In the Service of Her Majesty The Queen

[Scryler]

Another really good day today!
Two in a row. Wow.

And the night goes well, too.

At work today, lots of laughter.
Mostly at my expense. Having
a rep can have strange results,
sometimes. When you're learning
a new job, anyway. I laughed, too.

Driving home on the back road, I
had the road to myself. Turned
up the radio and flew.

Saw a couple of old men, baddest
looking old men bikers I have ever
seen. White hair everywhere. Leather.
Chains. I laughed. Not in ridicule.
Just because it was that kind of day.

Found a speckled bird's egg today.
And watched the lizards bask in the sun.

I hope you had a good day, too.
And early night.


To all who go to sleep on this side of the world tonight,

The Nightly Mission:

Sleep and rise refreshed.
Meet the day with a smile.
G'Night!

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

A most excellent development, your Majesty!

Laughter IS good. It's the one true healer, IMHO.

[Scryler]

Good morning!

This early day the clouds fill the eastern sky
and foretell rain. My lawn needs rain.

The jays sing and mimic all the other birds
that were once in the immediate area. Someone
told me that the jays drive off all other birds, and
they do seem to have done that. I like the jays,
but I miss the cardinals and little sparrows. Only
the birds that are temporary visitors come around,
the 2 doves, the crows and yesterday, a hummingbird.

They have not succeeded in driving off the 2 redheaded
woodpeckers, though. Which may mean that they live
elsewhere.

I look for and find the lizard that sleeps under the
shutters. He or she has it's head poking out this
morning. Strange how many things make where
they sleep their home of sorts. Perhaps they find
a home and make it where they sleep. A place
of safety, I expect.

The world spins and brings with it change. The
future will be interesting.

I had a good night.

I hope you did, too.

Have a good day!

[Scryler]

Evidently, it takes very little to catch and hold my interest.

I should know that well by now.

I saw a lizard, one of those that turn brown or green, and it
was black. Totally black. I've never seen one of them do
that before. It was sitting or standing, whatever, on some
litter on the ground by the porch, and should have been a
light shade of tan to match the litter. I watched it for about
15 minutes, and it never changed color. It was alive, as
it's throat crest (was not black) or whatever it is called,
was occasionally moving in and out. And it's eyes followed
me when I moved.

If I thought I could keep it alive, I might have tried to catch
it. Would have, when I was a child. Not today.

Thinking about it, I notice my eyes are trained on the ground
and what is around me, in the immediate vicinity, rather than
on the sky. As go my eyes, so goes my life. That is changing,
too. An interesting parallel. The body and the mind are one.

[Scryler]

Ahhhh, late again!

Too busy by far, lately.
Not complaining, I like busy.

I hope you had a good day.
And a good night.

I did, again!

The full moon comes nigh tomorrow.


To all who sleep (or soon will) on this side of the world,

The Nightly (short) Mission:

Take care of yourself.

Show up.
Pay attention.
Do right.

And sleep well.

Wake up,
do it all again.

Life doesn't sit on a shelf.

G'Night!

[Scryler]

I wake up too late to spy the lizard that hides under
the shutters at night. Not enough sleep even so;
I was up late last night. Too late.

The highlight of my last visit to the porch last night,
was a firefly that was trying to get inside the house.
I was tempted to let it, but you do not voluntarily
give egress to your home to any insect if you can
help it, in the South. So I watch it until sleep calls
too hard to stay there any longer.

I wondered what the different colors it flashes mean to
other fireflies. Bright white, yellow, neon green. Too
bad there were no other fireflies to see it. A sending
that was wasted on me.

I searched the ground and there was nothing moving
there this morning that I can see, save the fireants.
They do not seem to need sleep at all. Busy last night,
too.

But one of the red cardinals landed for awhile on a
branch in the loquat tree, cocked it's head, saw me
and flew off again. The large redheaded woodpecker
drank from the hole in the live oak, and one of the
doves landed on the birdfeeder, flapped it's wings and
took off again.

A buzzard circled overhead so low I could throw a
rock at it, if I wanted. It took it's time leaving,
kicking the windchimes did not seem to bother it
at all.

I go to work today and should have slept longer.
It will be a coffee day, all day.

I hope you had a good night and woke up this
morning singing.

And tonight, the full moon will shine and I will be
in the light.

Good Morning!

[Scryler]

A good day today, even if I didn't get enough sleep.

A great morning!

Four days in a row. Wow. I can hardly believe it.

