The Bee Line

Moon Phase Calendar

2012-01-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

CURRENT MOON

Happy with Tears

2011-08-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Above is a photo of one of the sweetest little dogs currently residing on planet earth. I was blessed with her company for less than a week and only willing to give her up to someone who was in a position to give her the kind of life she deserves. Yesterday that person surfaced via a series of events and she is now starting her new life in her forever home.

It all started on Saturday August 6th when returning from a trip to the post office, my sister decided to take an alternate route through an industrial park. We were just about to exit the area when down this very empty, no human in site road we saw running toward us this little dog. We stopped and I jumped out. The day was sweltering and this little girl was glad to stop though she was breathing so hard I thought she was about to pass out. I picked her up and, though she didn't pass out, she went sort of limp in my arms. It took her a few minutes but, she began to revive in the air conditioned car. She slept while my sister and I proceeded to canvass the neighborhood located across the street from the industrial park. After 2 1/2 hours or more, we came up with zilch. When I returned home I set up a place for her in my bedroom. Due to the fact that I also have a 12 year old corgi who is Mr. Social Guy when it comes to people but can quickly revert to Mr. Attitudinal with his own kind, she had to be stashed somewhere safe.

The thought of what he might do to her was going to be nerve racking for however long this was going to take. I immediately went online and posted the reguisite Found Dog info. The next day I thought we had found a good lead - unfortunately within 24 hrs. it was pretty obvious that this was not the case.

So, I decided that I would need to find her a good home. Being a small dog, I thought she might have a better chance of snagging one. By the next day, I had lots of offers of help from people at work and a very good lead from someone I know who does ongoing fostering and rescue work. When I returned home yesterday, there was another lead from one of the neighbors who had actually considered adopting her at one point. Saturday afternoon to Tuesday evening is really not long - but, apparently sufficient to form an attachment with a loving little dog. There was something almost angelic about this little girl - who we were calling Lucy since we found her on Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. At least I still have contact via the neighbor and I can find out how she's doing from time to time. The main thing is that now I think she'll have more freedom and can relax and claim her territory hopefully while receiving all the love and attention she deserves.

Reserving the Right to Disagree

2010-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

As I drove to work last Wednesday morning it crossed my mind that it had been a very long time since I posted anything to this blog. As it turns out, it had been exactly one year to the day. The passing year finds me still snugly burrowed in my “new” job and actually about to pass my two year anniversary here. Thank God (and I really, really do) I escaped (though narrowly) the hideous decaying mess that was my past position. Since the escape/liberation I have come to realize even more just how full to the brim the world is with people who are apparently in fierce, perpetual competition for scumbag of the planet. Luckily, I’m not talking about on-the-job personal experiences when I say that this time. Instead, I’m speaking of the nature of the job and what we do here. Stories of abuse and other employment woes pour in on a daily basis. If I live to be one hundred, I will have no problem recalling how unnecessarily miserable and sick of heart, mind, body and soul I became while being forced to deal with an all too similar kind of situation. Since beginning my job here, I have come to realize on a much grander scale that I am definitely NOT the only person on the planet dealing with evil sociopathic personalities who somehow - mysteriously and apparently with the aid of the devil himself - manage to slither into a supervisory position. Unfortunately there are thousands of people out there – especially today in the lagging economy – who are forced to deal with the same, if not worse, circumstances that I dealt with back then. People who just want to make a living and yet are being treated horribly for so many reasons and in so many ways. Of course, the lowest common denominator in more than a few of these situations turns out to be that old chestnut greed. Not that pure cruelty and lust for power don’t have more than a little to do with it as well. As I’ve said before and will continue to say forever; karma is a bitch and some of you bastards are applying for debt you can never repay. Well, enjoy your kingdoms, power, money and prestige as long as you can…however, just keep in mind that it won’t prepare you for what’s coming.

More interesting footwear...

2009-04-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a pair of very cute Wellies (by Chooka) that I found the other day online (Amazon). They go for about $50.00.

