Monday Morning

It's been a ridiculously annoying morning and I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet. I woke up, with a start, at 6:22am to the sound of Kate's door shutting. I looked around and saw a pile of dog poop on the carpet, which I cleaned up while snarling at Kiko. I took him out and noticed the sky looked like impending rain. Kiko did nothing except get bird white wash on his nose. I brought him in and flopped back on the couch. Kate came out and said she woke up too early, so she heads downstairs to watch TV. Why didn't she take out the dog when she first woke up? She says didn't know she should, even though I've asked her every day for a week. Kiko whined at the stairwell. I laid there and tried to relax... I look up again to catch Kiko in the act of defiling my carpet again. Had he been whining to go out or because his Kate was downstairs? I jumped up snarling and threw him outside. Cleaned up the mess and laid back down again, only to notice it was just starting to sprinkle outside. Screw the dog - let him get wet.
I started to wonder when Kate had to catch the bus, so I got up and asked her - 10 more minutes. Laid there, counting the seconds. Kate came up, and got an umbrella because it was raining a bit harder. She left, and I lay there a short while then decide to get the dog in - but as I walk towards the back door, I see the top of an umbrella through the window. What?!? I opened the door to see Kate, who had missed the bus. Not her fault, of course - it drove right past, earlier than usual, as she was crossing the main street. Growling and cussing, I tell her to bring the dog in and dry him off while I got my jacket on to go. It starts pouring in earnest. Grab the dog (no one is awake to watch him, kennel too small) and we all get in the Durango. It won't start, imagine that - doesn't like wet days. Try again, again, again and again. Finally it shudders to life, and I let it run to warm it up a bit. The windshield fogs up as we head out. Sheets of rain, lots of cars, smelly wet dog, and two nettlesome people. Drop off the kid and head home almost, but not quite, chuckling at my day thus far.

I'm home now, and the coffee is ready.

Thoughts ATC

Thoughts ATC
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

Finished this today... I like it so much, I probably won't be trading or selling it. I'm learning to KEEP the ones I really like, prints can always be made later.

Pink Elephant

Elecone ATC
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

Here's another entry into a surrealism swap I'm taking part in.

Stuck ATC

Stuck ATC
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

For a surrealism swap, this figure's been haunting my sketchbooks for awhile now.

Mime in Small Box ATC

Mime in Small Box ATC
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

Done for a personalized trade - gave me lots of trouble! I'm not used to drawing people - even painted people.

But, it turned out alright.

Year of the Rabbit

Year of the Rabbit
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

First rabbit card done by request for a personalized swap - it was my first swap and it was FUN!

Facebook

It's evil.

With doom frosting.

Twisty Roots

Twisty Roots
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

We went back to Jay Cooke State Park today, on a different trail. It was full of moss and very cool cedars with roots like these.

one of THOSE trees

one of THOSE trees
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

I could spend a load of time staring at this tree, with the river running behind it and the waterfall off to the right... *happy sigh*

I think it's a cedar.

Taken in Amnicon Falls State Park in Northern Wisconsin.

Big Manitou Falls

Pattison State Park, where we went hiking today.

Kiko going to the park

Just a *little* nervous.

A hike a day...

reinforces my love of the outdoors and my fear of heights. The picture was taken on the Munger Trail southwest of Duluth, MN.

I also joined Twitter, which was kind of silly - since I have lost most of my internet friends over the years (15th year online!) and can't seem to find them. Ah well.

I was accepted to join IllustratedATCs.com which is way cool, but it's kind of difficult to figure out how to use. We'll see - lotsa swaps and exceptional artists on there, though.

The Two Chefs

Maggie getting a lesson in the fine art of bread making with Kathee. Beautifully made aprons by Jill.

mmm... Cookies

Oatmeal craisin! Our treat for a night of Mexican Train and good company.

Nice shootin', Tex

Nice shootin', Tex
Originally uploaded by hojpoj.

First target practice this spring (my Taurus PT 92, 9mm - 12 yds).

I'm no gun fanatic, hold no particular political views on it, nor do I shoot anything but paper. I just like to shoot at targets - it's fun.

That being said - WOOO! Happy with my first target day in over 6 months.

Early moss

Happy! Lush moss everywhere... on the Munger trail today with husband, daughter and dog.

Tonight's Entertainment

Shadowmaster's Tattooing in Cloquet... My sister-in-law's first tattoo!

Took 4 hours, mostly because it was her own design so the artist had to do her own sketches, work out details, etc. In the end - it was worth it. Hopefully I'll have pics of the tat soon.

The artist, Maura, was nifty. I might be going back to get some work done on an old tattoo of mine that needs sprucing up. She's my #1 pick now - since I haven't really been drawn to any other tattoo joint in the area.

tire damage

This is what we pulled out of our car's tire. Ugh!

Munger Trail Dogwalk

My nifty brother with his Otto and my Kiko on the Munger Trail - a short hike from our neighborhood.

Overheard conversation

Daughter (4): What do you want to do?
Son (14): I dunno.
Daughter: No! What do you want to do?
Son: Flush you down the toilet.
Daughter: Nooo!
Son: *picking her up and heading towards bathroom* C'mon - it'll be fuuun!
Daughter:*squealing and giggling* noooooo!
Son: Sure! There's LOTS of other Maggies down there - just like you!

HA!!!