could move up! We won't know for sure for about 30 days. You will be able to check the status HERE.

The wonderful thing is that a shelter will still be built! It will not be as large as it would have been with the additional grant money, but we raised $42,149 and the Zoline Foundation matched it up to $25,000. They will also receive $1,000 from Network for Good for being one of the 50 charities in the U.S.A. that raised the most donations. That's over $77,000!!!

See what happens when we all band together for a worthy cause!!! Thank You!!!

A Place to Bark ... and meow

I want to really thank you if you have already donated $10 to A Place to Bark. The money will make a huge difference to the day to day operations of the shelter and help Bernie save more animals.

If you have not donated yet, won't you please take a moment to do so? In order to win the $50,000 so that she can build a new shelter... Bernie must be one of the top four charities. Just yesterday she was in second place, where she had been for quite a while. Unfortunatly, the other charities have stepped up to the plate and she is currently down in fifth place. We need to get her back up at least to number four before 3 PM EST on January 31st!!! And if you have already donated, please spread the word. Every little bit helps!!!

You can check to see how Bernie is doing by clicking HERE.

The badge to donate is in the sidebar, or you can do it right from the link directly above!

And if a little bribery is needed... well, we're not above that!!! Several artists have now stepped up and are offering original pieces of artwork as prizes to those who donate to A Place to Bark!!! Nudge - Nudge!!!

You may have heard of Bernie Berlin. She is a mixed media artist that specializes in Fabrege style eggs and teaches classes in Altered Books and Creating Artist Trading Cards among others. She also has written the wonderful book, Artist Trading Card Workshop Book.

But... did you also know that she has a heart of gold? She runs a full-time, no-kill dog (and cat) rescue shelter. It is called A Place to Bark, and she needs our help!

Here is How It Works:

* The four charity badges with the most unique donations through America's Giving Challenge will get $50,000 for their cause.

* Only donations of $10 or more will count towards the challenge.

* America's Giving Challenge runs only until January 31st.

Donate:

*If you are able donate , please donate via the badge a $10 tax deductible donation. We need the most people possible to each donate $10 to A Place to Bark. In order to win the grant we need to have the most amount of donors, not necessarily the amount of money donated.

* If you enter the name "cooper" on the line that says dedication or gift, you will be entered into a drawing to recieve a beautiful piece of artwork by Tim Holtz!!! Please visit his BLOG to see it!!!

* In addition, you will also be put in a drawing to win one of five autographed copies of Bernie's book, Artist Trading Card Workshop Book plus one of her original ATCs that was published in the book!!!

* All donations made to A Place to Bark's Six Degrees Badge, will be matched by the "Zoline Foundation" up to $25,000.00!!! All donations up to June 1st will be counted for the matching donation from the Zoline Foundation, but to help her win the challenge, and be entered in the drawing, you must donate before January 31st.

Please take the time to check out Bernie's BLOG to get more detailed information on this challenge. And after you do, give your pet a hug!!! [grin]

Take a Break

Half Dome Mountain in Yosemite National Park

Sometimes we all need to just sit back and relax. Take your mind off of your worries, and look at a pretty picture or two. These pictures were taken while Bob and I were in California in 2003. They are some of my favorite shots from that trip. If you enjoy them, I'll post a few more at a later time.


Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,430 ft.; Middle, 675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is the tallest waterfall in North America and fifth tallest in the world with a total drop of 2,425 feet.


One of my favorite shots for my desktop!

Okay, there is nothing really special about this shot, other than the fact that I made Bob pull over along the side of the road just before or soon after we got inside of Yosemite National Park, just so I could take this picture. He was freaking out because I was leaning way out over the edge of the embankment so that I could get a good angle. Although the site paled in comparisan to the sites we would soon see... it is still one of my favorite pictures taken that day!

What Time of Day Are You?

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Happy New Year!

