Fell

The night sky

This beautiful... amazing image of the Crab Nebula, located in the Taurus constellation, was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. For more information about this nebula, and a storehouse of other images highlighting the wonders of the cosmos, click on the Daily Astronomy Pics link to the right, on this page. there's always something there worth taking a look at.

Paranormal Activity

After hearing so much about this movie, I decided I needed to go see what all the fuss was about for myself. It was good, and I am glad that I saw it in a theatre on the big screen. Actually I think this one would translate very well to the small screen, since it is filmed like a home video, but there is something special about seeing certain movies in a theatre. I went to the 2:00 matinee, and there was (maybe) 25 people there.
The pace of the movie was a little slow, especially in the beginning, but ultimately it wasn't enough to be distracting. In fact, the pace actually helped as the movie went on... it helped create and build a creeping sense of dread and hopelessness. There are some scenes that are startling... even a bit shocking, and I did enjoy the movie. Was it the scariest movie of all time, as some of the hype would have you believe? Hardly... but that shouldn't take away from the fact that Paranormal Activity is a first-rate scarefest.
For me, the American version of The Grudge, or The Ring cannot be beat for sheer spine-tingling, raise your feet off the floor, "holy crap!" scary fun at the movies. Still, I certainly wouldn't try to talk anyone out of going to see this movie... especially if they want a little something to rev up their pre-Halloween fun.

Just in time for Halloween!

We have a guest that has taken up residency in our garage overnight... a bat. I guess it just got too cold for the little guy last night and it had to find a safe place. Not quite sure what to do about it right now, so I will leave it alone for the time being. Hmmmmmm. Interesting. It looks healthy, and probably just wants to be left alone, but what I'm afraid of is that it is thinking it has found a great hibernation spot, and will be there all winter. Not so sure I like that.
We had a bat that spent three straight summers roosting under the overhang of our front porch here at the house. We called her Betty... Betty Bat. She didn't show up this past summer, so in a strange sort of way we missed her. Betty was a little bigger than this bat we have in the garage, so I doubt it's the same one. I'll just keep an eye on it and see how things go. If necessary, I will shoo it out, but killing it will be an absolute last measure. And that's only because I don't like it being so close to the dogs in a confined area.

The Gatherers

Halloween 2009

Rain, rain, rain...

In the past 24 hours we've racked up rain totals as high as 11+ inches in some areas here in southwest Missouri. Lots of flooded roads... lots of rivers and streams well over their banks. These pictures were taken in Ozark, at the bridge over the Finley River on Highway 14, by the river walk park.

Oh... how I do love this time of year.

I'm hearing great things about this one. It came out on DVD yesterday, and it is already being called one of those "must-have" movies for Halloween lovers everywhere . I'm ready to see it, but I imagine it will be hard to find at the rental place. I may just have to buy it. This is one of those movies that Pam will probably NOT want to watch... but you never know. I have really got to get busy with my Halloween decorations. It's on a Saturday this year!