always-believe-x

[benchmarkexteriors]

Your #1 Exterior Remodeling Contractor for Residential & Commercial Roofing & Siding

https://www.benchmarkexteriors.com/ - As a full-service roofing company, our team knows how to protect your Illinois and Wisconsin homes from the highs and lows of every season. Our roofing company uses only premium materials from top brands, including LP SmartSide, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and James Hardie. We’re proud to be elite contractors for CertainTeed and Owens Corning and to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Benchmark Exteriors stands behind our work with a five-year workmanship warranty, so you can have total confidence that your home is in good hands with us. We also provide virtual consultations, 24/7 emergency service, and offer our services in both English and Spanish.

Benchmark Exteriors 222 W Main St. Rockton, IL 61072 +1779-220-8775 info@benchmarkexteriors.com

Benchmark Exteriors 1000 Jorie Blvd, Suite 150 Oak Brook, IL 60523 +1779-209-1295 info@benchmarkexteriors.com

Benchmark Exteriors 635 3rd St. Beloit, WI 53511 (833) 708-7663 info@benchmarkexteriors.com

Benchmark Exteriors 810 Cardinal Lane, STE 100 Hartland WI 53029 (833) 708-7663 info@benchmarkexteriors.com

[avondaleroofingillinois]

Lake Windsor, WI Roof Replacement | Avondale Roofing

Since 1988 Avondale Roofing has been providing Lake Windsor residents and businesses with high-quality and affordable roofing services. Whether you need a roof repair, replacement, inspection, or have a roof leak we are ready to help. Contact Lake Windsor Roofing Contractors No matter how big or small your project is, we promise to exceed your expectations.

[doraminatook]

We're About To Get Playfully Blasphemous Here (or...The Metaphorical Death and Resurrection of Me)

2023 was the year I turned 33, and in case you didn’t know, many religious scholars cite that as the age Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.  Now, within literature there’s a trope called the Christ-like figure in which a character sacrifices themself and from that death, something happens in order to advance the plot.  Usually that something is either the “dead” character rising from the ashes and obtaining new powers (think Gandalf the Grey battling the Balrog and then coming back as Gandalf the White) or the protagonist being so moved by the death of this secondary character that they are reborn in some way (think Red Badge of Courage’s Jim Conklin (JC…get it?) whose death changes Henry’s opinion on war.)

Because I’m a storyteller and have a dark sense of humor, I began to wonder if I would somehow have a Christ-like-figure-moment within my thirty-third year of life.  (Not long after my birthday, I told my mom that I just had to make it to 34 and then I would have “beaten” Jesus; being a good Lutheran woman, she did not appreciate this joke.)

Now, I may be reaching or forcing figurative imagery into the literal world (isn’t that what artists do?), but I think I did have a “death” and consequential “resurrection”.  

I’m at a strange place in my writing career in that I am not famous (by any means) but I’m also not considered emerging.  Recently, I was told by a theater that I should “sit this contest out” and give someone else a chance but at the same time my work has not been produced enough to catch an agent’s eye.  (It doesn’t help that theatre companies have an intense fixation on world premieres.  They want to be the first one to do the show, apparently assuming that as soon as a piece gets produced once, that means it’s finished.  But that’s a rant for another day.) 

Currently I live in Milwaukee and for a long time I thought (or at least hoped) that I could maybe just make it work here; it is technically a theater town.  Add to that the fact that my whole family lives in Wisconsin, my financial situation was not ideal, and my best friend (platonic soulmate) had made it fairly clear to me that she did not wish to move away from Milwaukee.  When I was honest with myself, I knew that I wanted to get out, but there were so many things holding me back from making the jump.  

As soon as the thought of moving away entered my head, Anxiety would perk up.  Always eager to be the backseat driver, it would shout things like, “Isn’t life here good enough for you?  You’ve got a roof over your head, a job that allows you to pursue your passion, and you’re perfectly healthy.  Be grateful for what you have and stop expecting something more!” 

I attended a workshop for other playwrights from the area and, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I didn’t have a lot in common with many of them.  Discussions and questions whirled around about how we find time to write, where we get inspiration, and how we format a script properly.  Some of the writers present had never even finished a full script.  I certainly am not bringing this up in order to shame anyone, but it was an eye-opening experience for me.  Was I a proverbial big fish in a little pond?

