Recently

Last weekend the weather was kind of crap - fall's definitely on its way to the North Country - so I got some indoor projects under way. We've had our third bedroom unoccupied (except for the occasional guest) for months due to the water that leaks through the roof/walls from time to time. Being shut in forced me to finally get the demolition under way:

Wood Paneling? Blue Shag Carpet? Can you spell R-O-C-K?

This lovely enclave of 1970's charm was soon transformed into this...

I nearly electrocuted myself removing the lamps from either side of the window. The house is wired haphazardly - I thought I had it off!

When the wires were capped, one of the little bastards grounded out, blowing apart it's cap, shooting sparks, and leaving the succulent smell of ozone in the air! Also, the door in the second picture apparently used to conjoin this room with Cindy's and my room, through what's now the closet. It explains the Captain Howdy window, sort of.

Here's some close ups of the waterish areas that had been in the walls - the studs look/feel sound, but the insulation is full of mildew and mouse droppings.

No drywall above, just acoustic tile attached to some flimsy strips of wood. Is that how it's supposed to be done? And both of the windows in the room - identical in every way - were put in completely differently from one another. Go figure.

Demolition is so satisfying. Especially ripping out acoustic tiles with a prybar.

I also took this opportunity to make one of the shop areas a bit more comfortable:


Transform!

Blue Shag? Particle Board? Can you spell R-O-C-K?
I had two pictures, but technological retardation prevented me from Flickring the other one. I have a propane heater, would like to get a wood stove. Add guitar, amp, beer, and a small TV with a bunch of 'roid addled brutes beating the shit out of each other over a pigskin on it, and you can guess how I'll spend Sunday afternoons this fall.

Here's a picture of the grem-a-lin:

Low Carb Spud?

Sorry, that's what I just heard about on the radio...

I've got a bunch of pictures to share, but I think I'll only post one or two today.

The last weekend Cindy's mom, gramma, and aunt were in town, we went to Plattsburgh. Home of many stores and shops that we don't have here in the Tri-Lakes area. Anywho, it was a pretty uneventful trip, outside of the delicious steak I had at Applebee's, but Cindy did manage to get a great picture while we were traveling:

As you can see, the baby and I had the right idea when it comes to traveling. Ethan sat behind me, and took great glee in waking me up every time I hit a sound sleep, so I was unkind to him in return. Made for a great drive out. After that trip, Cindy's almost got me talked in to getting a minivan. Of course, I'd also have to admit that my child hood is over (everyone knows that minivans are for mature, adult type people ONLY), and cast off any lingering masculinity if we did that. It was a comfortable, roomy ride though.

Last night I took a quick jog - nothing to what Keith does - but I'm a tub, okay? When I got back, I looked across the street at the water tower, of all things, and was greeted by a very pretty sight:

That's all, folks. Let's see if I get spamalotted again - last post was painless...

A Tear For Chris

As some have noticed, I have recently been hit with blog spam up the ying-yang, as has my friend Keith. To combat this trend, I may have to require that anyone leaving a comment have a blogger membership - I can walk anyone interested through it. One of the spammers was hawking a product that automatically finds blogs, leaves a comment with a link to site-x (x being some sleazy a-hole's product site), and generally pisses everyone concerned off. I left him a comment in return questioning the existence of certain (small) parts of his anatomy. The sick thing was, the person who had left a comment before me had been spammed with some happy statement. And her update for the day? The death of a friend. So we'll see how heavy I get spammed today, and then it may be adios anonymous.

But that's not why I brought you here.

On Monday, I was very excited to see this. In the back of my head, I thought "good chance that's fake," but held out hope anyway. But. Yup. It's a big fat geek hoax. Boo. Be sure to read the little quotes up at the top as you browse. They're precious.

Here's to the thing that would never be...

You can't convince me that this guy wouldn't make a great PUSA!

Now, why doesn't the spellcheck on Blogger recognize the word "Blog?"

Who Arted?

It was suggested, after the rancor with guitar appeared, that I post some art once in a while. Since I spend a good portion of my day glued to a computer (or two or three of 'em) I do spend a good portion of that time browsing different artists blogs, websites, etc. Here's a picture I found the other day:

That's a Sam Kieth sketch. A comic book artist. Because I'm a huge nerd.

