Nothing in Particular

== == == == ==

Donald noticed over the weekend that mockingbirds have been pecking at our tomato plants. Annoying! He put up a makeshift "cage" around all the tomato plants, and that should work for now.

I've read a little online and found a few other ideas, too. Some people suggest hanging junk CDs, foil streamers, etc. on fishing line to frighten the birds away. My personal favorite, though, is a rubber snake. Just move it around every day or two, and the birds are supposed to think it's the real thing. (Of course, we'd have to put it so that Molly couldn't get to it, or it'd be her newest toy! I can just imagine her running around with a fake snake hanging out of her mouth! It wouldn't be good for my nerves. (g))

== == == == ==

Donald's parents are getting a puppy today! (Already have it by now, I'm sure.) There are photos on this page of Thorbjörn's website. Their puppy is the one sitting by herself in two of the photos. I think Donald said her name is Soffi (spelling may be wrong), but I'm not sure if that's what they're calling her or just what the mother-dog's owners have been calling her.

== == == == ==

I just remembered something that happened one of the evenings we were taking care of Prince and Skipper, recently. We were driving away, and the dogs had "escorted" us to the front of the yard, near the fence. Suddenly, I saw a bird "dive-bombing" poor Skipper! He must have been near a nest. I've seen video of birds attacking cats that way, but not dogs. Fortunately, he seemed to be fine, though I do think he was aware that the bird was fussing at him.

== == == == ==

We watched The Invasion the other night.

SPOILER ALERT!!
Don't read this section if you haven't seen The Invasion yet and don't want it spoiled.

Afterwards, I checked out what people were saying about it on IMDB (Internet Movie Database). Just because I like doing that. (g) I don't know what I expected, really, because, well, many of the people who comment there are. . . well, let's just say they're not all the best or the brightest. Still, I allowed myself to feel shocked when some of them expressed the opinion that the virus was actually a good thing. Yeah, what's so bad about something that takes away the essence of who you are? I mean, it was bringing about world peace! Who cares if we cease to be who we are-- lose emotion and autonomy-- if it means the world's at peace?

I knew the concept of the rights (and the value) of the individual was being steadily brainwashed away, but this has brought it into even sharper focus for me.

== == == == ==

I'm trying to learn to crochet granny squares. I got a little demonstration from Mom and Aunt Cathy on Friday, and since then I've also found a couple of helpful tutorials online. (I'm sure there are lots more.) I guess I'm making some progress, but I'm sure my tension is off, because I can't seem to hold the yarn comfortably-- and my work so far is not very pretty. I'll probably improve if I just stick with it for a while, but it's hard to want to work on it when the results aren't that great. I don't think I'll ever be known for my patience in learning new skills.

(I've made two "complete" squares, so far. Still not perfect, but at least they're square. ;o) There's a photo on my Flickr page, if you're interested.)

== == == == ==

We have a new camera! It's a Canon XSi, and of course it works with all the lenses we've been using with our older camera. So now when we go somewhere, we can both take photos. (g) The bigger display is really nice-- and of course the larger photos are a plus, too.

== == == == ==

I'm sleepy tonight. Maybe going to bed a little early would be a good idea. . . Hope your week's off to a good start!