Falling

      

 

The temperatures have fallen here in WNY.  On Thursday it was about 82 degrees, the sun was shining, and the breeze off the lake was warm as it brushed past your face and through your hair.  On Friday, fall arrived.  It was about 50 degree, rainy, and very damp.  In a matter of hours, several of the green leaves had changed color and began to blanket the earth preparing her for the long winter slumber.   

Driving home, I was on a side street I use as a short cut to the highway.  The trees on either side had turned yellow.  I bright vibrant yellow that made it appear the sun was out on that street only.  Several blocks of a golden arch.  I wish I had my camera!  Along the side of the road there was a slight run of water from the recent rain.  Floating among the flow were leaves, bright yellow leaves.  Had I found the river of youth?  It was glowing and sparkling even in the grayness of the day.   

Today it is about 40 degrees, windy and overcast.  The contrast looking out my front window makes you wonder.  The tree has leaves ranging from green, burnt orange and yellow.  Below the tree is the garden still boasting it's flowers of red, pink, and purple.  The edges of the flowers faintly show the signs of saying good-bye to the summer.   

Fall is here!

Hockey is BACK!

                                        

 

Yes, we all know hockey is back, the lockout is over and the season has started.  I don't mean 'back' in that sense.  I mean it's back.  The game I grew to love over 30 years ago, that is back!  The end to end rushes, the constant nail biting as each team has scoring chance upon scoring chance.  No more sitting on a one goal lead, the rules being called doesn't allow for that.  The boys have to fight, skate, and play hard for the entire 60 minutes.  Each rush on goal brings you to the edge of your seat, you can't help but cheer if you score or your goalie makes the stop.   

The Sabres played again last night.  They met up with the Boston Bruins, a division rival and a team that we will play 8 times this season.  Boston has been selected to finish rather high in the division, and most reports, as of now, have the Sabres at the bottom of the standings.  I think it might have something to do with the movement over the off season, or lack there of by Sabres management.  

The game last night started out a bit slow.  Both teams looked a little sluggish and were waiting out the other.  The score was 0-0 after the first period.  The Sabres had 3 power plays and did not convert on any.  The Bruins had no power plays, and I admire the boys for playing such disciplined hockey.  About 7 minutes into the second period with the Sabres on another power play JP Dumont scored.  Vanek made an unbelievable pass across the front of the net to a waiting JP.  No one on the ice thought that was the pass Vanek would make, usually in that situation it goes out to the point.  JP was alone and Raycroft could not slide over quick enough to stop the puck from crossing the line.  Vanek has not scored yet, but I have no doubt his numbers will be great this year.  His vision is unreal, and the ability to hold the puck and slip through defenders is awesome.  It's only a matter of time before he lights it up himself.  With a few minutes left in the second Grier was credited with a goal.  Tallinder took a shot from the point that Drury, then Grier deflected past the goalie.  At the end of two the Sabres were up 2-0 and Ryan Miller was standing on his head, and did have some help from the post on a shot by Leetch.  The loud 'ping' as the puck careened out of harms way has got to be the most wonderful sound to a goalie, I know it is for the fans!  

Six minutes into the 3rd Murray spoiled Millers shutout.  It was a beautiful set up off the face off and Murray got away from the defenders and was able to get a quick shot off and in.   Play went back and forth with Boston pressing in the zone to tie the score.  On a clearing pass out of our end Gaustad fed the puck to Kotalik breaking down the ice.  His shot was hard and quick beating Raycroft.  About three minutes later Afinogenov rushed the same way beating Raycroft again, almost the exact same shot.  Score- Buffalo 4 Boston 1.  What a way to start the season!  Sure, only 80 more games to go, but I like what I see!!   

Total shots on goal last night were 77, 36 for Boston 41 for Buffalo.  That itself says exciting!!  There were fewer penalties tonight, a total of 10.  I think maybe the players are finally learning it will be called.  NHLPA stood up for the rules to be called and most players were on board but of course wanted to see if they could get away with it. Lets hope the league continues to call the game this way, it is a good thing for all concerned!  

Off to Ottawa tonight.  Hasek will surely be in net, and the Sens are predicted to win it all this year.  This could be a true test.  Go Sabs!

