Miss Charlottable

enough said.

After almost two weeks of amazing warm weather I wake up to discover that the rain that we had yesterday had turned into snow and then rain once more.

I'm glad that I left the snow tires on my little red van!

Back in my early Navy days I was introduced to an activity known as rabbiting - a term that indicates one is acquiring a rabbit or two. Not the long eared sort like a bunny or a hare, but more along the lines of something like a nice pair of pliers or a brass ashtray made from one of her Majesties brass gun shells.

In terms of the law rabbiting and all things rabbited was wrong - we were misappropriating property of the Crown for our own use and would be hauled up before the Jimmy (the Executive Officer)  if caught by the Meat Heads (military police). We seldom, if ever were caught though as rabbiting was a way of life that made the difference between hunger and a decent meal back then when there was little left over after the rent and utilities were paid. Yes, it was quite common for a sailor to head home with a duffel bag full of dirty laundry, a pound of potatoes and a bottle of Navy Gravy (ketchup).

Over time our rabbiting skills evolved as while our pay increases made life more comfortable, cutbacks to the operational budget for the Navy meant that the only way we could keep our ships running was to borrow (steal) parts from a ship that was in dry dock for a refit. Our rabbiting skills were put to use as members of armed (with tools) thieving parties that could strip a RADAR antenna off of a ship faster than a the tires disappear from a car parked in the Bronx.

I've since retired but have retained the skills learned in the Navy - they came in handy in Montreal one night when we had salmon for supper. Cleverly I scooped up half of my plate and surreptitiously walked it, complete with utensils, out to the solarium where I presented my rabbit to a hungry Natalie.

Natalie loves salmon.

I think she also liked the blood orange and package (or two) of rabbited cookies...

If you knew her you'll know who this picture is for...

A few snippets from a brochure provided by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX)

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The American Psychological Association stated, “Usually people who are attracted to women prior to transition continue to be attracted to women after transition, and people who are attracted to men prior to transition continue to be attracted to men after transition.

This can make public bathrooms and dressing rooms unsafe for women and children." 

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Is hormone therapy and sexual reassignment surgery a successful and safe treatment?

No.

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Are there any ex-transgenders?

Yes.

With self determination,therapy, medication, and support from their loved ones, a person can overcome this disorder and live a life of their birth sex.

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) raises funds for reversal surgeries and breast explants of former transgenders.

Thank you to laura_seabrook for providing a link to the outbound link tracking that LJ has implemented on some accounts. Information and a fix is here.

Just when life is starting to settle down a bit I have a molar break in half. The tooth had a root canal about 4 years ago but should have been extracted as it had a pre-existing crack that made it a ticking time bomb. Off to my dentist who agrees with my opinion that it is time for the tooth to go, bills me $100 and sets up an appointment with a dental surgeon who will take more money for a consult and then surgery.

Frig.

I was explaining to a friend that I thought I'd feel right as rain after a few solid nights of sleep. I also mentioned that I had no idea what that meant and in response he offered that rain never seemed right to him.

Rain is a bit of a spiritual experience for me when I can sit under a rock overhang or against a huge tree that shelters me. growing up i took a lot of comfort from the rain being close to me yet being safe and dry - something that carried me through rough times as an adult.

I've managed to collect some very nice old Corning Ware baking dishes and mixing bowls, including a set of four nesting bowls, a nice baking dish with a detachable handle so it can be used as frying pan and the gem - a coffee percolator. 

Other than the frying pan that I paid $4 for, the rest was pretty much $2 per piece.

Wonderful stuff this older Corning Ware is - it's functional, retro and pretty.