We've Had an Addition to Our Household

My niece, Nicole, has joined our household on a part-time basis for the summer.  She just finished off her junior year in Mass Communications at Towson University (just like Uncle Mark) and is starting an internship for a radio public relations firm at the National Press Club Building in Washington, DC.  She will be working Wednesdays through Fridays, so will be staying with us for three nights a week.  She comes down on the train from northern Maryland on Tuesday evenings and takes the train back after work on Friday.

On her first night in DC, we took her out to our favorite Indian restaurant on 8th Street (SE).  She had not had Indian food before, but seemed to like what we suggested, chicken tikka makhani.  Shane and I both had the chicken boti.  The photo above is from our family vacation to Europe 2 years ago.  This was in London, obviously, as you can see from the eye in the background.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #290

I appreciate you coming here for this emergency IMF meeting. 

This is my idea for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #290.  Let me know if you have any ideas for a caption too.  

The Trouble with Puddles

The objects de art are the "Puddles" Shane bought at a shop near The Glass Museum while on a business trip to Tacoma, Wash.  He thought they would be cool and modern looking on an end table in our Florida house.  However, as you can see, they look like two different colored eyes on the the end table.  The flat, oblong pieces of glass called "Puddles" were about $60 each and Shane quickly realized they were not exactly as great as he thought they would be.  He claims he got caught up in the excitement of the Glass Museum.  At any rate, we now have very expensive soap dishes in our bathrooms.  

They do look kind of cool in the bathroom.  

A Great Beach Day

This isn''t actually a photo I took today, but I was looking through the the photos on my computer and I noticed that Shane wore the same shirt and hat today as that day in 2010.  I'm not sure what beach that is, but today we went to Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

It is about an hour and half drive from our house, but we left early for us--around 10:30 a.m. and got to the Mucky Duck on Captiva around noon.  I had the seafood platter and Shane had the BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp.  I get one of those BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in my platter, along with steamed shrimp, fried clams, fried cod, cole slaw, french fries, and some things I don't know what they were, but were delicious.

This photo was also from a previous post.  I didn't take any photos today.

After lunch, we went to Tarpon Beach on Sanibel Island.  It was very hot today, but the beach had a warm breeze going and it was nice under the umbrella.  We each have an umbrella.  When we got warm, we went in the water.  The water is like bath water.  It is warm, which makes us worry a bit about hurricanes.  Hurricane season starts June 1.

After a few hours at the beach, we packed up and headed back.  On the way back, we stopped at what we call the Orange Juice Place.  It is a tourist store that sells oranges, orange juice, and tourist gift stuff.  The two best things about it is the free juice samples--orange, grapefruit, strawberry/orange, and lemonade.  It is worth a stop just for that, but they also sell the best soft-serve ice cream.  We always get the twisted vanilla/orange cone.  Very Yummy!  So much for the diet.

I did run this morning before we left.  I did a little more than 4 miles, but had to walk the last mile, cause the heat was killing me.  I was a big sweaty mess by the time I got back.

Friday Night Cocktail-Classic Rum and Coke

Tonight's Friday Night Cocktail is the classic Rum and Coke, but in this case it is actually the Rum and Caffeine-Free Pepsi.  To make, I just fill an Old Fashioned glass full of ice, pour a shot of Bacardi Gold Rum over the ice, and fill the glass with cola.  Since I don't do caffeine, I use the caffeine-free stuff.

Shane and I enjoyed our cocktails out on the dock behind our house, on the water.  The weather was perfect.  Though it was hot and humid today, a front must have past by, because it was cool and breezy as the sun went down.  Shane, as usual, enjoyed a glass of red wine--Rex-Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon (see below).

Back In Florida for Another Amazing Sunset

I know people that follow my blog regularly are probably sick of me posting shots of the sunset viewed out of the back of our house.  I don't care.  I'm always amazed at how beautiful our view is.  As usual, this photo does not do it justice.  The object in the lower left hand corner, sitting on a coffee table, is a sculpture (silhouetted) of mangroves.  There are actual mangroves on the opposite side of the canal behind our house.  I've included a better photo of the sculpture below.  It is about 10 inches high.  I think the lower part is brass [UPDATE--It's copper], and I'm not sure what the upper part is made from.  Shane got it at an art show in Naples, FL.

Speaking of Shane, he is flying directly to Florida from Tacoma, Washington.  Have I mentioned he was in Tacoma lately?  I have to pick him up from the airport tonight at 10:30 and we are down here through the rest of the holiday weekend.  We came to Florida, because it wasn't hot and humid enough in Washington, DC.

