Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for January 26, 2013

My dog used to do that, but no longer. :-)

Scooters’ a scootin’

Mrs. doesn’t seem to share Mr.’s enthusiasm, does she.

More fun on roller skates.

Next time, Arlene and Walt are taking the car…

…although the neighbors down the street finally had to resort to this…

She’s the Draggin’ Queen.

Hey Red…. puff puff…..Running into the Tiki…. did I catch you?

Shoot, I bet I missed you again!

I wanted to thank you for the music the other night…. bit my uncanny knack for getting here just after you leave may have foiled my plans again!

Ah well…..

So….. Fenton, my friend, how about a banana daiquiri…I’m feeling i a tropical mood, despite the weather.Just put it on my tab…. thanks.

I’ll be working off the whole thing this weekend anyway, what with the Monkey gone, and some of the little monkeys, and the Saturday bartender.

It’s kinda empty around here, isn’t it….More people out of town than in.

Bev and the Monkey gone with the Linguist, Storm still sick, I guess…Haven’t seen X tonight, or Lind… oops….or, um, well, any of the usual night owls…OK, sorry…. didn’t mean to say it…..

@Veteran (yesterday)….I know you were joking but I’m sure some people will misconstrue what you say..Poop Deck (wikipedia): In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the rear, or “aft”, part of the superstructure of a ship.

The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis. Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern or “after” cabin, also known as the “poop cabin”. In sailing ships, with the helmsman at the stern, an elevated position was ideal for both navigation and observation of the crew and sails.

The fantail is an overhang at the extreme rear of the ship, to the rear of the poop deck and closer to level with the main deck. On a stern wheel steamboat, the fantail supports the large paddle wheel and is typically angled upwards so the shaft of the paddle wheel can sit higher than the main deck. On some steamboats, the extreme end of the fantail supports “monkey” rudders that mimic the operation of the main rudders in order to provide additional steering control.

On modern, motorized warships, the ship functions which were once carried out on the poop deck have been moved to the bridge, usually located on the superstructure in the center of the ship or the island on the starboard side in the case of aircraft carriers.

OOoooops! Didn’t see your post…it looks like you and I posted pretty much at the same time. No worries! Because you’re right! Walt and Arlene do meet up with each other during the walking of Scooter and Fred, so far, is clueless (about that and so many other things, as well).

Arlene and Walt have to make the most of these very brief moments. Scooter has business to tend to!

WOOOHOOO!!!

Well….how about that? I guess there IS a new term …

(Andy doesn’t have a helicopter pilot license yet, but he’s light enough to “free-style” it):

Good morning, I.M. !!

So, what does this mean, exactly?: “I’m getting MiFi from toast net along with verizon.I will have a mobile ‘hot spot’ for my laptop. wireless connected thru a router and will share with my desktop.”

Will you be able to take your laptop with you anywhere and you’ll always have the internet? My laptop is connected to our home network (wirelessly to the main desktop PC).

I’ve never heard of “MiFi” or “toast net”. We have Verizon DSL. I want to know, “Just what are you getting, mister , that we aren’t???”(LOL!!)

Thanks, I.M. ! I will check it out. Good luck with this new connection…hope it meets your expectations!

Great pics, Essex !

Listening to Night Owls as I’m typing…great song!!

I use a Gentle Leader with Moxie. Keeps her from pulling so much.

Here are the present cottage listings on Ballard St., all zoned for business:

This one is not currently on the market, but Mel said he would put out some feelers…perhaps the owner might consider selling if presented with an “interesting” offer…

(BTW, I’m glad I kept scrolling down…I was just about to give Essex a stern talking-to! He certainly knows that it’s not you in those first 2 photos. I’m so relieved that he was just teasing! I do like that publicity photo. I can see you’ve put a lot of thought into your new enterprise -- I like it!! And, there really is a need for both services here! Sounds like a winner!)

If I find the time in between my month-long visits to enjoy my lover, I would like to sit for the parrots of others when they travel or work. I have my bird room with well nibbled baseboards and good morning light as well as the knowledge of the food choices of all the different breeds.