Running........

                                 

Well, yes my car is running, for now.  I was able to pick up on Tuesday evening.  They diagnosed it with having a bad fuel pump.  The extended warranty covered it and for my inconvenience the dealer did not charge me my deductible.  I was happy with that.  

What I am not happy with is the fact that it has been in the shop 7 times in the past 2 months.  Each time a different variation, but always including the sluggish, no get up and go.  I didn't always stall, and sometimes it stopped as quickly as it started.  I am sure that was one of the problems finding that little 'critter.'  They couldn't duplicate it and replaced/repaired other things that lasted a couple days and/or weeks which made it appear all was well.  Tuesday morning they took the car for a ride and couldn't get it to 'do it.'  They let it run inside the shop and it took over 60 minutes to get it to act up.  I don't normally drive great distances at one time.  Back and forth to work, errands, stopping at families, etc.  Usually it is just a short jaunt, but on that rare occasion I will complete things in sequence.  Looking back, I guess that is when it acted up.  When it got hot (the car, the car!), when it was running for a long while.   

I have had my car for almost 3 years, and I've been dealing with the same dealership for over 20.  I've never had a problem, never an issue.  Regular maintenance, but no major issues.  I don't think they sold me a lime or a lemon for that matter, I just think things caught up with me.  I've had a stinky aura around me in other areas and I do hope this is the end of it! 

It's BACK!

                                                      

 

JP Dumont is being credited with scoring the first goal in the new NHL season.  At 3:11 of the first period he tipped in a rebound, the original shot was from the point by Lydman.  I'm not sure if that is really the 'first' goal, but it's been said :)  In the last five season openers JP has scored a goal in 3.  

The game tonight was fast and extremely fun to watch.  I love the game without the holding, clutching, and grabbing.  The flow up and down the ice opened things up for a lot of scoring chances.  Buffalo had 38 shots on goal, and the Isles 26.  The final score was Buffalo 6 Isles 4, but without the great play by both goalies the score could have been much higher.  Zhitnik scored a goal for the Isles about half way through the 3rd.  His shot was from the blueline and took a goofy bounce and went passed Miller.  

Other goals in tontines game, Briere 2, Afinogenov-2, Campbell, the Isles got help from Campoli (his first NHL goal), Blake, and Yashin.  Tom Vanek had an assist tonight, but I must say he is dangerous out there.  He created multiple chances on his own and I look forward to seeing him play throughout the season.  

I'm so glad hockey is back!!

Through a Plate Glass Window!

 

Trip to RaChaCha was good.  Got out of here mid afternoon on Saturday.  Took me about an hour and fifteen minutes to get there.  Had a great dinner that my friend cooked and we sat up until at least 2 chatting.  We laughed so hard on a few occasions I thought one of us was going to either lose our drinks through our nose or wet ourselves.  It was so relaxing and stress free.  The Apple Fest was not anything I had imagined.  I'm not sure what I expected, but this was more like a craft show.  Booth/tent upon booth/tent set up with different craft items.  I enjoyed myself, but took no pictures.  I did purchase a nice little wooden plaque/sign for my great niece.  Painted with the colors in her room and labeled "Princess Suite."  I just had to get it!  We walked around for a couple hours and then it was time to head back.   

Got in my car and was making great time in spite of the traffic.  As I got a bit closer to home, I called to see if anyone was here, and what was going on.  At 4 I hung up the phone and paid the toll.  I was about 15/20 minutes from my house.  It took me about 5 minutes to get to the actual booth as traffic was a bit heavy.  I gave my money and stepped on the gas.  My car hesitated a bit, and then seemed to go.  I didn't get very far before I got nothing, like I wasn't getting gas.  I sputtered and bucked and pulled over to the side of the road where I promptly stalled out.  Traffic was not pleasant and having semis roar by me scared the living bejesus out of me.  I waited a few minutes and started the car and all seemed good.  I slowly pulled out when it was perfectly clear and I made it maybe 100 yards before it started again.  I pulled over, cursing like a sailor, I think I prayed a little, and I shook as the semis, cars and trucks sped by me, way to close for my liking.  I noticed a few fingers fly up, like I wanted to be there and enjoyed what I was doing!  What's wrong with folks?!?!  Again, I waited several minutes, and a few longer than the last time, and I got out into the right lane and drove.  I made it further and again it happened.  I was determined not to leave my car on the side of the highway and I could only image the cost of having it towed someplace on a Sunday.  Finally, at 5:38 I was off the highway and in a parking lot that I deemed somewhat safe and called to have someone pick me up.  An hour and a half to get only partially where it would normally take 15 minutes.  

