Movie Comments

I haven't seen the entire movie yet, but so far "Owning Mahowny" has proven to be an interesting story. It is actually based on a true story. The performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman is excellent. This movie would most likely appeal to a viewer who is interested in learning about the inner workings of a bank scam that is concocted to support a gambling addiction. The premise behind this movie may be old hat, but the direction and the quality of the acting, combined with an excellent script, makes this a much better than average movie. The movie also provides some insight into the infrastructure of big casinos by showing the various ploys used to keep the high rollers playing. Very intriguing stuff.

Delicious Food at Benihanna

This evening Dave, Tom and I went to Benihanna for a steak and chicken dinner (Rocky's Choice on the menu). Your meal is cooked on the grill, which is right in front of where you sit, so the food is served nice and hot - just the way we like it. Sue, the owner/manager, seated us so that we were the only ones at the grill station, so we had our very own chef (Martinez). They always make us feel special at Benihanna! It just doesn't get any better than that!

Afterwards, we ventured over to Costco for a little Christmas shopping and then we went to Tom's house to see how the Sacramento King's were doing (OK at the half, but not so good by the time the game was over). You can see the pictures of our outing to the right and at the bottom of the blog page. The video from Benihanna is shown on the link below:

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=Benihanna-November282007.flv

Mercury Sable for 2008

I wanted to share my photos of the 2008 Mercury Sable, from the recent Sacramento Auto Show, primarily to show the interior of the car. As you may know, Ford/Mercury has struggled with trying to get consumers to pay more attention to their products, specifically the ones that they sell in this category of vehicles (large sedans). To date, neither the Ford Five Hundred (now called the more familiar name -Taurus) nor the Sable, have been big sellers. That has been the case for the last several years. The numbers being sold are no where near where they were during their heyday of the late eighties and early nineties.

I happen to think that Ford/Mercury/Lincoln still make good products. Competitively, the styling is often dated (that's changing somewhat), but to me, they still have a ways to go. You will notice from the blog pictures that the Sable is somewhat different from any other vehicle in the marketplace, when it comes to interior trim options. I did not see another vehicle with the type of trim that Mercury went with for the Sable. As you can see, the trim is white - as well as the rest of the interior. It is one of those love it or hate it combinations, I suspect - which pretty much sums up how I think most people see the Sable and Taurus models - you either really like it, or you don't. It's different enough so that it got my attention, but there sure is a lot of white in the interior. If nothing else, it's definitely unique! I rather like it.

Weekly Movies

This week marks the start of my eighth month of treadmill exercising. Now that I've added watching movies to my five day a week exercise routine, I've become a frequent visitor to the local Block Buster store. Finding good movies to watch is an ongoing challenge. Sometimes I only watch a short portion of a movie, particularly if it is just too boring or too much of a waste of time (yes, that movie watching premise holds true, even if the viewing is going on while exercising).

Each week I'm hopeful that my selections will prove to be meaningful. Actually it's kind of a crap shoot - until you start up the DVD, you never know for sure. Some recent real stinkers were:

Stealing Sinatra

Consenting Adults

This weeks selections to watch while exercising are:

Perfume - The Story of a Murderer

Crazy Love

12 and Holding

Owning Mahowny

Thank You for Smoking

Some recent movies that I watched and liked are:

The Queen

The Devil Wears Prada

Sicko

Smile

The Weight of Water

The professional movie reviewers won't necessarily agree with all of my selections, but critiquing a movie is a rather subjective endeavor anyway, so you may also not agree with my choices.

Next week I'll post to the blog any new favorites, or stinkers, that I view while exercising.

65 inch LCD HDTV

My friend, Terry, has been doing some research for his future purchase of a large screen LCD HDTV. To date, the largest available, in the United States, is a 65 inch set - manufactured by either Olevia or Sharp. There are plenty of sets that are DLP, Plasma, rear projection and the like - with large screens, but only the mentioned two brands have 65 inch LCD's. It is a different story in Europe and Asia. In fact, you can see many sets available for sale, beyond the 65 inch size, at CES in Vegas; those sets are not for distribution to the US.

Terry and I have been chatting about several products that he might consider. One of the more intriguing HDTV's is the aforementioned 65 inch Olevia that is sold at Costco and Target. The problem is in trying to get any test data on that product. We have not been able to find an Internet review on this five thousand dollar LCD HDTV (yes, it has a hefty price). If any of my blog readers can be of help, please send me an email with a link to a review of the Olevia 65 inch LCD HDTV that Costco carries. Terry needs some actual test data about this product, before deciding what he will purchase. Thanks.

