A seat at the "Cool Kid's" table

Today at work my Wal-Mart special mp3 player crapped out. After getting home I made the decision to take a risk on some cutting edge technology to replace it. I headed for Best Buy to see what they had in the way of a replacement. The salesman pointed me toward the ipod section. I know most of you have never heard of this device, but as it turns out, it does the same thing my old one did and can hold my entire collection of Crystal Gayle and John Denver music.

Playing around with it tonight, I found the ipod easy to use and easy to add music. Did you know you can even get songs from the internet? I know, I was shocked too. Nothing like my old Wal-Mart special that took an act of God to add new music without erasing everything else stored on it.

I'm thinking this ipod thing might just take off...I'll be emptying my life savings to invest in the fruit company that makes them. Like I learned in an economics class, its best to get in on the ground floor when an innovative product comes out.

Maybe next week I'll go get one of those cellular telephones I've been reading about in the news.

Nice piece of tail

I pulled out the good camera this afternoon and was able to zoom in and crop this wonderful shot of the rear end of my concubine. You want some fries with that shake?

Ahh Sunday

Breakfast buffet: Check
Paper read: Check
Harassed ducks with Molly: Check
Molly worn out and asleep: Check
Good book out on the porch: Check
Easy Monday coming up: Undetermined
Paul Azinger trying to become the "Bad Boy" of golf commentators: Check

All Is right in this corner of the world. Special thanks are in order to the sun for finally showing its face and to the poor family who Molly decided to go say "Hi" to when she was soaking wet...send me the bill for they dry cleaning!

Re: Tag

Thanks Alison for giving me homework over the weekend! Seeing as how the weather has put a damper on my weekend plans to sample some lovely cuts of meat, I welcome the opportunity to reply. Here goes:

1. Name of band/artist: Pat Green
2. Are you male or female?: John Wayne and Jesus
3. Describe yourself: I Like Texas
4. How do you feel about yourself?: Just Fine
5. Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend: Somewhere Between Texas and Mexico
6. Describe current girlfriend/boyfriend: 1-900 Lover
7. Describe where you want to be: Galleywinter
8. Describe how you live: Poetry
9. Describe how you love: If I Had a Million
10. What would you ask for if you had just one wish?: Long Way To Go
11. Share a few words of Wisdom: Count Your Blessings
12. Now say goodbye: Adios Days

Wow, that took longer than expected!

Free entertainment...

You say you're bored on a Thursday night? My recommendation-get a dog and make her blow bubbles out of her nose! Its so funny, Molly is the one of the sweetest, most eager to please dogs out there. Sometimes she just loves to get all worked up. Wrestling sessions let her know who's really the boss and who brings home the bones!

Early voting

At lunch today I went to vote in the primary election. It was my first time to use the E-Slate voting machine. Let me just say, I was not impressed. I was able to cast MY ballot just fine, in and out in a couple of minutes, but there were several seniors in there who were having a terrible time with it. These are the same people who have a hard time using a debit card at the grocery store.

People should be given a choice between electronic voting and the old style paper ballots. There are still folks out there who have no ability to use anything electronic. Given the choice, I'd probably opt for the "color in the bubble" ballot too.

Oh, and I wish they would ask me for a picture i.d....but I guess that is just too logical.

Dueling banjos and dueling smokestacks

Its cook-off weekend...no need to check the weather report, rainy and cold. I've never been a big fan of the cook-off. Its a little too exclusive. I don't like the fact that you have to be on "the list" to get into the tents. Velvet ropes are for clubs in California, not beer drinking/hell raising events with assorted meats and sliced onions. That's just wrong in my humble opinion. Maybe FEMA could buy all the meat and beer as a "thank you" to Houston for all our efforts and make it an event open to all.

Will I attend? Yes. Will I critique all the offerings I'm fortunate enough to sample? Most definitely.

What I'm most excited about it the Robert Earl show the Monday after next. That, and catching a few of the cow dog herding competitions. Those border collies are NUTS and its so fun to watch them work.

I'm still lobbying for an adult version of the calf catching event. Why should the kids get to have all the fun?