I see a strange looking lizard where I work when I am on
the patio smoking. A skink, I think. (Heh) I'll have to
look it up.

I think the Knight in black armor pursues me again. If
so, this time he is much more interesting. But then, so
am I.

One calendar tells me the moon is full tonight. The other
says tomorrow. A friend's says Saturday. I'll take all 3.
I love the full moon.

To all who will go to sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

May you have dreams this bright night
that float you away into a wonderland.
Perhaps someone will be there
who takes you by the hand,
leads you somewhere new.

And wake up in the morning
without feeling blue.

G'Night!

[Scryler]

I was up early this morning, early enough to catch the lizard
peeking out from his nightly hiding spot under the shutters.

A marker for the morning, the lizard.

The dove came to the feeder again, sat there longer this time
before flying off, and did not fly far. I will have it sitting on my
hand yet.

A dream I would have liked to remember came to me last
night, but was gone this morning when I woke. Just shadowy
images left. Enough to make me wish it was crisp.

Mother's Day comes soon, and I wonder what all of you
fathers have planned. Someone should bring up the ranting
thread again and post.

A very strange 'person' took me to a site on 2nd Life that
a band 'owns.' A Japanese band that plays the type of
music I like. The site is very serene, nothing much but
shallow blue water and small white empty islands, a piano
in the distance, stark bare black trees here and there.
He told me I could come there when I need to rest my mind.

I hope you have a good day.

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

What an amazing evening!!!

Great weather. Cool kids. No yelling. WONDERFUL!!

First time N's been back with me (us) in 2 weeks. Gods I missed him!! School work is showing DEFINITE improvement. He was happy, nay, THRILLED to see me again. No homework for him this weekend, but LOTS of reading practice (still a little behind the curve).

A nice home-cooked dinner on a Friday, a rare thing, as we usually go out to dinner on Fridays. Shame that I still couldn't get my charcoal to light. I might have had a bad batch. Easily remedied, but not in time for dinner, so improv was the key. Although dinner lacked a certain level of flavour that only the grill could've given, it was tasty and satisfying, nonetheless.

Afterwards, ALL the boys,(your humble narrator, included) including a few of the "younger" ones who've grown up since last Summer, we're all out playing various "versions" of ball. That is until the biggest kid (me) suggested dodge ball.
Karma took it's toll as I caught a mini basketball upside the head. Damn cheap shot from one of N's friends. My bad for teaching them about the effectiveness of "headshots" against the walking dead. The little ones have some good aim.

No serious injuries, thankfully. Even J, as much as a Mom as she is, was relatively laid back and laughing at the whole debacle. Even had some of the other neighbour parents out for some good conversation, in between yelling at the boys to take the enthusiasm down just a bit. There were "little" ones running around with the bigger ones. There not as durable yet.

All finished off with some popsicles, generously donated by the mom of some of the "little" ones.

What a great way to end the work week and begin the weekend!!

Now, the hour grows late, and N needs to be rounded up from wherever he's stirring up trouble with his friends.

I hope all your nights are enjoyable in their own specials ways as mine was tonight.

Until the daylight smiles on us again, a fond goodnight.

[Scryler]

The Nightly Mission:

Sleep well.
Have a good morning tomorrow.
G'Night.

[Scryler]

I hope you had a good day.

A lizard on the porch, 2 hummingbirds fly by,
frogs out tonight.

The moon is as full as it is likely to get.


To all who go to sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

Fall asleep without fear
and sleep through the night.
Wake up and have a day
that shines and is bright.

G'Night.

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

Well, hooray to pulling off a great Mother's Day!

J was treated to homemade eggs benedict by yours truly and loved N and I's gifts of 2 new, high quality, baking sheets for her. (somethings she's been wanting). She even enjoyed some quiet time and watched a movie. N was with his friends and posed no interruption to her day. Smart boy, that one!

The ex-J, N's Mom, got her wish of "peace and quiet" for her day. We dropped N back with Mom, mid afternoon. She really enjoyed the new candle N picked out for her (again. something she was looking for 2 for 2, awesome!!). My J even got a sincere and heartfelt "Happy Mother's Day" from ex-J. They get along fine, but ex-J still has some "threatened by another mom figure" issues that would normally preclude her from ever making a statement like that. Yet another wonderful surprise in the day for all of us. You could've knocked my J over with a feather!

On the way home, J and I stopped to wander around a new, outdoor, up-scaley mall near us. Found an amazing and affordable french bistro/creprerie and had a marvelous dinner. A fine end to a fine, fine day.