Make Someone Happy

Nancy is still nursing a cold, so I went solo to the B Street Theatre this evening. Buck Busfield has written the theatre's Christmas holiday play for the last several years and he usually does something a little offbeat at this time of year. This year's play, "Make Someone Happy", was probably a little more offbeat than usual. When you have a stripper (in a dance cage, no less) and a nun interacting on stage, it can get a little weirded out... wouldn't you think. But as usual, Buck made it all work and it proved to be one of his better efforts.

I had dinner at Sae Jongs. The owner brought to the table some calamari for me to try, and even though it was a little on the spicy side, I really liked it. The miso soup and sesame chicken was also tasty and I enjoyed my late dinner as the play went a bit longer than usual. Buck got a little long winded in one of the acts.

Tomorrow morning is our Big Breakfast. I hope Nancy is feeling better. It takes two to get everything going just right and to time the meal so that everything comes out on time and hot. We've added biscuits and gravy to the Big Breakfast, along with our usual items - scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, bacon, fruit, juice, coffee, etc. Hey, no sense in doing all that exercising if you don't eat enough to burn off some extra calories now and then. Anyway, it's only once a week, the Big Breakfast, and I look forward to preparing it and - of course - consuming the Sunday feast. However, by adding biscuits and gravy to the menu, I just may have to do a little more treadmill time this week. Oh well, it will be worth it. The meal is delicious!

Black Friday - Lots of Shoppers In Elk Grove

I ventured out a little before 4:00 am this morning, to see what was happening retail wise around the Elk Grove area. Mervyn's parking lot looked the way it might normally appear on a Saturday afternoon. Some of the people waiting in line for a Mervyn's credit voucher, worth ten dollars, had been standing for more than an hour - according to what I heard. There was even a limo in front of the store. I guess that group must have worked in shifts, or something on that order. You'd need to save a lot on your purchases, to make a limo worthwhile! That's a new strategy. One that I had not seen before.

The three hundred and fifty vouchers were given out at Mervyn's in just a couple of minutes. Some people were upset, because there were a few people who walked through the doors after cutting in the line. I didn't see any security near the entrance - just the huddled masses trying to claim their reward for standing out in the cold. It probably could have gotten ugly, but it didn't.

There were considerably more people shopping on Black Friday this year than last - at least in Elk Grove. Elk Grove has grown significantly over the last year and you really sense the the growth when you visit our commercial establishments. Retail outlets have also increased. Next year will bring even more commercial growth to the area. After a decade of planning, our first "mall" will open. That will bring even more shoppers to Elk Grove, along with a lot more traffic. If this Black Friday was any indication, next year should really be something!

I ended up buying a couple of photo items and a flannel shirt jacket. As long as you are not bothered by the crowds, it can be an interesting day to shop. We've still got another big discount day left this year. The day after Christmas. I'll probably venture out on Dec 26th - just to see what's happening and to maybe find a bargain. You'll never know, if you don't venture out!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Each Thanksgiving, over the last several years, Nancy and I have tried a different restaurant for our traditional Thanksgiving meal. This year we decided to have our dinner at the Cyprus Grille. The Cyprus Grille is located in downtown Sacramento, at the Holiday Inn. The restaurant is also near Old Sacramento, a tourist area, where visitors can experience horse drawn carriage rides that traverse cobblestone streets and pass by quaint one-of-a- kind shops and restaurants. The Railroad Museum is another attraction located in Old Sacramento.

Our meal was served buffet style. We were pleased with the food quality -and the service. All the food servers were very attentive and cordial. In addition to turkey, with all the trimmings, there was prime rib and a nice dessert selection. After our meal we ventured through Old Sacramento and then took a meandering path - away from the freeway - back home. After a short nap upon returning home, we watched - "The Devil Wears Prada" - and had a snack.

I've just finished my exercising and showered, so I'm ready to tackle, "Black Friday". It's any one's guess as to how that will turn out. I'll let you know at the next posting. You can see pictures from today's outing to the right and at the bottom of the blog page.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

The Davis family has started the countdown until Christmas. Nancy made a Christmas Calendar for Baby Brandon, see picture to the right and at the bottom of the blog page, but whoever eats all of that See's candy is likely to have a toothache by Christmas day. Nancy has created a nice Christmas memento for Baby Brandon (this is his first Christmas). She explains how the Christmas Calendar works in the short clip posted below. Check it out!