My anxiety had an opinion for that, too.  

“Wow!  Way to be egotistical, D!  You think you’re so much better than everyone here?  Get over yourself!  You’re not special.  You’re just another ‘artist’ who thinks they’ve got something special to say!”

A few weeks later I was at my cousin’s wedding and after the ceremony, he approached me to offer congratulations for all the success I’ve had…only to then immediately cut me off guard with the question, “So when are you moving to New York?”  As the groom, he was quickly called away for photographs and I never really got to answer his question.  

If this moment had been in a play, the spotlight would have hit me right then and there and I would have begun some contemplative soliloquy where I openly pondered, “New York, eh?  Maybe I should go to New York!”

Obviously, as a theatre person, the idea of moving to New York had crossed my mind; it’s the theatre capital of the US for obvious reasons.  But, at the same time, New York just didn’t feel like me.  (I have a lot of opinions on NYC, especially when it comes to the outrageous ticket prices.  When it costs a small fortune to see a Broadway show, art becomes a luxury rather than a necessity.  But that’s a rant for another day.)  It certainly seemed daunting, and every good dream should be at least a little daunting.  But New York was daunting without being exciting.  It felt like something I should do…something that was expected of me.

LA didn’t do it for me, either.  Nor Seattle.  I considered many locations, but nothing really made me sit up and take notice.  I wasn’t about to dive headfirst into debt and throw away a good thing unless it was something that truly excited me…something that was enticing enough to spark a change.  

Again, Anxiety spoke up, “Calm the fuck down, D!  New York?  Even if that is what you wanted, they’d eat you alive there!  You’re a soft midwestern girl who can’t take criticism and cries at the drop of a hat!  You really think you could handle New York or LA?  Also, the cost of living in any of those places is way more than you will ever hope to make!  Stick with Submission Helper.  Stick with the contests and the festivals.  Go back to dreaming only as big as The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.  Sit down and shut up!”

It may have gone on like this…if not for the summer of 2023.

Close your eyes and picture it: WGA strike, Barbenheimer, The Eras Tour, OceanGate, the Grimace Birthday shake…and in the midst of it all, I was having an epiphany.  

A favorite television show of mine dropped its latest season and I eagerly pulled out the Chardonnay and the popcorn to binge it all.  The vast majority of the show takes place in London and features several actors whom I admire greatly.  Between the giggles, sobs, and various twists and turns of the emotional rollercoaster that was Season 2, something all at once occurred to me.

This is what I want.  

That’s where I want to be.  

I want to move to the United Kingdom.

Was it daunting?  Hell yeah, it was daunting.  

And it was exciting.  

It was a dream that excited me.  

It burned inside me.  

It raged.

It burned so hot that I didn’t know what to do with it.  I paced around my tiny apartment, simply stunned by the prospect of it all.  

Anxiety was in the process of drinking a quad shot espresso con panna and promptly did a spit take upon hearing this new idea.  In a frenzied panic, it bellowed, “Are you nuts?  What the hell do you think you’re doing?  YOU can’t move to the UK!  It would be so difficult!  You’d need to apply for a Visa…or something like that!  Do you even know how to apply for a Visa!”  

“No,” I metaphorically replied, “but I could learn.”

“I bet it’s super difficult!” Anxiety shot back, trembling in fear, “I bet it’s expensive and complicated and you’ll never figure it out!  I bet your sense of humor wouldn’t translate!  I bet you’d end up broke and living under a bridge and crying because you threw away this good thing you had!”

For a split second, Anxiety almost won…but somehow, prompted by the promise of this new dream, I dared to ask, “But what if it worked out?  What if I could figure it out?  What if I somehow scraped up the money and did the research and filed the paperwork and just made it work?”

If it were a play, I would have been standing center stage, staring out into the audience like some kind of dramatic hero and whispering hopefully, “Yes…what if…?”  

It has been a long road to get here, but, despite what Anxiety likes to tell me, I did figure it out.  The process has been stressful enough to induce atypical Shingles and a few anxiety attacks, but it’s happening.  It’s actually happening!

