The Brownie's come to Bardstown. Part Deux.

After our trip to Jim Beam we headed home to relax and have dinner.  We decided just to have some pizza before we headed next door to The Chapeze House and our ghost tour! The kids were also happy we chose to come home for dinner.

T.C. chooses the more aggressive path to get food.

Bubba goes for his usual cute, "how can you refuse this face" method.

For our tour it was just the three of us attending...that is other than all the spirits present. We sat down to Colonel Mike and his wife Margaret Sue telling us about the history of the Chapeze house and the ghosts they have been sharing the house with since they bought it.  We learned Margaret Sue is a talker and Colonel Mike is a napper.  Both really nice and interesting people though. They have also been very nice since I got here. Colonel Mike is also quite taken with the Bubba. 

I tell you that little fart has quite the fan club.  A lawyer who works across the street actually ran over to talk to us and meet Bubba this afternoon when we were out for our walk.  Turns out he had bassets when his kids were little.  His daughter loved them so much that she just got another one once she graduated College.  Hers is named Petunia. (love it) Petunia is now a therapy dog who works with autistic kids!  I could tell this lawyer really wanted to get down and pet Bubba, but we know our little guy wasn't having any of it.  Actually hid behind my legs. 

Back to our ghost tour....we enjoyed learning about the house and the spirits that came to be.  After the stories, Margaret Sue took us to the local grave site to see if we could get pictures of "Orbs". Those are tell tale signs of spirits lingering about.  Joanne and I took lots of pictures but to no avail.  No orbs are visible.  Ian says we have to print them in order to see the orbs.  Margaret Sue actually had pictures from a wedding they had at the house that showed tons of orbs. They look like water drops on your film!  I will most likely be back to the grave site to take more pictures. I will have pictures of orbs before I leave this place!

That is Margaret Sue in the middle.

Good looking family!...hey why is Joanne so tall?

Door to the old jail.  Did she say it was made out of iron...?

We are looking for orbs here...this was the hanging tree.

After the tour to the grave site we headed back to the Chapeze House for a Mint Julep. It was good, but Ian was right you couldn't drink a lot of them.  They looked pretty good too.

Ian is reading a book written by Colonel Mike.  "Hospitality-Kentucky Style".  It is a mix of history, bourbon tales and recipes.  My very awesome sister-in-law bought me a copy and had Colonel Mike sign it.  It is great to have something with a little history of Kentucky to take with me.

The Brownie's come to Bardstown! (Part 1.....and it was written yesterday!)

I can't believe it is Sunday already and their visit is over! It went by too fast, but it was a lot of fun!  Bubba is fast asleep on the couch exhausted from finally meeting his Uncle and Aunt!  He played a little hard to get at first. There was lots of posturing, barking and posing to show who was king.  We also learned he has this skunk like technique of releasing his anal glands when nervous and trying to keep strangers at bay. Luckily it only lasted it an evening....how happy are you that I shared that information? hee hee hee... However, it didn't take long before he was comfortable enough to wedge his stubby little body between them on the couch.

I picked up Ian and Jo from the airport on Thursday around dinner time.  I have never picked someone up from the airport before so I felt the need to make it eventful and to show them how excited I was that they were in Kentucky! If it also meant embarrassing them a little…I was into it.  Looking back now I am not sure who should have been more embarrassed…I think it might be me.  I did get some funny looks.  Luckily for me Joanne is great at taking pictures and thanks to her I have some great pics to post.

We didn’t do much Thursday night.  Once I remembered how to get out to my car and after taking them on accidental little tour of the airport, I brought them back to Bardstown. I showed them the apartment, introduced them to Bubba, tried then to sedate Bubba… then took them for a little walking tour of the area….with the Bubba of course.   Ian especially wanted to check out the Liquor store with the drive up window he read about in an earlier post.   Later we went to “The Old Stable” for a late dinner.  We didn’t find the staff to be overly friendly.  Joanne joked it was because Ian’s size scared the wee little waitress.  We realized later that we came in just before closing forcing them to be open a longer than they probably wanted. J

Friday brought us a drizzly day outside, but it did nothing to damper the excitement of going to the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!  Ah…Zappo’s.  Fueled up on caffeine and biscuits we were out the door before 10:00.  Joanne being the smart one made sure to bring some water for hydration knowing that it would be key in sustainability for our shopping adventure. 

