Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 21, 2014

Oh my gosh ... Christmas is just about here! Welcome to my weekly off television topic (kind of) photo post. I say "kind of" because, once again, I don't have all that much in the way of photos taken this week. I've certainly found out that post concussion syndrome really messes with you. Since I didn't have any doctor appointments, I really didn't go out or do much this past week. I even had a Peapod grocery delivery, so I didn't have to go out for food.

On a television note, I was pleased with the winners of both Survivor and The Amazing Race. Both shows look like they're going to have good seasons starting up in February.

I did take trash out to the Dumpster at my apartment building and spotted this --

Huh? Whazzat?

Why, it's a kitty cat!

I hate to see cats out loose on these streets in town. Yes, there are a lot of feral cats who seem to be wise in the ways of traffic and such. But this little one is too clean to be feral. And, we haven't had a regular population of feral cats in the immediate neighborhood in about a decade. This one is probably someone's pet and, unfortunately, its life expectancy is cut way down because they let her out. (Yes, it's a "her" -- it's a calico and they're always female.)

On the other hand, there's a certain Vincent cat who got a new scratching pad handed over to him this week. He had killed his last one and I have a few that I bought a while ago and tucked away in the closet. Yes, he does scratch on it. But he also sits in it, sleeps in it and bites chunks out of it (and spits them all over my floor, thank goodness for hardwood instead of carpet). Silly Vincent!




Oh! And I took the next shot of a bit of color remaining from the fall (happy winter, y'all!):

Hanging in there, as am I

I should have a post up later this week for the holiday, so stop on back! Heck, I might even try for a television post!

The Amazing Race 25: Season Finale Blog Party

Here we are ...the season finale! For the first time, we have four teams heading into the last leg. Who's going to win? As the show airs here, I'll do my best to give your the major updates. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from the Magnificent Margo:

Adam & Bethany - chrob61, Kathy in Brooklyn, Kelsey NY, Zoetawny
Brooke & Robbie - Caela, Sharon, Sharon N, Willie J
Maya & Amy - Ed in OH, Karen in CA, Lynn1, Margo
Misti & Jim - Cheryl in NC, Laurie, ML, OrkMommy

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Lisa & Michelle - Becky, Delee, dla, Donna in AL
Dennis & Isabelle - Auntie Leigh, Brian, David, Donna NY, sanra
Michael & Scott - Donna in FL, Glenn, Jackie, Marlo
Keith & Whitney - Jean, Jennasmom, Nana in NW, PDXGranny
Shelly & Nici - Buzzmaam, Merrilee, Rbennie, SueGee
Tim & Te Jay - Babs, Brent McKee, Dusty, Monty924
Kym & Alli - Brenda, meb, Nicklepeed, Rochelle, Terry in TX

Ready to race?

Teams are flying to Los Angeles. All teams are on the same flight. The vehicles they get into after the flight are Ford product placements. The scientists, followed by the surfers make it to the first clue. Then the dentists arrive. Now the scientists seem to be in the first place.

The have to perform a stunt crashing through a plate glass window for the Roadblock. Who wants to be a Hollywood action hero?

The wrestlers are totally lost, haven't made it to the city hall first clue.

Scientists still in first place, wrestlers still not to first clue. Scientists forgot to take the costume off from the Roadblock and now the surfers pass them onto first. Wrestlers finally got their first clue.

They have to go on a search and rescue exercise with the Coast Guard. Adam and Bethany running first place, then the scientists followed immediately by the dentists.

Now the dentists are in second place.

Uh-oh. The wrestlers are at the stunt man task and Phil is approaching. Onto commercial. Yep, Phil told them they missed their "call time" for the stunt and they're Philiminated.

Another Roadblock. Who can contain themselves? They have to find nine shipping containers that represent nine cities and get them in the right order. Bethany has to do it as Adam did the stunt.