Opening day

On this frigid day, I made the most of my time all cooped up. To warm myself up, I ordered tickets to the opening day Astros game against the Marlins. The Crawford boxes were too rich for my blood, but I did find some reasonably priced tickets in Sec. 105. Lets just hope the right-handers pull some balls...I'd hate it if I oiled my glove for nothing!

Litter news of the day

I got a call tonight to update me on the litter of puppies I have my eye on. They have FINALLY been sexed and there are 6 females in the litter, 5 of which are the same golden color as Molly. I'll be heading to West Texas in a couple of weeks to go check out the bunch and hopefully pick out the next greatest bird dog before someone else does.

Tess is still the name that's in the lead, but I'm open to suggestions. 4 weeks and counting...I can't wait!

This just in...

AP(Houston area) Molly has found the bird that was shot by a high ranking administration official. Although she heard no gun shots, she was still able to find credible evidence that the Vice President and his hunting partners have been aiming low, shooting often, and making news. Who lets old men go find their own birds? Not Molly...She's a true patriot!

Cool...

I just figured out how to associate an icon with this little corner of the internet. It only shows up with Firefox, but who cares. I did it dammit!

Nap, shmap

I was all set up this afternoon for a little nap on the couch. When I went out to check the mail, I came back to find that someone else was grateful for the nest I had prepared. So, I went to the "bone cabinet" and picked out a good one. She went out an buried it. I caught some zzz's fading in and out of golf coverage...all is right with the world.

Basilica di Santa Croce

314 pencil on Strathmore 400 series, 60 min.

Just posting some old stuff tonight. I haven't been in the mood this week to do anything new. Its funny how working all day long can make you want to come home and sink into that spot on the couch perfectly molded to your rear end.

I post this particular old sketch because this week at work has put the bee in my bonnet to go back to Florence for a couple of weeks and just drink some real coffee and real wine. Just chill out and watch the world go by. If there is one thing those Italians know, its how to enjoy the little things.

Cool...

A good San Angelo boy is finally back to making records. Randomly I saw an article in the Chronicle and went to see Will T. last week. Talk about a blast from the past. Seems like he's cleaned up his ways and is back to making music.

I know most folks wouldn't like his style, but most folks don't have the memories of high school parties, coming back from college Christmas parties or the the summer nights looking at the lights of the San Angelo International Airport (that's what they call it, two gates...and one leads to the best Chinese restaurant in town) and listening to a guy and his guitar.

Keep it up my friend, and stay out of trouble.

Busy, busy, busy

What can I say, a guy has to make a living to support his habits and addictions I guess.

This weekend I'll be perfecting my "Bump on a log" impression.

A new project

314 pencil on Strathmore sketch, 25 min.

This is a personal challenge post. Call it a "haul ass" sketch. I went and searched google for a picture to sketch and this caught my eye. I want to do more like this...just down and dirty, quick stuff.

For the art critics out there...no, the steeple does not twist, the ladder should have been edited out and the birds are flying way too close together. Trust me, I know. I'll be working on my accuracy and perspective in future attempts.

Let the countdown begin

I was sitting at my desk this afternoon typing what seemed like and endless list of proposals when the familiar "ding" of incoming mail sounded. Turns out to be a reply from an email I sent over the weekend:

Hi Adam-Yes, we are having a litter of puppies this coming weekend. The mother is Hannah, a red colored retriever. She is somewhat smaller than Molly, She is a very mild, sweet mannered dog. The father dog is the same as the one we had for your Molly. If you are interested I will keep you informed when they are born and email you a pic. She has had one litter and had both blond and red colored pups. She is really a sweet natured dog. I am so pleased you are having good luck with your dog. I always like to hear that. Thanks

If they arrive this weekend, that puts a new pup peeing on my floor by mid-March or so. I can't wait!

3 Feb Update: Hanna popped last night. 12 puppies in all. The litter has a mix of the dark red and golden colors. They have not yet attempted to get a closer look to see what sexes are what color. Momma needs alone time.

But enough about politics and religion

Here's to babies and puppies...in no particular order.