Wow, sat down here when it was gloomy outside. I looked up many an hour later and the sun is shining and inviting me to be outside.
Seriously wish there was a way for me not to have to do work on Sundays.
Showing posts with label kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kansas. Show all posts
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Venting
I let loose on someone today. I am not proud of it, but in hindsight I did not say anything that is not common knowledge around here. I don't respect people that try to push others around for the sake of their own ego. I have been incredibly diplomatic for a couple of months now, and I was pushed too far this time. WAY too far.
You do not treat others like crap and expect them to sit and ask for more. Well you do, if you are totally oblivious to the entire world of reality around you, and are delusional and think you somehow have magic powers you can hold over everyone's head.
Well magic powers don't work in the real world, especially if you manage to alienate an entire community. Today one more was alienated. Good luck to you.
You do not treat others like crap and expect them to sit and ask for more. Well you do, if you are totally oblivious to the entire world of reality around you, and are delusional and think you somehow have magic powers you can hold over everyone's head.
Well magic powers don't work in the real world, especially if you manage to alienate an entire community. Today one more was alienated. Good luck to you.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Storm through area,,,,
You may be wondering what the big secret was the other day. Well, I still can't say anything as we are in 'negotiations'.
And nope it was not the book :0)
On other news we had an awful storm go through here yesterday. While here all it did was drop some rain and look ominous. Just as it got past us it picked up strength and headed toward the corners of MO/KS/OK/Ark all about 75 miles away. The last I heard there were 22 dead. One tornado was on the ground for 90 miles. As it went through Picher, Oklahoma it almost wiped the town off the map.
I have not personally seen a word about it on CNN or other national news shows. But, there is plenty about George Bush's daughter getting married.
And nope it was not the book :0)
On other news we had an awful storm go through here yesterday. While here all it did was drop some rain and look ominous. Just as it got past us it picked up strength and headed toward the corners of MO/KS/OK/Ark all about 75 miles away. The last I heard there were 22 dead. One tornado was on the ground for 90 miles. As it went through Picher, Oklahoma it almost wiped the town off the map.
I have not personally seen a word about it on CNN or other national news shows. But, there is plenty about George Bush's daughter getting married.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Secrets and Updates
There are some things going on that I am dieing to talk about. But I can't, not yet anyway. But just know that I am chomping at the bit to share the possible good news!
In other news I am currently listening to a podcast provided by the Midwest Arts Conference. This year they are meeting in Kansas City, so my hope is that I will be able to go. So far I haven't seen the cost listed anywhere. Obviously I need to find out more info.
Kansas FUNdamental workshops are still going on with some amazing workshop opportunities. The ones I am eying are the ones on building a web site on a shoestring. I am not sure how much they can cover in the 2 hour workshop, but I have learned to trust the Kansas Arts Commission with making it a worthwhile activity.
In other news I am currently listening to a podcast provided by the Midwest Arts Conference. This year they are meeting in Kansas City, so my hope is that I will be able to go. So far I haven't seen the cost listed anywhere. Obviously I need to find out more info.
Kansas FUNdamental workshops are still going on with some amazing workshop opportunities. The ones I am eying are the ones on building a web site on a shoestring. I am not sure how much they can cover in the 2 hour workshop, but I have learned to trust the Kansas Arts Commission with making it a worthwhile activity.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Quack Kills
Always wanted to take a pic of this sign. Stopped in the middle of the highway today on the way home from meeting.
BTW meeting went well, we should be able to get something going :0)
Art Group
This afternoon we have our first get together for a possible Southeast Kansas Art Group. It could be me just sitting there alone, or fifty people. No way to really prepare for specifics.
I am not great in new environments, think Alex Rover from "Nim's Island". So here goes, hoping it all goes smooth.
I am not great in new environments, think Alex Rover from "Nim's Island". So here goes, hoping it all goes smooth.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Back From Conference
I spent the last two days at a Writer's Conference. Good info, good people, good times had by all. But, wondering if I should move on next year.
I have gone to this particular conference for 4 years (I think). And although my time there is accurately described above, it is not really aimed at my target market. When I first started going it was to get my feet wet in the world of conferences. Now, I fear, it is time to spread my horizons a bit wider.