2009-04-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

I just joined this little online community...seems very interesting so far. May be a good place to learn about Scotland as well as get some info on that direction of my roots! More later as the story develops.

My Fluevog Obsession

2008-11-14T05:53:00.001-08:00

A few months ago, while surfing around on the Internet, I made the tragic mistake of discovering some of the most interesting shoes I have ever laid eyes on. I say it was a tragic discovery because, while everything I see or read about them is ultra positive (including fit, comfort, quality, style, fascinating design, pure unique funkiness and satisfied customers) – the price per pair is what I, on my real life (opposed to imaginary or wishful) budget would definitely consider prohibitive. The shoes I’m speaking about, of course, are Fluevogs (designed by John Fluevog @ http://www.fluevog.com/ ) and the designs are amazingly unique. Two of my favorites (so far) are…

Lily Darling – seen here in a lovely cherry red with black trim - which, depending on your source, run approximately $240.00.

And Giulia – going for a whopping $300 per pair

Well, big price tag or not, every time I see these shoes I feel more resolved to have them eventually. So, this may turn out to be an interesting experiment in the power of determination!

2008-10-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Eeeek, I’m so tired and burned out today, I feel exactly the way Bloom County’s Bill the Cat looks! Oh, weeeellll - at least it’s Friday and the day is nearly over. Can’t think of another thing to add to that.

Long time, no post...

2008-06-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Lots going on the past several months and none of it truly post-worthy. To sum up the positive side of it; I finally have new and renewed hope - so, a lot to be thankful for. Some ugly clouds have floated away for which I am grateful beyond words.

Just a word of hope for those who are in a seemingly un-fixable situation - you CAN get through it! The old saying, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger is exactly right. The trick is to persevere in the face of those people and situations that seem to want to destroy you. It's not what has happened but how you react that counts. For me that meant forging on at times when I would have rather crawled under my bed and dissolved in a pool of tears. But a sense of survival and faith in God kept me going by a thread.

Cooks.com - Recipe - New England Boiled Dinner

2007-10-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is a great variation on the classic...especially if you don't care for the corned beef version.

Cooks.com - Recipe - New England Boiled Dinner

Angry Bird

2007-09-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

I love this little bird...probably because I totally identify with him. Puffed up, angry and a little tired looking. It's Friday and I managed to make my way through another mind-numbing, life force-sucking week. Dontcha just love those times when you're crawling, crawling to the end of a miserable week - you can actually see the light at the end of the vortex and...two minutes before you're ready to spring for it, in walks some chuckle buns with a request for just onnnnne more thing! And then they have the gall to actually be surprised when you don't merrily skip around like you're happy to see them. Well, I wasn't and it showed. So sue me and quit being so sensitive. I guess that's why it felt so good to sit through the entire light when some dipstick truck driver started honking at me before my car finished rolling up to the intersection. Well, we all know his horn works now but he also found out he's a guy whose timing is just a bit off today.

Vacation Time

2007-08-04T08:40:00.001-07:00

Here I am - somewhat visually stylized - heading for the hotel just a couple of weeks ago. As it turns out, the lens flare effect kind of symbolizes how the sun felt the entire time I was in Hawaii. Somehow, it didn't bother me as much 30+ years and many more pounds ago. Ahhhh, the joys of getting old!

If I can ever get PhotoShop to run on my cpu, I will post some more Hawaii pics soon.

Trip to the Collinwood of My Mind

2007-08-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Since I am currently seething with jealousy of those who will attend the Dark Shadows Festival in Tarrytown, NY this year, I decided to dig out an old photo to amuse myself with. This is moi in one of my favorite Halloween costumes standing (thanks to PhotoShop) in front of the beloved staircase in the foyer of the beloved mansion. Oh, dear...I think I hear the faint howl of wolves as the storm begins to brew just off Widow's Hill. Time to head out into that dark, dark night! Muhahahahahaah!

