Who Broke the Window

TOM did! Last summer we did some work in our backyard and we had to bring in some fill dirt. Actually, I suggested that we get 'clean' top soil so we wouldn't have as many rocks. It would have cost more, but probably less that this replacement window is going to cost. Anyway, the dirt TOM brought back was full of rocks. And he laughed at me when I started picking rocks. Who's laughing now? I am. After rain they just come to the top. Last weekend TOM was cutting the grass and threw up (you guessed it) a rock and broke this window. Because of the size, it'is a special order and will take a week to 10 days before it arrives.

We are going to install it ourselves. BTW, we have never installed a window before.

This ought to be really interesting. Stay tuned.

Why Do I Hate April?

Federal Income Taxes are Due

Car Tags Need to be Purchased

Pollen

Aside from these few items, this month has not been our friend. We received an [audit] letter from the IRS (dadadadum). We missed 1099 income on our 2008 federal tax return and owed taxes. Following Suze's (Orman) advice, we paid it outright because you don't want to owe them ANY money or risk missing a payment. No penalties, but there was some interest. Don't call, the check is in the mail. Really. 

TOM was outside cutting the grass,threw a rock up and shattered a window. Shattered it good. The inside pane is fine so we don't have to board it up. Of course, it's a special order and it will be 10 to 14 days before we get it. BTW, we have never replaced a window before.

We had to nail sheathing to the undersides of our funiture because Woodstock and Chica decided it was a cool place to play and nap. Tore holes right in the fabric. Actually, that was the easiest problem to fix.      

Work has been crazy busy.

We don't have a vacation planned for the first time in years (oh, that's right, we don't have any money left). Maybe next year.

To quote Woodstock, peace out.

Murder at Midnight

I was sleeping soundly until a loud thump startled me awake. I sit up, looking for something I cannot see. I lay back and close my eyes as a wet, sloppy sound comes to my ears. I wonder if my son, who works at a restaurant, has given my dog a bone. I sit up and search for the dog through the filtered light. The dog is awake, but eating nothing. I close my eyes and lay back on my pillow.

As I start to relax, the sound, louder than the first time, comes to my ears. I sit up and throw my legs over the side of the bed. I stand and walk slowly toward the door; carefully feeling my way through the dark. A feline shadow leaps across my path and darts from the room. I now know what to expect when I turn on the light; the dead or dying feline midnight snack.

I see the shadow of a bunny near the bed; glad that I didn't step on it when I got up. I check to make sure it's not moving before I head to the garage for a dust pan. I shut the door behind me so the criminal cannot to return to the scene of the crime. I remove the carcass and ban the animals from the room for the night.

I have had enough cats over the years to not be surprised when I find something unpleasant in the house.

I remember specifically birds (I have come home to find them flying around the house),

frogs,

snakes, 

moles,

and chipmunks. 

One chipmunk in particular had quite a scary adventure in our home. One of the cats brought him in while we were at work. Somehow he managed to escape the jaws of death only to be found by Woodstock, our ferret later in the day. Actually, that's a good thing, because we were able to rescue him and send him on his merry way. Woodstock, given the opportunity probably would have killed him. He chased that littlechipmunk into and out of all the places that we couldn't reach. It was quite a chase for all involved. I finally managed to capture Woodstock so we could focus on the chipmunk. TOM and son managed to corner the chipmunk in the corner of a small room and throw a towel over him and carry him out. 

For another dead critter story, click here.