Month: August 2024

Poolside Refuge

AnthonyLeave a comment

Scorching hot day

A hot sun bakes everything

Cooking us all.

–

Pool, an oasis

Cool clean crisp waters

Combat the heat.

–

Sweat refreshing beverages

In tall glass’s with umbrellas

Fruit and rum.

–

Soft shady cabanas

Refuge from the hot day

And quite comfortable…

-AAA 08/06/2024

QOTD: #107

Anthony2 Comments

On what subject(s) are you an authority?

There are a number of subjects of which I am most passionate.

Music

I’ve been passionate about music at least since age 4 maybe longer. I’m decently knowledgeable in the genres I like most.

Percussion

I played drums and various percussion instruments from age 8 until age 24. Playing in but not limited to: drum-line, marching band, percussion ensemble, Latin Band, Big Band, Jazz Band, Symphony, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.

Reading

I love classic fiction, modern fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, philosophy, horror, mystery, and noire.

Writing

I love to write poetry (many forms), essays, autobiographical short stories, and interesting anecdotes.

Technology

I have worked in Information Technology for over 28 years working in: data conversions, help desk, systems analysis, programming, QA, technical writing, training, systems implementations, technical support, and Sarbanes Oxley risk assessments and audits.

Diagraming and Prototyping

In my current job I work so much in Visio that my teammates call me the “Vizio Wizio” 😂

Video Games

I am pretty decent at most classic video games and consoles.

Trivia

My extensive music knowledge, entertainment, science, and history make me a threat at any bar trivia contests.

People

I am good at reading people which has greatly aided me in my career and writing.

Computers

I can fix/diagnose many or most issues, as I have worked on thousands of computers with issues.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

Positively Lovely Day

Anthony14 Comments

A lovely day

Nothing to pay

No need to say

With lots of smiles.

–

Positive mind

Happiest kind

All sealed and signed

Across the miles.

–

Strengthen behest

Being your best

Life is a fest

In all your styles.

–

Embrace the night

No need to fight

Everything’s right

It’s in your files.

–

Ending this rhyme

Will take some time

It’s not a crime

Lest the word’s piles…

-AAA 08/05/2024

Freezer Fun:  AKA Lessons in Marinara Thermodynamics 

Anthony1 Comment

Originally Published 04/26/2024

Pasta Marinara D’Aquino

Single life can get interesting quickly when you need to  use a hammer on some frozen articles in the freezer.

Spot checking the refrigerator and freezer for grocery list items, I noticed an issue in my freezer in which 4 zip-locked marinara sauces (I made a big batch last weekend) were stuck to one another and through the freezer shelf. 

Here’s where physics comes in, these sauces were originally frozen after cooling were in a liquid state at the time. As a result, some of the bags hung through the grates on the top shelf.  When liquids/sauces/etc freeze, they sometimes expand a little as well which definitely happened here. <Physics lesson over>

I first tried to remove (they are adjustable) the top shelf and couldn’t because everything was quite stuck. I tried and tried and was able to pry off one of the sauces without breaking the bag (extra points for that effort). The other three sauces, however were very much lodged into the grated shelf and against the side of the freezer. 

I tried, I pushed, I tugged (not too hard or I’d rip the ziplocks) I swore every bad word I could think of in English, Spanish, and Italian (we are multicultural at Anthony’s Place) but they wouldn’t budge. Then I thought to myself, “what will MacGyver do?”

Opening my tool drawer, I found my toolbox, took out a hammer and proceeded to hammer up (under the grate) on the frozen bags of marinara (I’m sure my neighbors love me 😝) until finally I was able to pop the shelf out. I then removed it from the freezer with the sauces still stuck to it. 

We have a second  challenge again of physics and common sense. I want to defrost these sauces just enough to get them clear of the shelving grate so I can place them back in the freezer without needing to cook them all. 

I placed the grated shelf and my lambadad (I’m not sure if the forbidden dance has ever been applied in this manner 😂😂😂) marinara sauces in the sink and ran cold water until the portions that were expanded and stuck, shrunk down enough for me to pull them out. I then immediately placed everything back in the freezer more easily as everything was still frozen (for the most part). 

To not have a future repeat of this adventure, I’ll place something flat on top of the grading next time. Lesson learned, and it was truly a cultural event with multiple language swearing, a refresher in thermodynamics, and a little MacGyver, for good measure…😂😂😂

-aaa

Be You’re Best

AnthonyLeave a comment

Be positive be bright

Don’t dim another’s light.

–

Be brave and be great

You needn’t hesitate.

–

Be smooth and be you

Anything else, would be untrue.

–

Be generous and due be kind

Much of the world is kindness-blind.

–

Be happy and genuine too

Others will want to be around you.