This October I’m going to grad school at the University of Essex where I’ll pursue my masters degree in Scriptwriting.  I’ll hone my skills as a playwright while learning the ins and out of writing for film, television, and radio.  I’ll take the train into London on the weekends and see every show I can at the National Theatre.  I’ll get new life experiences.  I’ll do my best to explore every inch of that beautiful island.  I’m going to do something new because it’s scary and, most importantly, it’s exciting.  

(To add to the awesomeness of this new adventure, my best friend (platonic soul mate) is moving with me and pursuing her own dreams of studying acting…also at the University of Essex.)

My “death” was not as dramatic or world-changing as Jesus’s, but it gave way to a new life for me.  The power of storytelling combined with a newfound confidence was enough to catapult me into something new, something different.    

And I know you’re wondering what show I was watching that prompted this sudden change; if you know anything about me, you’ve probably guessed it already.  

Along with seeing as much theatre as I can on my visits to London, I also plan to have surreptitious meetings at The Bandstand, feed ducks some frozen peas at St. James’s Park, and maybe help avert an apocalypse (or two).  My birthday is in January and it just so happens that Season 3 is scheduled to begin filming around that time; perhaps on my winter holiday, I’ll put myself onto a train and take myself up to Edinburgh.  I have so many thoughts on what could possibly happen next to my favorite angel and demon…but that’s a rant for another day.

(Fun fact: I say this line at least once a week...if only to myself.)

[picturejasper20]

Imagine you are business person going to Masters' Wisconsin Castle to settle some deals you have with one of Vlad's companies.

You just had dinner so you ask to go to the bathroom for a minute. As you wash your hands, you hear strange noises coming from a room nearby.

Out of curiosity you follow those noises until go inside the library. You keep hearing the same sounds that are very close this time. You look around, searching from where they are coming from.

Then you look up and you see something that looks like a figure of a 16-17 year old teenager chewing the wood of the roof. He looks at you with his red intense eyes, hisses at you like a cat and then walks all over the roof until he dissappears.

Not knowing what to do next, you leave the library and go back to living room pretending that nothing happened. You wonder if you have been drinking just a bit too much lately.

[whitepolaris]

Some Classic Lake Monsters Encounters

Folklorists Charles E. Brown was an inveterate collector of monster tales. Many of the following stories are derived from his classic work Sea Monsters.

Elkhart Lake

A creature with "big jaws" and "flashing eyes" pulled a fisherman end over end into Elkhart Lake in the mid-1890s.

Lake Mendota

The scales of a sea serpent were found on Lake Mendota's Picnic Point in 1917. That fall, a fisherman angling off the point was startled when a "large snake-like head, with large jaws and blazing eyes" popped up from the depths less than a hundred feet away from where he was standing. And in that same area, a University of Wisconsin coed tanning on a dock reacted with a speed she didn't know she possessed when she turned over to yell at her boyfriend to stop tickling her feet, but instead witnessed the head and neck of a huge serpent whose long tongue was lapping at her toes. Bozho, as the marine anomaly was known locally, had a reputation as a prankster, overturning canoes and piers, chasing sailboats, and scaring swimmers half to death. Back in 1899, a group of ladies had spotted Bozho while they were out boating on the lake. They reported that the serpent's head, which reared some distance out of the water, was ten inches in diameter and that the end of its tail, decorated with two big horns, lashed the water into a frothy foam as the creature dove beneath the waves.

Lake Michigan

During one winter in the late 1990s, Kim, thirtysomething, was riding on a bus near Grant Park in Milwaukee when a movement in Lake Michigan caught her eye. Weaving in and out of broken chunks of ice was a dark object resembling the submerged roof of a Volkswagen Beetle. Kim immediately signaled for the bus to stop. She got off and, despite wearing a skirt and inappropriate shoes, went running through the snow to the water's edge to get a better look. The object appeared to be feeding as it moved farther out from shore.

Lake Monona

In June 1897, Eugene Heath of the Garr-Scott Company fired two rifle shots at a twenty-foot serpent plying the waters of Lake Monona, near Madison. The marine monster may have been responsible for swallowing a swimming dog a few days earlier.

Lake Waubesa

An Illinois resident who went rowing on Lake Waubesa in the 1920s claimed to have seen a serpent "sixty-seventy feet in length and of a dark green color" apparently sunning itself on the surface of the lake. In the same period, a couple swimming off Waubesa Beach were terrified when a creature with glittering eyes surfaced near them.