Amy is first to try to write the clues down. Then Bethany. Then Misti. All relatively close. It's a run to the final pit stop in a taxi.Uh-oh, Bethany and Misti screwed up their numbers. Misti gets it first. (Grr.)

Whoa! MAYA AND AMY win The Amazing Race! If Bethany and Adam can't win, they're the best second choice for me right now! They're only the third all female team in 25 seasons to win it.

Then come Jim and Misti.

Then Adam and Bethany.

Next season is "dating couples" with five couples meeting as a blind date to run the race. That's different!

Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Season Finale and Reunion Blog Party

Oh my. It's the season finale tonight! On a Wednesday even. How odd is that? I'm personally hoping for a Natalie win because she's the only one who's been consistently PLAYING the game. Of course, I don't always get my way in these things. We'll see, I guess.

Tonight is a two hour show followed by an hour of reunion. I'm really not sure how well I'll be able to do with the updates. Last night I was quite ill and still a bit iffy today. But I'll try my hardest to update this entry with the major events as they air here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest!

As always, the real party is in the comments area ... please join us there!

Here's the latest on the blog pool from the Lovely Lifeguard Laurie:
Baylor = Glenn, maquinn78, Sharon S
Jaclyn = CYW Coleman, rbennie
Keith = Donna in FL, PDX Granny  
Missy = Ed in Ohio, Monty924, Sharon N
Natalie = Jennasmom, Kelsey NY

Out: Nadiya
Val = Brenda, Nickelpeed
John R = Cheryl NC, MikesGirl, Terry in TX
Drew = Delee, Petals, SueGee
Kelley = Babs Dud, ML, Russ
Dale = Brian, Margo
QUIT -- Julie = Donna NY, meb

Jury:
Josh = crob61, Rochelle, Jackie
Jeremy = Becky, Nana in the NW
Wes = Buzzmaam, ORKMommy, sanra
Reed = David, Kathy, Lynn1
Alec = Karen in Case, Merrilee
Jon M = Donna in Alabama, Laurie

Survivor fans ready?

Ah, a recap of the season so far starts us out.

Aw, Jaclyn is crying. Too bad, so sad. Baylor and Missy want a final three with them and Natalie.

Reward Challenge - Attached to a rope, unspool rope, build a bridge, use sandbags to knock down blocks. Playing for an advantage in the upcoming immunity challenge. Missy cannot compete with fractured foot yet remains in the game.

KEITH wins reward! He sends Jaclyn to Exile Island.

This is being done a bit differently this year with Jeff segments live from California interspersed with show segments.

Keith's advantage is a practice table for the Immunity Challenge. Once he walks away, he can't return. It's an odd doohickey transferring balls via spoons.

Immunity Challenge time. Keith didn't do great in his advantage tries, but at least he has a heads up. Missy is actually going to compete in this. (About time as she should have gone out rather than skipping challenges!)

Keith WINS individual immunity, guaranteeing him a spot in the final four!

Jaclyn tries to work on Natalie to team with her to vote out Missy. Baylor wants Natalie to give her idol to Missy. Don't do it, Natalie!

Tribal - Not overly exciting prelude. Jaclyn is pretty sure she's going home.

The Tally -- Natalie plays her idol for JACLYN! (Jaclyn had promised not to vote for her in the next tribal.) This was the last time the idol could be used.

Jaclyn, Jaclyn, Jaclyn, Baylor, Baylor!

The jury is thrilled! Baylor is voted out! She goes graciously and even says it was a good move.

Missy is taking it surprisingly well, too.

The plan is to vote out Keith if Natalie or Jaclyn win -- he's the bigger threat.

Immunity Challenge time again. It's very physical. Missy won't be able to play. There are obstacles and puzzle, then raising a flag.

OMG! Jaclyn WINS immunity!

Uh-oh. Jaclyn is thinking Natalie for the vote out. oh noes!

Tribal, the tally --
Keith, Missy, Keith, Keith.

