ksmith: (Glasses)
[personal profile] ksmith
I just slapped at the first mosquito of the season. IT IS TOO EARLY FOR THIS. Nights are still below freezing at times, so I don't know how they're surviving. There is plenty of standing water, however--can eggs remain dormant over the winter and hatch in the Spring?

Bought books from BN.com today. One is an examination of private paramilitary groups such as the one to which the four civilians recently murdered in Falluja belonged. Apparently with the shrinking of the military there is more and more call for groups like these to supply people to guard representatives of private companies and the like. Should be an interesting book. Also threw in two more Ian Rankins to sweeten the pot. I am really enjoying this series. Part of what makes it for me is that Rankin has nailed interoffice politics. as well the tweaks and stresses that can pummel a relationship. He's just good with character.

I still need to do taxes, drat it. This weekend, please? she pleaded with herself.

Now that Spring is settling in, there is so much to do. The yard needs a lot of work, grass seeding and fertilizing and crabgrass slaughter. A few trees need to come down. I don't know if I will be able to tackle everything this year--tree-cutting isnt cheap, and I need to decide whether I will handle the grass cutting myself or hire that out as well. The garage needs a major clean-out--there are old appliances, an older organ, and many many boxes and items of junk to dispose of. I should probably just rent a waste bin some future weekend and go at it.

Then there's the book.

Date: 2004-04-03 01:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] daveamongus.livejournal.com
I see 'em around, quite a bit. The private paramilitary types, that is. Personally, as small as the military is now, I think they're absolutely essential that way. Not enough of us to go around, protecting everyone who needs it over here.

Major bummer about them, though.

Oh, and I've seen crazy biting insects that I'd never be able to identify in a million years. Count yourself lucky with those plain ol' mosquitoes ;)

Date: 2004-04-03 06:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tappu.livejournal.com
Wow... I totally thought you were talking about paramilitary mosquitoes being used to make up for a small military.

Damn it's been a long day...

Date: 2004-04-03 09:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristine-smith.livejournal.com
Paramilitary mosquitoes would make for a small military. Small paramilitary. Whatever.

bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Date: 2004-04-03 01:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jacardie.livejournal.com
Also threw in two more Ian Rankins to sweeten the pot.

Is he the author of the Rebus books? I haven't read him, but loved the series when it aired on BBC America. Love, love, love John Hannah. :)

Date: 2004-04-03 01:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristine-smith.livejournal.com
Yes, Ian Rankin writes the Rebus series. Love it. I've only read the books, mind. I've been told by one person that she bought a book on the strength of the TV series, and didn't like it.

They're dark. No one is 100% likeable, which is fine by me but not by some folks.

Date: 2004-04-04 02:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jacardie.livejournal.com
Hmm. I would have said the same about the tv show, personally. *g* However, I used to love a show called Lovejoy which was based on books by, um, Jonathan Gash, I think. Loved the show, hated the books. So I guess it's one of those things where your mileage may vary. :)

Date: 2004-04-04 02:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristine-smith.livejournal.com
I remember the Lovejoy series--they showed it here on A&E. The actor was the same one who played Disraeli in the Masterpiece Theatre miniseries. I recall thinking how lived-in looking his face had become in the interim.

I enjoyed the series. Never tried the books.

With Rankin, I started with THE FALLS, which is well along in the series, and have been playing catch-up ever since. You get some backstory in earlier books, but I think you can start anywhere with this one. Overall, I enjoy the shades of grey regarding morality and some motivations. I also like the sense I get of the city of Edinburgh, which I've only visited once, and only for an afternoon. I fell in love, and dearly want to go back someday.

Date: 2004-04-03 09:15 pm (UTC)
ext_3634: Ann Panagulias in the Bob Mackie gown I want  (Garnet Lake)
From: [identity profile] trolleypup.livejournal.com
Mosquitos overwinter as eggs? I think they do.

Taxes? Be strong and do it.

Yard work? How big are the trees? Just finished murdering a half-mile's worth of annoying shrubs and nascent trees. With a mattock. Some ow and weakness at the moment. I used to hate this as a kid.

Be strong, he says...

Date: 2004-04-03 09:30 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristine-smith.livejournal.com
Overwintering bloodsuckers. Hot damn.

Vampire bats are killing people in South America. I wonder how well they winter?

Downloading TT updates. Takes for-effin-ever.

A couple of the trees are 25-30' high, if my estimates are worth a damn. Maples that don't belong where they are, and didn't grow properly--multiple small trunks instead of one big one. Dad believed in planting trees, but not in tending them.

Re: Be strong, he says...

Date: 2004-04-04 10:24 am (UTC)
ext_3634: Ann Panagulias in the Bob Mackie gown I want  (Saluki)
From: [identity profile] trolleypup.livejournal.com
Well, mosquitos have to overwinter somehow....well, as far as I'm concered... :)

Vampire bats aren't cold adapted...so you're safe. Interestingly, small parrots breed and thrive happily in San Francisco.

25'-30' isn't to big. Especially if they are multi trunked. If they are doable, I could stop by (if) when I'm in the area over July 4th weekend.

Re: Be strong, he says...

Date: 2004-04-04 02:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kristine-smith.livejournal.com
July 4th is my birthday weekend. No yardwork will be done at this time.

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