Barnabas Collins-Depp

2007-07-31T16:06:00.001-07:00

This is yesterday's news I suppose but just as exciting today...it seems that two of my fantasies have come true...Dark Shadows is most probably going to hit the big screen AND none other than Johnny Depp is set to play the lead...Barnabas Collins!!! Exactly who I would have picked for the part. NOW, if only Tim Burton would direct. What a freaking classic THAT would potentially be!

Oh, give me a break...who else can do this as effectively today!!!

What about The Bee Line...

2007-07-30T14:52:00.001-07:00

Personal Blogs on RateItAll

What about 'Bee...

2007-07-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

RateItAll Reviewers on RateItAll

Who's the Boss?

2007-07-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

When the Lord made man, all the parts of the body
argued over who would be boss. The brain explained that since he controlled all the parts of the body, he should be boss. The legs argued that since they took man wherever he wanted to go, they should be boss. The stomach countered with the explanation that since he digested all the food, he should be boss. The eyes said that without them man would be helpless, so they should be boss.

Then the asshole applied for the job. The other parts of the body laughed so hard at this that the asshole became mad and closed up.

After a few days...

The brain went foggy, the legs got wobbly, the stomach got ill, and the eyes got crossed and unable to see. They all conceded and made the asshole boss.

This proved that you don't have to be a brain to be boss...just an Asshole.

New from RIA...my opinions/reviews on parade. Well whoop-dee-do!

2007-07-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Consumer Reviews on RateItAll

Nothing says Happy 4th of July like...

2007-07-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Have a safe one!!!

What's Up on June 25, 2007

2007-06-25T14:58:00.001-07:00

Helllllooooo...the big news today is - both my dogs now have their very own Blogs...I guess that makes them Blog Dogs (ouch). Okay well, really bad rhymes/puns aside, here are their URL's...

Lexie's IndyPaws Blog

IndyPaws Blog

Today is...The Celebration of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

2007-06-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

For more information on this topic and much more, go to...

Franciscan Radio

2007-06-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Rate it All Costume Party
Parties on...

Check out RateItAll

I'm Covered in Beeeeeees! I just LOVE Eddie!

2007-06-08T15:06:00.001-07:00

2007-06-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh, the end of the week from down under (and I do not mean Australia) is officially over ~ bringing to fruition the words we so often use as comfort verbiage...This Too Shall Pass.

I won't go into detail but, I had a hideous, mind numbing and gut wrenching week...which ~ contrary to popular belief ~ I accept as the result of my own series of mistakes as much as anything else. However, I would be dishonest if I didn't mention the fact that if the foundation of the world I call or rather currently call - the workplace - were a bit more solid and a lot more sane, I seriously doubt things would have gotten this far. But hey, who ever said that the milk of human kindness was to be served up at the Casa de la Ding Dong school in good old Soccer Mom Pickup Truck Dad city. I'm no longer expecting a sip or even a glass splashed in my weary face. I am, however, seriously considering purchasing this or another book along these lines as a way to understand just what motivates certain self-acclaimed "difficult" personalities...

I suppose that's really all that needs to be said.

William Franklin and Helen Elizabeth - June 6, 1948

2007-06-05T17:08:00.001-07:00

June 6th would have been the 49th anniversary of Bill and Helen. They left the world 40+ years apart...but, are together again.

Lexie and Nigel Debut on YouTube

2007-06-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Their latest video...

The Doctor is In...

2007-06-02T08:48:00.001-07:00

If you enjoy the beach, excellent beach music and are in or around St. Petersburg, FL, be sure to check out
The Dune Doctor aka Darrell Clanton.

More info and performance schedule at his web site.

Why I am Catholic

2007-06-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Prayer to Guardian Angel

2007-06-01T14:01:00.001-07:00

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.

Amen.

"From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their (the angels) watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united to God."

- from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 336.

Strange but Interesting Medieval Decor

2007-05-30T18:33:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a nice little Griffin Gargoyle from an interesting web site called Medieval Collectibles.

I added some of the contents to my Wish List.

