Mourning The Dove

We have a young hawk that practically lives in our yard. About a week ago, I went out to tear up some stale bread for the birds when I heard a loud flapping in the juniper tree above me. It was a hawk whom I disturbed as he was perusing the smorgasbord of feathered delicacies in our hedge. Well, he came back. A lot.


This morning there was a pleasant site out by the back bird feeder. Our mangy squirrel was scarfing up some dropped birdseed alongside a trio of Mourning Doves. I went back to my tea and went about my business until...........until...

Hawk 1, birds 0.


What a mess he left me! Watch him poop the damn bones out on the porch too.

Siri Argument

Freaking hilarious way to start your New Year's festivities!

New Year's Fireworks In Sydney

It's already tomorrow in Austrailia so the drinking is slowing down and the hangovers are just beginning. Don't feel bad for them, though. It's Summer down there and they can sleep them off on the beach. Assholes.
Yes, I am a jealous bitch.


But, fireworks. YAY!

Here's New Zealand's.

Shit Nerds Say

Video Games - E3 2012

Saying Goodbye To 2011

Some really wonderful things happened this year. I got engaged and married, for one. We traveled quite a bit and I actually got to meet one of you people in San Diego. ;)


We are almost completely finished with the sunroom/bar, and we love the room so much that we eat exclusively in there. The only thing left to do is have the electrician do some re-wiring and get the bar top sanded and finished.

It was a busy year and it flew by. I made some new friends and cemented some old friendships. I found a really remarkable group of women that I didn't know existed until a year and a half ago whose strength matches their kindness, and isn't that a nice surprise in this day and age. Sometimes I feel isolated living so far from so many friends, and it is a relief to know that I can touch base with so many of you through this blog or on Facebook. JerseyGirl, Prodigal Cheez. Chemgal and TNbelle, I talk to you every day and you are my touchstone and my sisters in spirit and heart,


Leenie, you are wonderful. I know that you couldn't move out here but I will never give up on trying! Leigh, AlisonZ and Cissie, you are always at the ready with a smile and something positive to say. Skatt, Classy Drunk, TrueLifeDiva, April, Iwannabeanarchy, kdfinjpn, and Dane, I always look forward to hearing from you. Your insights and senses of humor are head and shoulders above 99% of commenters anywhere. Kbird, you are my inspiration in all things foodie and tongue-in-cheek. Baler! I missed your crazy ass! We've come a long way from the Y bridge, no? Diatribes and Ovations, it was a really nice bonus this year to find you and your blog. You are a great guy with an even greater moral compass. And Bob. What can I say about Bob? He has, hands down, one of the most excellent blogs out there. If you aren't reading I Should Be Laughing, then get your ass over there right now!


If I left any of you out, I apologise. Comment more! Just kidding. Not really.


I will leave you with some photos from our trip to Maine last month and my wishes for all of you to have a safe, happy and healthy New Year. It's going to be a Dragon, which is my Chinese astrological sign and the harbinger of good luck and fortune. Don't waste it!


Love you all.

Searching for sea glass and clams on the beach.

A beautiful Victorian we passed on our way from Kennebunkport to Portland.

Oysters at J's. Sublime and delicious. The only thing that beat them was the scallops. We are forever spoiled  by the incredible quality you find up there.

A weathered door down by the wharf in Portland. Speaks volumes about the history and character of this place.

Seafood Mecca. I am not joking. If you want Maine lobsters, this is where you buy them. This is also where we got the scallops to die for. I am pretty sure that manna in heaven was patterned after them.

If you needed any proof that the friends we stayed with were awesome, here it is. Their daughter, aged 3, with a chainsaw.

Perhaps the most beautiful lighthouse in the world. 

Words can't express how much I loved it there. I'm hoping that the friend we visited stays healthy enough so that we can go back in the Spring and visit him, and some other friends too. I really do love it there.

Enough about me. What were your highs and lows, and how are you approaching the new year?

Epic Meal Time For Your New Year's Drunch

It is almost that time again, folks. New Year's Eve- to drink or not to drink? To party with no worries or to party while respecting all those hangover prevention tips that are flooding every damn website right now. I plan on drinking a bottle of wine or two, acting a fool at home with my husband and chowing down on some kind of pork, preferably with bones and fat. The next morning? Who knows. It depends on my hangover level. I may just have to hair of the dog it. Also, I have not gone out on New Years in ages. Why? Because I do not wish to get a DUI or get killed by some asshole who is too cheap to get a hotel room or a cab.


All of that aside, this is just some next level shit. Just don't watch it if you have a stomach ache.

It's Christmas

Hubby in his Wayne Rooney mask. He's my favorite soccer player. NO, WE ARE NOT ROLE PLAYING LATER. Just want to make sure that's clear.


Hope your day is great and no one throws up on the dog. I'm having a pretty good one, albeit a trifle hungover, and we all know the cure for that- more drinking!


Only one week til Mob Wives....Merry Christmas, bitches!