Ugh. Finally.

Found this process extremely tedious and exhausting.

Pantry Clean Up

Hope the lists will help C lnow where to stash stuff when he puts the groceries away.

Pantry Clean Up

Sometimes I'm really thankful we don't have a bigger house.

Pantry Redo

Things are getting a little out of control in terms of food storage. So exciting for a Saturday evening!

Oh So Bloody Tired!

Friend bot tea. Hated it for consumption. Repurpose? Sachets. In her initials. Used the tea bags too. She might not love but I saved her eck from a wasteful fate.

Good Night n Good Luck

If Allister beats me to my spot in bed, its a bit of a chore to relocate him.

He has become very set in his bed hogging ways!

Is this Bitchy?

If I cooked it? Why can't C put the rest away when he packs his lunch?

Its is likely bitchy huh?

He does a lot of stuff and I should just know my role - hahaha!!

Oh Holy Balls!

I had to do it! I was out of pre paid ten cent photos and I needed to add to my "bank.". Wasn't cheap but this is an allowance in the lifestyle challenge.

I knew there was a reason I had more money the past 2 weeks - I didn't order pics!

Seriously, I order a lot of pics. Sometimes upwards of 200 a month - if that month is boring.

More on this tomorrow. Must rationalize prior to slumber!

Because I am SICK!!! To: DexterSpeaks, From: Molly

Dexter, I'm an eleven year old Labrador. I've gotten more reflective in my later years and I have a few thoughts: Start talking about issues. I'd like to hear your thoughts on Michael Vick. I'd like to see you visit Best Friends Animal Refuge while out west. I'm curious about your position on CAFOs and current agricultural practices. I'd like to see you become a therapy dog.

A good start might be a meeting with Bo Obama to discuss the state of things. If any dog can make changes happen, surely it's the President's.

If you can move beyond the novelty of an adorable blogging dog and could start using your "voice" for change or to make other dogs and their "BFs" start thinking about what's really important to domestic animals, then you're really on to something.

And just for fun, I'd like to hear you discuss neutering. . .

Dexter, I hope you don't feel I'm being hard on you, I just know you're capable of so much more! Keep up the good work. I'll definitely be visiting again.

How much you wanna' bet Molly's cranky comments don't make the post? LOL!!

I'm not trying to be mean. (Admittedly, maybe just a little passive-aggressive). I'm just hoping my comments will be taken under advisement. There are so many people and animals suffering in this country alone. We should stop buying our dogs demeaning clothes they don't need or want to wear and do something more useful with our resources.

If Dexter hits it big, can you imagine the power he will have to do good?

Another Take on the "Voice" of Animals

For a more realistic take on domestic animals, especially dogs check out Jon Katz. Jon is a well-respected author of all things dog. He has a great new book out which focuses on the debate about whether animals have souls. He is also a wonderful photographer. His blog is insightful, energetic, and often inspiring. Check out the "Farm Journal" icon to get started. . .

http://www.bedlamfarm.com/

Doubtful, yet curious about Dexter Speaks

Just heard about this new blog called Dexter Speaks.

http://www.dexterspeaks.com/

The author of the Blog is a four year-old Golden doodle named Dexter. Yeeeessss. . .It's written by a dog. But apparently his "BF" helps him keep track of the comments via iPhone. I would imagine an iPhone is rather frustrating to operate if you lack an opposable thumb.

And yeeeesssss. . .I checked it out. (I don't really have that much downtime but I do like to see what others are writing).

I wouldn't want to discourage any one's creativity - entirely. . .But so far, the cutesy nature of the posts were a little off-putting for my tastes (which we all know are deplorable anyway).

I have two dogs. I adore them. But I'm not so disillusioned to think that they refer to me as their "BF." Nor do I think when we take road trips that they have an inner monologue about how much they enjoy being posed in front of historical landmarks of the Midwest.

I know they think more along the lines of "Hand over half your cheese sandwich and no one gets hurt." OR "I'm going to lift my leg and take a 2 minute piss on this nasty sofa because it smells as if 12 other dogs have done the same." That's right I know. I will not divulge any more lest we never have a cottage in Deal Island again! haha!

What is particularly genius about this blog is that the dog can plug any number of commercial products and services. In the two posts I've read - and there aren't too many yet. . .I've seen an endorsement for a dog groomer and a "pet friendly Holiday Inn Express in Utah."

I'm all for supporting companies and products and service providers, (Go Docside Vet http://www.docsidevet.com/!!!)but a Holiday Inn Express? Who is this Dexter? The new John and Kate +8?

Anyway, the other sick err curious thing about Dexter Speaks is that other dogs are posting comments. We've heard from a five year old Lhasa Apso named Brandy and even a few cats. There are more damned domestic animals posting to Dexter in 3 days than humans have posted to this blog in 3 months! This is not meant to sound bitter. I just find it absolutely fascinating.

Dexter has very graciously requested pics of his followers. However, if your pet is under the age of 3, I'd think twice about allowing that as Dexter could be some kind of sick online canine predator. (Yes I figured in "dog years.")