In America, THE place to be on New Year's Eve is New York City. I've never been there in person, but I always watch the ball drop on TV. Here in Columbus, Ohio they call the celebration party "First Night". I've never been to that either. I just sit at home, nibble on some crackers and cheese and have a glass of Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante. I may watch a DVD and then switch over to Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve to see the ball drop in New York at midnight. IF I have any energy at that hour, I may go outside and burn a sparkler to add light to the new year. Bob will have gone to bed hours earlier!!! [grin]

When I was growing up my mother would get a couple of different chips and dips (potato chips and french onion dip, and Frito-Lay corn chips and salsa), a bag of pretzels (or she would pop popcorn), and a six-pack of pop (soda) for each of us. (This is back when it was still in glass bottles) This was a real treat because we were not allowed to have chips and dip usually, and the only time we got pop was on Sunday, and then just one bottle. On New Year's Eve, Mom would let us each drink all six, if we wanted!!! (I bet we were bouncing off the walls!!!) I should have mentioned that we usually started off the evening with pizza for our dinner... so it was a true gastronomical catastrophe!!! [wink-wink]

We would all get snuggley in our flannel nighties or pajamas and Mom would set up a card table in the living room and we would all work on a big jigsaw puzzle while watching a monster movie(and munching and slurping pop). Yeah... great thinking on their part. Hype the kids up on sugary drinks and junk food and then let them watch monster movies before going to sleep! [grin]

Then at some point later in the evening, Dad would turn on Guy Lombardo's New Year's special, and we would watch that until the ball dropped in New York at midnight. As soon as it dropped, we would grab our flashlights, bell and whistle and run outside, while "Auld Lang Syne" was playing. We would look through the bare trees to our neighbor's house on the hill.

First Doctor Jose (in HIS pajamas) would turn on his floodlight to his back yard, then he would trudge through the snow to his dinner bell which was on the edge of the woods. As soon as he started "ringing in the New Year", Chana and I would start up our noise... Chana on the hand bell, and me on a loud whistle and we would wave our flashlights in the air. (At least one year we had sparklers, which is what prompts me to light one on New Year's Eve, now.) When Dr. Jose was done ringing the bell, he would wave at our family and we would call out a New Year's greeting to each other. The night was cold, and our voices carried quite well through the woods. We would go back in the house and either stay up and finish the puzzle (if it was still not done) or go to bed with a stomach ache!!!

Ahhh... memories! I don't think that the neighbors here in the suburbs would appreciate me ringing a bell and blowing a whistle. [sigh]

May the New Year bring you peace, prosperity, health, and happiness... and a good puzzle or two!!!

Merry Aaa-CHoo and a Happy Hack-Hack

It never fails. I get a few days off for fun and frolic with Bob... and I catch a cold.

Bob has been off work for over a week now, and I swear... within a couple of days I was already starting to show signs of a cold coming on. I'd get to feeling better and the next day I would be out for the count. I made it through to Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) but by that evening, I could feel it coming on again. The next day I was a sniffling, snorting mess!

That is why no one has heard from me. I have been hibernating since then. I am now starting to show signs of life. Of course that means step two is about to start... Bob is showing the first signs of a cold! [sigh]

Ha Long Bay... The Party!

The owners of Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen threw an appreciation party for their favorite customers and the staff on December 20th. Bob and I felt very honored to be among those asked to attend!

PA cooked up a whole bunch of delicious Vietnamese dishes, some of which are not on the restaurant's menu, and served them up buffet style so that the servers could enjoy the party, too! It was really great to be able to just sit and visit with some of our favorite people!!!

Here are just a few pictures from that evening...


This was my plate. We honored the cooks by tasting a bit of everything that they made... and yes, that included dishes with meat. Although we would never order or eat meat normally, we both felt strongly that this should be an exception to our strict vegetarian rule.

Oh... I don't think they come any cuter than this!!! I'm talking about the baby, folks... not me! [grin] Isn't she a sweetie!!!

Here are three of our favorite waitresses... Annie, Beth and Kim. Two others, Sera and Christine, were out of the state at the time of the party. I missed the opportunity to take pictures of the two waiters, Khan and An. They are all great, and always make us feel right at home!!!