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=ChristmasCalendar07.flv

Box Car

Toyota enlarged the Scion xB for 2008. It will haul more people and cargo and it now looks more secure on the highway as well. I happen to like the updated design, in spite of what has been written about it in recent reviews and forums. Apparently not all the car magazine writers are pleased with Toyota's effort.

This is a niche vehicle that can serve the owner in a number of ways. It could easily be the primary car for a young adult or a second or third vehicle for the older folks. The cool factor is way up there, as Toyota encourages owners to add on aftermarket type equipment that will make the xB unique -by reflecting the owner's taste - and of course, upping the price considerably from the MSRP. There are numerous sound systems to consider and plenty of wheel options. It may not be the greatest highway vehicle, but from what I've read, it handles much better than the original Scion xB. For around town usage it should work fine. Driving it cross country would be another matter altogether. The gas mileage is good and you can configure the seats in ways that will enable the owner to haul lots of stuff.

I've not driven the xB yet, but I'm thinking of taking a test drive when the weather improves. That could be a fun outing!

Classical Music - Andreas Scholl

If you enjoy listening to classical music, you will appreciate the You Tube clip I have posted below. This musical clip features the countertenor, Andrea Scholl. As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I have made a composite CD from several iTunes classical selections and Andrea Scholl is one of the artist on my CD. His music is best appreciated when the listener has a few minutes to relax and reflect on their world view, to meditate - I suppose - would be another way to express the mood. I especially like to listen to classical and choral music during the holidays and the new CD should be a nice addition to my collection. I plan to listen to the entire CD this week, probably on Thanksgiving Day. If you have the time, listen to Andrea Scholl sing J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor "Agnus Dei" on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdLCcQixNvg

Quiet Day - Several Activities

Today was a tranquil mixed-bag kind of day. There were a variety of things going on, but nothing pressing, or of an urgent nature. The day included the following: our "Big Breakfast", choral music, pool cleaning, the Kings game, HD TV discussion with Terry, ink jet printer cartridge changing, The Devil Wears Prada -and exercising. For a Sunday, it was not atypical. If I had to pick one thing from the list that was the most divergent from the normal kinds of things that happen on a Sunday - it would be the choral music. This evening, I put together an iTunes classical music CD from songs that I had heard earlier in the morning on our local classical music station. After going online and checking the station's programing schedule, I wrote down the name of each song I had heard earlier and afterwards looked them up in iTunes. I found the choral sounds to be somewhat surreal, at least that is how it felt while listening to them this morning, so I want to hear how it sounds on my CD player. I think it will be a pleasant CD to listen to, while I'm doing my morning routine. If I like the sound, in that context, I may listen to it a couple of times each week.

LA Auto Show - Lincoln MKS

The new Lincoln MKS, available in the summer of 2008, is making it's debut at the currently running LA Auto Show. Technologically it is very innovative. In addition to Microsoft's Sync program, it has numerous other interesting features that are not always associated with a car in it's class. The MKS is being billed as a luxury model, but with a starting price of around thirty eight thousand. The web site technology used to demonstrate this vehicle is also very impressive and it shows just how far state of the art web site designing has evolved. You can really get a sense of what the 2009 Lincoln MKS is about by visiting the web site. Check it out!

http://www.lincoln.com/reachhigher/?sReferrer=3646932180002315587256723450416

Friday Night at the Movies

We had a great time at this month's Friday Night at the Movies. Terry couldn't make it (high school reunion), but Tom and Dave were in attendance. Nancy, as always, helped keep things moving in an orderly fashion and as a result we accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Tom took several pictures and video clips to send to his girl Wendy. Wendy lives in Chengdu, China. Wendy will be visiting California before too long. Tom says that she is looking forward to experiencing a movie night with our group.

As you can see from the picture to the right and at the bottom of the blog page, our Butler, Horace Housemen, also joined the fray. Although easily confused, Dave Beales (on the left) and Horace Housemen are not related. I know, the resemblance is uncanny, but if you look closer it becomes more obvious. For one, Horace is a classy dresser. Secondly, he appears to have considerably more hair than Dave. You will also notice that Horace does have a rat for a friend, Dave, however, does not - oh... wait a minute, now that I think about it, maybe Dave does also. Anyway, the entire group enjoyed the movie "Smile". Tom seemed to really like the show, probably because much of the movie was filmed in China.