What could Dexter do to get me really excited? Start talking about issues. I'd like to hear his thoughts on Michael Vick. I'd like to see if he visits Best Friends Animal Refuge while he's out west. I'm curious about his position on CAFOs and current agricultural practices. I'd like to see him become a therapy dog. A good start might be a meeting with Bo Obama to discuss the state of things. If any dog can make changes happen, surely it's the President's.

If Dexter moves beyond the novelty of an adorable blogging dog and could start using his "voice" for change or to make other dogs and their "BFs" start thinking about what's really important to domestic animals, then he's on to something.

And just for fun, I'd like to hear him discuss his neutering. . .

Confession. . .Lifestyle Challenge - UPDATE!

Advertising treats all products with the reverence and the seriousness due to sacraments. Thomas Merton

Remember when I said I couldn't quite figure out how to quantify the lifestyle "no retail" challenge?

In about two weeks, it's become pretty evident without need for fuzzy math (wish the fat-ass dispatch would follow suit).

In about two weeks, I have not spent a tad over $700! (This is not to be confused with my already established savings. . .

I have NOT spent on my debit card in 2 weeks $700 as compared to the prior two weeks!! That's almost a pair of Manolos or Jimmy's! That's 2 Tiffany Key necklaces in sterling silver! That's a Louis Speedy bag!!!!

Ummmmm. . .Yeah. . .That's 2-3 stray cat spay/neuters. That's a lot of Thanksgiving for the Bea Gaddy Foundation. That's 70 blankets or hoodies at 10 bucks/ea for the area homeless. That's a LOT of school supplies (or one microscope) for local schools.

I have not missed anything that money would buy. Seriously, try it! Embrace it! I know we set really really lofty difficult standards when we started this challenge. We've caved a little since then. But my personal savings alone in two weeks should get you stoked!

Cemetery Pic #124

Earlier this evening. . .d and sister D texting:

d: Trying to articulate thoughts on the cemetery pics so I don't come across as a morbid freak! LOL!

D: Wow, That's deep! Literally! Ha!

d: Hahahaha!! I might use that! Refreshing change from my typical shallowness. No?

(and that's where the hahaha's end because she told me stuff that was actually very kind and encouraging).

Cemetery Pics #123

What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous. Thomas Merton

I'm secretly squealing over this pic. I could look at it all day. I could just see a series of these pics over a sofa or bed or table. I find them thought provoking and inspirational and peaceful all at once. Double click - enlarge it. Do it, you know you want to!

Cemetery #122

We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we give it time, it will make itself known to us. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #121

We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have - for their usefulness. Thomas Merton

For me, a cemetery is a place of deeply personal comfort and quiet. It's a place to reflect. I've been "away" from Merton in my thoughts for many months now but he oddly, always seems relevant. I felt a little closer to what Merton discusses - finding your authentic self - when I was in the cemetery, taking pics.

Cemetery #119

Death is someone you see very clearly with eyes in the center of your heart: eyes that see not by reacting to light, but by reacting to a kind of a chill from within the marrow of your own life

- Thomas Merton

Cemetery #116

Again, I wonder, who sculpted this? What was their life like? Who was the person it memorializes? What was their life like? It's beautiful.

Cemetery #108

I worry that some might be offended that I took photographs in a cemetery. I'm certainly not "deceased paparazzi" or anything. At first my inclination was to merely document what state the place was in. . .Then I realized the monuments and markers and even the over-growth was beautiful. . .And now I'm worried I'll be crawling around the cemetery at all hours to take photos. I love how quiet it is.

Cemetery #106

Facing southwest about 3:30. . .I wonder what a spectacular sunset might do to the monuments and markers? I wonder if anyone has ever wondered that? I wander in the cemetery for a few more pics before C tells me we must go as he didn't want to "chance getting locked in here. It's creepy."

I found it oddly comforting. I am odd. That is for certain.

Cemetery #100

A bird rests atop an obelisk of sorts.

Cemetery #91

I say that nature and time are patient and merciful because they move slowly - Affording the deceased respect and survivors time to mourn and honor their loved ones before slowly and incrementally starting again anew. . .

Oddly, where I originally found disgust for the state of this cemetery, I'm now finding hints of comfort.

In the last analysis, the individual person is responsible for living his own life and for "finding himself." If he persists in shifting his responsibility to somebody else, he fails to find out the meaning of his own existence. - Thomas Merton

Cemetery #88

Nature encroaches on the cemetery - even in the City. C a rather reluctant, but always supportive participant, mumbles some comment about "This is why I want to be cremated. Who really visits deceased folks in cemeteries?"

Hmmmmm. . .At the time, I agreed with him. I would rather be cremated. I've always felt that way.

However, for some burial is the only option - especially if religion dictates so. And at first blush this pic looks like a bunch of unkept, disrespected final resting places. My immediate reaction was to be appalled.

But maybe, just maybe, this is exactly how it's supposed to work. Nature wholly reclaims the body and re purposes it. Eventually, the markers will erode - just as naturally as all other rock turns to dust.

