DDA Chapter 8

[tinker1bell]

Do you all know what cicadas are?

This is what one looks like:

Here's a little background (with personal commentary in bold print):

Old red eyes are back. And singing - through July 4 - in a tree near you. (and on the sidewalk, and on the patio, and all over the community pool...)

Cicadas belonging to the family known to experts as Brood XIV emerged over the Memorial Day weekend to menace East Siders from New Richmond to Sharonville. (Guess who lives in Sharonville?!!)

"I spotted 175 per square yard on the lawn of Mariemont's administration building," said Gene Kritsky, cicada sage and College of Mount St. Joseph biology professor. "At this rate, expect between 2 and 3 billion of them in Southwestern Ohio." (Just so you know, these bugs not only crawl, but they fly!)

Those numbers are down from the last cicada invasion. In 2004, 5 to 7 billion members of Brood X swarmed mostly to the west of Interstate 71. (That was the year I had Alyssa and Jennifer got married!)

While the bugs might be fewer in number, they'll still be singing.

"Individual songs can be heard right now," Kritsky said. "They will start chorusing over the weekend and be at their peak by June 7. By July 4, they'll be gone." (Thank goodness!)

Until Independence Day, the cicadas will be singing their mating songs. At full blast. (Seriously, they are LOUD!)

"I once measured the sound of a cicada singing in a tree at 96 decibels," Kritsky said. "That's louder than the planes flying over my Delhi Township home."

Brood XIV is a bunch of latecomers. Initial computer models that Kritsky looked at predicted an emergence by May 13.

"But then, we had the two cool weeks in April," he said. "That slowed things down. Otherwise, owing to global warming, they would have emerged two weeks earlier than the historical average."

For cicadas to emerge from their 17-year subterranean slumber, the soil needs to reach 65 degrees.

As with every cicada emergence, the fundamental things about these insects apply: They do not carry disease. They do not sting or bite humans. They do not taste good. (Luckily, we have had no taste tests in the Hardman household!)

When they get going they are really, really loud. Really LOUD!!!!!!

I remember the year they came out when Hal and I were first married and our dog Butch, a French Bulldog, thought he would try one to eat. Worst buzzing and crunching ever. EEEEWWWWWW

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hi Lindsay. Welcome home. I hope your body adjusts quickly.

Welcome home, Lindsay! Do you have pics to share?

We are back from the doctors and Lucy's ear look wonderful. It seems that her front side teeth are about to break through and those teeth are connected to the same nerve as the ear (or something like that) so we are to just keep up with the tylenol and motrin. I knew the teeth were coming in but after giving her the medicines last night and she still seemed bothered I thought it was her ears.

Well, at least she doesn't need more antibiotics!! Hope the teeth grow in quickly so she will feel better!

 

[PNO4TE]

No, but he wants one!

FYI - They are on sale RIGHT NOW! For $400.00 (down from $600).

 

[PNO4TE]

When they get going they are really, really loud. Really LOUD!!!!!!

I remember the year they came out when Hal and I were first married and our dog Butch, a French Bulldog, thought he would try one to eat. Worst buzzing and crunching ever. EEEEWWWWWW

And our dog, Button, LOVES to eat the larvae. She is like a truffle pig digging in the back yard. Makes my stomach roll!

 

[babytrees]

my wrist feels better every day but still aches..espescially when I do some movements...so I am trying to limit those.

Love the look of that blender...I love going into Williams-Sonoma...just to look at the cool gadgets. Last time I was in there to find a gift for my baker friend and I ended up getting this http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku5471628/index.cfm?pkey=cnewctl for myself and have used it a lot!! Couldn't find any gadget my friend didn't have and a few that I thought Kristine would love.

 

[babytrees]

FYI - They are on sale RIGHT NOW! For $400.00 (down from $600).

YIKES!!! I think I'd rather have that much in groceries...thanks!!

 

[babytrees]

And our dog, Button, LOVES to eat the larvae. She is like a truffle pig digging in the back yard. Makes my stomach roll!

ick!!

 

[PNO4TE]

It is 102 here!

 

[Mommy2EmMoLu]

Welcome home, Lindsay! Do you have pics to share?



Well, at least she doesn't need more antibiotics!! Hope the teeth grow in quickly so she will feel better!

I am glad that we can stop the antibiotics so her tush will heal up soon. Still feel like an idiot though.

FYI - They are on sale RIGHT NOW! For $400.00 (down from $600).

Maybe I should get it for Father's Day? I'm guessing it would make fabulous frozen concoctions.

And our dog, Button, LOVES to eat the larvae. She is like a truffle pig digging in the back yard. Makes my stomach roll!

my wrist feels better every day but still aches..espescially when I do some movements...so I am trying to limit those.