Keith is gone. Rats, guy did his best and got far. It's an all female final three!

And, best of all, Natalie is still in it. The power shifts to the jury.

Final Tribal Council, jury questioning.

Opening statements:
Missy -- Humbly sit here, I could be there. You will affect the rest of my life, loyalty was my game. Voting out Jon biggest move, broke my foot.
Jaclyn -- Ups and downs like real life. Felt alone, still fought. Align with others, middle position. I took over the reins. Brings up her medical condition which doesn't allow her to bear children.
Natalie -- I feel I deserve it. I have outwitted, outplayed, outlasted the other two. Went from surviving to trying to win. (Great speech!) She admits that had they made the right decision last night, she would have gone home instead of Keith. (Did I say great speech?)

Jury questions/statements:
Jon -- Jaclyn, present a big move or decision she was solely responsible for making and affected the game. She says the Josh out vote.

Keith -- Nat, how does it feel that the last words you ever spoke to me was a lie? Nat says that she knew if it wasn't him, it would be her. He sticks on the lying aspect and how he didn't lie.

Alec -- Nat, biggest one move and impact? Voting you off, she says. She explains the chain of events.

Alec -- Missy, mother? I directed people to vote who I wanted out.

Baylor -- Mom, much more than a game for us. We've been through the wringer. (On and on.) Most incredible thing you've ever done. Love you.

Josh -- Jaclyn, reason you're here on your merit or choices from stronger players. She talks of Jon being her stronger player. One move yours and no one else? Voting you out.

Wes -- What was it like to play with your loved one? Eh. Natalie is so proud to make it this far.

Jeremy -- Student of the game. Likes big move. Best player is going to win. Give Natalie her credit. Don't be mad.

Reed -- Nat, loved watching your gameplay, congrats. Enjoyed getting to know Jaclyn. Missy, you cast yourself as motherly, really wicked stepmother of the tribe, feels entitled. Lights into her!

Baylor cries.

Jon writes down Jaclyn, Jeremy wrote Nat, Baylor voted Missy. No surprises there!

Onto Los Angeles --

The tally: Jaclyn, Natalie, Jaclyn, Missy, Natalie, Natalie, Natalie!

NATALIE WINS (as she should)!!!

Next season teaser -- White Collar, Blue Collar, No Collar -- Survivor Worlds Apart

Off Topic: That Was the Week It Was - December 14, 2014

Is it that time of year?

Well, I got a few shots this week, better than last. This post concussion syndrome is really knocking me for a loop. I have no energy to go anywhere. I can't read or watch TV or be at the computer screen for too long or a nasty headache and lack of focus kick in.

Let's see ... what happened this week?

• I got a FedEx delivery which was left outside the main door of my large apartment building without even ringing my intercom. Just because it didn't require a signature doesn't mean it should be left where anyone can steal it! Luckily I had gone online to track it a bit after 9am and it was listed online as delivered already. I ran down to retrieve it. I didn't get the text from Amazon that it was out for delivery until an hour later. Two hours later I got the text that it had been delivered. Grr.
• I went to the neurologist and now have another month off from work, returning to him the second week of January. It's the first time in forever I've had time off around the holidays. I only wish I could enjoy it.
• I had to go into Westfield to get cat treats and run a bank trip. I've been spoiled with direct deposit. Workers comp sends actual checks and I don't have a bank branch right near me. The only bank easily in walking distance is Bank of America. And, I don't like them.
• As a matter of fact, I have to go to the bank again today.
• But I do have a Peapod grocery delivery coming tomorrow. Yay. That's one thing I don't have to worry about.
• There was gunfire in the middle of the night last night at the house in back of me where they have the live Mexican Polka bands in the summer. It woke me up, but I wasn't sure enough that it was gunfire to call. I turned on the scanner and they had gotten a Shotspotter alert on multiple shots fired. Police all over, flashlights, spotlights. No one seemed to be shot, although they did tow a car away. It must have been shot as they took it to the police station, not the regular towing yard.