We had our dinner meal at the Teriyaki Time restaurant in Elk Grove (delicious) and for dessert we made popcorn half way through the movie. Dave and Tom had already pigged out on the Halloween candy that Nancy gave them, so I imagine the scales will reflect the damage at their next weigh in. Anyway, it was all good and we look forward to our next movie night. That should take place sometime before the Christmas holidays.

Los Angeles Auto show

Each year I am tempted to fly to Los Angeles to see their annual International Auto Show. It is significantly larger than the one we have in Sacramento. So far, it hasn't happened. I just have not gotten around to planning it. The next best thing, I guess, is to see the coverage of the new 2008 vehicles and concept cars that are displayed on the web. Every year, just like at CES in Las Vegas, the web sites covering the show get more and more sophisticated. The technology to depict exhibits of this nature has become so advanced that you really can have an in depth experience, albeit a vicarious one, of what goes on at these international shows. Still, some year soon, I plan to see the Los Angeles Auto Show first hand. When I do, I plan to create a great photo album and movie to preserve what I will have experienced. Until then... you can check out the current show at the below link:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/losangeles/20075/index.html?mktcat=il-shows&kw=2007+los+angeles+auto+show&mktid=ga16937844

Starting To Feel Like Christmas

Nancy and I went shopping at the new Kohl's store tonight. Kohl's had their grand opening today, so they kept the store open until midnight. I'm sure the sales associates loved that. The new Kohl's is just a short distance from the house and it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood. They have some good sales and Kohl's provides seniors with a discount on several days of each month. Practically all of the retail stores in our area have already started, and in some instances finished, decorating for the holidays. With Thanksgiving only a week away, "Black Friday" is right around the corner. I'll have to wait until I see the ads as to whether or not I'll venture out at some crazy hour Friday morning. If the deal is good enough, I just might.

2008 Honda Accord Sedan

The first thing you notice immediately about the 2008 Honda Accord is how much larger the car is than last year's model There is a significant difference. The new Accord dimensions are that of a full size car and this certainly holds true when you enter the driver's seat and sit behind the wheel. This is unlike any Accord that I have ever experienced. It appears to be as large, or larger, than a Camry. Whether this increase in size will appeal to the typical Accord buyer remains to be seen. I can't see Honda returning to a smaller sized Accord, so it looks as though they are betting all their marbles on a size that competes more favourably with the Camry.

I really like the interior. It has a nice Navigation screen and lots of other options to keep pace with all of the new technology that is available for cars in this class. However, the size of this new model really surprised me, even though I was alerted to this change for 08 via the numerous car magazines that I have subscriptions to. I'm still somewhat undecided as to just how well I like the new Accord. I'll wait until I can test drive one to make a final decision. You can see the Accord's interior to the right and at the bottom of the blog page.

Microsoft Sync

While attending the Sacramento Auto Show, I saw a presentation about the new software (Sync) that Microsoft has developed for vehicles and is currently being installed exclusively in select models of 2008 Ford and Lincoln products. The technology uses voice commands for the various programs in Sync. Ford and Microsoft have created an interesting display screen to be used at their exhibits, with touch control, to assist the viewer in learning more about this innovative software. Below is the link to a video I recorded from the display. The video demonstrates how the music component of Sync works by simply speaking voice commands. The operator can select music (by voice) from several devices and then create a music library from which the music can be played by artist, genre, track or even an owner created play list. This is very cool stuff and raises the technology level of Ford and Lincoln products to a new level. Check it out!

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=MicrosoftSyncWithTitles.flv

Not Many On The Road

Today's post shows a picture from the Sacramento Auto Show of a vehicle that has not gained all that much popularity in America. It's a Korean made vehicle - the 2008 Kia Amanti. I've yet to see a 2008 model on the street. When they first arrived, a few years ago, and before the Hyundai Azera was added to the dealer showrooms, they were a more common sight. Since the Azera, which according to the car pundits, is a better choice, Kia has not really done much to make a challenge and has all but forgotten it's marketing plan for the car . The styling has changed a little this year, particularly with the taillights and the rear end of the car, but the look is not to every one's taste and it is now looking somewhat dated - compared to other vehicles in this class. It list (MSRP) for around $32,000 (loaded), but for that money you can choose from quite a number of cars. The interior has also changed somewhat from previous years, but to date, unlike the Azera, you can not get a navigation screen, nor a connector for your iPod or Mp3 player. So, again - compared to several other vehicles - it not only looks dated, but it isn't as well equipped technologically.