Love the look of that blender...I love going into Williams-Sonoma...just to look at the cool gadgets. Last time I was in there to find a gift for my baker friend and I ended up getting this http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku5471628/index.cfm?pkey=cnewctl for myself and have used it a lot!! Couldn't find any gadget my friend didn't have and a few that I thought Kristine would love.

I'm glad you are feeling some relief and know what to not do to keep it feeling ok.

That chopper looks nifty!

 

[bethbuchall]

Thanks Janet and Elizabeth! Alas, I'm off again for the time being. I did write a mini-novel on the site, but I'll repost it here since I copied it anyway. Don't feel obligated to read it, especially since it's the longest in quite a while... just keep wishing these babies out





You guys are the best, and I really appreciate your care and concern... and excitement!

Jennifer, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. If you make it to June 16th, their birthday will be exactly one month after Miles, but I'm thinking the earlier the better for you!

 

[PNO4TE]

Maybe I should get it for Father's Day? I'm guessing it would make fabulous frozen concoctions.

so does my Waring! and for less than 1/4 the cost!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I'd call. That way you have a name. And you can see if they can update it for you properly.

I called and they assured me that what I see online is correct but I forgot to get a name. I'm sure what I'm seeing online is correct. Its their notification system that is messed up.

Before I forget.....any spare pixie dust would be greatly appreciated....I think I have found the perfect job for me and I have just sent off my resume. It's for admin. asst. for MY pastors

Sounds perfect!

Whatever you do, just remember that you will have your mattress for at least 10 years on average so get the very best you can afford as it will make all the difference. We got a pillowtop a few years ago (super thick & more than we wanted to spend) however it's a pleasure to sink into bed at the end of a long day. Our old mattress was like sleeping on concrete. The 2 extra long twins sound like a great option. I would pick that over a thinner/smaller queen. Good luck with the shopping.

We've only had the one we have now (and paid a fortune for....) for about 6 years so we must of had the set before that for 18 years.

Bernadette- Loved the latest set of pictures, they are phenomenal. Emma is just such a cutie. My favorites are the close ups of her on Aladdin.

Thanks!

I woke up at 5am & couldn't go back to sleep...

Daniel's baseball team won last nights game so they are on to the final round of playoffs. Although he did well, at one point he strike out & threw the bat in frustration. (he has a temper like his mother what can I say? ) Thankfull the coach gave him a stern talking too which was good since he doesn't listen to me. He made some other good plays so the he was redeamed in the coaches eyes. It was 90 degrees in the shade while they were playing, I thought they would have cancelled the game but nooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Thursday they play the #1 team (which they have never beaten before) in the division for all the booty. Fingers crossed.

Have a Disney day!!!! (I say this to my kids everyday when they leave for school )

Congrats to Daniels team! Good luck to them on Thursday.

Bernadette,
Great TR & love the pictures. I like the one of Woody bending down to hug her. Its nice when a tall character does that or sits on the floor so a little one can see their face.

Oh & one question for ya...why did you wait to get to a bench to start eating your dole whip float?

Thanks! Oh...I didn't wait. Didn't you see the bite out of the dole whip?

Come hang out with us and I will tell DH he has to share. Maybe you can help him figure out what to do with the dSLRs!
We bought a new mattress 4 years ago. It is really hard to tell in the store what a mattress will feel like when you get it home. It's better than our old one, but I don't love it.

Will DH bring both dSLR's?

I've hated our matress from just about day 1. That is why I'm so afraid to buy another one.

Bernadette, I also enjoyed the newest installment! I need to go look at the pictures again on the other computer, though. This monitor is going, and things are pretty dark, so I couldn't fully enjoy them. I couldn't wait to get a peek, though.

Thanks!

Have a great day everyone.

Have fun at the party tonight and a GREAT day tomorrow!!!!

I didn't!!!

I sent you and Amy "mini" trip reports in emails not the links to all the photos. I haven't had to a chance to do yours yet. I will soon.

I got my flights changed, we are now leaving on the 5th & returning on the 16th. Only bad thing is we get in late on the 5th, oh well!

YAH for mor Disney time! I don't think late arrival will be too bad. I would probably just take what I need for that night in a carryon.

Guess what?!? I think I found my wedding shoes!

CUTE!!! Will you get them in silver?

Hello all! Sorry to be MIA, but know that I truly appreciate your prayer support! I had a pretty good appointment today, I'll put more details on our website later this afternoon when I get a chance if you're interested. No more appointments for me, since early labor continues to progress just fine. My OB says I'll either have babies later this week, or see her bright and early on Monday. This we already knew

Take care of yourselves, and we all 3 hope to "see" you soon!

Hope the girls arrive soon!

I have a new gadget for Kristine... a blender from a company called Blendtec

http://www.willitblend.com/

Cool!