Looks like the Coach getting Joanne ready for the fight!

Joanne pointing out her opponent!

Our prize fighter entering the ring...

Approximately two hours and 10 pairs of shoes later we made our way back to the car.  When I say “we”, I mean just Joanne and myself.  Ian had retired to the car much earlier after his purchase of three pairs of shoes.  I am happy to say Joanne did the most damage at 5 pairs. I was worried she wouldn’t find something after all my hype about it!  As for me, I was able to scrounge up a measly two pair.

Not sure why Sponge Pants is there?

Knock Out!

Joanne with her victory boots!

 In the “after glow” of shoe shopping ecstasy we headed out in search of lunch.  Ian and Joanne said they wanted to go “American” and try somewhere they had never been.  So to Big Boy we went!! That is a completely American experience.  To my surprise it was actually really good, especially the service.  Once we were re-fueled, had a bathroom break and were given a free refreshment “to go”, we headed in the direction of Jim Beam!


I actually enjoy these tours.  I find it really interesting learning about how bourbon is made and how it is such a big part of Kentucky's history.  The free tastings don't suck either! They can really warm your heart and burn any long, hanging nose hairs you might have. 

So I am still thinking about my hair...

...and I am kinda miffed.  At first I blamed myself.  Obviously it had to be my fault, right?  I must not have conveyed exactly what I wanted to the stylist.  (I think it is important to note I always blame myself when something doesn't go according to plan) However, how do I know what I am saying is not what she is hearing? It makes sense in my head, what am I missing?

For example, when I said to her "I want my hair to be this long" while pointing to a certain length of hair on my head; I think that no other part of my hair is going to be cut shorter than this length. Is that reasonable for me to think? Or am I missing the boat?

How about when I point to her hairstyle and say, "I want it like yours"?   I think I am going to get a cut like hers where there are no sort choppy layers.  But could I just be out to lunch...again?  Do other people know something I don't when talking to the stylist?  Is there some sort of  "code" that I am unaware of?

So this morning in the shower it came to me!  I had a brilliant idea...a BOOK!  Basically an "Idiots Guide to going to the Hair Stylist"!  Who couldn't use this?  A book that breaks down all the lingo, the tools, what works best for certain hair and how to best explain what you want!!!  There could even be chapters that tell you the stylists point of view. What works best for them and what they like to hear from their clients.  Think of all the other's I could help?  No more crying into your pillow because you have to wait for another 6 months to get back to where you started.  No more ball caps or weaves to cover up the hideous mistake you made by picking the wrong stylists.  I really think I am on to something.  Maybe I will write to the publishers of those "Dummie" books.  I think they need me.

Well...

I cut it.  Not a lot really. Just the lower layer.  It doesn't really look any different than before...just shorter.  Can't say I am overly excited about it...maybe I will like it better when I wash it and style it myself. Why oh why can't I have normal hair?

So, I am proud to say I actually exercised for two days in a row! I think that is a record this year.  I met a turtle on the run this morning.  She was making her way across the road.  I stopped to chat and contemplate whether or not I should move her off the road.  But then I thought she might be making her way to some babies and I best leave her alone.  I also didn't know whether or not she was a snapper and she was giving me a look like "keep away from  me White Legs or I will take off a finger"! Ah...nature.

Four more sleeps until Joanne and Ian come to Kentucky!!!  I am excited!  I have kept myself away from Zappo's so I can be fresh and enthusiastic for when I take Joanne and Ian.  I can't wait to see Jo's face...I hope she finds some great deals.  I joked with Ian that he should bring the big luggage for all the shoes she buys!!  Now I am trying to decide what else we should do while they are here.  I am also trying to decide what I should do today.  I spent my day yesterday cleaning mostly.  If the sun stays out I am thinking I should take Bubba to Berheim  Forest for a wee hike and perhaps picnic.  I could then check another item off my list of  "Things to Do and Places to go here in KY!" 

To cut my hair?...or not cut my hair?