Oh, well. That's all for now.

Aw, look at Vincent in his box like a normal little kitty cat! He usually just bites the cardboard and spits it out.

I wonder if that yellow is Bodega Yellow. It seems to be prevalent at all the bodegas around here. This is around the corner where I go for emergency milk, etc. purchases.

Oh my gosh ... a bunch of fallen innocent little trees!

The Christmas tree trailer appears as if by magic every year.

Oh, go stand in your box, Vincent!

Where they chopped the trees down by the Plainfield Train Station does allow for better train shots from East Third Street, but it's ugly. I had to walk downtown in order to catch the 819 bus to Edison for the doctor visit.

This was about the only interesting thing I saw near the doctor's office in Edison's backwoods territory. I was waiting for the bus at the little strip mall (bus stop sign under traffic light, no shelter). There's a 7-11 there, a paint store and a few small restaurants. What was the crime going on here? Um. I think it was lunch at either the pizza place or the Chinese restaurant.

Now, Vincent ... that's not polite. Stop sticking your tongue out at people!

The Amazing Race 25: December 12 Blog Party

Here we are ... the penultimate show of the season! Next week is the big finale! As the show airs here tonight, I'll do my best to update this entry with the major happenings. Refresh the page to get the latest. As always, the real party is in the comments area. Come join us there!

Here's the latest blog pool standings from the Magnificent Margo -- the same as last week due to the non-Philimination:

Adam & Bethany - chrob61, Kathy in Brooklyn, Kelsey NY, Zoetawny
Brooke & Robbie - Caela, Sharon, Sharon N, Willie J
Maya & Amy - Ed in OH, Karen in CA, Lynn1, Margo
Misti & Jim - Cheryl in NC, Laurie, ML, OrkMommy

Sorry you have been PHILIMINATED
Lisa & Michelle - Becky, Delee, dla, Donna in AL
Dennis & Isabelle - Auntie Leigh, Brian, David, Donna NY, sanra
Michael & Scott - Donna in FL, Glenn, Jackie, Marlo
Keith & Whitney - Jean, Jennasmom, Nana in NW, PDXGranny
Shelly & Nici - Buzzmaam, Merrilee, Rbennie, SueGee
Tim & Te Jay - Babs, Brent McKee, Dusty, Monty924
Kym & Alli - Brenda, meb, Nicklepeed, Rochelle, Terry in TX

Ready to race?

They're heading to Manilla. The Speed Bump is at the Detour clue. The Detour is This or That. Bethany and Adam get there first. The Speed Bump has Brooke and Robbie helping reload a street vendor's goods. The other two teams took transportation (jeepney's?) in the wrong direction, so they're behind.

The This detour has them scoring 21 points at a basketball hoop against local guards.

Adam and Bethany are in the lead, but seem to have lost their clue. Brooke and Robbie made it to the Detour before the other two teams who finally realized they went the wrong way for an hour.

The other two teams go for That when they arrive (wrestlers did This). That has them pedaling a bike cab with a sidecar.

Gah. The wrestlers stole the lead from the surfers. Roadblock is Go Coconuts, delivering items to shops. Robbie missed some instructions as he headed out. Hopefully he'll screw up and the surfers will find the Roadblock. They know the street.

Now the surfers found their clue, Robbie figured the instructions but screwed up the amount of coconuts, Jim and Adam both missed the locations just as Robbie first did and Maya/Amy just started.

The wrestlers get through the Roadblock first.

Now, the only team left at the Roadblock is the Scientists.

Pit Stop --
1. Brooke and Robbie - Final leg starts right now and they race on, must fly to Los Angeles.
2. Adam and Bethany
3. Misti and Jim
4. Maya and Amy -- they're still in it! For the first time in TAR, four teams are going into the final leg. Phil warns them that one team will be eliminated during the final leg!