Pawn Stars and Paintings

I was watching Pawn Stars on my DVR the other day and this lady brought in a collection of prints (lithographs) by Salvador Dali, the collection was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass (Alice in Wonderland). I don’t know why but I really liked the prints, generally I find most of Dali’s work to be disconcerning. I was motivated to do some more research on them. This collection is selling from anywhere around $2,500-$12,000. I think that getting this collection is a little outside the realm of reality for me. But one can wish.

The first print here is the cover page for the book. The next print is titled Down the Rabbit Hole.

This is called the Pool of Tears. This print and the caterpillar one is a toss up between which is my favorite of the collection. The second print here is A Caucus Race and a Long Tale.

Then we have The Rabbit Sends a Little Bill and Advice from a Caterpillar. I love the colors that Dali used in the both of these.

These two are Pig and Pepper, and A Mad Tea Party

The Queen's Croquet Ground and The Mock Turtle's Story

The Lobster Quadrille, Who Stole the Tats, and Alice's Evidence.

After looking at these I feel like maybe I need to read Lewis Carroll's version of Alice in Wonderland, because all I can think of is the Disney version, which I'm sure is much more cookie cutter and less dark.

Fajitas!

We had fajitas for dinner on Saturday. We bought some top sirloin from the butcher and marinated it for 4 hours or so.

Here's the recipe for the marinade:
1/4 C Tequila
2 or 3 T of olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
zest of 1/2 a lemon
handful of cilantro, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
salt
pepper

I also made some Spanish rice, and guacamole
My guacamole recipe:
2-3 avocados
1/2 onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
Salt
Pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
A handful cilantro, chopped

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. You can score the avocado while in the peel (is it a peel?) to make it easier to mash. I use a spoon to remove the avocado from the peel. Then I liberally sprinkle with salt (kosher), probably close to 2 tsp. Then I mash. Once the avocado is to the consistency of your preference add the chili powder, pepper (to taste), garlic and stir. Next add the lemon juice, cilantro, and tomatoes.

Spanish Rice Recipe
1 C rice
2 C water
1 T tomato bouillon
2 T butter or vegetable oil
1/2 an onion, diced

Heat the butter or oil on medium heat in a skillet, brown the rice and saute the onion. Add water and bouillon (can be found in the Mexican aisle at the store), stir. Cover with a lid an cook rice according to package directions (20 mins, at a simmer).

Leashes

Time for a Public Service Announcement.......Leashes!
Please leash your dog. Even if you think you can control your dog, be responsible and use a leash. There are several differnet types of leashes to choose from, all are effective (some more than others)!

I had to call the police last night because the lady who lives across the street refuses to put her dog on a leash. She lets it outside, does not watch it and last night it attacked a lady and her dog while they were out walking. Now the owner of this dog is liable for and damages done to the attack-ee. Not only that but she is at risk of losing her pet. While I personally find it annoying that this inconsiderate woman let her dog have the run of the neighborhood and allowed it to poop everywhere, it is not the dog’s fault that she could not control it. The attackee was not hurt, but it could have been much worse if people had not been outside at the time of the attack. That being said…. Don’t just jump in the middle of a dog fight/attack, you could get hurt as well. If you feel confident enough to break up a dog fight go for it I guess, but I suggest you read this article first.

This really all boils down to responsible dog ownership. Train your dog, neuter/spay your pet, recognize if your dog has aggressive (check this out) or dominant tendencies, if your dog is not in a contained area use a leash. I don’t care if Fluffy is the most obedient dog in the world… use a leash. Always. AND last but not least recognize that your dog is not a small person. A dog is an animal, not your child they have animal instincts. It is ok to love them and feel like they are a part of your family but that does not make them human or capable of human thoughts and feelings.

Please people do you part. Let's reduce the number of dog fights/attacks by being responsible.

Letter B

Jeff and I were in the car the other day and the Beatles 'Let It Be' came on the radio. Everytime I hear that song I think 'Letter B,' from Sesame Street. I no longer know all the words to this song, all I know is letter b, letter beeeeee, letter b, letter beeeeeee.

No other letter from Sesame Street has stuck with me like the Letter B. I'm not sure if I should thank or curse Sesame Street for imprinting me like this. On one hand I clearly have a firm grasp of the Letter B, but on the other a good Beatles song has been messed up for me.



When I find I can't remember
What comes after "A" and before "C,"
My mother always whispers,
"Letter B."

She told me "B" starts
"Big" and "bird" and
"Ball" and "bat" and "battery.
" Yes, buh-buh-buh-buh-buh means Letter B.

Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
She whispers "Buh-buh-buh means Letter B."

And when I feel downhearted,
Mother whispers
"B" words constantly,
Like "bib," "Bob," "Bulb," and "bubble,"
Letter B.

Now in my hour of darkness
There's a sound I know will comfort me,
It's the buh-buh-buh-buh-buh of
Letter B.

Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
My mother whispers "B" words, Letter B.
Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
My mother whispers "B" words,
Letter B.

Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
Bless the "buh-buh" sound of
Letter B.

Hyder Alaska

My parent's left for Hyder, Alaska today. They are on Dad's BMW RT-1100, I'm sure it's loaded to the gills... well as loaded as a motorcycle can get.

If you'd like to follow their progress check out their spot tracker. You can also check out their progress on Dad's blog 5th_gear. He'll be posting photos and stories from the road.