Not that I have outgrown them in any way, many of these folks put what I do to shame! I just need a different challenge than what I get there each year.
So, now I am looking for one to go to that;
1. Fits my needs (Target Market)
2. Is relatively close
3. I can afford.
I have gone to this particular conference for 4 years (I think). And although my time there is accurately described above, it is not really aimed at my target market. When I first started going it was to get my feet wet in the world of conferences. Now, I fear, it is time to spread my horizons a bit wider.
Not that I have outgrown them in any way, many of these folks put what I do to shame! I just need a different challenge than what I get there each year.
So, now I am looking for one to go to that;
1. Fits my needs (Target Market)
2. Is relatively close
3. I can afford.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Taking a brief break.....
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Cotton Process
Before I grew cotton this summer I had never seen it first hand. I live in southeast Kansas and I am told there are two cotton gins in the state. (Which is nothing compared to Alabama, Tennessee etc..) This is about as far north as you can grow it, from what I understand.
In each boll there are four of these that pull off and fluff up.
As you pull them apart you will find seeds inside. Each of the 'bumps' in the above holds a seed.
You have to pull each one out and separate the fibers.
It is a slow and relatively tedious process that took me a number of hours to do by hand.
Once I was done separating the seeds and fibers I chose to put them both into plastic bags to protect them from any pet hair, dirt etc... I was told to expect a Grey toned fiber, but instead it is a sort of creamy white.
In the left are the seeds that I will keep back for next year. On the right is all of the fiber packed into one bag. To see how much it is packed, consider that the previous image has only a very small amount outside of the bag. Think of purchased batting, once you start pulling it from the bag it's as if it is on steroids and expands up to 10 times in size.
In each boll there are four of these that pull off and fluff up.
As you pull them apart you will find seeds inside. Each of the 'bumps' in the above holds a seed.
You have to pull each one out and separate the fibers.
It is a slow and relatively tedious process that took me a number of hours to do by hand.
Once I was done separating the seeds and fibers I chose to put them both into plastic bags to protect them from any pet hair, dirt etc... I was told to expect a Grey toned fiber, but instead it is a sort of creamy white.
In the left are the seeds that I will keep back for next year. On the right is all of the fiber packed into one bag. To see how much it is packed, consider that the previous image has only a very small amount outside of the bag. Think of purchased batting, once you start pulling it from the bag it's as if it is on steroids and expands up to 10 times in size.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
BY GOLLY! IT'S COTTON!!!
It's finally here!!! What a great surprise when I rounded the corner of the yard I saw bits of white. Needless to say I ran for the camera. :0)
There are about 14 plants total, and each has a number of the bolls. Not enough to really make anything. Now you can all call it 'Cotton Picking Humboldt' for a reason :0)
There are about 14 plants total, and each has a number of the bolls. Not enough to really make anything. Now you can all call it 'Cotton Picking Humboldt' for a reason :0)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Kansas Cotton - AHT Garden
Last month it was flooding, this month it is dried up and blowing away. The melons are pretty much done producing. As are the maters, green beans and cucumbers are all things of the past.
But the cotton, ahh the cotton :0)
Inside this weird 'bumb' lurks the makings of a cotton sock, sweater, or perhaps....just fluff. But I am waiting patiently.
From what I have read it should open in about a month, if the conditions are favorable.
Good page for cotton information.
Lots of gourds. Surprisingly the vines are still blooming too!
Garden - "Watch Cat"
Pumpkins look healthy and ready to pick. Too bad we didn't expect them to be at this point until at least mid September.
But the cotton, ahh the cotton :0)
Inside this weird 'bumb' lurks the makings of a cotton sock, sweater, or perhaps....just fluff. But I am waiting patiently.
From what I have read it should open in about a month, if the conditions are favorable.
Good page for cotton information.
Lots of gourds. Surprisingly the vines are still blooming too!
Garden - "Watch Cat"
Pumpkins look healthy and ready to pick. Too bad we didn't expect them to be at this point until at least mid September.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Hot Garden Update
The cotton seems to be thriving, maybe it is the 105 temps?
This odd looking thing is what shows up once the bloom falls off. I am new to seeing cotton grown, but this just looks really funky.
