May 20, 2008

Tuesday Teaser photo verification

I’m starting off with an apology once again. It’s been raining for a couple of days. That’s a good thing, because it’s scrubbed the vog out of the air and I can breath. It’s a bad thing because my ISP keeps going out. I’m guessing that the underground cable vault leaked again and spoiled my connection. Sorry for the delay in getting this posted!

Charlotte knows her way around a toolbelt. She knew right away that the photo snippet was part of my steel tape measure. Those are my termite inspection tools in the picture above. I have other tools that come out as needed, but the ones above hang on my toolbelt for every inspection. Congratulations to Charlotte for figuring it out. I’m betting that she’s handy enough to build a cabinet or install her own Pedestal sinks. She’s won a linky-love post and will be entered into the drawing for a $10.00 gift card at the end of the month. Mahalo to all of you for playing. See you next Tuesday!

Technorati Tags: game, photo puzzle, tools, winner

Tuesday Teaser for May 20, 2008

Can you identify the item depicted above? Just take your best guess and post it in the comments below. If your guess wins, you’ll get a nifty prize. Here’s how it works:

1. Write a comment giving your guess as to what the item is.
2. First person to identify the item wins.
3. The author of this blog will be the sole judge as to what constitutes a correct answer.

What will you win?

1. The author of this blog will write a LINKY LOVE POST (review) about the winner’s blog (commercial sites ineligible.) The LLP will contain the url for your blog plus at least two deep links and will be posted here on Skeet’s Stuff, a PR4 PR2 PR0 (bah google!) PR3 blog. Skeet writes good reviews.
2. The winner’s name will be entered into a drawing for a $10.00 gift card from Starbucks or Amazon.
3. Drawing for the gift card will be held on or about June 1, 2008, and will include all weekly winners for the month. There are four Tuesdays in May, thus the maximum number of people who will be eligble is four.

Other stuff -EDITED - PLEASE READ!

1. All comments to this blog are time and date stamped. The winner will be the first person (according to time and date stamp) to provide the correct answer. Guess as many times as you please, but please place each guess in a separate comment.
2. No hints will be given.
3. Answers must specifically identify the item. For instance, if the item depicted were to be a USB cable, the answer “some kind of electronic connection” would not suffice.
4. Decisions of the judge are final. Don’t argue with me. I won’t answer.
5. I will attempt to post every few hours as to whether or not a winner has been declared, but I am not continuously at the keyboard so please be patient.
6. Entries must be posted before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, Hawaii time (GMT -10, approximately forty-eight hours from now.)
7. This is intended to be an ongoing feature at Skeet’s Stuff. If you or I lose interest it will cease to exist, but all qualified winners will get their prizes.
8. Skeet’s Stuff is a do-follow blog, so you get some link value just for commenting.
9. You do not have to have a blog to enter. Your review can be donated to a charitable or non-profit site if you don’t have a blog or just want to share the love. Sites to be reviewed are subject to my approval. I’m not harsh, but I’m also not interested in donating space to a radical political website or a blog that is dedicated to porn. Commercial sites are ineligible and comments with commercial links will be deleted. If you would like to advertise on my site I’ll be happy to discuss your needs and my fees.

Additional Notes:

10. Let the fun begin!

Technorati Tags: contests, photos, photo contest, blog contest

May 18, 2008

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Could someone please tell me what I’m allergic to this time? This started about a half an hour after I ate my dinner of pork ribs and potatoes. Both dishes were heavily seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, red pepper and black pepper. The ribs were marinated in balsamic vinegar before seasoning. I am not aware of being allergic to anything I ate. There are three dogs in the house right now, but I treated for fleas about two weeks ago and I don’t think that’s the problem. I’ve had mal-absorption problems for over fourteen years and I’m pretty sure I’ve developed an immune deficiency (along with a whole constellation of other problems) due to nutritional deprivation. New allergies to formerly user-friendly foods and substances have sprung up in the last few years, but I can usually figure out what caused the problem. I’m clueless this time. That’s my left side - I’m holding my muumuu just under the bodice - and the welts and itch extend all the way down to my hip on that side, and all the way to the middle of my back. I tolerated the itch for half an hour or so, then went crazy scratching like a kid with chicken pox. How the heck am I supposed to figure out what did this so I can avoid it in the future? I can’t go for allergy tests: they’re incrediby expensive and I have no medical coverage. The only alternative I can see is to eliminate each of the seasonings from my diet for a while, then bring them back in one at a time to see if something happens again. I’m going to hate it if I have to give up anything on the list.

I’ve taken benadryl and smeared myself with an itch cream. It’s only slightly better about forty-five minutes later. I hope the benadryl will put me to sleep soon. The itch is much too distracting to let me write the new hidden object game review I wanted to post, so I might as well go to bed, but I won’t be able to sleep until this lets up. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Well, screaming didn’t help!