On the plus side, it does have a comfy ride (I've driven an earlier model) and a more robust engine than in previous years. And, of course, it has that great ten year/100,000 mile warranty. According to Consumer Report, that is probably a good thing, because you may have more than a few occasions when you just might need to use that long warranty.

To me, it's the kind of vehicle that if you were to find a low mileage used Amanti (they depreciate rapidly), or an extremely discounted new one, it might be on your list of vehicles for consideration. I kind of like the odd styling, and to some extent the interior, but with so many other vehicles in this class, I doubt that I could be swayed - even with a great deal on the price.

Raining In Sacramento

The only time I left the house today was to go to Daphne's - to pick up our dinner (Greek food). Daphne's chicken and steak kabobs are delicious. We've had rain since early this morning. Not real heavy, but steady. Nancy and I had a quite day at home. I watched the Ohio State vs Illinois game. That one was a real nail bite-er. My neighbor Tom has to be very upset, as he is the university's biggest fan and Ohio State is no longer undefeated. Too bad Buckeyes.

I just started processing my Auto Show pictures. Today I posted a picture of a very stylish, but somewhat impractical (at least to my way of thinking), vehicle. It's the Mercedes CLS550. Mercedes describes it as a four door coupe. Coupe normally means only two doors, so... go figure? Anyway, it looks neat, but after checking out the back seat room I don't think anyone over six foot would be very comfortable as a passenger. So, sometimes this car would be a ninety thousand dollar luxury automobile, that would not be very suitable for a long trip, if you have friends who are too tall for the car's back seat. Interesting design! I do like the lines of the car, however.

I've also posted a scanned label from a dessert that I just tried. As I've mentioned previously, it isn't easy finding tasty desserts with decent nutritional data. This one is not bad in that regard, plus it taste good - like ice cream. They have various flavors and it is reasonably priced. I plan to purchase some more.

Auto Show Starts Today

I got up early today - to go to the Sacramento Auto show. The auto show is an annual trek that I make, to see all the new models for the coming year. I usually spend about six hours taking pictures and videos of all the exhibits and this year was no exception. I'll share more pictures and videos after I get a chance to catalogue and edit the media that I shot. My first picture, showing a Chevy Camaro - with a young boy eye balling what he may see as his future wheels - is posted to the right and at the bottom of the blog site.

Video Clips

I decided to check on some video clips that I shot a while back, to see if there were any that I might want to post to the blog. Today's post has a link to a video clip that I took a few months ago, when I visited Louisville, Kentucky. While attending the Kentucky State Fair, I viewed numerous exhibits. This video shows one of the many aquariums that were on display at the fair. I happen to like aquariums, although I don't have one at this time. I've had a couple aquariums over the years, but that's been quite a long time ago. I used my mini Samsung video recorder to record the footage. I haven't edited the sound yet, so you will hear the background noise from the people viewing the exhibit. To see the fish aquarium, click on the link below:

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=FishAquariumWeb.flv

Kroger Comes to Elk Grove

We recently added a new grocery chain to our area. It goes by the name of Food Co, but it appears to be owned by Kroger. At least that is what seems to be the case, in regards to the brand that is being used as their home label. A lot of the products that are being carried by the store have the Kroger label. We don't have a WalMart Super Center in our area, so this is a nice addition - since Food Co is very similar to a Super Center (both in layout and pricing). Having lived in Louisville for a number of years, I am familiar with the Kroger name. I always liked Kroger stores and the one in Elk Grove, even though it goes by a different name, reminds me of the Louisville store. Who says you can't go home again!

Cheeseburger Night

Not all that often, but on occasion, I crave a really big cheeseburger. Tonight was one of those nights. Nancy was off to help with the great grand baby, so it was a good time to light the grill and cook up a big cheeseburger with all the fixings. It's sort of like the Sunday Big Breakfast. Even though it takes Nancy and I about an hour to prepare the meal, it's worth it, because we just haven't found a restaurant than can match the quality of our Big Breakfast. Cheeseburgers are the same. You can get some good ones at our local restaurants, but to do it right - you got to cook it yourself.