Lake Kegonsa

A "dragon" was frequently sighted during the 1920s in the waters of Lake Kegonsa, off both Colladay and Williamson points. Unlike the mild-mannered Bozho, this habitué of the deep was characterized as vengeful and destructive.

Pewaukee Lake

In the 1890s, a "huge green thing traveling like a gray streak" and "spouting water" was frequently reported near the resort hotels that at the time dotted the shores of Waukesha County's Pewaukee Lake. One man claimed he'd tried to spear the green leviathan, but his "weapon bounded back as though it had struck a rock or iron plate."

Red Cedar Lake

The famous sea serpent of Red Cedar Lake in Jefferson County was first seen by fishermen in 1891. One witness said it had a "very large head with protuberances like saw teeth on its back." It was fifty feet long.

Rock Lake

Not to be outdone by other Wisconsin lakes, Rock Lake in Jefferson County is the lair of a monster named Rocky. Although he became more benign with age, Rocky started his career much like the vengeful dragon of Lake Kegonsa. It was August 1882 that rowboat racers Ed McKenzie and D. W. Seybert spied what they thought was a floating log. However, as they approached the "log," it suddenly "manifested life," thrusting its "head about three feet out of the water" and opening "it's huge jaws about a foot or more" before diving out of sight. McKenzie screamed in terror as the creature resurfaced near his boat. Seybert yelled, "Strike him with the oar!" But McKenzie, terrified out of his wits, called in desperation to the group onshore. A Captain Wilson, shotgun at the ready, came to the rescue, but by then the monster had vanished, leaving the air "heavy with a most sickening odor."

That was not to be Rocky's only sortie. Passing boaters reported being hissed at by the monster form the rushes near the shore.

[staticspaces]

Walden North

Find the video tour here!!

Today we on to Vernon's office, we check out some of the bedrooms as well as some more exterior views!!

Hidden away on the east side of the Coast Mountains within British Columbia, Canada, lies this fortress of an abandoned house. Sitting atop a cliff overlooking a creek the mansion which was built in the 1970s by Vernon Pick, is slowly rotting away.

Vernon was born in Wisconsin in 1903 and left home at the age of 16 and joined the US Marines a year later. He was a gold miner in Manitoba before running an electrical company for 17 years in Minneapolis, then moving back to Wisconsin, there he built a hydroelectric generator to power a derelict flour mill which he then converted into an electrical workshop. In 1951 a fire destroyed his workshop, so he and his wife Ruth bought an Airstream and headed west.

Then at the age of 48 he spent nine months prospecting for Uranium in Utah Canyonlands. When down to his last $300, he then lucked out and struck it rich, this catapulted him into wealth and nationwide fame and he was given the name “Uranium King of America”.

He sold his mine for $10 million and with this new found wealth, he bought an estate in California and renamed it Walden West, he converted it into a research facility and staffed it with scientists to try and develop a cheap source of nuclear power.

In 1965, with the Cold War era in full swing, Pick chose to abandon Walden West and decided to build a compound in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains of BC, since the area would be heavily protected from nuclear fallout. He named it Walden North, there were two homes, a workshop/laboratory, a hydro electric dam as well as his mansion on the cliff that was accessible by a tram.

Vernon died in 1986 from cancer. Pick's belongings and equipment were auctioned off and the mansion has seen little use since.

The property is active with the hydroelectric dam still producing 16 MW of power which is enough for about 8000 homes.

As for Vernon's home, the current owners have built stairs to the roof, presumably to do repairs, hopefully this house will get to live another day.

[9haharharley1]

Now that I got my shame back, would it be possible to see a recreation of Frost asking Pitch to collar him but for Pompous Pep? Just the way Jack goes "take control of me" has me weak 😭 These two ships have taken control of my life lol

I think @gilly-moon wrote the Blackice control thing! But I can certainly give it a shot! Lord knows I haven't written enough pompep in my life...

---

Was it sad that his safe haven these days was at Vlad's manor? Maybe.

Maybe to his friends, he was still enemies with the old fruitloop. And maybe to his parents, he and Vlad had reconciled enough for Danny to stay with him every now and then while he was at college. And maybe his sister was the only person who hinted at even knowing what might be going on between the two of them, and maybe Danny's silence on the matter was enough to get her to back off with a gentle, "Just be safe, Danny."