That is the question!! What to do? What to do?..... I have until 1:00 this afternoon decide. Stay tuned to see what I decide....

I have some questions.

Is it safe to say email is an acceptable form of communication now? I mean, if you are asking someone something specific or stating some important information, is doing it in an email acceptable?  As acceptable as if you were calling them on the phone?  Or do we still need to confirm with a follow-up call?  I think it is enough, but am I wrong?  I must be wrong! Or do I expect too much from people? Or maybe it is just ok for certain circumstances?  But if it is ok for business, shouldn't it be ok for the personal?  Do we have to go through life holding someones hand and leading them to water? Or can we assume they are smart enough to get there by pointing at it?  GRRRR.....

You know as I was driving back from Canada on Monday I think I had an epiphany....

  Bubba was standing on the armrest staring at me with desperate anticipation as he patiently waited for me to give him his share of my McDonald's cheeseburger. His blood shot eyes were just drilling holes in the side of my head. He had long strings of drool hanging from his lips .  I break a piece off to feed the stubby-legged garbage pail, (making sure to keep the pickle for myself)  He swallows the food whole, shakes his head sending bits of the cheeseburger, fur and slobber flying in all directions.  He has slimed the rear mirror, my cheek and he has bits of burger hanging off his crusty ears.  He sits backs and proceeds to fall asleep while I finish my part of the cheeseburger and throw the greasy wrapper on floor of the passenger side. Then I belch my appreciation like I was a marine returning to duty after a weekend bender and I think to myself..."Hmmmm, I think I know why I could be single." :)

Oh Canada!

I can hardly believe a week has gone by since the last blog.  Well, at least it has been a week without anymore "only me" scenarios...that is, if you choose to ignore me leaving the iron on for the entire weekend while I was away in Canada?  Ignorance is bliss!  Anyway....despite a 70% discount on all shoes at the Zappo's outlet for the weekend, I took the Bubs and headed home for the weekend!  Just a quick trip to check on the house, dine with some good friends, pick up some perscriptions and haul out the summer clothes. 

It was nice to see the house again.  I missed it...I really like my little place.  The grass was very green from all the rain.  It had stopped briefly for me to come home, but picked up again for the rest of the weekend. Ugh.  I did have a few visitors making themselves at home while I was away.

She seems mad....not one for pictures I guess.

OK this isn't my backyard, but I thought it was funny.

See...really green grass!

Handsome Bubba.

Bubba with Aunt Becky....who is really surprised she is actually able to walk him without me in sight!

All good here!

We had dinner at Aunt Becky and Uncle Mike's on Saturday night. Bubba was spoiled as Uncle Mike bought him his own "Steak and Cheese" flavoured treats.  Regular milkbones aren't really cutting it now that he is home.  As you can see from Becky's sweatshirt it was a little chilly.  I didn't dress appropriately....I now have a cold. 

I was wondering....

...why things happen the way they do?  Why sometimes there are good outcomes and then other times bad outcomes?  Or outcomes that are goofy and mostly where I find myself.  I look at some of the situations I get myself into and most of the time the thought that pops into my head is "Only Me".  For example, when I  blow out a candle that causes the fire alarm to go off forcing the whole house to evacuate. Later...after the ruckus I think, "Only Me!"  But is that it?  How about when I am walking Bubba at night and come across a strange man in a ski mask?  I think..."hey that is odd...Only Me"! But can that be it?  Or how about last night when I moved a cheap lamp in front of the board I use to keep Bubba out of the cat's room, away from his food and kitty litter?  Not considering what will happen the next day while I am at work.  Completely ignoring the high probability that "Bubba the Destroyer" will always try to knock down anything in his way of food and cat poop.  Knocking down the board, that will hit the cheap lamp causing it to fall. Fall in such a way that the plastic shade will lay against the light bulb that is already really hot because it has been on all morning.  So hot that it will melt a big hole in the plastic shade leaving the melted plastic to adhere to the hot light bulb and start to burn. "Only Me", right?  But how lucky am I to come home for lunch, notice the smell coming up the stairs, walk into the apartment and see the lamp? What could have happened if I didn't come home today?  I don't even want to think about it....even though I have. But was it luck?  I mean, "why me?  Why did I get that lucky to come home then?  Why did I get lucky that the man wearing the ski mask didn't turn out to be a bigger threat than he was? I mean that is lucky, right? Sometimes I wonder if it is something more. I can't be that lucky. Maybe it is a higher power? Or a certain spirit than knows I need help some days.  I do know I am thankful for whatever it is that makes me lucky so I all I ever say is,  "only me"!