And now, to all the mothers and wives of the members or who are members of this great Co8 community, I hope your Mother's Day's were all wonderfully special and enjoyable!.

[Scryler]

Today was a good day.

Tonight was a very fun night.

I went with a friend to explore the Star Wars sim
on 2nd Life, and another place. Strange sights
and much discussion. Another lightning fast mind.

I laughed, a lot.

To all who sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

Risk takes many forms,
so does trust.

Follow your will, do
what you must.

Take a newborn way
to yourself.


Sleep in health,
rise to the wealth
of the morning,
a new borning.

G'Night!

[Scryler]

Good Morning!

I think it was Gaear who said he heard
a robin singing it's head off in the middle
of the night, once. A bluejay was doing
the same thing late last night, singing
all the songs it knew. It was still in full
song when I went inside my house.

I think it sang to the street light or
perhaps the moon that was coming
down from full and still very bright.

A monarch butterfly made it way
from yard to yard and almost landed
on my shoulder.

I hope you had a good night and have
a good day today.

[Scryler]

I hope you all had a good day and night.

To all who sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

Follow the path to the source
of calmness and quiet
and open your mind.

Let it flow in like a moon
beam and sleep well.

Wake up to the river of life.

G'Night!

[Scryler]

Good Morning!

The sky is overcast and the sun can't cut through the clouds,
which is probably why I am able to find the shutter lizard peeking
it's head out so late in the morning. Late for lizards, that is.

A bluejay chides me to leave so it can visit the birdfeeder. Or
so I take it's noisy broadcast of every warning sign it knows.

I wonder if the birds and lizards and yes, even the squirrels,
have good days and bad days and how they might determine
that if they do. Maybe the squirrel that ate the bird was just
having a very bad day. Heh. Certainly the bird did.

I work today.

I hope you have a good day. And avoid grouchy squirrels.

[Scryler]

I hope you had a good day and the first part of the night.

It was a good day for me. And the night goes well, indeed.


To all who go to sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

To find yourself
go all the way to
the one in the center
of your being.

And love what you find
with no reservations.

Then you are free.
You can just be.

Sleep in peace
and wake up
in the morning.

G'Night!

[Scryler]

Good morning!

The scattered clouds this morning bring with them a breeze and cuts the heat.

A nice day out. There may be rain later today, but not yet.

I see the shutter lizard and nod to it.

The lizard that turns black is out on the ground, too. I nod to it, too.

I am well today.

I hope you are, also.

[Scryler]

A good day, today.

No rain, though.

I hope you had a good day, too.


To those who sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The (brief) Nightly Mission:

Sleep well tonight
and find your way
to the lilght in the
morning.

G'Night.

[Scryler]

Good morning!

I am up earlier than the lizards this morning,
but not earlier than the birds or the sun.

Late last night, another jay sings to the
street lamp. Likely it is the same one. I
suspect it is also the one that chides me
this morning when I sit by the feeder.

I haven't seen the cardinals or the doves
in a couple of days. But the large redheaded
woodpecker is out and visits the ground as
often as it does the trees this morning.

The neighbor's acacia tree is blooming and
so is the one in my back yard.

I go to work tonight, a different shift than
my normal one. And will have a late lunch
or early dinner with a friend.

I hope you had a good night and will enjoy
a good day!

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

Well, it finally happened.

I have officially started the grilling season. It seemed at first that Beory was not going to allow this Man the gift of Fire but in the end Her breath relented and Fire sprang forth in the offering brazier. With a little help from the Gods of Petroleum distillates, unfortunately.

However my offering of meat and grain was found to be acceptable and pleasing to Beory and the offering smoke rose high into her skies.(After blowing a great deal in the face of her humble servant, mind you.)

Our palates did rejoice in the repast of that first meal of the Season. And our voices were raised in joyous exultations of "Mmmmm!!! This is a damn good burger!"

Alas, the Gods of Fermented Grains were attending other flocks this evening, so the faithful here were left without the gift of cold-filtered, hoppy, goodness. Though, thankfully there was very little wailing or gnashing of teeth, from either of us.

Tomorrow finds J and I both off from work and ready to spend some time together. N once again returns to us for his weekend stay. I wonder how much older he'll look like this week.....

[Scryler]

A good day today.

Rained hard at work, but not where I live.
Too bad, we need the rain.

