Remember Shakespeare?

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Many of us, I will not say all because that is too presumptuous, are familiar with the writings of Willam Shakespeare, a fifteenth century author turned playright.  Personally, I have found all of his writings to be an inexhaustible source of pleasure.  Through compulsory reading in the United States’ educational system,  many students have read no more of him than was required.  Due to my mother being a Professor of English Literature, the writings of William Shakespeare became more prolific and appreciated in my life.

With that being said (written), I recently audienced a different twist of Shakespeare’s ever-popular drama “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.”  The characters Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, courtiers in the original, centuries old manuscript, are the main characters in this particular play.  Entitled “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead,” written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Scott O’Neal, is done so in jest of the original and  particularly famous play. 

Here is how it goes:  “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead” shares the plot of the original Hamlet by William Shakespeare.  “(1.) Hamlet’s father, the King of Denmark, dies.  (2.) Hamlet’s Uncle, Claudius, becomes king and marries Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude.  (3.) Hamlet’s father appears as a ghost and tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius.  (4.) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, school friends of Hamlet, are enlisted to find out what has been bothering Hamlet, but Hamlet does not trust them.  (5.) Players arrive; Hamlet sets a trap for his uncle by having the players re-enact the murder of his father.  (6.) Hamlet pretends to be insane to Ophelia, his lover.  (7.) Claudius leaves the performance, greatly disturbed.  (8.) Hamlet kills Polonius, thinking he is Claudius.  (9.) Hamlet is placed on a ship to England where, according to a letter provided to Resencrantz and Guildenstern by Claudius, he will be executed.  (10.) The ship is attacked by pirates who take Hamlet prisoner but then return to Denmark.  (11.) After her father is killed, Ophelia, goes mad and drowns.  (12.) Laertes, Ophelia’s brother, fueled by revenge, plots a duel to kill Hamlet using a sword with poison on it.  (13.) Claudius prepares poisoned wine for Hamlet to drink in case that does not work.  (14.) Both Hamlet and Laertes are wounded by the poisonous sword.  (15.) Gertrude mistakenly drinks the poisoned wine and dies.  (16.) Laertes tells Hamlet about the plot, then dies.  (17.) Hamlet then kills Claudius and dies.” 

Phew!  It is definitely much better when seen in person.  Having been creatively innovative, I congratulate not only the actors but the production staff as well.  Long live…well, everybody!

A Raccoon In The Attic

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You know how the story goes…”it’s always somebody else…”  Well, my husband and I are that somebody.
 
Yep, we have one, a raccoon in the attic. 
 
Now, I’ve heard lots of stories of one person or another having to deal with a raccoon and/or its young living in a basement or attic.  I’ve even seen animal television shows featuring such critters and I was creepily mesmerized as to how, what, when and where such instances could and do happen.  However, I never thought that we would have one right here, in our attic, on our neighborhood street in rustic, woodsy suburbia.
 
You see, my husband’s wood shop is  an outbuilding on our property.  Having noticed a slight molding effect, a growth, last summer on the north ceiling of the shop, we kept our eyes on it, realizing that a new roof would be in order “one of these days.”   We didn’t think too much of it, but one of our eyes glanced at it occasionally.  After all, it was such a small growth looking like more of a water stain than anything else.  No big deal.  It was ignored. We went about our business as usual.  However, our calculations ran a bit short.   
 
Mold, caused by dampness, further weakens its host.  Well, the day has arrived, this day, to-day!   Mold feasts on damp-to-wet sheet-rock/dry wall.  A lesson has been learned right there!
 
As my husband was doing his usual puttsing in this, his beloved shop, just this morning, when, after tweny minutes or so, what to his wandering eyes should appear, but a section of caved-in ceiling!  Closer examination with a ladder and flashlight concluded that there is a hole in the roof, right through to the big glorious blue sky.  Further examination revealed poop droppings, bigger than a rat or mouse’s.  AHA!  there was a twinkling eyed raccoon nestled in the insulation. 
 
