Button Sunday–I mean Monday

New computer–all my button photos are on the other computer, so here’s a very delayed button for you:

It’s very strange to be relearning Mac. Back in [year redacted], my first PCs in the workplace and home were Macs. Then Faux Mac, a/k/a Windows, came along and I lied–yes, LIED–and said I knew Windows so I could get temp jobs. Windows was, after all, just Mac Lite, and former employers, SUCK IT, because I excelled at all my Windows applications thanks to Mac’s brilliant software and set-up.

But, oh, the bad habits I’ve learned over the years. The first thing I had to do was set up my mouse to right click because I’m lost without it. I need to relearn some key commands.

If you’ve been wondering why I’m not online, it’s because I have this new toy to explore and learn. A very expensive toy, but since I had to destroy my zero credit debt for a new washing machine (old one died after eighteen years) and a new refrigerator for Tim’s apartment (his was our old one and is dying after fifteen years), I figured I might as well replace my desktop, which has been threatening to die for several months now. (Occasionally, guests at The Compound ask, “What is that NOISE?” and I have to tell them it’s the sound of the last stages of life of a computer two rooms away. A computer that has years and years of photos stored on it, which are fortunately now backed up to an external hard drive–and some of them will eventually end up on the Mac–including those button photos.)

Remember that Margot had to go to the vet because of a hurt paw? She CHEWED half the pad off a toe on another paw, so Tom rushed her to the vet Saturday morning before they closed. Result:

I haven’t let anyone tell her this is the Cone of Shame, but she’s still disgruntled–and her attitude isn’t helped at all by daily foot soaks and ointment applications.

I have a ton of photos I’ve taken over the last few days and some stuff to write about, including cowboys and art and dolls and friends. But for right now, since Project Runway was a rerun and I didn’t have to sew a design this week, I’ll leave you with a doll photo that’s part of a household reorganization and storage project I’ve undertaken involving my doll collection–and a definite fashion statement.


A 1991 MC Hammer doll by Mattel; New Kids on the Block Joe doll, Hasbro, 1990;
1984 Michael Jackson doll from Mjj Productions of Ljn Toys, Ltd.
Can’t touch this!

Hump Day Happy


Painters have been power-washing my neighbor’s fence. Lovely for him, but much of the dirty water has splattered my windows. It’s not only too cold to wash windows, but I’ve resigned myself to living with the cloudy view until they’ve finished stirring up dirt.

Even if I can’t enjoy today’s beautiful sunshine through pristine glass, I can enjoy the “Little Heart-Shaped World” hanging in my kitchen window. James had it sent to me from Flora Grubb Gardens. Check out their site if you’re looking for a unique, living gift for a friend. This one containing tiny tillandsia and lichen has made me very happy.

If you want something to be happy about from the happiness book, please comment with a page number between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25. There’s definitely enough sunlight for me to page through the book for you.

LJ Runway Monday: A Little Bit of Fashion (PR 7:6)


On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for children. My child model is a friend of Kelly, Barbie’s preschool-age sister, and is named, coincidentally, Becky.

Of course, as is usual with Project Runway, the day after getting their challenge, the designers were presented with a twist. They were also expected to create a companion piece for their models.

Models… No one who knows Summer thinks she wouldn’t be where the action is. Yep:


Vancouver! Before you start wondering why Summer’s with a different guy every week, I should tell you that this Olympic medalist is only a close friend.

Fortunately, the beautiful Gina was available to walk with little Becky down the runway. How do they look?

Please click here to see.

Hump Day Happy–Artist’s Edition


Sorry to be so late with this today, but I have been, as my mother would have said, out ratting the streets. Errands to run. Happy ways to indulge myself. And especially enjoying another gorgeous Houston day before we either get dreary weather again or jump right into summer.

To compensate for being late, I photographed the happiness book in front of someone’s (not my) in-progress painting. Since it’s only a tiny fragment of the whole, I’m hoping she won’t mind. In any case, I know she won’t sue me. She’d be afraid the court would award her two wienerbrats.

If you want something to be happy about from this book, please comment with a page number between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25. I’ll start dinner while I’m waiting for you. =)