–

Be loving and be sweet

With good qualities you’re complete.

–

Be silent and be pure

Good listeners will endure.

–

Be the best you can be

Then you’ll truly be free.

–

Be at the right time and right place

Divine timing for all the human race…

-AAA 08/05/2024

QOTD: #139

AnthonyLeave a comment

List 30 things that make you happy.

I’ve been on the fence on whether I would answer this question or not as I feel again it is a data mining, marketing poll type of question, but I’m gonna do it anyway what the hell?🤣

Thirty Things That Make Me Happy:

1) The smell of rain when it first starts to fall.

2) the sound of the ocean

3) the sound of rainfall all night while I sleep

4) making passionate love

5) writing

6) music

7) playing the piano by ear

8) live music

9) musicals

10) streaming my favorite shows without commercials or interruptions

11) gazing at the stars

12) experiencing a meteor shower in the mountains

13) playing tennis

14) old-school video games

15) old-school console video games

16) reading

17) long deep conversations

18) technical writing

19) helping people

20) finding commonality with others

21) encouraging others that need it

22) learning something new

23) spending time with friends and loved ones

24) fishing

25) walking

26) hiking

27) swimming

28) bodyboarding

29) my apartment

30) blogging!!!!

As always, thank you for reading… 😊

-aaa

QOTD: # 140

Anthony2 Comments

Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your life. Write about that.

I don’t even need to pull/scour a story. I can tell you right now, pretty much all political posts news, articles, stories, video, etc. is completely uninteresting to me. From all sides, Democrat, Republican, independent, etc.

Loads of vitriol and anger and hate and I’m done. We need to relate to each other. We need to stop trying to find everything wrong with each other and try and find what’s right. Find common ground embrace our differences and find strength.

I think in media, social media and other circles we lost our way and we need to find our way back before too late. Just my $.25.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

Married and Divorced to Ms Cruelty

Anthony1 Comment

She wouldn’t inflate his ego.

It just wasn’t her to be that kind.

She’d rather see him fall down.

As flat on his face as possible.

–

She wouldn’t let a single soul talk down to him

At the first word, she was a furious defender.

He mistook this for love and care.

In reality, putting him down was only her indulgence, and no one else’s.

–

She wouldn’t be intimate with him, ever.

She’d give every excuse from fibromyalgia to menopause.

He felt she was simply only attracted to his money.

He was right because she saved all her intimacy for her ex husband.

–

She’d instigate many fights at the expense of his dignity.

She’d mercilessly push him to his tipping point.

Then get mad at him for his reaction to her barrage of incendiary statements.

Then when he’d walk away to end the argument, she’d fire off another volley, a parting shot, “go pout”.

–

She didn’t care whether he lived or died.

His illnesses and complications from Diabetes were his problem.

Any symptoms or issue he experienced was all in his head.

She had the bedside manner of steel wool and the warmth to match.

–

Even when he left her she refused to be human.

Using the Ex grandchildren as weapons in her arsenal of cruelty.

She fought him tooth and nail for alimony.

Until he relented and paid her, a worthy price at any amount to be put of her life forever.

-08/04/2024

Beware, Moments Hesitate

AnthonyLeave a comment

Beware of the buggy wall.

Alpha numerics make for great soup.

Spaghetti code reads like stereo installation instructions.

The salty mist of a coastal breeze greets me.

Goats graze and dance in the afternoon breeze.

Moments hesitate more and more creating their own infinities…

-AAA 08/03/2024

Love is Arithmetic ❤️ + ❤️ = 💞

AnthonyLeave a comment

Love is Arithmetic

Zero plus zero is none

Let’s add ones for fun.

–

One and one is two

Just like me and you.

–

Two and two make four

Enjoying good times more.

–

Three and three are six

We always get our kicks.

–

Four plus four are eight

As we never hesitate.

–

Five and five are ten

Let’s meet all over again…

-AAA 08/03/2024

Zero plus zero is none

Let’s add ones for fun.

–

One and one is two

Just like me and you.

–

Two and two make four

Enjoying good times more.

–

Three and three are six

We always get our kicks.

–

Four plus four are eight

As we never hesitate.

–

Five and five are ten

Let’s meet all over again…

-AAA 08/03/2024

Awaiting a Piece of Cake Baked

Anthony3 Comments

Originally Published 04/26/2024

1:45 am.

Cafe Americano 🍽️.

Having the munchies.

–

It’s the edibles.

Which were consumed earlier 🍬.

Always make me hungry.

–

At the nighttime hours.

Hence this current sustenance 🍱.

Where is my waitress?

–

Sitting at the table.

Awaiting chocolate cake 🧁.

I hope it is worth it.

–

First sweets in a while.

I hope that my mouth won’t hurt 😖.

The struggle is real.