He didn't need any of them to know, didn't need their constant opinions and concerns and well-intentioned criticisms that drove him up a wall and made him question the what-ifs that was his life. The whole point of moving to Wisconsin was to get away from all that; to break away from his parents' unknowing threats, from Jazz's overbearing worry, and from Tucker and Sam throwing their unwanted input around when Danny needed to vent. He was so tired of it.

And if Vlad Masters was the only person in the entire world with a room to spare and an ear to listen, the only other person who knew what it was like to face the temptation that came almost as a side effect from having ghost powers, then Danny was willing to lock their past away - to keep it there, only to revisit with quiet laughter between them at the stupid antics they got up to.

So what if Vlad was still a morally dubious prick? At least he was honest about it. And honestly, ever since Danny started hanging out with him the older halfa had calmed down some. He was lonely, and if Danny provided even a fraction of companionship then Vlad wasn't so focused on his schemes. And so what that he used to have the hots for his mom? The man had had nothing but twenty years to stew in anger and isolation and pain, nothing to focus on but perceived slights against him, his world and memories twisted until they were unrecognizable by the reality he actually lived in. He was no longer interested in Maddie Fenton, especially now that Danny - whose company had become his new obsession - was actively spending time with him. And so what if Vlad had tried to kill his dad? Jack Fenton was resilient, and despite what his parents said about Phantom, Danny would never allow harm to come to them. And anyway, Vlad had stopped those schemes when Danny had asked, in exchange for more of his company.

Danny flew over Madison at top speed, the buildings blurring as his eyes watered. Frustration buzzed under his skin, his suit feeling too restrictive, but at the same time he felt he would unravel if it wasn't there to confine him. Wind blew harshly in his face, the smells and sounds of the countryside assaulting his senses, and Danny grit his teeth. A single tear dripped from his eye, picked up and carried off on the wind, and Danny flew faster.

He made it to Vlad's manor in record time, phasing through the roof and feeling his ghost sense go off long enough to register that Vlad was home somewhere in the house. He didn't think about that. Danny phased through walls and floors until he finally found a familiar bedroom, and he barely slowed his momentum until he crashed in an overly large bed, the mattress cushioning his fall as he turned back into Danny Fenton, his face pressed hard into a pillow that smelled of spice and cinnamon, and he screamed.

He screamed and screamed until his voice croaked and his throat went dry. Tears soaked into the fabric of the pillow, and when Danny finally stopped screaming, the scent of it soothed some semblance of calm into his over-tired mind. His shoulders shook with the effort of holding back his sobs, his skin still buzzing like there was one big itch just under the surface of his being he couldn't quite scratch. He lifted his head off the pillow just enough to slam back down and let out another short scream.

There was a hand on his shoulder. It was big and warm, and Danny jumped where he lay, whipping his head over his shoulder to stare at Vlad with blurry vision. He couldn't quite make out the details of his face, but a another warm hand reached for him, pressing gently to his face. A thumb rubbed the soft skin under his eye, wiping away the tear tracks that lingered. Danny closed his eyes, leaning into that comforting touch. More tears gathered in his eyes, and he bit his lip.

"Daniel, what's wrong?" Vlad asked, worry coating his words. Danny broke away from his hold, unable to meet his gaze. He pressed his face back in the pillow. A warm, stifling heat pressed along the length of his side, Danny inhaling a shaky breath and tasting cinnamon on his tongue. A hand combed through his hair. "Talk to me, little badger, please. What's going on? What happened?"

Vlad's voice was like silk in his ear, impossibly soft and soothing, and Danny whined. He hated the concern in his tone, hated that it was him who put it there.

He sniffed. "It's nothing, Vlad..." he grumbled into the pillow, voice muffled. "Just stress."

The hand stopped petting. Danny whined quietly, and the hand in his hair tightened just so, pulling a little.

"This is not 'just stress,' badger," Vlad stated. "Stress leaves you ranting and pacing around the room, not crying and shaking in my bed. That's supposed to be my job, by the way."