Bob poses with Christina and the wee one. Christina asked Bob if it would be okay for them to call him Uncle!!!

The people seated at the table were other guests of the evening. Standing behind the table is the head chef, PA, his mother, and his wife, Christina. PA and Christina are the proud owners of Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen, and the hosts of the evening.

If you would like to see more pictures from that night, just click this link!!!

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

Don't Judge a Blog...

I had a good laugh today!

I opened up my blog and checked to see what was going on. I have this little program that runs on my sidebar that lets me see approximately what cities, states and countries that my visitors are coming from. Doesn't tell me who the visitor is, just their location. It also tells me what site they arrived from (if they arrived via a link on that site) and gives me the option of clicking on it to visit that location. Now occasionally someone will arrive there via a search. Once in a while, I will click on searches to go back and see just what they were searching for that lead them to my site.

Today I had to laugh. The search had been for "divas in girdles" and after reading the description of my site, who could blame them for checking it out!!! [grin] (Keep in mind also, that in addition to being women who eat raw foods, the phrase "Raw Diva" is used by some professional women wrestlers in this country!)

keely bush: I'm a Raw Diva!!!
I felt really good about the program, and loved the lovely Divas, Tera and Amy, ... Bras and Girdles - Sexed Up!!! Thong Bookinis - Look at ME!!! ...
keelybush.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-raw-diva.html - 70k - Similar pages

Can you imagine their dismay when they actually arrived at my site and saw to what those titles referred!!! "Bras and Girdles" is a picture of an amusing sign in Youngstown, Ohio and directs you to go to my hubbies blog for an amusing, yet thought provoking, post. "Sexed Up!!!" and "Look at ME!!!" are both posts about our bird Clyde. And "Thong Bookinis" is actually just a post about some bookmarks I made out of beads and a string!!! Oh... and the "I'm a Raw Diva" is the post about me adopting a raw vegan lifestyle!!! [ROTFL]

Sorry... just had to share!!! [grin]

Happy Birthday, Bob!!!

Fifty-One years ago, a cute little baby was born. His proud parents named him Robert Scott Bush and he was a very good little baby. However, he grew up!!! [wicked grin] Oh... don't get me wrong, he is still a great guy. It's just that the years have turned him into an imp with a devilishly wicked sense of humor!!! [grin]

We went to our favorite restaurant, Ha Long Bay Asian Cuisine (Vietnamese food at it's finest) where he was showered with gifts and a card signed by the staff. The owner and head chef made him a special meal and then sent out a decadent slice of cake for us. The cake was not your typical cake. I'm not sure what it was called, but it was very good!!! We love them up at Ha Long Bay! They did the same thing for my birthday, and we often get e-mails from the waitresses!!! [grin] If you are ever in the neighborhood, let us know! We are always looking for an excuse to visit Ha Long Bay!!!

NOTE: Although I had the above post all cued up in my computer to be posted on Bob's birthday, we were running around in and out of town so much that I didn't realize that I had forgotten to publish it. It is actually being posted on Dec. 10th, but I kept it under the original date of his birthday.

Penny for your Thoughts

My blog is worth $5,645.40.
How much is your blog worth?

And those pennies add up! So... where do I go to cash it all in??? [evil grin]

No Turkeys and a Ten

This is a picture of our Raw Vegan Thanksgiving dinner. I dug out the antique china but was too lazy to drag out the box of sterling silverware. [grin] If you would like to see more of our dinner and find out just what is on those plates, please go to Dinner for Two!

Tera of The Raw Divas tagged me to post ten things I am thankful for this season. Here is my ten. And if you are reading this post, you have just been tagged!!!

1) Bob
2) my family and my in-laws
3) my wonderful friends
4) a roof over my head
5) raw food in my tummy
6) The Raw Divas
7) rubber stamps
8) luscious yarns
9) green smoothies
10) Ha Long Bay Restaurant