–

Four teeth were just pulled.

My mouth is so empty now 🙄.

I will get it fixed.

–

I made a promise.

That I will eat carefully ⚠️.

Now and forever.

–

My dessert is here.

It is chocolate goodness 🍫.

I now can taste bliss.

–

Or maybe not yet.

Perhaps they just baked it now 😋.

Oh wait it’s here now. 😉

-aaa

Obsidian Delight

Anthony1 Comment

Originally Published 04/27/2024

Obsidian beauty of dark delight let me love you and caress your tenderness.

Let me meet your warmth in turn with mine in a union of desire.

Hold me never let go and I’ll the share never-ending passion until the sun goes out.

Soft inviting lips beckoning soft touches with soft scarlet insides.

Tingles, tickle innards as a flock of butterflies fill a stomach.

Breathless, basked in their warmth, figures entangle with one another.

Knowing not where one begins and the other ends.

A rushing gush of pleasure washes over us as well gently collapse.

Into soft inviting surroundings never letting go of one each other.

Sunlight , basks her inviting features as the lucky lover takes her in.

Eyes never blinking for a moment making a mental etch of her stunning features.

Beauty such is this is typically reserved for the Gods, not mortals like I.

Luck is an understatement as the brilliant raven crosses the room cutting the distance between us all.

She’s mine for the moment and a small eternity can last forever.

With each kiss and touch, a piece of crimson narcissus falls away taking all pain and sadness that was in the wake…

-aaa :-)(-;

Air

AnthonyLeave a comment

Originally Published 04/26/2024

Become the wind

Moving and changing everything with a burst of energy

Flowing effortlessly with the breeze

Trees welcomely wave their tendrils

Floating lighter than air

Taking flight high above the earth

Warm updrafts lifting off

A gentle gust among a gale

Nothing is ever truly lost…

-aaa

E-Dating Disaster

Anthony6 Comments

Originally Published 04/26/2024

Not quite here or there

Not quite anywhere

–

Different than most of the guys

Wishing one was easier on the eyes

–

Moulded out of a cast thrown away

Feeling more and more like it every day

–

Looking for Yang to the yin in the stars

Always coming up short as who we are

–

Dozens of girls chats and dates

Always leaving with empty plates

–

Excuses fakes and stories abound

Can an honest woman be found?

–

Eharmony and Yahoo dating too

Is anyone real looking for you?

–

Cook, pay, wine and dine as we meet

Yet finding a match is more like a fete

–

Frustrations abound eyes water and sog

Maybe just give up and get a dog

–

Most men on these sites just want sex

Leaving dating potentials emotional wrecks

–

Looking for a ‘hookup’ is all they want

A roll in the hay and sexual jaunt

–

So not only just chew the fat

But also prove to be better than that

–

With weary hand to wetted eye

Hands to face the frustrated cry

–

It shouldn’t have to be this hard

Finding love with them on guard

–

But until remain like a frustrated muggle

In a world of magicians, a constant struggle

-01100001011000010110000100001010 (aaa)

Words, They Protect Us All

Anthony3 Comments

Originally Published 04/25/2024

Words are our defense.

To cruelties of a cold world.

Countering the bad.

–

Providing a shield.

To the harsh realities.

We all must deal with.

–

New words every day.

Arise through inspirations.

Through experience.

–

Many lessons learned.

Through the mistakes of our pasts.

Reap many rewards.

–

They’re a catalyst.

For the words that preserve us.

A creative shield.

–

That blocks future pain.

Blotting out all the darkness.

And giving us, light.

-aaa

17 Seconds Quite An Interesting Tune

Anthony5 Comments

From the stellar anime series Cowboy Bebop which tops most lists and its music is phenomenal I share the song 17 Minutes.

This song comes from the soundtrack from the 2001 movie sharing good company with other great music.

It blends techno, rock, jazz, and even some fascinating chorale moments.

Yoko Kanno composes many or most songs and the house-band of the show Seatbelts performs. Enjoy…

-aaa

A Fine Evening: Lune Series

AnthonyLeave a comment

A splendid meal

The best dinners to eat

Along with candles

–

We go home

And relax on the couch

Sharing life together.

–

Music gently plays

Dave Brubeck and his quartet

Never sounded better.

–

We get closer

Holding each other and talking.

Both breathing faster.

–

I kiss her

When the moment is right

She straddles me.

–

Our lips locked

We share a sultry dance

Leading then following.

–

Turning my head

As she turns her head

In perfect synchrony.

–

We lock hands

And head to the bedroom

Discarding ubiquitous shoes.

–

Climbing the bed

We meet at its middle

Continuing our dance.

–

Kissing her neck

She nibbles on my shoulder

Our passions grow.