Danny snorted around a watery laugh. He turned his head enough to peek a bleary blue eye up at the man, blinking rapidly to clear his vision so he could see the worried crease to Vlad's brow. Vlad tugged his hair again, then soothed his scalp with hot fingers.

"Talk to me, Daniel," Vlad murmured. He lay his head next to Danny's on the pillow, pressing his brow Danny's. "What happened?"

Danny sniffed again. He squeezed his eyes shut, considered burying his face again and brushing off Vlad's concern with another "It's nothing." Instead, he pressed his face harder to Vlad's until the man's hand tightened once more in his hair and pulled, tugging him away so Vlad could look at him properly again.

"It's..." Danny sniffed again, voice quiet and hoarse, "Sam and Tucker. They know."

Vlad sucked in a breath and Danny opened his eyes slowly. He watched as Vlad closed his own eyes, took a deep breath before opening again. There was a dangerous calm to him, the kind that made Danny's skin itch and his ghostly core thrum.

"How did they find out?" asked Vlad. The concern was still there, hidden under a layer of barely restrained anger and rising frustration of his own. He tugged Danny's hair, and Danny whined.

Danny swallowed thickly. "I... I told them..." Vlad's eyes narrowed at him. He pulled hard enough on Danny's hair that the younger halfa whined pitifully as he was forced out of the pillow and onto his side.

"I thought you wanted to keep this from them?" Vlad mused, an edge to his tone making Danny's blood rush to his face. "Wasn't it you who said they wouldn't understand? That it was none of their business what we do together?"

"I-It was an accident!" Danny rushed to explain. His head was jerked back in warning and he whined again. "I didn't mean to tell them, not without talking to you first! It just... it slipped out! They were going on and on about checking in on you, about investigating your next big evil plan or some shit, and I was getting tired of going in circles with them! I told them you weren't like that anymore, that I've been visiting some days and we were getting along now, but they wouldn't listen!" The tears were back in Danny's eyes. Vlad tugged his head back until Danny was forced to roll on his back, Vlad sitting up to straddle his legs as Danny gasped around a sob. "They- they never listen! They think y-you're brain-washing me or something." Vlad let go of his hair, moving his hand to Danny's cheek to wipe away his tears. Danny hiccuped. "They d-don't know what it's like l-living like this, they don't get it- You're not that person anymore! You're not evil, you're not scheming, you're just-" Danny gasped, barely taking a breath as more tears trailed down his face.

Vlad gently brushed his fingers down Danny's cheek, trailing fire in their wake, over his jaw down to his neck. His burning hand wrapped around Danny's throat, thumb pressed threateningly over a pulse point. Danny sucked in a breath, the loose hold providing some sense of stability to his shattered heart, quieting some of the screaming in his head. Vlad rubbed the spot under his thumb gently.

"I'm what, Daniel?" he asked gently, deep blue eyes soft and loving as he stared down at the boy under him. Danny brought a hand up, wrapping chilly fingers around Vlad's wrist, forcing him to add just that much more pressure on Danny's neck so he could only wheeze.

"Mine..." Danny hissed. Vlad's pupils dilated at the words, bleeding purple as the red of his ghost form tried to break through. Danny tightened his grip on Vlad's wrist. "You're mine. You can't be mine if you're scheming."

Vlad hunched over him, leaning down until their noses brushed and his hot breath fanned Danny's face on a shaky exhale. The pressure on Danny's neck had spots dancing in the corners of his vision, Danny reflexively trying to gulp down air but only gasping brokenly as nothing reached his airways. Vlad's face lit up with a green glow, Danny barely catching sight of his hair growing grey, then white as his breathing was cut off completely.

"All yours..." Vlad murmured against his lips, equal parts gentle and rapturous. He kissed Danny at the same time as he released his throat, and Danny gasped brokenly into this mouth, his mind going fuzzy as teeth captured his lip, soon soothed by a burning tongue. He kissed back just as fervently, clutching at broad shoulders, pulling Vlad further down onto him so the man blanketed him entirely, his weight pressing Danny fully into the bed and warm, so very warm. Tears pricked the corner of his eyes. Vlad pulled away, only enough so that their lips brushed as he spoke. "What do you need, Daniel? What can I do for you?"

Danny choked back another sob. "I... I need to- to not think. Please, I want to- I don't want to think anymore..."