I told the dealership the last time I was in there, just a little over a week ago, if I had to bring it back I was going to be driving it through the plate glass window in the showroom.  Well, that won't happen as I can't even drive the damn thing!  I will be on the phone promptly at 7am with the service department and they will get an earful.  I do hope my neighbors are up at that time because they will surely hear every word, EVERY 4 letter word that comes out of my mouth.  I have a tow truck lined up and my son will meet him at the parking lot to give him my keys.  I wasn't going to leave them with the car, because it will start.  A thief wouldn't get far, but I would have no idea where it was.  So that was the best option.  I will be picked up an hour early for work so I can get a ride.  I can't continue to take time away from work to deal with this, and I need a vehicle I can depend on and trust!   

I found this graphic and really wish it was of a car going through a window, but you get the general idea.  I am pissed and a bit scared.  I have no clue what I am going to do now, I can't afford to roll what is left on my bill into another car payment.  Keep your fingers crossed folks, and send good wishes and aura my way,  I really need it :)  Thanks!

New Animation

Took some existing pictures I had taken and tried some new animation effects. 

The falls at Letchworth State Park & Niagara Falls.  Nice effects, don't you think?

 

             

 

                   

Oct 1

                         

Wow!  Can you believe it is the first of Oct already?  What a whirlwind the last several weeks/months have been.  A busy summer followed by a busy Fall.  I remember hearing 'the older you get the faster time goes by.'  I never really believed it until now.  There is just not enough time in a day to do things I want to do.  Notice I said, want and not need.  Of course, I generally get done what I need to do, it's all the extra's that get pushed aside.  With that said, though I've been trying to keep up on the numerous journals out there, I've been slacking!  I get alerts on several and of course scan through some, but it just seems by the time I get to them my eyes are being held open with toothpicks and my brain is fried.  Yes, of course, some of it is the time spent on the graphic programs, but I love it and spent the money on upgrading my computer to use it for something other than email, chat, and surfing the web.  Don't get me wrong there are wonderful things on the web, like the journals and I will continue to read them.  I just need to be doing/using the computer for other things.  So, if you haven't had a comment from me on your journal it doesn't mean I haven't been there but more likely to tired to comment.   

Well, preseason is over and the regular season starts on Wed, Oct 5.  Every team in the league will be playing that night, a 'grand opening' of sorts.  The boys did pretty good over all during preseason ending with a 6-2 record.  Ryan Miller won all 4 of his games and it is looking more like he will be the starter, but who knows.  Numerous seasons of having 3 goalies has me a bit skeptical that they will actually make a choice now.  Mika only had one start and was left out to dry.  I don't feel he was given a fair shake here and not sure if he will be on the block or if it will be Marty.  I just hope something is done to stop the vicious cycle of rotating goalies.  I am so looking forward to this season.  If, and I say if, the league continues to crack down on the clutching and grabbing we should be in good shape.  We are small and pretty fast and need those rules enforced, if not, we are... lets say, SCREWED!  Vanek looks like he will be a great asset.  In the 6 games he has played he has 5 goals, and that is not counting the goals he scored in the mandated shoot out after each preseason game.  Briere is still his wonderful self and has 4 goals and 4 assists.  Drury, what can I say, he is still that clutch player!  

Four days and all the stats count!  We open the season up against the Isles.  Rumor has it some guys can't wait to be playing against Satan.  Hmmm Satan, haven't heard much of him regarding stats, but we all know that will change.  The count down has begun and I am stoked!  Fair warning my life will revolve around my boys and their schedule!  LOL  

As plans stand now, I'm off to Rachacha for an Apple Fest today.  Will be spending the night out there and back early in the morning.  If that actually happens I will be sure to have some pictures.  Have a great day everyone!