I worked out w eights in AM and then cooked lots of veg food as well as cleaning out frig and freezer. Just watched one of the new season of “Faceoff” and I’m ready for a good relaxing soak and early bedtime (as I only have my “visualization”). I will still sleep well and am learning all that Yoga stuff (still may need a coach for some positions, though some are just natural).

I like those house styles (as long as I can have a nice garden with pool and waterfall in the back).

It cost a lot for me to add that waterfall right in front of the grapefruit tree, so I’d have to get a screaming good deal to move. The front of my house is not as much fun as Stel’s offerings, tho’ – but it IS all pink with an orange door!

I know this will continue tomorrow, so I’ll be back – I need a good warm soaking bath after all the work today (and my meditaion/visualization with the special photos from him) ;-D

Ahoy Ballardeers ! Well, we’re all back on board The Irish Rover after the invasion of Tampa Bay and the Gasparilla Parade – I think !I know Bev’s onboard, a heard her swearing at the computer , a few minutes ago. I’m not sure about Monkey. I haven’t seen seen him since the parade ended and we all got off the float my Florida people constructed for us. Fantastic float ! My camera wasn’t working ( of course ! ) but maybe somebody else can post some parade pics.I’ll be back a bit later. I’ve got to do a crew roll call. I’m pretty sure they’re all here, but just in case, I’ve entrusted my First Officer Dom Dominick Domingo-Domingo, with a complete sweep of all the likely bars where any of my crew might have strayed and stayed. Dom Dominick Domingo-Domingo is from Dominica. He stands six foot five in his bare feet and weighs 270 lbs. Dom Dominick doesn’t drink ! Nobody, but nobody argues ( drunk or sober ) with Dom Dominick Domingo-Domingo.Oh,BTW, he is a first class Captain in his own right !

We’re still looking for MonkeyBlues…..

Still no sign of Monkey ! I hope he’s not up to any untoward monkey business.I’ve got my scouts out and have alerted my friends in the Tampa Police and the Hillsborough and Pinellas County Sheriffs Departments to be on the lookout for the hairy little bugg…er… bloke.We sail at first light back to Ballard Cove, so I hope makes it back in time.

Wow…. didn’t realise it was so late…..

I decided this was a day I had to Do Things.You know…. Do Things. Unfortunately, like most days…. not much happened and then it was 9:00.

And now the Monkey is lost?!!

What have you done with my …our Monkey?

Linguist the Monkey is a sworn lawman! He’s not gonna get in tr…well, OK, he’s a monkey, too…. or maybe first.

But he promised.

Bev… ooooh beads!Maybe I shoulda come!

But somebody had to stay here, you know.

So you just go ahead and have a great time and don’t worry about the rest of us…sitting here eating hot dogs and beans while you enjoy all that wonderful seafood…Working away while you party and cavort…..Just never mind… we’ll be…. OK….

I had a busy Saturday. Errands and laundry. We had an ice storm on Thursday and it’s finally starting to melt off.

Well, I’m not gonna sit around while the Monkey is missing…I’ve got a friend in Tampa who owes me one…ever since a little incident with a certain lavender poodle…oh, but I can’t talk about that…Anyway…Sam Spot is a good guy to know…when something needs knowing…if you know what I mean.Sam has a nose for knowing things…He can sniff out the Monkey if anybody can….

Beviek — I always find it hard to negotiate with a bus.

They say “$2.75” and I say “How about 73¢, and I’ll get off one stop early?”

But they just say “$2.75” again…. only louder… so I pay it.

OK…. now we’re getting somewhere….

Sam Spot used to hang out on Balard Street sometimes, when he dated a cute little lavende…. ooops…. shhh…Anyway, he knows FlyKittyFly…..who introduced him to his uncle in Florida…AceKittyFly…..former military reconnaissance pilot….and he’s gonna look for the Monkey.

He usually charges a lot…. but he’s doing it as a favor for Sam cos of …. no…. ssshhhh….

Bev… Hope you can read this….unfortunately they’re not all alike…but on mine, if I right click the screen in a blank spot, one choice is GRAPHICS PROPERTIES.