The key to getting it just right is the essential ingredients that make for a great cheeseburger. Not too lean of ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, secret seasonings and condiments - and a great bun. The one I prepared on the grill tonight was about a three quarter pound-er. I meant to take a picture of it, but by the time I placed it on my plate to eat... well, I was so hungry for that delicious treat that I forgot about the picture and just started to chomp away.

I think the little extra time I spent on the treadmill tonight will offset the added calories. But, if not, it was still worth it. That was one great cheeseburger.

Auto Show

The Sacramento International Auto Show starts this week. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the 2008 models. Some vehicles are pretty much just carry overs from 07, but several manufacturers have come out with new models that are suppose to be greatly improved over their predecessors. The Chevrolet Malibu is one such car; so is the Cadillac CTS. It's always different seeing a car at the Sacramento Auto Show, as opposed to just seeing the pictures of that vehicle in an auto magazine. They do such a good job of photographing cars now-a-days that almost all of the vehicles have an appealing look - at least in the magazines. That's not always the case when you get to check out the vehicle up close and personal.

I'm sometimes asked why I have so much interest in seeing cars that I am not likely to ever own - or even be in the market to purchase. That's true for almost any SUV, or say... a convertible - or sports car. Even though I'm not really interested in purchasing such a vehicle, I still like to learn something about them. Why is that the case? That's easy to answer. First off - I'm a bit of a car nut, I suppose. So all types of vehicles interest me. And secondly, since buying a vehicle, at least for me, is the second largest expenditure that I ever make - the first being real estate - I take it seriously. You can't really know what to purchase, if you don't know what is available and how one vehicle compares with another. By going to the auto show it helps to make a person a more informed consumer. Besides, I always have a great time at the auto show. I normally stay for six or seven hours. I also eat dinner there. They usually have a delicious tri-tip sandwich available. Or course, as usual, I'll be taking pictures and perhaps videos as well this year, so I'll be sure to post a few of my favorites to the blog site.

Exercise and Movies

I've found that treadmill exercising, and watching DVDs, really do complement one another quite well. You still feel the workout, but it is much more enjoyable while you are engaged in watching a good movie. The time seems to go much faster. Some movies that I've watched recently are:

The Astronaut Farmer
The War Within
City of Industry
The DaVinci Code
Off The Black

I don't see an entire movie during one session of exercising, because my exercise time is somewhat less than the length of a movie, so I try to finish the DVD the following session. I've added a second DVD player to the system, so I can remotely start up a new movie if the first one finishes before completing my exercise. That way I don't have to leave the treadmill to insert a movie and start the DVD player. So far, so good. To date I haven't fell off the treadmill doing this. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. BlockBuster has been another beneficiary of this plan, as I now rent at least four movies a week. I suppose as long as I can find good rental movies, the exercise routine is not at risk.

Introducing - "The Great Zultan"

When you click on the link below, you will meet the latest addition to our household - "The Great Zultan". Zultan knows all. All you have to do is ask. Zultan will prove invaluable for our Friday Night at the Movies meetings. Oftentimes, we must conclude our sessions without deriving final solutions to our many perplexing problems. Zultan will fix all of that. You will see - just click on the below link... for your visit with - "The Great Zultan".

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=ZultanEditVer2Format_0001.flv

Horace Housemen - Davis Family Butler

Horace Houseman is now on board, to help out when needed. He is a competent butler, who dresses impeccably and speaks in a manner befitting his position in life. Don't be overwhelmed by his stature. Horace stands about six foot two - in his stocking feet. Irregardless of his size and demeanor, for the most part he seems very gentle and rather amicable - so long as he is not provoked. Big mistake to set Horace off! Might I say, from all of us, "Welcome to the family"- Horace.

Halloween Discounted Merchandise

The stores still had some good stuff left over from their Halloween sales. The day after Halloween is when I usually buy our Halloween decorations. I had my eye on a couple of items that the Raleys grocery store carried during the three week window they use to sell Halloween decorations. However, a couple of really neat items were rather pricey, I thought, but they dropped to fifty per cent off today - so I just had to buy them. They should be great additions for next year. I know Mr. Axman will have fun with them. I've still got some assembling to do, so the pictures should get posted tomorrow.