Technorati Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, hives, insanity, itch, welts

Self Portrait Sunday for May 18, 2008

Yep, I was so caught up in de-cluttering the office that I forgot all about Self Portrait Sunday until dusk. After the marathon cleaning efforts I did a little yardwork. I got some weeding and watering done in the little garden on the kitchen side of the house, watered the potted plants in the front and, of course, did a poopy patrol in the dog yard. I still have at least one post to write tonight, so I’ll get on that pretty soon. Maybe two. We’ll see. I’ll go check out all of the self portrait pals over at Midlife Musings soon, too. It would be nice to fall into some silk bedding when the day is done, but my all-cotton stuff suits the climate even if it’s not quite as luxurious. Right now I’m thinking a quick shower is in order before the timer beeps to tell me the potatoes and ribs are ready for dinner.

Technorati Tags: self portrait , meme

Posted by skeet @ 7:22 pm • Photos, Meme • 2 comments  

What have you been up to, skeet?

I’m so glad you asked! I was just coming around to tell you. Remember my new committment to doing stuff on a daily basis to de-clutter my life? I finally picked up some momentum on that quest a few weeks ago and I’ve stuck to the task this time. The last few days have been spent on the most tedious chore of all - organizing my office! You probably can’t tell from the photo above, but it represents signifigant progress. That’s the work table in my office - the table I haven’t been able to use in ages. I used to do my property drawings there, and enter my inspections into the books and put my bank deposits together. See the bin in the picture, and the stack of paper & stuff next to it, and the stand-up file over at the right? That’s all that’s left of four boxes of stuff that needed to be organized or gotten rid of.

This is one of the smaller boxes. It contained mostly mail, though there was other stuff there, too. I pay most of my bills online these days, and some of them at various service centers as I travel around the island doing inspections. It’s an efficient bill-paying system and there’s really no need to open the paper bills, so they’ve been accumulating for quite a while. They’re mixed in with junk mail, a weekly local paper, some magazines I intend to read someday, and numerous other bits of detritus.

I spent most of one day shredding junk mail and envelopes. I filled two large rubbish bags with the results, then realized I’d never get done if I shredded everything. Thereafter I only shredded credit card applications and other things that might be useful to identity thieves. Everything else was either torn or disposed of whole. That made the work go much faster. I’ve filled five or six bags and the rubbish bin is full, awaiting pick-up on Tuesday morning.

I’ve also sorted some stuff for a future garage sale or charity pick-up. That computer got badly burned by a virus. I need to remove the motherboard full of sensitive data, and then will offer the rest for parts. The box is full of cables and cords. A rice cooker and some clothes have also been added to the pile. I expect it to be much larger before I’m through.

I stirred up a lot of dust and dog hair beneath the table and in the supply closet. My allergies are acting up (of course,) and I’ll probably need some acne treatments to counteract the grime my skin has absorbed. Small price to pay, though. I’m feeling good about the progress I’ve made and am committed to staying on top of things better once I finish the big clean-up. I’ve let the enormity of the job overwhlem me for way too long, but it’s really not all that bad once you get started. That was the hard part!

Technorati Tags: cleaning, clutter, organizing

Have you been to Branson lately?

I remember the first time I heard of Branson. I was watching country music Christmas special and several of the artists mentioned performing there. I’d never heard of the place, but that was a long time ago - maybe as much as two decades? We’ve certainly all heard of it today, haven’t we? If you were raised on country like I was, you’ve thought about going there. If you’re tired of the same old Florida theme parks for your family vacations, you’ve probably already done your research for this summer.

There’s never been a better time to go. Country music fans plan their vacations around the concert schedules of their favorite artists, but there’s so much more to do. Check out the Titanic Museum with its faithfully reproduced half-scale replica of the tragic ship. Enjoy the amazing feats of the Incredible Acrobats of China. Silver Dollar City will provide you with over thrity thrilling rides and attractions, and is home to the amazing Marvel Cave. The whole family will enjoy your visit to Branson. Want to know the best part? It’s affordable! There are numerous lodgings to chose from, so there’s sure to be something to fit your budget. Vacation packages and specials are always available, so do a little advance planning and save a bundle.

Have you been to Branson lately? If not, what are you waiting for?!

Technorati Tags: Branson, family vacations, vacation packages, vacations

May 16, 2008

The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes - new hidden object game

Rejoice, hidden object game fans! The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes has just been released exclusively by Big Fish Games and it’s a winner. Each level of the game presents a mystery for you to solve with Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson.

Each level of the games allows for two types of hidden object search. Conventional play provides you with a list of items to search for within the scene of the crime.