Nature and time become the great equalizers - it happens to us all - not matter your station in life. Nature and time become the ultimate repurposers. Nature and time are not relentless and cruel but rather merciful, patient, and gentle.

For me it's tremendously humbling.

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #85

Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #84

I didn't even notice the branch/vine coiling around the neck area until I looked at this picture. I take very few pics I like - these are definitely right up there.

Cemetery #82

When ambition ends, happiness begins. Thomas Merton

Cemetery #81

I became really interested in photographing sculpture and monuments when we went to the Basilica.

This was the kind of picture I had in mind when I started thinking about photographing the cemetery. From the road, I could see all these aged monuments and markers. I would love to visit here at all hours to see how the light plays off the stone.

I've always been haunted by the cover of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I guess this was inspired to some degree by that cover.

Cemetery #80

I don't often think about what will happen when I die. It comes and goes - sometimes I think about it a lot and other times months and months can go by. That may likely correlate to how many times in one week I'm nearly squashed by an SUV -both in my car and as a pedestrian.

And in the cemetery yesterday, I didn't particularly think about it much. These photos don't make me reflect much about it even now. That wasn't my intent or vision when I took the photos. I was respectful while there without question. . .but that's not what these photos are meant to represent.

Cemetery #75

Part of the Johns Hopkins facility can be seen in the background. Notice the beautiful monuments almost entirely obsecured by weeds.

Cemetery #71

This is the final resting spot of countless wonderful human beings. What does it say about our society that we allow this sacred place to fall into disrepair? (You will see in some pics - horrible disrepair).

Cemetary #70

This cemetery is tucked between a major highway, some Section 8 housing, and a school. We drive past it frequently and for the longest time I thought about how so much of it seemed forgotten and neglected. And that of course, was just the start. . .

What Have I Done NOW?! #68

I realize I have some explaining to do. What kind of sick freak takes photographs in a cemetary? Stay with me. . .

The Shot Tower #67

Ok. . .Apparently C is very excited to tour the Shot Tower. This should be perfect for my fear of heights and confined spaces. Tours are by appointment only. . .

The Phoenix Shot Tower was built in 1828 and at 215 feet tall was the tallest building in the US until 1846. Apparently, they used to make about 2,500,000 pounds of "drop" shot annually in the tower up until 1892.

The guide at the Carroll Mansion was telling us that if you search the Internet for the Phoenix Shot Tower (or maybe Baltimore Shot Tower) there are all kinds of made up stories and rumors about what it's used for. He said one account said the city stored it's gold there. Ha! I haven't Googled yet. . .Maybe while I'm waiting outside waiting for C to emerge from the tour and my panic to subside?!

Carrollton Inn #58

Carroll Mansion #61

View of the Mansion from the Courtyard area.

Carroll Mansion #62

The Carroll Mansion #64

Carroll Mansion #60

The Carroll Mansion #54

So as you might recall, I've been reading and learning about the Carroll family and their presence in Maryland. The Carroll Mansion was the winter residence of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was cousin to John Carroll - whom we learned about at the Basilica, and was also related to Carroll the Barrister of Mount Clare. Carroll of Carrollton was the last surviving signer of Declaration of Independence. (And if I recall the only Catholic signer).

The mansion is undergoing restoration and was very sparsely furnished but the docent was excellent and more than made up for the decor. Here is the beautiful staircase.

The Carroll Mansion is located at 800 East Lombard Streets. Tours are given year-round Wed-Sun, 12-4 (mainly on every hour) or by appointment. If the place isn't a mob scene, ask for a sneak peak of the adjacent Carrollton Inn. It's owned by same family that runs the Gammercy Mansion and it's easily just as well appointed and charming. The clerk happily showed us at least 5 of her favorite rooms, the dining room, the parlor, and the gardens. I might just ask for an overnight visit there for our anniversary it looked so great!

Fells Point #52 - Lancaster & South Durham Sts

I haven't been at the intersection of Lancaster and South Durham Streets in ages. Johns Hopkins has been on a major building and development spree for quite some time now. C and I were astounded to look up Durham Street and see the massive, multi-colored glass-front building at Hopkins blocks and blocks away.

Fells Point #50 The Wharf Rat

Fells Point #48 - The Wharf Rat

Home of Oliver Brewing.

Fells Point #46

Arrrgggghhhhh! The didn't mess around. The tourist pirate ship looks very well appointed. I understand it's also available for "adult" cruises - which apparently involves BYOB and bombarding unsuspecting pleasure watercraft with water balloons.

Fells Point #44 - The Pirate Ship

Given Baltimore's privateering history, it's fitting we have a tourism operation with a pirate theme. . .

Fells Point #42 - The Pirate Tour

Fells Point #41 - Koopers Tavern

Fells Point #40

Fells Point #37 - Tug Boat

Fells Point #33 - Brown's Wharf

Fells Point #31 - View of Tide Point

Fells Point #29

Fells Point #28

Off loading in the Tide Point vicinity.

The Black Eyed Susan - Fells Point #27