I found that on TheCliffGuy, an interesting site because TheCliffGuy traveled around to all sorts of conventions and what not with sketch books, and had all sorts of artists draw pictures in them - with themes. Cliffs, Jars, I don't remember what else. I liked the picture because Sam Kieth is such a cool, quirky artist (If you browse his site, look for people with huge feet and oddly proportioned facial features) and because the guy sitting there looks a lot like Pat Metheny, who, in addition to being one of the world's foremost fusion guitar icons, once accused Kenny G of "musical necrophilia" for overdubbing a Louis Armstrong track with his own playing.

On to the same old same old.
The mother-in-law, aunt-in-law, and grandmother-in-law have left town. So now maybe life will return to some semi-usual state. I'll be able to get some exercise again, my garden won't be as neglected, and I can relax once in a while without being badgered to get up and have my picture taken. No recent photos to post - and, upon looking at Flickr right now, some of my earlier downloaded photos are MIA. I don't remember seeing any clause on limits, and they are still in the RCR archives. Can't bitch too much about freebies, I guess. Bastards.

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Boredy

Lately I've become the KING of the garage sale. In the last two weeks, we've scored a kitchen table w/ two chairs, a grill w/ two tanks, a record player, a small table for the porch, many old jazz records, a 10'x10' tent, a small space heater, some milk crates, and some crazy chandelier things...All for about $50. One man's (or woman's) trash is another's treasure.

I've also recently moved and rebuilt the firepit in our backyard. Here's evidence.

I've got many, many leftover bricks to, uh, brick some things with. need any used bricks? I've got 'em.

Here's the cat, named Dirt.


And I'll leave you with the little rose bush that could - I originally didn't think that many of the flowers Cindy planted - at least the ones from seed - would grow. And I thought that for sure the transplanted rosebushes would be toast. I'm glad to report that we have many lovely little flowers now, and some small, but perfect, little roses.

She's now got three sisters around her, and some little other little rosebushes in the adjacent beds. Pretty cool.

Back Again

Hi everyone (and it turns out more people read this blog than I knew - LEAVE COMMENTS FOR ME). I haven't posted, and won't post much for a few days - some close friends of mine are dealing with some tragic events and I don't much feel like BEING sunny right now, much less trying to share suniness, both out of respect and my own sadness at the situation.

Cindy and I and the kids are doing well. Same old same old, really. Maybe next week I'll get back to the usual.

Now go home and hug someone that you love, dammit.

-B-

The Trip...

Finally, Pic's from the trip out to Warshington.


Connor helped water my Mom's plants, and also became good friends with their dogs Lady (pic'ed here), and Sage. I really want to adopt a dog back here, but I think it's going to be a while before I can justify the app.$100 to do it.


There are four generations of Sellses in this picture: My dad, my gramma, my kids, and me.


Ethan and my dad (aka Grampa Curt, aka Best Buddy).


Connor and myself having a bluegrass jam. Okay, his "Mandolin" was far from in tune, lacked several of it's strings, he's one, and I was probably playing some metal.


Bro James with the kids. Maybe it's time to crank up the resolution on your camera, Ma?


Connor "Helping" my Mom, Gramma Carol, shop for delicious meat products.


Our trip was the first time my dad had seen Connor. They frolicked in the son together for hours and hours. It was a delight.


Here's our family portrait. We're a nice looking family. But I shed a silent tear every time I see this for how "normal" and "grown up" I've become.


Apparently, since I've left town, my parents have taken up Western Swing. Isn't that dandy? My parents have more of a social life than I do. There's something to the whole getting the kids to move out thing. Only 20 more years till I can do it. I kid, I enjoy my children, messes and back talk and all!

And this is what I had to go back to as soon as 9:00 am rolled around last Monday. I can't remember where I found this drawing, so I'll probably get sued for copyright bidness.



Many of the pictures in this and the previous two posts were side by side while I was makin' 'em, but stacked atop each other when I posted. Anyone know how to make them side by side when I post?

The Garden In My Garden

What you see:
The Corn/Legume/Gourd garden (ie The Three Sisters) The Recoverin' Rhubarb (It got massively chopped back because of aphids and wiltage). The "normal garden" which Cindy weeded for me. Both gardens. The part of the yard I didn't mow, complete with apple tree and fire pit. And the Cat - should we name him "Dirt" or "Ash?" Dirt seems to be the one that's sticking...

