And it begins . . .

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
vs. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

The defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints open the preseason away from home against the Patriots in Gillette Staidum.

My drive into work this morning . . .

Strong thunderstorms associated with the downgraded Tropical Depression 5 have prompted flash floods. Residents of affected communities should expect small creaks and streams, highways, streets, underpasses, drainage areas and low-lying spots to flood.

It's those dog cat days of Summer!

Maybe we'll get off early from work . . .

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at5.shtml?5-daynl?large#contents

Sunday DIY Craft : Terrarium

The bringing of the art of the terrarium is generally credited with a man called Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. This came about with the publishing of his book called "On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases" which he published in 1842.

During the Victorian Era and predominantly in England terrariums or "Wardian Cases" became very popular and many people kept them in their homes. But over the course of decades the practice fell in decline and in todays world they have made a bit of a comeback but have never reached the every day popularity that they had achieved in the days of Ward.

So . . .  if you don't know, a terrarium is a mini indoor garden that requires low maintenance and is therefore perfect for people that don't have the time to take care of them - that's ME!

1. Gather your supplies.

• a clear glass container
• gravel / river rocks
• activated charcoal
• potting soil
• plants

 

2. Clean the glass container.

Wash it well with soapy water and rinse it completely to remove any soapy residue.

 

3. Pour a 1-inch layer of gravel on the bottom.

This will provide better drainage. You can use a funnel or a cone of paper to guide the gravel so it does not harm the sides of the container.

4. Pour in a half-inch layer of activated charcoal.

The charcoal filters the air and helps to prevent odors in an enclosed environment.

5.  Add a 2-3 inch layer of potting soil and pack it down loosely.

6.  Take the plants out of their pots and tease the roots gently apart, removing the excess soil.

7. Arrange the plants in any way you like.
Remember that the plants will grow, so choose small ones and leave some space between them.

8. Water your plants lightly. 
Use a watering can that has a long spout so as to water directly at the roots of your plants.

Voila! Enjoy!

New Orleans: Talk Like a Local

Local dialect combined with the historical French and Spanish names has resulted in some non-intuitive regional pronunciations. Opinions will vary on the authenticity of these versions, but they should get you around without sounding like a complete yokel.

Birthday Cupcakes

Aren't these the cutest?  Cookie Monster-style.  Picked some up for a co-workers birthday earlier this week.