The second search requires the player to find the differences in two views of the same scene. The items identified are then presented as clues to solving the mystery. The minigames wherein you’ll find out who committed the offenses are pretty lame, with the solution handed to you instead of requiring your deductive powers. Ah, well - how hard would you expect to have to work at it with Holmes and Watson as partners?

A magnifier is always available to help you locate hidden objects. You’ll need it. Some of the items on your search lists are very small and well-disguised. Make sure you find Sherlock Holmes’ deerstalker cap and pipe in each scene. Finding them will keep you well-supplied with hints and other bonuses.

A variety of minigames will give you a break from hidden object searches. None of them will strain your brain, but they’re a fun diversion. I liked the game enough that I’ll be buying it so I can play more. You can download a free demo at Big Fish and play for an hour before you make your decision. The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes can be purchased for $19.99, or for a discounted price as low as $6.99 for Game Club members.

All of my hidden object game reviews can be found in the games category for skeet’s stuff

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes

Four Foods on Friday #29

Val invites us to come play at her place every Friday. Here are this week’s Four Foods on Friday questions, all about a subject that is dear to my heart!

#1. What’s your favorite beverage containing chocolate or chocolate flavoring?

That’s an easy one. I drink coffee, tea and water - that’s pretty much it. I carry a travel mug of iced tea with me wherever I go. Sometime I run out, so I stop at a convenience store for something to drink. I almost always end up buying myself an ice-cold Starbucks Frappuccino.

#2. What’s your favorite chocolate bar? OR Share a pic of your favorite candy, chocolate or otherwise.

Is there any such a thing as a bad chocolate bar? Hmmm? I think not! I love Hershey’s and Dove and Nestle’s Crunch and Reese’s Peanutbutter Cups and Snickers and Milky Way and Three Muskateers. My favorite depends on my state of mind when I shop.

#3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten that had chocolate in it?

I don’t eat unusual things. My mother, however, had a fondness for chocolate-covered ants. I was never tempted.

#4. Share a recipe using chocolate.

Nah! You don’t need a recipe. There’s the ingredients right there in the picture. You figure it out!

Don’t forget to check out Fun, Crafts and Recipes later today. Val will expound on all of our answers and give us all a little linky-love, too. You should join us next time!

Technorati Tags: chocolate, food, desserts, meme

Sharing the Good Stuff

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the bad news that we forget that there are good things going on around us all the time. We can’t change the headlines, but we can seek out that which is good, that which is uplifting, that which shines with a positive radiance - the good stuff. Here’s some good stuff sent to me by my readers:

Toy’s-R-Us is the target of a lot of jokes in comedic routines, but we all shop there, don’t we? Val thinks we all should know that Toy’s-R-Us is aware that being a mega-corporation comes with mega-responsibility. Their Autism Speaks campaign recently raised $1.5 million dollars dedicated to autism research and advocacy. Did you know that they’ll help you out when you are shopping for toys for kids with special needs? I knew there was a reason I liked that place!

I love the malapropisms that pop innocently out of children’s mouths. John Tighe made me smile when he shared this one from his son, Charlie:

A few years I took my family on holiday to Spain. One evening we were all eating tapas, while watching the sunset over the Med. My son picked up a baby squid and asked what it was. “Squid” I replied.

Ah, good times.

Yep, that’s Good Stuff, John!

I recently found a blog that makes me smile every time I visit. Quiverfullfamily is well-written (something that always makes me happy!) and is chock-full of fun family stories. Y’all know I have a thing for bugs, right? I loved this recent post about kids and bugs and life and joy. Well done, my new friends!

Sometimes it only takes a small thing to bring a little sunsine into our days. Lisa, the Queen of Pith, had a happy little surprise at the gas station recently. Don’t you love it when people are nice for no reason at all?

I mentioned las tweek that I was finally “off of the couch” and starting to get involved in my own life again. I’ve kept momentum going, diggng my way out of the clutter a day at a time. It’s a good thing we have those big rubbish bins that are picked up by automated arms on the trash truck. My poor rubbish man would be worn out otherwise, with all of the stuff I’ve been getting rid of! Oh, and do check out Schwim, my big girl visitor for a free smile. Admit it, you can’t look at her without grinning, can you?

I hope you’ve had some uplifting moments in your life recently, too. Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do yourself a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that made you smile. Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Make sure you send me a link when you’re moved to blog about something good going on. I’ll hook you up the next time we Share Some Good Stuff and then we can all feel a little better about what this world is coming to!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, family stories, local stories, meme

May 15, 2008

Do you have some Good Stuff to share?

If it’s Thursday, it must be almost time for some Good Stuff! Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. I’ll do a round-up later today (might be early tomorrow in your part of the world) when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme