Super Sunday, Some Scans, Some Stuff, SSSSSS

Super Sunday is here but, for me, it's also tax day. Since I changed jobs last year and since it typically takes many years to get my withholding the way I want it, I'm especially curious and nervous about what this year brings. It takes me about an hour with a calculator at my side. TurboTax shaves about 30 minutes off of that time but costs about $30.

Don't bother to ask me about the commercials tomorrow. I head to the bathroom or the fridge at the commercials. I could pause the broadcast on my DVR and watch them when I'm back but I probably won't.

I'll be enjoying boudin and multi-grain crackers during the game. I prefer plain saltine crackers to the multi-grain but they're never crisp when I buy them in stores any more, probably because the stores buy them in mass quantities and store them in dark, dank warehouses. They're always, always stale. I hate stale crackers.

In case you hadn't heard, Circuit City is going out of business. They're having a typical going-out-of-business sale and there are deals to be had. We bought a few things. There are signs all over the store stating that full manufacturer's warranties are in effect and that ALL Sales are final. Of course, that included a few display models and some out-of-the-box merchandise but most of that stuff was marked way down. As I got behind a lady waiting to be checked out, the cashier left his station to find a manager and ask for information about something she had asked. There were a lot of customers in the store and a lot of them had questions. He got stopped several times and took 10 minutes to get back to his station. When he got back, his response was, "It's part of the going-out-of-business sale and we won't be able to do anything about it. Do you still want them?". I couldn't believe it. What stupid question could she have asked that garnered that response? I've been in this position, myself, and a good many of us may be in that position in the coming months. This is a difficult time for those employees. They'll be out of a job soon and we're in their store basically picking at their bones. I'm a little old-fashioned in that regard and think a little courtesy is in order. Being difficult with these people is NOT courteous.

I offer one image taken today and a couple taken many years ago for this glorious CrabAppleLane Super Sunday. GEAUX CARDS.

CrabAppleLane Birdhouse - February 1, 2009The birdhouse was a birthday present from Patsy last year. It got some curious looks from the CrabAppleLane chickadees, some disdainful looks from the CrabAppleLane bluebirds, and an if-they're-not-going-to-take-it-we-will from some brown wasps. When I took it down for Hurricane Gustav, I had to contend with them. Nothing like dealing with wasps on a 10ft ladder and shaky knees. I didn't put it back up until last weekend. We'll see how it does this season.


Angela, Christina, Rob My sister, Angela, sent me this one last night. Hadn't seen it in many years. I'm guessing that's my brother, David's, hands playing goalie for Christina. Angela and Christina are twins. I remember that green shirt. Was one of my faves. Christmas 1974, I think. Is this what people think of when they think big brother or little sisters?


Nikki - January 1990 Nikki was our Samoyed. He loved everyone. When we first bought the property on Crabapple Lane, where our house was later built and where we live now, there were horses on the property next to us. We used to like to bring our two city dogs up with us and wander around the property. It was sensory overload for them. They loved going for a ride, they loved the country and all those new scents and wide open spaces but there was something else, too. We'd bring carrots for the horses. The horses would light up when they saw us and the carrots. Nikki would light up when he saw them. Not at all sure what they thought of him. He would tap his paws, wag his whole body, and then sing to them. He would be just beside himself with joy. He gave us a great deal of joy, too. Nikki was that one pet that everyone has in their life. You know, the best ever.

Quote of the Day

My husband and I are enjoying the memories of pissing our own money away instead of the horror of Wall Street making it disappear.

Comment by Flee at the BOTD

Blog of the day via Infospigot is here.

Quote from said blog: "My employer's stock price has fallen to 12% of what it was a year ago. I'll be working until I'm 80 - if I'm lucky!"

Love the cartoon. -Rob