The blooms are all a pretty soft pink.
When we moved into this house May of 2006, I dug up our miniature rose bush and put it into a glass of water. Sadly it stayed in that glass for a good year before it got planted. The weak little thing bounced back though, and is now blooming.
Pumpkins are ripening far too soon to be used for Halloween.
One type of the ornamental gourds
Cantaloupe, itty bitty and oddly enough started out a green fuzzy thing we thought was watermelon. Some disappeared last night, hoping it was raccoons and not neighbors.
Maters are filling out nicely. Cleaning them off tonight and letting them ripen inside since last group disappeared due to critters.
This odd looking thing is what shows up once the bloom falls off. I am new to seeing cotton grown, but this just looks really funky.
The blooms are all a pretty soft pink.
When we moved into this house May of 2006, I dug up our miniature rose bush and put it into a glass of water. Sadly it stayed in that glass for a good year before it got planted. The weak little thing bounced back though, and is now blooming.
Pumpkins are ripening far too soon to be used for Halloween.
One type of the ornamental gourds
Cantaloupe, itty bitty and oddly enough started out a green fuzzy thing we thought was watermelon. Some disappeared last night, hoping it was raccoons and not neighbors.
Maters are filling out nicely. Cleaning them off tonight and letting them ripen inside since last group disappeared due to critters.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Flooding Southeast Kansas and Coffeyville
Corn and other crops throughout Southeast Kansas have been left with a great deal of damage. Expect anything related to jump in price.
Corn that about ready to be harvested is now useless for anything besides compost.
___________________
On June 30th Coffeyville, Kansas withstood one of, if not the worst flood in its history. Below are images taken on July 8th, 2007. A corridor through the damaged area has been made for traffic to go through a section of the damaged community. Driving through the path you can only get a small taste of the ruins left behind.
No one is allowed into much of the eastern portion of the town, except for emergency and government personnel.
As you get into Coffeyville on 169 coming from the north you are met with flashing light and a guarded highway.
Walnut
Police, National Guard, and Sheriff's officers are seen throughout, keeping people out of the restricted area.
Some of Coffeyville's finest
Some of Coffeyville's finest
Look close at how high the water was, and how the truck is now sitting.
Local Refinery
'Stuff' on the side of the building is oil
Notice the top edge is darker from the oil
Markings left on homes after searching
Only a fraction of the homes involved. Two weeks ago people lived their lives in these structures.
Spots around town have been set up as post for necessary personnel.
Businesses on the west side of town are opening back up for business. Boiling water order has been lifted. Interstate Fair and Rodeo has been cancelled for 2008.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Kansas Flood or "How Diane Spent Her Summer Vacation"
Today is my normal day off from my day job. But I considered going in when I heard that the new highway, was open to the south. BTW WHY do we still call it the NEW highway when it is over 20 years old?
Husband and I drove around during a lunch break to see how things were going. The image below is the traffic backup on the new highway. I told the day job (library) if they got busy to call, and I could probably be there in about 15 minutes. This pic obviously shows I was wrong.
The water has receded to where life is beginning to return to normal. For some that is....
Iola, KS (10 miles north of where i live in Humboldt) homes affected are labeled with either yellow or red signs. The yellow, is logically to show caution when entering. There were a large number of homes though with the red signs, as it usually is this includes a large percentage of people in low income areas.
"Keep Out Uninhabitable"
As you come into the south side of Iola there has already been a large amount of cleanup. But there are still bails of hay sitting along side the road where they were drug and left.
Husband and I drove around during a lunch break to see how things were going. The image below is the traffic backup on the new highway. I told the day job (library) if they got busy to call, and I could probably be there in about 15 minutes. This pic obviously shows I was wrong.
The water has receded to where life is beginning to return to normal. For some that is....
Iola, KS (10 miles north of where i live in Humboldt) homes affected are labeled with either yellow or red signs. The yellow, is logically to show caution when entering. There were a large number of homes though with the red signs, as it usually is this includes a large percentage of people in low income areas.
"Keep Out Uninhabitable"
As you come into the south side of Iola there has already been a large amount of cleanup. But there are still bails of hay sitting along side the road where they were drug and left.
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