Select that, and one choice on the window that opens is ROTATE SCREEN….select NORMAL.

You DO mean the whole screen, right…. and not just that the taskbar has moved.

What I just said is for when ALL your windows are sideways.

Just the taskbar is different.

Ladies and Gentlemen,I have a ship to get ready to sail on the time and a slippery simian to suss out , so I will bid you all a fond adieu and bon nuit. I shall speak to you all a bit later, when the sun has risen and the full moon has set.Bev get some sleep !

Linguist!

Look up!

Ace just sent me this photo….he blends in pretty well and he sleeps on his feet when he’s dru … when he’s a had a little too much ale…but….

Bev — for a second there you had me thinking I was posting that picture on the wrong side of the turn…But phew! Ballard Street doesn’t turn tonight.Lucky for you guys cos the dock will only be one day to the right instead of two when you get back.

Essex…. that’s a very small wad….I mean, it’s a BIG wad…but…oh you know what I mean….

Are you sure , Linguist….here’s a closer look…..

I know him pretty well…. and it sure looks like him…but if it’s NOT…somebody better find our Monkey!

Bev…. Thank you!I’m sure the yellow jello will be….um…well, yes it will…. won’t it.

But beads….NOW we’re talkin’.

And there was a fortune teller sequence a few days last week on Monty.

Bri — only kidding about negotiating with the bus!

Gotta love those people who get on and start counting to see whether all the pennies they’ve got make a quarter so they can lighten their purse or pocket….while everybody waits.

When Susan B’s came out they made they changed all the coin boxes to take them…but it backfired cos people put them in accidentally for quarters, and they wanted their 75¢ change RIGHT NOW…which was impossible….or they said they put one in but the box said it was a quarter….

But actually…..the only bus I’ve taken in ages is the 67 Ballard…..and I have a Ballard County bus pass…..

Hmm…. not true… I took a bus to San Francisco one day last summer…. it’s cheaper than driving and parking.And every time I go anyplace on Amtrak half the journey is by Amtrak bus…which they still refer to as going by train.

Bev?There was a comment from you….and then there wasn’t…..

And now…. it’s back…..am I clairvoyant?

One time I had a standing load. “Hang on, I’m pulling out,” I warned the standees.“That’s what he said!” some girl shot back.

It’s 00:43 MST. I’m turning in.

Aw, Essex…. I’m sure you’ve still got plenty of ….well… whatever….

Bri…. LOL…

“Hang on, I’m pulling out,” does remind me of one of those “most famous lies….”

In re: quarter dollars…I’ve tutored remedial arithmetic to math-phobic adults.Some are so scared of fractions they can’t think about them at all…Most have NO idea that a US quarter represents a fractional quarter of a dollar.I show them how much they already know about fractions, just from making change…. and they’re amazed.

Aw Red…. (blush)And… um…. I’m sure you don’t mean from the snacks I bring… right?

It IS kinda funny (though I can’t show it) sometimes.

This sort of thing has happened much more than once:

What’s half of two apples?One apple.What’s half of two dollars?One dollar.What’s half of two thirds?I told you, I can’t DO fractions!

I can usually simplify and simplify till at some point I can get the little light to come on.

What’re you drinking Red?

I’ve got credit on my tab…. so feel free.

S’OK…. you usually treat me.

But I’ve been working a lot at the Tiki ever since the Monkey left town Friday…he would be happy to pay me, but I take a lot of it in yak meat and bar drinks, cos I don’t really do it for the money.

I know, Red…. they say they can’t figure out 25% off….but then they do it without realising that’s what they’re doing.

I’ve often pointed out to students that they know way more than they think.

Not to wax too philisophical, but…. it’s all part of the unfortunate habit people get into of labelling things…Fractions, racial, national and political labels, even emotions, all sorts of things would be simpler if people would stop labelling them.

Red… I see them both….one before and one after my last comment.

well… not my last comment any more….sigh…

Cheers, Red!

Gosh…. Bev… when you get up….