After calling ‘Mo, Curly, and Larry’ (sarcasm for two area businesses that supposedly deal with such conundrums) about this finding, one guy wanted $160.00 to come out with other $85.00 to trap – but not remove – the critter.  The other guy never called back.
 
So hubby, in his infinite wisdom, rushed over to Harbor Freight Tools, purchased a specific type of ‘racoon trap,’ put dog food and peanut butter in it because that is what his brother told him to use, and somehow rigged the trap to the roof.  For some reason or another, there is a yellow nylon rope  securely fastened from the north side of the structure to the south, extending about 10 feet.  I didn’t ask.  Neither did I inspect this rigging apparatus but trust he knows what he’s doing.  I certainly do not have the know-how and would end up paying big bucks for the critters disappearance!
 
So, I needed to share this with you.   Hubby has been checking the trap every couple of hours.  But I know what’s going to happen: after we settle in for the night, a loud crash, bang, boom will sound meaning that the raccoon is caught in the trap and unhappy – unhappy is the key word.  And the rest you can probably imagine for yourselves.
 
Ahh, such is life and living in the woodsy, nature filled suburbs.  It’s okay, though.  I chaulk this up to another one of our wonderful adventures!  I look forward to sharing the outcome in days to come!
 
A. K. Buckroth
 
Hope all is well with you both!  Hopefully I will have a good ending to this story very soon!
 
Andrea. 

Childrens’ Summer Camps!

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YAY!  Going to summer camp was always a favorite time of year for me – knowing that in July or August, I would be gone from home for two or three weeks.  I looked forward to it all year long!  Being away from my siblings, my mother, my daily chores, my summer boredom was relieved through summer camp.

From my recollections, January was the time when I was initially informed about being able to go.  This means, parents, that research needs to be started, applications filled out, then onto the inventory list once your child is accepted.  Much of the decision-factor is on a first-come, first-served (accepted) basis.  Analogous to a preferred school.

Heres’ a list of summer camps in California I researched for you: Bearskin Meadow Camp, Camp Conrad-Chinnock, Camp De Los Ninos, Camp Wana Kura, Larry L. Hillblom Teen Camp DJ Sequoia Lake, Larry L. Hillblom Youth Camp, Teen Cruise Camp, and The Diabetes Society of Santa Clara Valley.

Your local YWCA and YMCA’s have a list as well.  Network with the parents and teachers at  your childs’ school to learn about more.

Good luck!  AK.

Yard Work!

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The title of this particular blog may flash visualizations of a lawn mower to include a rake, perhaps a pair of gloves and the safety of having to wear socks and [work] shoes, so be it.

 In order to get myself away from this computer – to enjoy the limited days’ sunshine and look/scan/admire what my neighbors’ paid-for-gardeners have accomplished – I do it myself.  Ahh, spring!  It brings forth such energy!

My accomplishments include six hours of (1.) mowing the front lawn.  The back yard is another days’ story.  Not liking the way the grass edges were crookedly meeting with the sidewalk, (2.) I killed it.  Yep, just ripped it out and put the excess in the “Green Waste Bucket [barrel].”  Onto the front yard walkway, (3.) I couldn’t help but think of my mailman, wondering if he would, in fact, comment on  any possible improvements.  He never does, he’s in such a hurry to get his chores done.  Without his opinion, I used my imagination.

Onward I go!!  In the end, my picking, pulling, weeding, chopping, cutting, electrified hedging, de-rooting, de-weeding, etc. etc. etc., looks glorious – to me.

And that is what matters on this beautiful day!

AK.

Relationship(s)

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Hmm.  This word, “relationship,” has been on my mind of late.  Flatly, a relationship is a connection.  As humans, we have a relationship with, to and for other people.  That is the easy part.  Such an intangible begins as a kinship through family and extended family.  It’s a people thing. 

As we progress and mature, we unknowingly come across a wide gamut of relationships.  For instance, one with nature, one with the law, a medical team, and another, perhaps, with business (work).   When I think about it, the list can be endless.

