Bus Invasion Thursday, May 8 2008

7 May 2008

As I went through the procedure, just now, of viewing this photo on flickr, choosing the view sizes option, and ultimately copying and pasting in the correct url, I was forced to view this photo for a moment in its large size.  At full screen width, you can clearly see the children pouring off these buses, and I was reminded of an animated film I’d seen as a child.  I’ve thought often of this film, but I know not a title, or anything further about it. It’s probably been thirty years since I’ve seen it. ****make that forty!) **** If anyone out there has any information about it I’d appreciate it.  I’d sure love to have a copy!

****addendum:  After a little bit of research, I have discovered that the name of the film is What on Earth! and that it was directed by Les Drew in 1966, and nominated for an Academy Award in 1968.  The narrator I reference, is actually the voice of a Martian visitor who has judged the automobile to be the true inhabitants of the Earth, and we humans mere parasites. ****

It is, as I said, an animated film, with a narrator—much like a Goofy short from the Walt Disney Studios.  In fact, this may be a Disney film, but I really think if I had to guess, I’d pin it on Warner Brothers.  But, at any rate, it discusses life on planet earth and shows images of highways and cloverleafs and cities and houses and cars and trucks.  But, it’s not until the very end that a vehicle parks, and small creatures emerge from it, and go into a house (I believe), that you realize the whole film has been presented as though the “life” on earth IS the vehicles themselves.  The beings within are referred to as “parasites” in the final moments of this clever little film. 

That’s the way I viewed the children leaving these buses . . .

The second of our Kids’ Days dawned with the threat of more rain, and the worries that the thousands of young feet would destroy our site, as they did a year ago.  But, in fact, there was very little rain all day–just a light misting, really—and none of the severe thunderstorms and hail that was foretold by meterorologists.  The crowd of kids was pretty big, but far less unruly that anticipated, also.  I stayed largely in the background, sitting and working on building chain girdles and chains of office.  Marcus and Mary more than adequately manned the East Wind Games booth, and Donny and Garry controlled the Pendragon booth.  I had the much-appreciated opportunity to visit with Miss Dana Browne as she did some needlework, and then with Bill Teel, as we discussed historical fashions and customs until we bored Donny and Garry silly, I’m sure.  The guys got involved in the discussion when it turned to weaponry, and I’m afraid that’s where I bowed out!  But, all in all, it was not nearly the awful day I’d dreaded.  I really had a good time.   Perhaps with a happier taste in my mouth about it, I’ll get on the ball and do more with my “Costume Museum” for next year. 

I  had a delightful surprise when I returned home—my husband was already home!  After a short time, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to steal a couple of hours and go see a movie!  So, off to Iron Man we went!  What a pleasure!  And not just the company!  The movie is great!  It is a very honourable update of the Iron Man story.  The acting is well-done, the plot is good and solid, and the special effects are out of this world.  We enjoyed it very much, and even enjoyed our food at The Movie Tavern.  It was a good evening.

~MB

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Longhorn in Wildflowers Thursday, May 8 2008

6 May 2008

Kids Days at Scarborough—not something that most of us look forward to each year.  More or less, we just view this event as something that must be endured.  And what’s a sure way to make it even worse?—add rain.

As I prepared to leave the house this morning around 8 a.m., the rain began.  And in mere moments it had worked itself into quite the storm.  Thunder, lightening, and very, very heavy rain at our house.  I ended up eschewing shoes in favour of garden clogs, and a good thing I did, too!  The dash from the porch to the driveway involved water way up over my ankles, and I was wet up to the knees by the time I splashed my way to the truck.

As I drove out of the driveway, down our street, and out onto Green Oaks Boulevard, I actually had to steer my truck around the bags of trash that were freely floating down the road!  The drive to faire was a bit tense and I called Kyle to warn him of the deep, standing water I was hesitant to drive even my truck through.  Flash flooding is something that I have a very healthy respect for, and don’t ever want to push my luck with—I’ve seen too much film footage! 

I got to faire safely (and Kyle got to work safely, too) just ahead of the big rain there.  There were very few vehicles of any kind in the parking lot, and certainly very few buses.  The day’s attendance was destined to be small, thanks to the weatherman’s warnings.  The rain came—although nothing like what we saw in Arlington—and the site got kind of soupy for a while.  But, with so few attendees, it never got as icky as it did last year.  At East Wind Games, we saw some chess club geeks (god bless them!) and made a few sales.  In the words of Mary, “not bad for a Tuesday!” 

