Random Notes at the end of April

1. Because of the late cold weather this spring, I have been noticing that some of the things that normally bloom in my yard have yet to bloom. In particular, the bushes to the east of my house have yet to sprout their leaves, a fact I attribute to frost bite. Also, all trees in the neighborhood seem sparse in their leaf growth compared to other years.
2. I was mildly surprised today to find out that my lawnmower is still under warranty. The gas line is leaking and the front-wheel drive mechanism is not operating properly. I was told that the mower will be fixed by May 7th. Hopefully, my lawn's growth won't get out of control.
3. I am seeing a variety of critters as I continue my walking regiment. In particular, I spotted a ground hog chowing down on a dandelion and yesterday I saw a wild turkey sprinting across the field next to the Mason's building.
4. An unfortunate thing I see while on my walks is the continuation of the commercial sprawl that's happening in the Northland. In particular, next to Barry School some bulldozers decimated a grove of trees next to 152 Highway. I can only guess that a grocery story or strip mall is going in that area. I base this guess on the fact that a humongous apartment complex is being built along Platte Purchase Drive, which is less than a quarter of a mile away. Well, so much for the isolation I've enjoyed. Here comes the increased traffic.
5. I thought the Chiefs had an outside chance of landing Brady Quinn today in the NFL draft. But once Dallas swapped picks with Cleveland, I realized the Chiefs will probably address other positional issues. But wide receiver as the first pick? I think they should have addressed the offensive line.
6. Finally, methinks the people who maintain our streets in Platte County are slacking. For example, on my walks I have encountered numerous instances of critter kill and road kill....and nobody cleans or picks it up. Along Barry Road, I've been observing the daily erosion of a dead raccoon for about three weeks. Ew!!! In another example, on Marston Street there's a "Stop Ahead" sign that leads to the traffic signal on Barry Road. And I won't ever talk about the traffic problems along Barry Road and I-29.

While out and about last night...

I came across a full grown St. Bernard dog. Big, clumsy looking dog.

Now given that my only knowledge about these dogs come from Bugs Bunny cartoons, I was asking myself: Where's my martini? Where's the olive?

More artwork for the KC Librarian Household?

Next Friday after work, I will travel to St. Joseph for an art show. I am thinking of new artwork for my master bedroom and I am hoping I find a painting suitable to my tastes. Back in 2002, I went to an art show in Topeka and found a painting that now serves as the centerpiece artwork for my living room.

Another observation while walking

If you take your walks along major thoroughfares, make sure drivers of all ages are observing the rules of the road.
Case in point: I was getting ready to cross a major intersection on my walk today. I assume in Missouri, as in Kansas, pedestrians are protected by traffic laws. Anyway, I pressed the button to activate the crosswalk signal and I waited for my light to change. Once I got the walk signal, I stepped into the intersection and then took an immediate step back. Apparently, Grandpa thought it was more important for him to execute a right turn on red than for me to have the right of way to cross the street. My immediate reaction told me that I wanted to pick up a rock and throw it at his vehicle. But I only gestured to him with my palms toward the sky, a shrug of my shoulders, and an expression on my face that said "What gives, Old Man?"

Being an experienced driver, I see bad examples of driving everyday. Now that I'm walking more frequently, the examples of bad driving are more pronounced. This includes ALL demographics. Where was a traffic cop when I needed one?

Jugglers always amaze me

I never had the hand-eye coordination to do this stuff. So I'm very jealous: Enjoy!

Random Notes from the First week in April

1. First and foremost, I think I'm addicted to doing Sudoku puzzles. I try to finish two a night before going to bed.
2. Saturday night, I went to some friend's house in Shawnee for a homemade German dinner. The main course was Roladen (sp?) with spaetzel and red beets and chococate cake for dessert. Sunday, I went to C and A's place and had a wonderful ham dinner with potatoes and cheesy corn.
3. I'm compiling a list of the house jobs I would like to complete in 2007. Some of the items have been on past lists (ie: new guttering, new roof shingles). Other items are new including rebuilding the back steps to my deck, remodeling my master bedroom bathroom as well as the guest bath area, and painting my bedroom.
4. Since my diagnosis of high blood pressure, I've made it a goal to find a way to exercise at least one hour a day. And I think the strategy is working. I feel more energetic. I've even gone out on walks during the cold weather this past weekend. Saturday, I was walking in 20 degree weather with a severe wind chill and Sunday it was 28 degrees when I went walking.
5. Finally, DB shared this video with me that shows the creativity and ingenuity of dogs. Enjoy!!!

Big loss for K-State

K-State got jobbed, shafted, bamboozled.......fill in your own description here.

The Wildcats hired Huggins so that they could win. But apparently Huggins felt loyalty to his alma mater was more important than the contractual agreement with K-State. And you know what? Every one suffers.

K-State suffers as they now have to hire a new coach with new methodology.

The Big 12 suffers as K-State will not be competitive in the league for another couple of years.

And from my selfish KU perspective, KU suffers because K-State will not be as competitive in KU games as what was anticipated if Huggins had stayed. In an earlier post, I stated that KU lost to UCLA in part because KU was not pushed competitively by teams in the Big 12 North. And with new coaches coming in to Colorado and now K-State, KU will not be pushed for quite some time.

As for Huggins, the legacy he has created as a coach has left me peeved, miffed, and very indifferent as to whether he will be successful at West Virginia.