–

Shedding unneeded clothing

Mutual exploration of each other

Always using kisses.

–

For each leg

Of their sensual hot journey

Must be enjoyed.

–

We finally arrive

At a contented mutual destination

We both fall.

–

Very fast asleep

Sharing many lovely blissful dreams

Throughout the night…

-AAA 08/02/2024

A Writer, I Must Be

AnthonyLeave a comment

What to do

In this time

Is writing

Such a crime?

–

Is there else

To create

Not at all

It is fate.

–

Tried crochet

Didn’t work

Those stitchings

Must be shirked.

–

Panting next

One did try

Not quite good

Isn’t a lie.

–

Then welding

Back in school

Hot metal

Burned the fool.

–

Then at last

The only craft

To create

Without laughs.

–

Writing blogs

Words galore

With ideas

Not a chore.

–

In the end

To belong,

In poems

That’s the song…

-AAA 08/01/2024

Love Like Jimmy and May

AnthonyLeave a comment

Jimmy and May

They love to play

Both night and day

Fun they create.

–

Close since young age

The world, their stage

Breaking life’s cage

Content with fate.

–

One day grow old

But never cold

Just brave and bold

They’re never late.

–

Divine timing

Their life, climbing

Not resigning

Or hesitate.

–

I see them smile

Leave for a while

They win their trial

There’s no debate…

-AAA 08/01/2024

Migraine

Anthony8 Comments

Originally Published 04/27/2024

Jagged flashing lights on peripheral side

A warning is here you must abide

–

The shocking hurt will be here soon

Unconsciousness your only boon

–

Pressure crushing like the bottom of an ocean

Dizziness and nausea with each motion

–

Never want to leave the bed

Pulsing throbs inside your head

–

Close your eyes and pray to sleep

Never felt pain could be so deep

–

Front and back right side and left

Wishing this was all bereft

–

Suck down aspirins 3 at a time

Praying the pain will end this time

–

Wake up in the morrow and it didn’t end

First to greet you is that throbbing friend

–

Off with the lights embrace the dark

Relief to your eyes from daylight’s spark

–

Reading impossible it’s hurts too much

Nothing to bridge the gap or crutch

–

A silent prayer just to yourself

That this ends, a relief and wealth

-aaa

Genesis: One For the Vine

Anthony2 Comments

This is most definitely the greatest Genesis song I have never heard before off an album I also hadn’t heard.

It’s pure Progressive Rock with a lot of great changes and odd time signatures.

Phil Collin’s vocals are very close to his predecessor’s Peter Gabriel.

This has become one of my favorite Genius songs and the Album The Wind And Withering as well.

Keep in mind this is progressive music. This is not the short poppy tunes. If you’re listening to the Genesis of the early to mid 80s (and beyond) this is a lot more complex sound.

As always thank you for reading…

-aaa

QOTD: # 134

Anthony2 Comments

Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.

I used to volunteer every third Sunday of the month at a food bank.

I always give $ to buskers playing musical instruments or singing as I am a musician and always support them.

I sometimes pickup the bill of people in the drive through line right behind me as well.

As always, thank you for reading…

-aaa

Symbiotic Adoration

AnthonyLeave a comment

Originally Published 04/24/2024

Mighty Sarafiona approached the crowd

Of many anxious awaiting fans

Prepared to give her their laude

Among a multitude of esteemed courtesans

–

She steps up to the podium

Placing hands upon a microphone

Scanning a prepared speech for idioms

Just her before them all alone

–

A silent pause before she speaks

The crowd anticipates and quiets down

Some camped outside of here for weeks

For privilege of hearing the lady in the gown

–

Her throat is cleared and she’s ready to go

Deafening silence greets her first word

After it the rest all flow

Sounding anything but absurd.

–

Cheers and applause

Greet her with explosive bursts

Each time she takes a pause

From pages of her prepared words

–

They have such adoration for her

Hanging on each syllable spoken

The moments pass by with dizzying whir

With their synergy never broken.

–

The end has come her speech complete

Tears and cheers from everyone

Standing tall all in the street

Her grandiose statement all now done…

-aaa

Be Free and See

Anthony4 Comments

You can be free

You be you I’ll be me

Then you will see.

–

Life can be fun

More than a ton

Much, before we’re done.

–

Just be a little brave

Not quite a knave

Just yourself to save.

–

Chart your course

By car, foot, or horse

You will endorse.

–

Live your bucket list

A life of endless bliss

With your own twists.

–

Forget all of your past

Your lessons learned at last

And tests have been passed.

–

Live in the now

No sweat on your brow

Or slaving on life’s prow.

–

Find a true love

A person above

When push comes to shove.

–

That also in the end

Is a very good friend

With strength to lend

A compromising bend

And your heart to mend.

-AAA 08/01/2024