On my way home, after a much-needed and long-overdue (having a busy schedule sometimes leaves no room for self-indulgence!) massage, I realized I was seeing some bluebonnets alongside the road.  Bluebonnets where none had been so far this year.  We’d been commenting that the bluebonnet population was way down this year—sparse and even absent from familiar places.  As we understand it, not enough rain—although, the bluebonnet experts say this beautiful little plant wants lots of sun and very good drainage.  Being too wet will kill it for sure.  So, who knows why, exactly, but bluebonnets have been in short supply. 

So, when I spotted some new ones, I immediately thought of “my” herd of longhorns and decided that if the animals were visible, I’d pull over and see if there were new bluebonnets there, too.   Besides, after a Kid’s Day at faire, spending time with a different kind of herd—a better-behaving one—seemed the perfect thing.  The herd was in the field, and sure enough . . . there were a few bluebonnets, as well!  I spent nearly forty-five minutes photographing these peaceful creatures.  This lovely little herd seems to consist of one bull, ten cows and this spring—five little calves.  For more “cow” photos visit my flickr site.  But, I’ve picked one for inclusion here, that highlights the wildflowers, and shows the length of these horns!

Realizing that I’ve developed a little bit of an obsession about this small herd of cattle, I decided I should learn more about them.  I’ve done some research now, and I’ve learned much!  I’ve learned that the first longhorn cattle were brought to this country by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and I am greatly amused at the Renaissance connection! :-)  By the early nineteenth century, other varieties of cattle had naturally and successfully crossbred with the original longhorns, and nature had created a new, super-hardy breed.  This animal was so highly sought after, especially in the wake of the near-extinction of the American Buffalo, that it, too, was nearly brought to the brink of extinction by about 1900.  The government stepped in, and the population again grew, with seven distinct lines, or families.  The Texas Longhorn, in all its varieties,  is highly self-sufficient; it is able to live off the land, needs less water, and is far less less dependent on a particular diet than many cattle breeds. It is easy to handle, and apparently very easy to drive, being known for its docile personality—it seems they are as sweet as they look! 

I have also learned that “my” herd is from the J Bar S Longhorn Ranch in Midlothian, Texas.  I am unclear as to why there is always only this one small group that I see in this area, for it seems that the Ranch is home to many, many more.  I was unable to find a head-count, but I did find reference to multiple bulls.  Since my little herd has only one bull, I’m guessing there’s more of these beautiful cattle somewhere nearby.  I am charmed by them . . . the country girl in me surfacing, I guess.  I would love for John and Sheila Hodges, who own the J Bar S Ranch, to know how much joy these quiet creatures have brought me. 

Moo.

~MB

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Screaming… Thursday, May 8 2008

6 May 2008
This guy lives above my bed.

I think it’s a brilliant piece of art.
Cheers.

~KR (Written on 7 May 200

Listening to:
Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2
from Greenpeace Rainbow Warriors (Disc 1)

Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

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Gooner Thursday, May 8 2008

5 May 2008
This is one of many Arsenal branded items I own. It’s one way to saying to the world at large, "I’m a gooner, and I’m proud of it!"

Of course Arsenal broke my heart this year, as they have several years running. Poor exit from Carling Cup against the dreaded neighbours up at Shitehart Lane followed by an unceremonious drubbing in the FA Cup against ManU(re). Most recently a dip in form on the domestic front cost the Gunners far too many points allowing either Chel$ki or ManU(re) to take the EPL trophy again; while a strong Liverpudlian side kicked us squarely in the nobbies and dumped us from Champion’s League glory. Now, with one game left in the season (against Sunderland), the best Arsene and his squad can hope for is third place and no silverware for the cabinet. Now, of course, comes speculation time as the rabid English press start digging up dirt and causing massive amounts of unrest. We have already lost Matthieu Flamini to the Italian giants, AC Milan, and it looks like his on and off pitch chum, Hleb will be joining him in the city, but not on the pitch. The later being, at the moment, speculative rumour that I hope doesn’t come true. But, greed being the most fickle of the footballer’s love interest, Hleb will follow the money as Flamini did before him. Nonetheless, I’m a gooner ’til I die no matter the on and off pitch antics, hystrionics & rumours.
Cheers.

~KR (Written on 7 May 200

Listening to:
Wax Paper by J - Live
from Moistworks : Fuck A War

Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.5 sec (1/2)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

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