However, I would like to narrow down this noun with the relationship we possess with ourselves?  With your self?

Have you ever had anyone ask you “How is your relationship with you?”    Hmm.  Cause to pause.  Simple answers are more easily forthcoming through being asked simply “How are you?”

Analytically, a relationship with your self is private and may produce an in-depth, complicated answer.   It is easier to reply with the factors of your involvement with another person or persons, with your work routine, your environment, the causes you support, your political and/or religious views, etc.   

My relationship with me involves caring for my physical needs first, then onto my emotional needs.   My relationship with myself is not always as shiny as I may portray.   I cater to the harmony of myself in order to be aware and attentive to others’ needs and requirements.  A little too heavy?  Well, I thought it interesting to at least think about!

So, how are you?!  How is your relationship with yourself these days?

AK.

I’ve missed you!

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Yes, I have certainly and most definitely missed writing you.  However, there are good reasons.

To begin, my insulin pump stopped working for at least eight days.  Not familiar with such a device?  Well, I won’t share a long description or explanation.  Briefly, it is a computerized machine, similar to a human pancreas, that I wear on my waistband.  That’s the simple part.  When it refuses to operate properly and as programmed, sickness occurs.  As an insulin-dependent diabetic for over fifty years now, being without insulin for even a very short period of time turns me into a physical, emotional, and psychological mess!  It’s just plain awful. 

With that said, I contacted my dependable pharmacy for a refill on a box of one hundred syringes and one vial of a long-lasting type of insulin.  Seventy-six dollars later, I was at a teary point.  How many times must a person budget a budget?!  I guess as many times as it takes.  Not easy.

To go on, the scheduled carpet cleaners were expected at 10:00am and did not show until 5:00pm.  Okay, I swallowed my tongue and got over that. 

Then, one of my two dogs had diarrhea.  Yep.  Not a pretty sight.  Again, I took care of that.

Due to something I wrote in my book, an autobiography mind you, insulted a family member.  She has not spoken to me for six days.   Good Lord!

Wait, I’m not done yet!

A member of the charitable organization that is to receive proceeds from the sale of the aforementioned autobiography e-mailed me a request to stop mentioning the book on their newsgroup.  Can you believe that?!  I am beside myself – with a hole in my heart!  How can that even be a possibility?!  

To top it off, my telephone stopped working.  That could actually be a good thing, if you really think about it.  However, I was unable to place outgoing calls for three days.  Ho hum.

With my husband being in La (comic relief for “Los Angeles”), I try my hardest not to complain and put all these conundrums in a humorous light.  After all, there’s nothing he can do.   So, I go on.

So, what’s up in YOUR world?!    I thank you for your ongoing visits to my website.  I look forward to viewing viewers’ views.  Ha ha.

I just wanted to ‘touch base’ and let you know I am still here.  I like you and will be in touch sooner than you can – well, whatever.  Goodnight!  Thank you for listening.  AK.

I

Wannabee Writers!

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So, you wanna write.   You dream about  having an article published.  Better still, you dream about being a published author, having written a book.  Daily, you think about plots, settings, themes, words, creating, innovating.  You have a story to tell.  However, your procrastination gets the better of you, continually. 

Not sure of answering “how,” “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “how much,” you are at a loss to a new beginning, perhaps doubtful, perhaps lacking in self-confidence, lacking in motivation and inspiration, etc.   Well, stop right there!

Simply, here are suggestions to get you started: (1.) Library – contact them to find out their hours; ask them if there is a writers’ group or club available for you to sit in on.  (2.) Internet search – through one search engine or another, type in NameofYourCityWritersGroups and press “Go” or “Search,” whichever the case may be.   For instance, as I reside in Sacramento County, California, I googled “Sacramento, CA, Writers Groups,” pressed “go,” and came up with two groups. 

Happy I did so, I am now a member of the “Sacramento Suburban Writers Club.”  The monthly meetings are held in a back conference room of the Fair Oaks Library.  Through other members’ encouragement, references, arranged speakers, and shared ideas, my book was published.  To me, the members’ insatiable knowledge was my highlight!