Vlad kissed him again, long and slow and sweet. When he pulled away again, he sat up, a collar in his hands. He held it up to Danny, brow quirked slightly, and Danny nodded. He lifted his head, allowing the older halfa to wrap the collar around him, the soft leather providing the perfect amount of pressure to keep Danny from feeling like he was going to unravel. He sighed, relaxing back into the bed. He gazed up at Vlad with heavy eyes.

Vlad leaned back over him, running his big hand over the collar, brushing the edge of Danny's jaw. "So lovely..." he murmured sweetly. Danny exhaled a shaky breath. Vlad gave him a little smirk. "Now be a good boy for me, badger."

Danny was more than happy to listen to him.

---

I am accepting title ideas!

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss

Just getting stocked up for some houseboating isn't quite a picnic--or can it be?

DUBUQUE, IA: It certainly took a couple days to reach the Mississippi River from Breezewood, Pennsylvania via US 20 for the most part ... and to cross the Mississippi via the Julien Dubuque Bridge was something of a sign of anticipation for some interesting little escapades ahead.

Via houseboat, even.

And with such interesting company of Your Correspondent as Huckleberry Hound and Touché Turtle, Bristlehound and Dum-Dum were bound, in their role as guides, to make sure things were running smoothly. Hence, their directing us via text message to meet them at the Hy-Vee supermarket coming off the bridge into Dubuque. Yes, as in a certain "little old lady from" made infamous, in a way, by Harold Ross in launching that somewhat sophisto and urbane journal known as The New Yorker back in 1925. Insisting that he was not intending The New Yorker to be for the Little Old Lady from Dubuque, implying that she would likely be satisfied with The Saturday Evening Post, Collier's, Grit and Comfort rather than a high-class literary-leaning review.

But back to the Hy-Vee: Both Dum-Dum and Bristlehound would meet us at the entrance for the preparatory shopping trip for supplies heading into the little houseboat excursion. More than likely a "mystery trip," by all assumptions, yet mind you, leave any pretension of emulating Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn at the dock.

Following a modest little cafeteria-manner lunch in Hy-Vee's dining area, something of a staple in their larger locations across eight Midwestern states, Bristlehound and Dum-Dum led the way into getting the necessary supplies: Meal-replacement drinks (mainly for breakfast) ... wholemeal crackers ... cheese spread ... summer sausage ... smoked sausage ... buns ... charcoal ... bottled water, spring and seltzer ... flavouring concentrate ... batteries for the transistor radio ... all in all, just trying to be low-impact more than anything.

As Dum-Dum admitted, "it's more than likely we'll want to spend our nights sleeping on the roof of our houseboat just for the experience."

Bristlehound added, "Especially when passing barge tows in the night leave such wake as can make things interesting in the sleep department." Thankfully, CPAP was not the sort of thing we were on, nor even think about being on.

Once out of the way, a drive to the docks where Bristlehound and Dum-Dum tied up their modest little houseboat--hardly a fancy sort, yet stylishly simplistic for the purpose. Even if it took a few minutes for a freight train to clear the tracks so we could get to the boat, by which time early evening's effects were starting to be obvious. And once loaded, reviewing the inevitable safety procedures for boating in the Mississippi's waters, the call of "Touché awayyyy!" by none other than was the call to cast off and get underway.

Huckleberry Hound couldn't have said it better in observing that "what could feel more interesting than to just spend a couple days on the river living the houseboat life ... even if it means the likes of Boost for breakfast?"

"At any rate, folks," Dum-Dum was quick to note, "Bristlehound and I decided on meal-replacement shakes for breakfast more than anything. Especially when the desire is to get out on the river with as little mess as possible after breakfast."

"Even allowing for recycling," Bristlehound added.

Still, even if the supper was mainly a bag of wholemeal tortilla chips with some salsa in the bargain as we made bivouac for the night on some sandbar on the Wisconsin side of the river. Just be thankful for the deck chairs to provide some sleep, and just hope the trains don't keep you all too awake.