Heavy, huh? :)

P.S. :there should be a law that old men are not allowed to ride Harley's without their shirt on!  An enforced law, so good citizens like myself never have to see saggy, old man skin stretched thin and flapping in the wind like veiny bat wings! 

P.S.:

I was shopping in Meijer's today and came across these and had to buy them.  I hope the don't suck.

All this box needs is a picture of a certain basset hound on the front and it would be perfect.

Derby Day

Well 5 minutes until the famous Kentucky Derby race. Bubba and I are sitting on the couch in anticipation. I have picked Mucho, Macho, Man to win. (9 to 1 odds) I picked him because I hadn't heard of any other horses running until today....and I just like saying his name. Plus his trainer is a woman and could become the first woman trainer to win.

Sadly I didn't make it to the Derby to wear a big hat,  but I did the next best thing....I made Bubba wear one I made for him.

His lack of appreciation for my hard work is like a slap in the face. Ungrateful hound!

As promised, pictures from the weekend!

Mike and I in front of the Wickland mansion before the tour.

This might be the closest I get to a Kentucky Derby Hat!

Mike in the tub!

I thought it only fair I show this picture since I showed Mike in a tub.  I didn't think it needed to be any bigger than this though.

Foyer of Wickland. That is the medium who takes you on the tour.

More posing....

For the the tour of the mansion they take you to the kitchen to talk to Walita, a spirit of a woman who once worked in the Wickland mansion as the cook.  Next they take you to the basement to talk to Anton. This is where I am in the picture. They say he was one of the field workers or slaves that used to work at Wickland. They believe he is about 15 to 16 years old. They tell you that you can ask them any questions you want.  They also ask you to hold these iron rods and ask the spirits to move them for you.  Here I am asking Anton to move them.  He asked the medium Katie if he could hug me. By doing this he made the rods cross in front.  He also wanted to know what was on my head. Katie explained that they were sunglasses to protect my eyes from the sun.  He wanted to know why they would be on my head since we were inside and why I didn't just place them in my pouch.

Here Bubba continues to astound!  The couch seems to be a neutral zone for him.  It didn't take him long to snuggle up to Mike and Becky while they were here.  At one point he even got off the couch to jump in Mike's lap while he was sitting on the chair by the window. By the time Mike and Becky were leaving on Sunday he wasn't even running away when they walked towards him. Sniff...my little boy is growing up.

Some food and a wee beverage after shoe shopping at the lunch counter of the local drugstore.  That is a ice cream float!!  When was the last time you had one of those?

Mike and Becky on "My Old Kentucky Dinner Train"!  This was a really neat experience.  They serve you this amazing meal in a old fashion dining car while they take you on a  2 1/2 hour train ride through the country side.  I really enjoyed this with Mike and Becky.

Me with the Beckster!

The one thing you learn about Becky is that she will do anything she wants to do!  About halfway into the ride the train stopped to switch the engine car around to the other side to take you back to Bardstown.  Well, Becky knew she needed a shot of that and you don't tell Becky no. I love it! So here we are. 

Interesting fun fact: The railway station we stopped at to turn around was where they filmed a scene in the movie "Stripes" with Bill Murray!  I thought that was note worthy!

Bubba's B&B!

What an awesome weekend!  I love having visitors. This weekend Becky and Mike came down to visit me in the big town of Bardstown.  There was Wine, Mexican Food, Kentucky Mansions, Teenage Mediums, Wickland Spirits, Good Weather, SHOES, Shady Flea-Markets, Rootbeer Floats, Riding the Rails, Good Food, Kentucky Derby Pie, More Wine, Bonding with Bubba, Lots of Walks and the best of all Great Company!!  They can come back any time!

Luckily Becky took pictures because I left my camera at work. I look forward to sharing them this week.