For hoots and giggles, their website is sactowriters.synthasite.com.    

Be happy!  A. K. Buckroth

Tax Write-Offs (HINTS)

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Okay, it is that time of year again.  You know, the infamous and oftimes procrastinated Tax Time.   This essay, so to speak, will discuss and remind you about itemizations.

I first became acquainted with the term “itemization” when having to prepare and calculate business executives’ reimbursements as an Executive Assistant.  Although this procedure was ongoing many, many years ago, what I learned in taking care of them I have since applied to myself.

Once becoming a sole-proprietor, I organized all useful receipts into a labeled accordian file.  Such a file has approximately twelve pockets.  If the already-labeled pocket is useless to me, I cross it off with a black marker/pen and print how I will use it.  For instance, “Rent” has been replaced with the word “Postage” because I do not rent.  Your receipts pertain to your operations, your life, and are all the proof you have if the Internal Revenue Service finds a need to ask you any questions = auditing (scary).  Such a file may be purchased at any office supply store (e.g., Office Depot, Office Max, Sam’s Clubs, Costco’s, college book stores, even some grocery stores).  No, they are not musical.

I do not mind sharing that I am highly organized, considered OCD (http://voices.yahoo.com/what-ocd-6874648.html).

At this juncture, I must tell you that I am not a licensed professioanl accountant by trade.  I am a sole-proprietor that operates her businesses in her home.  Because many of my customers require me to visit their places of residence and/or work, my (1.) automobile’s gasoline usage is one write-off.  My vehicle(s) are write-offs and they have the business painted on them.  When customers visit me in my home office, I am allowed to itemize (write-off) a third of my home: (2.) one third of my mortgage, one third of my car insurance, one third of my toilet paper because they use my restroom, one third of my utility bills (gas, water, electricity, heat, air conditioning), one third of my house phone and cellular phones becasue that is how people contact me.  My advertisments (3.) are write-offs (e.g., business cards, marketing tools such as give-away-pens to possible customers; posters; flyers, etc.  (4.) More write-offs would include the price to attend seminars and conferences pertaining to my professions.  (5.) Educatonal expenses of all kinds, down to the smallest purchase of pencils and erasers – anything of use to operate your business – books needed to update your business or something in your business.  (6.) Postage is a good one.  (7.) Capital Equipment, although it carries a ‘deprication value,’ is still useful (e. g., computer, printer, scanner, all the software you use, etc.).  (8.)  Business Expenses can be a paramount of things such as paper, pens, a flash drive or two, and the stick-in-the-computer-thingy.  This list can be endless!  (8.)  An Entertainment Expenses also has a separate pocket in the accordian file.  Receipts from client breakfast, lunches, dinners, in-betwee-coffee-business-chats are saved and used.  The key word is business.

KEEP AND ORGANIZE YOUR RECEIPTS!

When making a purchase that will benefit a charitable organization, (6.) that is a write-off.  For instance, because the proceeds from the sales of my book called “My Diabetic Soul” will go to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, that is another write-off for you.   Any and all reading materials (book) to progress your operable knowledge in any field is a write-off!

Other receipts to keep in your ever-so-accommodating-accordian-file would pertain to (7.) medical expenses, and (8.) entertainment expenses (e.g., lunches and dinners for present or soon-to-be customers; food purchased for promotional endeavors; the change you hand out to a wanderer, etc.).

To conclude, I am sure you are fully enlightened and capable of organizing your receipts.  No, it is not always a pretty sight.  Keep in mind that as a United States citizen, you are assisting our government in providing services to the ‘general public.’  If done properly, and with the assistance of a (9.) paid-for-accountant (also a write-off), your State Refund Check will arrive in four weeks; your Federal Government Refund Check will arive in six weeks.

Good Luck!  Persevere!  And Get ‘R Done!

A. K. Buckroth

My Book Is Being Sold – NOW!

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A. K. Buckroth My Book Is Being Sold – NOW!