Well it has all worked out. I am getting an extra 3+ hours at WDW with the flight schedule changes. Chanon was able to get us a park/fly hotel at BWI, so we can head up there the night before and be relaxed the morning of departure. Now I just hope they don't mess with the schedules again.

Another one with more time in the parks!

Just because I haven't been around doesn't mean that I haven't thought of everyone! I hope you're all staying cool, and dry!

Welcome home! I finally ordered the Photopass CD's on Sunday so I should get them soon.

We are back from the doctors and Lucy's ear look wonderful. It seems that her front side teeth are about to break through and those teeth are connected to the same nerve as the ear (or something like that) so we are to just keep up with the tylenol and motrin. I knew the teeth were coming in but after giving her the medicines last night and she still seemed bothered I thought it was her ears.

Poor Lucy. Hope those teeth pop in soon!

Love the look of that blender...I love going into Williams-Sonoma...just to look at the cool gadgets. Last time I was in there to find a gift for my baker friend and I ended up getting this http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku5471628/index.cfm?pkey=cnewctl for myself and have used it a lot!! Couldn't find any gadget my friend didn't have and a few that I thought Kristine would love.

That is cool! Looks much safer then my mandolin slicer!

It is 102 here!

It is only 89 in Orlando. It is 97 at my office but only 84 at my house 12 miles away.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think we have a blender. I think it must live in the cabinet with the other stuff we don't use.

We use the coffee maker every day, and we have a back-up coffee maker because our main one has to be replaced once a year or so. DS uses the toaster several times a week. We use the waffle maker sometimes. We use the Crock Pot less than the waffle maker. We have a deep fryer that DH HAD to have and we NEVER use it (though we did use it when it was brand new). We have a bread maker that we used to use on occasion but now it just sits and collects dust. We have a stand mixer that is brand new. It is out of the box but it has never been used. We had one of those "iced tea" maker things that we gave to our neighbors because it was just sitting in the box. It was a gift.

 

[triplefigs]

Hi, everyone. Trying to get the invites done for the kids' birthday parties next week. BK's is Friday, June 20th and is having it where she takes gymnastics. D and R are having theirs on Sat, June 21 at the regional airport. We leave this Friday for 7 days to my parents. It's my mom's b'day and Father's Day. My parents just moved my grandmother from her home in AL to an assisted living home there since her health has gotten so bad, so we'll see all of them and my brother. I'm excited!

Jennifer, not much longer now! You're in the single digits before you double your household!

Theresa, hope your wrist keeps feeling better.

Elin, it's hotter there than here in Atlanta!

Amy, those bugs look YICKY! But the pictures are adorable.

Chanon, love the shoes. I was looking at all your pictures (when you posted the dress link). Your wedding is going to be GORGEOUS!

Elizabeth, sounds like stuff is going a bit better with your mom. Y'all are in my prayers!

Marci, congrats to Jake on the All Stars! And I hope you have fun in DC.

Anne Marie, congrats to Daniel!

Robyn, glad Lucy is ok.

Linday, welcome home!

Tammi and everyone whose kiddos have had to cancel end of year parties, I hope they still found something fun to do!

Sending hugs, PD, and hellos to everyone else I may have missed!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Bernadette - I don't know what all DH thinks he is bringing in terms of photo equipment. I bet it somehow hinges on whether or not he gets a $90 bag to haul it all around in! Those people on the Photography Board are a HORRIBLE influence on him because they have him convinced that he "needs" all this crap. Pay no attention to the fact that he doesn't know how to use the camera the way it was when he took it out of the box. He reads books, magazines, websites, but I have yet to see a single picture that looks better than anything he took with the point & shoot!
He is trying to tell me that whenever somebody posts a photo that it has been run through editing software, so if we had expensive software his photos would look better. So he needs software, and a bag, and a tripod, and I can't remember what all else. It's ridiculous.

 

[PNO4TE]

It is only 89 in Orlando. It is 97 at my office but only 84 at my house 12 miles away.

It is now 106 here according to cox.net weather.... feels like 108!!

 

[triplefigs]

I have my tests for the Urologist on June 20th (BK's party), so pray they aren't too bad, and I will feel ok. Then I'm having surgery on July 8th. It's one night in the hospital, a week at home, and 4-6 before all is back to normal. Said I should be fine to start work Aug 4.

 

[PNO4TE]

I have my tests for the Urologist on June 20th (BK's party), so pray they aren't too bad, and I will feel ok. Then I'm having surgery on July 8th. It's one night in the hospital, a week at home, and 4-6 before all is back to normal. Said I should be fine to start work Aug 4.

for all to work out as planned, Denise.

 

[tinker1bell]

Guess what?!? I think I found my wedding shoes!

I double dog, tripple decker dare ya

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

for all to work out as planned, Denise.

Good luck, Denise!