Time To Get Out the Blue Sponge

Today is exactly 10 weeks until a major milestone birthday.  I will be the big five oh.  I don't want to start my second half century looking as pudgy as I do right now.  I want to weigh under 165 pounds.  So, that is my goal.

I weighed myself at the gym today and the total was 183 pounds.  I figure I should be able to drop 18 pounds or more before the big day.

I plan to eat better and run more.  I ran both yesterday and today.  I'm getting back on track.  I'm going to give it the old college try anyway.  However, I still want to be able to enjoy the occasional Friday Night Cocktail.  I'll just run farther those days.  Wish me luck!

Yes, I know this photo is getting old.  It is from the Air Force Marathon in September 2008.

Shane Goes to Tacoma's Glass Museum

Mitch Block guessed where in the world Shane was (Tacoma, Washington), and also suggested while there, he should go visit the Glass Museum.  He added he didn't know of anything else to do there.  Well, that's just what Shane did.  He also heard that it was about the only thing to do in Tacoma.  So he went.

Shane sent me the following photos from his visit.  The first shows the rainy outside of the building and the next two are of the making of a bowl.  He must have been impressed as he said he also bought some glass at a nearby shop.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #289

Although you're mythical, you need to start believing in yourself. 

This is my idea for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #289.  Let me know if you have any ideas for a caption too.  

Where In the World Is Shane Now?

Shane is on the road again, so he has sent me another photo taken out his hotel room window.  Any ideas where poor Shane had to go this time?  Need a hint?  It was bad enough Shane had to endure a long plane ride in a middle seat.  He should just be glad he wasn't visiting in 1940 when it got a bit windy on a certain bridge.  Too easy?

My Review of The Illusionist

Last night we watched the 2010 animated film, The Illusionist, by French film-maker Sylvain Chomet, who also made 2003 animated film, The Triplets of Belleville. Shane and I loved The Triplets of Belleville, and when we saw the reviews last year for The Illusionist, I immediately put it on my Netflix queue.

The Illusionist is based on a script by Jacques Tati written in 1956. Tati was a famous French comedic actor and director from the 50s and 60s. He is apparently considered a genius.

The Illusionist takes place in the 50s and is about a magician who finds it difficult to find work in France, so he travels to England and Scotland to find jobs. While on one of these jobs he befriends a young lady who follows him to his next job, and he takes the girl under his wing. He buys things for her and ends up having to find extra jobs to support this girl.

This is very little dialogue in this film, similarly to the The Triplets of Belleville.  However, I have to say this story was not as interesting.  The film is full of oddball characters, but I found myself dozing off at points.  It was actually kind of depressing.  All this illusionist could make disappear was my consciousness.  I do have to say, however, the trailer (below) makes it look good.

Both Elaine Stritch and I Are Still Here

So much for Judgement Day and the end of the world. Sorry faithful religious nuts. We're still here and Jebus still hasn't swept you away to Heaven. At least you can enjoy the great Elaine Stritch belt out "I'm Still Here" from Stephen Sondheim's Follies.

Friday Night Cocktails-Red Currant Diep 9 Genever

Tonight we went out to dinner at Jordan's 8 on 8th Street in  Southeast DC.  I had the grilled salmon and Shane had a filet mignon.  It was very tasty, but we did not have a cocktail with dinner.  Shane had a glass of wine and I had a beer.

However, after dinner, we stopped in at the nearby liquor store to buy lottery tickets and there was a lovely young lady in there providing free samples of cocktails.  The first and best of these was the red currant flavor of the Diep 9 Genever.  We also tried the passion fruit and the apple flavors.  Other flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and peaches & apricot

Genever (pronounced juh-nee-ver) has been Belgium's national spirit for more than 500 years.  According to their website, Diep 9 Genever is "handcrafted from the finest grains and all natural ingredients in Belgium's smallest grain distillery.  Each batch is infused with 9 botanicals, pure juice, or all-natural cream for a fresh taste and ultra smooth finish." BTW, it is 40 proof (20 percent alcohol).

We bought the red currant ($25) and it came with two shot glasses.  You don't down it like a shot, though.  It is meant to be sipped.  I do have to say it is delicious.  There are also mix recipes available on their website.

Tweet of the Day-Megan Amram On the Raputure

So excited for tomorrow! In my family, we open our presents the night before the Rapture!!  @meganamram

"Postal Worker FAIL" from Failblog.org

I'm sorry, but this made me laugh. I really hope this guy didn't die.