Celebrity Mug Shots and Other Nonsense

2007-05-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Last time I looked, Nick Nolte was holding his own in the best celebrity mugshot list on RateItAll. I have to admit - he's pretty unforgettable not to mention a dead ringer for Bloom County's Bill the Cat...as easily seen in this composite I found on Google search the other day. For more on the celeb mugshots see the widget and link below.

2007-05-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

Check out RateItAll

I Love Dark Shadows - A Parody and 40th Anniversary Tribute to Dark Shadows

2006-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

I Love Dark Shadows

(Liberally ripped off from and sung to the tune of
the Joan Jett hit...
I Love Rock N' Roll
by J. Hooker/A. Merrill)

I saw him layin' there in his ancient coff-in
I knew he must a been about two hundred and ten
My heart was beatin’ strong
And though I knew it was wrong
I could sense it wouldn’t be long
Til he went for my neck – yeah neck!
so I screamed…

I love Dark Shadows
So put another disk in my player bay-bee!
I love Dark Shadows
So come and have a seat and watch with me!

He willed me to come to his side
And I hoped he might make me his bride
Couldn’t help my feelings inside – just couldn’t hide

He said we’ll go to my home where we can be alone

And next he was flyin’ away - with me – yeah me!
Next he was flyin’ away - with me – yeah me!
And I was screamin’…

I love Dark Shadows
So put another disk in my player bay-bee!
I love Dark Shadows
So come and have a seat and watch with me!

The Bee and Sir Nigel Griffin Jones

2006-02-21T04:21:00.000-08:00

Dark Shadows, Greenies and Other Scary Stuff

2006-02-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Gothic soap Dark Shadows has long been one of my passions - opposed to the much newer somewhat supernaturally inspired soap Passions which, based on admitedly little personal viewing experience, is merely a pale shadow (dare I say, loose immitation) of Dark Shadows. Anyway, since a big event in DS land is coming up this year, I feel compelled to announce the following in an effort to alert all fans and friends out there lurking in the shadows who may be interested.

Hard as it may be to believe, this year marks the 40th Anniversary of Dark Shadows, which first aired in the Spring of 1966. The festivities will be taking place in Brooklyn, NY at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge the weekend of August 25-27, 2006. Anyone wanting more information regarding the festival rates, actors who will be attending and other upcoming details should go to the official Dark Shadows Festival web page. As I write this, they have not updated their page to include all pertinent info yet - but it should be coming soon. Hotel information can be found currently on the Dark Shadows Alumni News Blog - be sure to look for the group rate code mentioned there before making your reservations.

Now - how about those darned Greenies dog treats? Sadly a very disturbing segment on CNN aired last night concerning this very popular treat. I would urge all dog owners to read this article if you didn't see the program (last night (2/14/06).

A Tribute to Dark Shadows ~ 2004 and 2005 Festival Designs

2006-02-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

I have designed two montages inspired by my love of the cult TV classic "Dark Shadows".

Select the link below to peruse the various products currently available at Cafe Press.

Corgi Stuff for Sale!!!

2006-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

In the beginning...

2006-02-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

Corgi Birthday Parties and Other Fab Social Events

2006-02-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

The beautiful, talented and occasionally serene Alexis Louise or Lexie as she is better known, turned two on January 19th. She was surprised with a birthday party. Gifts included Kitty cookies and bones stuffed with cheese and peanut butter flavored fillings.

Also celebrating his birthday (the big 7) recently (February 2nd) is the sometimes nuerotic yet loyal and loving, Sir Nigel Griffin-Jones.

Both dogs were presented with a yummy slice of cake from Three Dog Bakery - an establishment which they both highly recommend.

First Real Post to My Blog - Observing a Rash of Blog Mania

2006-02-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

It seems the world has become very Blog conscious or is that Blog-centric or perhaps even a bit Blog-obsessive. I don't know and I don't have time to ponder it.

I do, however wonder how long it will take before the post office or some other fat, lazy government organization decides to cash in somehow. Email is in danger of it - why not Blogs. So, Bloggers and email fans of the world UNITE and fight this travesty!!!

If anyone knows of a legitimate organization already involved in the battle to save Internet communication, please post!

2005-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

CastleBee