The legumes in the normal garden don't seem to be as tall and grandiose as I remember at my Uncle Vernon's growing up - I'm sure it has nothing to do with my being gone for two weeks instead of being around to lovingly stake them out. But they are producing many, many, delicious pods.

The Flowers In My Garden

Feel free to chime in with the real names of these plants - as you'll see if you open up the Flickr, I don't know what half of them are - many of you are more gifted at plant taxonomy than I (Keith). We planted some, others planted some, and some seem to be invasive species that are growing all over town!

I Knew I'd Moved For A Reason...

Now the good people at Forbes have given me proof (you may have to hit the "stop" button to read the Seattle slide). Crappy job market, expensive real estate and cost of living, and to think, you get horrible traffic also! I don't think you could pay me to move back to the Seattle area. Portland's not much better (anyone remember the "competition" of a few years ago where Oregon and Washington were neck and neck for #1 & #2 most unemployed?). I may move West again someday, but only if I can continue to live in the woods, cheaply.

Here's a picture of a rancor...

I like to think that he's about to play "Holy Diver" by Dio or "I Wanna Rock" by Twisted Sister...

Random Righteousness

Recently, as those of you who read and leave comments (strongly encouraged) noticed, I was contacted by my very first religious wackjob on this here blog. You can see said headcase's profile here. Turns out that it's a message sent out en masse to many random blogs by a person or group of people. Might explain why so many religions were listed on his profile (it's changed since I was first made aware that I am valuable enough to a religious order/person/sect/cult to warrant a random mailing) but I don't understand how more than one person can claim messianic aspirations or some such nonsense. On the plus side, the person/group/Jim Jones wannabe is down with Esperanto, a recent interest of mine...Not that I'm going to learn it, but the fact that it exists, that inspires me. Curious that days after I look up Esperanto out of boredom at work, I'm contacted by a weirdo/cultist/blasphemer that has an Esperanto name...

Ah, Esperanto, the sweetest of the invented languages, you beat the pants off of your child Ido. Curiosity made me look up Esperanto one day - and it directed me towards several other interesting concepts. The Baha'i Faith (This has nothing to do with the New Ager that contacted me - again - boredom at work, curiousity about Esperanto, and Wikipedia led to this tidbit) encourages followers to learn it - and according to the description, seem like a pretty mellow, accepting group of people. O' course, I'd have no idea. Also, micronations (Bored at work, supervisor's from England and has been past SeaLand) - Rose Island had Esperanto as it's national language, but wasn't around long. Sealand is much cooler and zanier, even without Esperanto - read the whole entry for a chuck or two. And finally, William "Theres...Something on the...Wing" Shatner made Incubus - an all Esperanto horror movie. That's right.

James showed me this - meeting of two half-wits, truly. Funny that nothing can be solved through violence, yet the thing that prevents a non-violent American from getting physical with a calmer American is the small possibility that a gun may be in the area...and a smaller possibility that it would be used to fend off an angered female motorist. Anywhoooooo.......Did I mention someone from the religiosity woodwork contacted me?

One last thought - if you like random, creepy things...And I sure do - check out Rubber Johnny. James had brought this to my attention a while back, but I just saw the whole video today, and it's a wild one. If the back story's not mentioned anywhere, I can fill ya in.

Sorry for the weirdness and crippling rambling.

-B-

Back In New Yawk

Hola. I'm back from a much needed although not very relaxing vacation. I have no complaints about it really, it was very nice seeing everyone, but aren't you supposed to sit on your ass during the vacation? I did a fair amount of that, but also a fair amount of running around (90% of the blame for that lies with my being a bit of a social butterfly, at least as far as people I already know goes). Next time y'all can meet up with me somewhere for some fishing or some sightseeing or something.

The rundown:

Saturday the 2nd: Too much time on planes. Too much time in Philly. Finally got to my parents to see the wife and kids. Promptly hibernated.

Sunday the 3rd: Don't really remember. I know I went to see my grandpa, and probably played a fair amount of Bro Kev's X-Box.