Newt Gets Glittered at MN Family Council Event

The Minnesota Family Council is the anti-gay group pushing for the gay marriage ban in Minnesota. This guy is my hero.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #288

With gunpowder up to $20 a pound, it is almost cheaper to drive.

or

Damn!  I have to pee again.

or

The tricky part is that it's my turn to stop and buy the donuts.

These are my ideas for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #288.  Let me know if you have any ideas for a caption too.  

Where In the World Is Shane?

Shane is on another trip, but he didn't tell me where he was going.  He just sent me this picture taken out his hotel window.  Does anyone have any idea where Shane has gone?  I know this was taken in mid-afternoon, but it looks rather dark.  The only other clue I have is that he said he was disappointed that he was going to miss Former Ambassador Jon Huntsman's scheduled visit on Friday (Shane is only staying one night).  Isn't Huntsman running for President? 

It's the End of the World as We Know It-May 21

Don't make any plans for next Sunday, because according to the Robert Fitzpatrick (above), it isn't going to come.   Fitzpatrick spent his life savings, more than $140,000, on bus and subway ads in the New York City area claiming the world will end just before 6 pm Eastern time, on Saturday, May 21.

The ads say, "Global Earthquake: The Greatest Ever!  Judgement Day May 21, 2011."  Fitzpatrick also wrote and self-published a book, The Doomsday Code, saying the Bible offers sure-fire proof.  He also has a website with lots more religious mumbo jumbo.

Basically, Fitzpatrick is claiming that there will be a giant earthquake that will leave the Earth uninhabitable.  Apparently, he is a follower of Harold Camping, a radio host who has been wrong before about his end-of-the-world predictions.  Fitzpatrick, a retired engineer, is betting big time Camping isn't wrong this time.

I, for one, will be relaxing on Saturday and, perhaps, enjoying a cocktail.

Maude Video: Bird Watching In Bed

We open the shade next to our bed each morning so Maude can watch the birds land on our neighbor's roof.  The birds are literally a few feet from her.  They have to notice the giant cat nearby, but must know they are safe since they seem to taunt her.

Maudie gets very excited and shivers, whips her tail, clicks, barks, and grunts.  This video is a mild example of this.  Of course when I get the camera out, she tones it down.

Shane worries that bird watching upsets her too much, but I think it gives her something exciting to do during the day.  And before anyone comments, yes, we finally removed the flannel sheets.  They were getting rather furry.

My Newt Post Is Gone-Who Hacked My Website?

Earlier this week (Wednesday), I posted this photo and a short essay with some links that was somewhat critical of Newt Gringrich.  Today, I logged on to see the post had been deleted.  Someone must not have liked me being critical of the Newt and his trampy wife.  I also noticed this exact photo was gone from the Internet.  I saw a similar photo, cropped differently, but not this shot.  Very strange.  Newt has great power.  I realize there was some problem with Blogger, but I still think it strange that only the Newt post is gone.  I shall strive to recreate it.

Newt Loves America (Unless It Gets Cancer)

It is almost too easy to pick on poor Newt Gingrich. There are so many reasons to hate him. He is probably a very intelligent person, but he has made some really horrible choices. Today, he had the audacity to announce he was running for the Office of the President of the United States.  

This is the man who believes that marriage should only be between one man and one woman, unless that woman happens to be racked with cancer.  In that case, it seems to be OK for marriage to be among a man and two or more women. Then he has the balls to criticize President Clinton for his immorality of having an affair.  Kettle, pot.  Pot, kettle. 

Newt's current wife... his third, was the result of an affair he was having on his second wife.  He blamed his affairs on his love for America.  I swear.  I'm not sure what is going on with his wife in the photo (above), but hypnosis may have something to do with all this. 

Click here to read all about his scandals and assholery.  

Friday Night Cocktail--Hawaiian Sea Breeze

This is a home-made cocktail.  The description from the recipe says it is similar to a Bay Breeze, only it is a short, not long, drink.  I don't know what that means.

It is fairly simple:  1 and 1/3 ounces vodka, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of cranberry juice.  Just combine them in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a cocktail glass.  It also says you should garnish it with a wedge of pineapple, but I didn't bother with it.

It's not bad, but not great.  Maybe it needed the pineapple wedge.

NPR Streams the "Book of Mormon" Soundtrack

National Public Radio (NPR) is streaming the audio to the hit Broadway show, The Book of Mormon, for free for a limited time.  How long of a limited time is anyone's guess.  Shane is taking me to New York for my birthday in August and already got tickets to see this show. 

