The Communist Chinese are building an impressive Navy… China has the world’s second-largest naval service, after only the United States. Rather than purchase warships across the board, it is developing niche capacities in sub-surface warfare and missile technology designed to hit moving targets at sea. At some point, the U.S. Navy is likely to be [...]

Baiting birds and awaiting their inevitable visit, while cloaked in the shadows, is among the various things I do to amuse myself. They’re much smarter than I, the grackles, mockingbirds and mourning doves, and I’m grateful when they tolerate my presence. I love this mourning dove, her reflection, her downy breast. Click to embiggen. Just [...]

While cleaning this bed out I stumbled upon a vine. It’s clearly not poison ivy, but I’m trying to identify it. Virginia Creeper? I’d hate to put my hands into anything noxious. I found it! Balsam Apple vine. Discovered the other part of the vine further along was covered with yellow flowers. It’s very invasive; [...]

Evil rears its ugly head in the form of… yes, death panels. From The Anchoress: Read the entire article, complete with links to audio at The Anchoress. My beloved husband is 5 years away from 70. His mother is in the hospital again with C-Diff and now I find myself wondering just how much help [...]

First, something is going on with the banana tree. It might be little nanners, I’ve no clue, but something is about to appear. Second, hello: Just wanted to say that I’m grateful for the folks who cluster round and share a part of themselves with me here. You’re all witty, intelligent and make me want [...]

My sister-in-law just adopted a little Corgi girl from a family who didn’t have any time for her. Angel is a very friendly little 1-year-old comedienne. She and Deb have taken right to each other. Isn’t she precious?? She’s got Bree’s coat, except Bree doesn’t have the fairy saddle…

Not doing politics right now and that occupy bullshit is in the same ballpark. It’s all ugly and not good for the soul when one is shopping for Christmas. Here are our Fall colors. Well, as good as they get. As this happens constantly, it shouldn’t count but we take what we can find… Lovely [...]