Had a fire drill at work and the alarm company
forgot to tell the fire dept not to respond. The
leader...Capt or Lieut or whatever was not
happy. Handsome, though. We had a good
time with that after he left. Sometimes we
forget we are supposed to be feminists. lol.

The night is dark and quiet...nice after the
shrieking of the fire alarm and all the flashing
lights.

I don't know what I'd do if there ever was a
fire. The noise and flashing lights totally
disorients me. Add some smoke, and I'd
probably be in trouble...no sense of direction,
either.

I hope you had a good day and early night.


To all who sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

Sleep soundly tonight,
let it soak into your
mind, spread throughout
your body and slowly
build back your reserves.

And wake up tomorrow,
rested.

G'Night.

[Scryler]

Good morning!

It is muggy outside this morning and long plumes of clouds, harbingers of rain, stretch in the sky. Perhaps it will rain here today.

The little lizard pokes it's head out from under the shutters and I smile. I really like finding it there when I first go out to the porch.

The neighbor's cat come up, sits by my feet for awhile. They have a new little puppy and I imagine the cat feels displaced. But not for long, there are too many birds around and on the ground for the cat to stay settled in one place. It leaves and begins to stalk the birds, who immediately start up with their warning cries.

Fridays are no longer busy days for me, instead it is Saturday now that is filled up with work, lunch and shopping. So today I play.

I hope you had a good night.

And I hope you have a good day, too!

[Scryler]

Turns out I am sick. Spent the afternoon in bed
and plan on going right back as soon as I get some
chicken noodle soup down.

I don't think I'll be up later, so...


To all who will be going to sleep later on tonight on this side of the world,

The (extremely early) Nightly Mission:

Sleep,
dream,
wake up
tomorrow.

G'Night.

[GuardianAngel82]

Hope you feel better soon!

Remember, lots of rest and fluids. Consider taking some vitamins: B complexes and C. Usually packaged under names like stress or energy.

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

If it's cold type dealie, may I suggest taking some Cold-Eez lozenges. They're zinc supplements work wonders on reducing the time and severity of a cold.

And if your palate (and stomach) can tolerate it, SPICY food. A good Thai Chicken Soup comes to mind. Or, seeing as your a vegetarian, a vegetable soup. Works great for head and chest congestion.

In either or any case, please take care of yourself.

BTW, if you begin to feel cold (well, room temperature) and get a craving for Humans, do us all a favour and stay in. Permanently.

[GuardianAngel82]

It's okay if you FEEL cold. It's when you are cold and feel nothing that's a problem.

[Scryler]

Good afternoon!

Feeling well enough to be out of bed.

Not cold. Heh. Or room temp.

Missed the shutter lizard.

Birds are singing.

Hope you have a good day.

[Emirkol the Chaotic]

Well, an unexpected benefit to an otherwise good day.

J and I had plans to go see the new Star Trek movie with N. About an out and half before show time, my Dad called, looking to get together. So... screw the movie!

Had a great time with my Dad, his wife J, N, and me at a great Chicagoland institution, Barnaby's. (If you lived in Chicago more than 20 years, you better damn well know about this place!!)

It was great to see and talk to my Dad again and even better for N to hang out with Grandpa! I swear it took me back to some great times in my own childhood.

J came up with the great idea for seeing the movie early tomorrow afternoon. This puts a slight crimp in Dinner plans for Sunday, but nothing I can't work around. In fact, in the spirit of frugality, I can extend the Dinner menu for the week for an additional day. If I do a decent breakfast tomorrow, it won't even be a factor.

Blueberry Crepes, good bacon, and fresh brewed coffee. Anyone else intrerested? Better let me know before before 8:00 tomorrow... hell, screw that. Just show up @ 8:30 and we're all good.

[Scryler]

Good Evening!

Hope you had a good day.

I am much better. Eating normally. Yay!

We had rain today, although not enough.
A short thunderstorm, most of it over the town
and not directly overhead.

No stars out, the moon is also covered by the
clouds. A faint mist is falling. If it keeps up
all night, it will likely do more than the rain we
had today.

I saw a couple of tree frogs sitting on the side
of the house. Lots of mosquitoes out, so I hope
more frogs are around to eat them.

And I saw a hummingbird today, too.

I hope you have a good night.


To all who will sleep tonight on this side of the world,

The Nightly Mission:

Let a smile enter your heart
and sleep well tonight, soundly.
If you dream, may it be sweet.

Wake up, after the night departs,
with music playing in your ears
and the world there at your feet.

G'Night!