I am very excited to share with you the fact that my first book, “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” is now available for your reading – and learning – pleasures. 

Quick Overview

A. K. Buckroth and two younger siblings have coped with juvenile diabetes. It does not have to be a death threat. “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” begins with the author’s birth in 1957. She celebrates fifty years – yes, 50 years living successfully and productively with this disease.

 Availability: In stock. Price: $15.95.  
Product Description
This book travels through the necessary growing tumults of childhood due to this disease; being an adolescent run-away and living through peer pressures; one marriage with three miscarriages; single-motherhood; college graduations; world travels; and careers all while fighting to stay alive on a daily basis.

Everyone needs a heroine and a miracle. Five decades of living with diabetes has been an honor, a divine gift.  Readers – non-diabetic as well as diabetic – will be inspired to fight for their lives, distinguishing right from wrong on a daily basis; strategizing their lives with a private appreciation for hemselves.

My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography by A. K. Buckroth is an inspirational must-read.

Additional Information

 

Language: English; Pages: 304; Dimensions: 6″x8″; Publisher: Prismatic Publishing; ISBN: 13: 978-0-9822030-9-5 AND 10; 0-9822030-9-8; Author: A. K. Buckroth; Release Date: March 27, 2010 with Book Signing; Ages: 12 – 102; Book Genre: Biographies & Memoirs, Health, Nonfiction; Website: www.mydiabeticsoul.com. 

 

Composting

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Well, it’s that time of year again – using the compost pile in the garden.

What is compost?  “It is a mixture (compositon) of decomposing vegatable refuse used to fertilize soil.”  It’s uneaten garbage.  You know, unused or uneaten parts of fruits and vegetables (e.g., orange peels, tomato skins, celery tails, onion skins, garlic skins, egg shells, banana peels avacado skins, and many other roots and peels).  Such things are naturally ‘biodegradeable.  They break down easily, releasing their nutrients for future use, specifically to enhance any and all garden-growing efforts.

Seeds of ANY kind are not allowed.  This includes seeds from tomatoes, avacadoes, grapes, potato ‘eyes,’ apple and pear cores, peach and cherry pits, pineapple tops, etc.  Neither are meat by-products and any kind (e. g. chicken, beef  and pork bones, skin or fatty meat portions that you do not eat).  Those go out in the weekly trash bin for city pick ups.

Containers for such a project are available at local retailers or free when you sit in at a “compost meeting” usually held each Spring at a county meeting where you live.  That is how I first became aware of such a thing.  With such encouragement,  I have been composting for fifteens years.

The large bins I possess are black, round, hard plastic contianers with holes all around the circumference for airation.   Approximately four feet high and three feet in diameter, two such bins have been placed outside, away from my back foor, but easily accessible in order to dump my garbage.  Hidden behind a small oak and fica tree, their unsighlty presence is not in plain view.

Other than my collection of kitchen garbage, two large bags of soil are added twice a year.  Once the soil is mixed with my garbage (using a round-nosed shovel and oftimes a pitchfork), water is added.  As it sits and sits there usually over the course of a year, insects and worms, natural inhabitants, bore their way through this seemingly mucky, but organized, mess.  Their presence further enhances and propagates the decomposing process.

After tilling my already used vegatable and herbal garden areas, the compost is added.  It is heavy and a wheelbarrel and shovel are used to bring it to my desired areas.  Mix, mix and mix some more.  This project has taken me two to three days to prepare before I am satisfied to plant.

All in all, it is worth it.  Hard work usually is.  Satisfaction is guaranteeed year-in and year-out once I see the buds of my labor and its magnificent harvest.  I delight in the opportunity to walk out my back door, gather what fruits I need for a days’ meal, returning the usnused portions to the bins.  It is a continuous cycle.

The following link will shed some different lights on this topic as well.  Hey, it’s all in the soup, haha!  http://backyardgrowers.com/23-ingenious-diy-compost-bin-ideas/.  Until next time, happy gardening!

A. K. Buckroth