Monday the 4th: Connor is 1! Hard to believe? Yup, me too. The parents had a barbecue, my uncle Blaine made some awesome smoked meat for everyone, and I saw many, many friends and family. Had a great time, then I hibernated some more.

Tuesday the 5th - Thursday the 7th: Nuthin' doin.' True relaxation achieved in spurts. Some shopping, more X-Boxing, watched AVP - I do not recommend.

Friday the 8th: Out to Motown (Moses Lake, WA). In-Law Bill (Paca to the kids) made awesome porkloin, had a lot of wine and a fine Cuban cigar. Hibernated - Washington summer is much easier to sleep through than an Adirondack summer.

Saturday the 9th: Jet Skiing with Bro James, Bro Kev, and almost Sis-in-Law Sara. Sailed - once unsuccessfully, once very successfully. Got a heavy duty sunburn in the shape of Batman's insignia - you know, everywhere on my shoulders I couldn't reach myself.

Sunday the 10th: Bit more Jet Skiing and sailing, bros went home, I stayed, and some mild relaxation did occur.

Monday the 11th: Just another day in Mo-Lake.

Tuesday the 12th: Headed back towards the Wet Side of Washington. Stopped to see Keith and Natalia - had an awesome Thai lunch in Ellensburg - the burg that's grown into a town and possibly a small city since I was in College there - absolutely delightful lunch we had though. They're expecting their first child - that's gonna be a busy house! Dog, cats, chickens, garden, infant, jobs...And I thought I had a full plate!

Wednesday 13th: Met up with the Twins...Sorry, no link. Couple of college friends and their girlfriends/fiances, I don't know what (What is the status guys? I'm outta the loop here in the boonies). We ate salmon, I failed to take pictures, hilarity and joviality ensued. If either twin reads this - could you send me some of the pictures your significant others were taking? I'll post them here if they're electronic. Also, I watched BlackHawk Down at some point during the week - I do recomend - of course, I seem to be the last male in the US to have seen it.

Thursday the 14th: Traveled all the way to Marysville (about a 2 hour drive from my folks place) for a barbecue with Tammy, her husband Ingvar(sp) and Ian - I used to work with Tammy and Ian at Celltech in Bothell. Evil, evil Celltech. At least when they axed all of us, I got a decent severance package...And wound up in New York. Anywho, it was nice seeing them, but someone needs to hurry up and invent a teleportation station. Marysville is too far, and Seattle traffic sucks too bad - we had one cranky baby by the time we got home (Ethan played with Bro and Sis-in-law Scott and Starr).

Friday the 15th: I was supposed to go to a wedding, but after so many days of running around, shopping, taking my iconic grandpa to see the doctor, etc. I flopped on the couch with my wife instead. Sorry Chad and Andrea, hope it was a lovely time, good luck in your life together! I'll perform the baptism when your first child is born - I am a Universal Life Minister minister after all...Of course about all I've used it for is to "bless" some wine at a party with K&N once back in college. Riiiiight. Also, watched The Life Aquatic - awesome movie. Especially the guy that sits around with a gut string git-tar and plays old David Bowie songs...In French.

Saturday the 16th: Ate some prime rib with the family, got on a plane, didn't sleep all night, spent too much time in Philly - again. Got a ride from a coworker (Thanks Frank), got home, crashed.

The home front, after being gone for two weeks: Garden is rockin,' so are the weeds. Rhubarb's dyin,' so am I in the heat. I have two nice tomatoe plants in the garden now - I didn't plant them, though, If Cindy didn't have the camera 3,000 miles away, I'd take some pictures. I'm so pleased at the thought of tumaytuhs. I'd also post some pictures from the trip - o' course, they're mostly just of the kids in different environments than normal. That's parenthood for ya! The cat seemed to miss me - he won't leave my side when I go outside to pull some weeds, thin some crops, or grab some radishes and lettuce. Annoyingly so - I've almost stepped on him about half a dozen times.

Many thanks again to Peter and Paula for keeping the garden and the cat alive while I've been gone - we'll have a barbecue once Cindy's back. Maybe I'll make some more delicious salmon, Fresh from the...Wait a minute...

Thanks for stickin' with me while I rambled...Word! Sorry for any spelling errors - Blogger's sllepchekc doesn't seme to be wurking.


Bow to me!

Gonna getcha!

...And I'm out, just like this one...