Previous to releasing the soundtrack on NPR, the show was very limited to what they would release.  There were no video clips as far as I saw, which was unusual--just photos.  The word of mouth, however, was very positive.  It also got 14 Tony nominations recently, the most of any other show for the year. 

NPR warns the audio is filthy, but streams the total content uncensored.  The GOP is threatening to take away NPR's funding, but they aren't bowing to any pressure by restricting anything that may be controversial.  Case in point, listen to the fourth track on the album, "Casa Diga Eebowai," a funny parody of The Lion King's "Hakuna Matada." 

Also, if you are looking for the audio of the actual Book of Mormon, click here. 

Coincidentally, while I was up at my mom's on Mother's Day this past Sunday, two actual Mormons came to the door to promote the Book of Mormon--not the Broadway show.

Starbucks Happy Hour Gets Me In the Door



Photo from Starbucks' website.


There are at least two Starbucks within 100 yards of where I work.  I don't usually frequent Starbucks, since I don't like coffee.  However, my co-worker, Sara, coersed me into going over to get a Frappuccino®.  They have a special running through Sunday where Frappuccinos are half priced during Happy Hour (3 p.m to 5 p.m.). I ran home last night and ran at the gym today at lunch.  I thought I could afford a little treat, so I gave in. 

When we arrived, the line was very long.  But, we didn't let that stop us (though we considered walking across the street to the other Starbucks to see if the line was shorter.  I ordered the smallest size (a tall) Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino. 

They only had three people behind the counter--one taking orders and the other two frantically making a variety of Frappuccinos.  After a long wait and some prodding from Sara, we finally got our drinks. 

My 12 oz cup of chocolate milk with ice and chocolate bits covered in whipped cream and syrup was good, but I can't imagine paying full price for it ($3.75).  Half price was pushing it.  The size I had contained 290 calories, 13 grams of fat (including 7 grams of saturated), and 38 grams of sugar.  Totally not worth it.  If I'm going to consume some empty calories, I'd much rather go for the McDonalds' hot fudge sundae, which only cost $1.

The Daily Show Gives "Santorum" a Google Boost

The Daily Show
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

You have got to Google Santorum. I had no idea.  As Jon Stewart says, Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum probably would prefer you didn't Google his last name.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #287

On second thought, my old proctologist wasn't so bad.

This is my idea for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #287.  Let me know if you have any ideas for a caption too.  

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

We went up to see mom for Mother's Day today.  She didn't want to go out to eat, so we ordered in some subs and spent the afternoon relaxing.  I got her a fern (her request) and a box of instant oatmeal with flaxseed.   This is her with her cat, Rudy, taken a few years ago.  She'll get mad at me for saying this, but that cat is evil.  She loves him though.  If I try to touch him, he'll draw blood.  I keep my distance.  Happy Mom's day!!

DC House Makeover--The Garden Clean-Up

I did a little work cleaning up and planting some flowers in outside our DC house today.  Here's the result.  I'm not finished.  I want to get more flowers and put down some mulch.  It is always risky putting in flowers before Mother's Day, since they have been know to vanish from the garden.  

BEFORE

AFTER

Friday Night Cocktail--Fusion Martini

Shane and I are eating at Fusion on 8th Street in South East DC.  It is a modern Asian restaurant. For a starter cocktail, I got the Fusion Martini.  It is made with Smirnoff Vodka, Peach Brandy, Peach Schnapps, and Cranberry Juice.  I'm not crazy about the short martini glass, but the drink is very good and definitely worth the $10.

Friday Night Cocktail is going to be a new feature each week on Running With Blue Sponge.

Don't Watch This if the F Word Offends You

Dorothy Loudon Sings "Broadway Baby" from 1984 ---- This Is How You Do It

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #286

Sorry Bob, but I can't do lunch today.  I'm drowning in paperwork.

This is my idea for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #286.  I know this caption seems obvious, but it is all I got.  Let me know if you have any ideas for a caption too.  

Florida House Update--The Outside Makeover

Before

This is what our house in Florida looked like when we bought it about a year ago.

After

This is what it looked like this past weekend.  Below are some more photos to show the work we've done... OK... the work we've had done.  Double click on the photos to see the high-resolution, bigger photo.

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

Today is our anniversary.  It was 13 years ago today that Shane and I first got together.  We are going out to dinner to celebrate.  We are eating Italian and there will be plenty of wine flowing.  It is kind of a sad occasion, because I figure now we only have about 60 more years together.  Love you Shane!