Hope you’re not he worse for wear, after you -drank_…er… ate all that jello…..But I’m glad if you’re having a good time.

Just please don’t let the Linguist leave port without the Monkey….

I know he can swing from trees and stuff… but that’s a long trip!I wouldn’t worry if I knew he’d stuck to safe places, cos he could always get a plane home…but who knows what sort of pickpockets and thieves he met in a crowd of pirates.

I know he can defend himself… after all, he’s the Sheriff…. but sometimes he’s a little…. I dunno… gullible? It’s that monkey curiosity and the way he trusts humans.

(I still think that’s him in the crow’s nest, though….but the Linguist says it’s not. I don’t suppose you’re good at climbing…?)

Stelbel…. I know you’ll be up not so long after I go to bed….

I’m staying on Ballard Street all weekend cos of watching out for the Tiki, and having hair appointments and such….

I did take the Hound Dog car when I went out to check on Bev’s place for her…. so I ran a few other errands in it too.

So kind of you to let me use it…. and I hope you don’t mind that I drove it myself.

You know, I kinda think it suits me… I should look into getting one, maybe, in spite of my doubts about owning a second car for use on Ballard Street.And do you really think it could do the whole trip home and back?…. I stopped at the feed store and filled it with kibble before I brought it back… and I really don’t think it ate as much as I was expecting…

Oh…. and about the drapes…I’m sorry… when we looked at those paint chips together at the Ballard Paint and Pie Factory, I thought you chose the orange for your walls….

That’s why I chose those colors…you’re welcome to look through all the samples yourself, of course…but I did find a couple of other color combos that would be good with chartreuse.

I agreed that the second one from before was good with either. so I left that one in….but you might prefer one of the others.

Yaaawwwwnnnn…..Oh… hi Eldo…Not sure what you mean… but no worries….

Everythings cool at the Tiki and I’m off for the salon… and bed.

G’night!

No clowns, only me….the car was lent to me by StelBel yesterday…. you can go back and look!

G’night….

@ Bev

I love that red dress on the gal that may have turned the Monkey’s head! Where do you suppose she got it….?

question to anybody that can answer:

Who or what is “Fenton’s connection”??????

“OMG is it 26 Jan already?I “red circled” this weeks ago due to the Moon for Planting”++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Is it the Moon for Planting already ????

Ahoy BallardeersWe’re on our way home. We’ll be back in Ballard Bay early tomorrow morning.For all of you concerned about Monkey. Rest easy. He is safe and sound and will regale you with his adventures when he’s sob…er.. ready .Since it’s his story, he can tell it any way he wants – which he no doubt will, in his own inimitable fashion.he’s requested that Bev and I say nothing until he gets his story straight…er … until later. So stay tuned.

Do you have any more of those wads — of cash? I need a new laptop, I think, since it just started act up: I type out a sentence, and then wait for it to appear 10 seconds later. It’s causing my whole rhythm to be “off”!

Greenback Boogie (Ima Robot)

“Never rely on the rhythm method, Stel.”++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Should have learned that years ago…..

Aw, Essex…. holding back is bad for your health…

Good morning, all…it is TOO morning if I say so!

Any sightings of the Rover or the Monkey …. preferably together?

Don’t forget…. Beviek’s aboard her too.Bev— you guys OK out there?

Anybody still got coffee?I hate to make a pot so late.

Hey Bev … good….we’re still in communication with the galleon….

Actually, at least as to learning about the computer, I think you’re doing fabulously.I give you directions once or twice and you get it.

MANY people need a LOT more instruction and hand-holding to learn that stuff.

Stel!

That’s so sweet about the car!

I can’t believe it…

I actually left it at SCHAABS but I’d love to borrow it back for a while…The Monkey isn’t here to give me rides to pick up stuff for the Tiki….and I wanna go out to Bev’s again to feed creatures…Will also try to look in on Storm if the turkeys will let me.

Susan….

Just give it a little pat on the top now and again, and it will be ever faithful! And, don’t kick the tires! (gentle tire gauges are OK, though)

Yeah, IMudd … that sounds like quite a set-up.

I’d thought from some of your long ago comments that your place was somehow more primitive…though I guess it doesn’t really say much…Cos I do know a guy who lives completely off the grid, with a pretty old computer and a rather incongruous wireless set-up.

Anyway… hope you’re comfortable… and good to see you around.

Oh, don’t worry Stel…

I patted it yesterday, and I scratched it’s ears (being careful of the paint job, of course!)

It likes the same big Milk Bones Fenton likes, so I had some with me…

It was wagging its tail so hard I had to ask it to try to hold back, cos it makes me carsick.

But it’s a happy puppy!

Bev… I actually PAINTED my rustic kitchen counters almost that color…. AND made curtains to match….so early in the 70’s I hate to admit it.

They were redwood underneath and I wanted to strip them…. but there were layers of paint on them going back for over 40 years…(which used to sound like a long time…but now that was over 40 years ago….sigh…)

That cabin was all redwood… but every surface was hospital grey-green when we moved in…. every wall and floor, counter, ceiling…dismal!

So we painted most walls cream but I wanted to brighten up the kitchen…and …. well, I was a product of the times, I guess.

Susan—

and, some decorating experiments simply go very wrong. Way back when, I painted 3 bedroom walls stark hospital white, and the 4th wall: dark, glossy Chinese Silk Red…..over an embossed wallpaper.

It was hideous. No wonder I couldn’t get to sleep back then.

@ Bev

Yikes!! I mean…..ummmm………………..uhhhhh…….gotta run it by Mel one more time and he’s out to dinner tonight with friends…

Mack Zanife has a reputation for being out for blood… Bev : don’t you trust us???

Bev… I am always confused…. duly or un.

A moving post… eh… no big deal compared to the rest….

BTW, lunch tomorrow sounds great! Can’t wait to hear how your trip went. And, I’m sure Susan would agree: we want all the details!!

Gotta go right now and pick up Mel from the restaurant and fill him in on new developments …

Good night, all!!

I went back to SCHAABS for the Hound Car…

Oh Stel…. he recognised me…. he wagged his tail and almost tried to jump up on me….

All I had to do was say “no,” though…. you know how well he handles.

So I’ve been out running a few errands…Not much fits inside but it’s OK, cos of how he guards whatever’s on top.

You know he’s yours so feel free when you need him…but I’ll take care of him well when I have him with me….and if you ever want to sell him…I don’t care if he’s kinda old…

Susan

Do you suppose Bev meant this?

(moving posts)

Because I certainly would have helped carrying them…

I dunno, Stel….one more mysterious thing she’ll have to explain at lunch, I guess.

And thanks Bev… I’ll be there, of course…as long as it’s a late lunch….

SS

(I couldn’t sell my old friend, Elvis. But,I know he’s being taken care of so, feel free to keep him for as long as you want. No problem! See you at Bev’s tomorrow!)

I understand, Stel…

And hey, I didn’t know his name was Elvis….Bill was calling him “buddy” so I thought that was his name….No matter… he’s been very responsive…but I’ll call him Elvis now too.

Hi Bev…

Oooh if that’s the song I’m thinking of…..I always thought it was kinda mean….

Laughing cos his ex got dumped….

Yup…. that’s it…. I’ll have to read the words and see.

So … the Monkey is safe?

And you’ll be home in the morning?

Can’t believe you’ll feel like making lunch…. should we I be bringing it instead?

I can drive there now….. you gotta see my car…. well, it isn’t MY car….Stel is lending it to me.But it’s so cute!

Oh Bev….

You have GOT to shop power-shopping at the Dented Can and Shoe Outlet!

I know it’s a bargain, but how many pairs of open-toe sling back tennis shoe wedgies do you need?How many cans of mock turtle soup?

It’s all about finding the proper motivation. He just heard through the grapevine that there is a large pile of freshly spilled trash over on Maple, and that Miss MHM has been spotted there! A twofer!

Maybe he’s spotted a white rabbit…

https://cleoandcompany.net/january-26-2023/

“Curiouser and curiouser!”

Good morning Balladeers.

Hi Tigressy!