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @iheartgod175 @ultrakeencollectionbreadfan @jellystone-enjoyer @artistic-octopus @passionateclown @archive-archives @themineralyoucrave @screamingtoosoftly @thylordshipofbutts @thebigdingle @warnerbros-blog1 @colorfulsaccharinecalamity @gravy-sammich @theweekenddigest @indigo-corvus @zodiacfan32 @warnerbrosent-blog

[stormguardwi]

Business Name: Storm Guard Roofing & Construction of Madison

Street Address: 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Suite 400

City: Madison

State: Wisconsin (WI)

Zip Code: 53716

Country: United States

Business Phone: 608-218-3923

Business Email: rengelbrecht@stormguardrc.com

Website: https://www.stormguardrc.com/wi/madison/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StormGuardSouthernWI/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormguardwi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkT-OlFfdqFSK62Kx8cZa9g

Business Description: When you need a contractor specializing in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, and painting in Southern Wisconsin, contact a local professional for assistance. Whether you need a roofer to fix or replace your old or leaky roof, want new windows to improve your heating bill, or want new siding to update your home’s look, you can count on Storm Guard for excellent service. Storm Guard of Madison can handle jobs that range in size from a single-family home to a multi-family complex and even churches and office buildings. We’re a locally owned and operated company with the backing of a national brand, and we’ll provide you with the highest quality exterior contractor services available at great prices.

Google My Business CID URL: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4460544691017740554

Business Hours: Sunday 24/7 Monday 24/7 Tuesday 24/7 Wednesday 24/7 Thursday 24/7 Friday 24/7 Saturday 24/7

Products: Roofing Services

Keywords: Madison WI Roofer, Madison WI Roofing, Madison Roofer, Madison Roofing, Roofing in Madison, WI, Roofer in Madison WI

Location:

Service Areas:

[les-belles-mecaniques]

1967 Mohs Ostentatienne Opera Sedan

Bruce Mohs was obviously a visionary, anticipating future automotive trends long before they took root. That probably explains why no one actually bought any of his Ostentatienne Opera Sedans back in 1967; it was just too far ahead of its time.

It had all the requisite features of a blinged-out Escalade: a genuine truck chassis by International, giant 20″ wheels, over-the top styling and gobs of bling and gold. But the Ostentatienne went even further than that; it had such an overwhelming presence, one that would make it the ultimate “look-at-me-mobile” today. Maybe its time has finally come.

Mohs owned a seaplane service company in Madison, Wisconsin. Just how he happened upon the idea of a the Ostentatienne Opera Sedan is a matter of wild speculation; but then LSD was still legal in 1967.

The Ostentatienne was built on an International truck chassis with a 119″ wheelbase, and measured a massive 90″ wide, 69″ tall, 246″ long, and weighed some 6100 lbs. Its front axle was also a truck solid beam unit. The Opera Sedan must have been a leisurely affair, as it was powered by a 250 hp 304 CID V8. Seems that the Ostentatienne deserved to have had the really big 549 CID big International V8; now that would have done the massive hood justice.

The only entrance was a fold-up central rear door, which allowed heavy steel girders to be placed on the sides of the body as a safety feature.

The actual seating space for such a monstrous car is not all that generous. But the visibility is splendid.

Given the lack of real pillars, the roof appears to be cantilevered. Mohs was a bit obsessed on safety, which explains some of the protuberances and such. But the cantilevered roof probably didn’t give much roll-over protection.

But there’s genuine walnut on the dash. There’s also 110V power, a fridge, and other amenities not customary in mere automobiles, like “isle lights” (SIC). Maybe that’s something seaplanes have, to light up an island?

[mlsiding]

Reliable Roofing company For Quality Service By Roofers Mount Pleasant

M & L Siding And Services is your trusted roofing company in roofers Mount Pleasant, SC. Our experienced roofers specialize in roof repairs, installations, and maintenance. We deliver high-quality roofing services, ensuring your home stays protected and secure. Choose us for affordable, reliable, and professional roofing solutions that exceed expectations.

[kekoasrenovationus]

Kekoa's Renovation and Construction

Address:

2813 auburn st

Rockford, IL

61101

USA

Phone:

815-901-5340

Website:

Business email:

dylan@kekoasrenovation.com

Keywords:

Bathroom Remodel Rockford, IL, Deck Company Rockford, IL, Fence Company Rockford, IL, Siding Contractor near me, Flooring contractor near me, Renovation company, Construction company near me

Description:

At Kekoa’s Renovation & Construction, we are dedicated to transforming homes in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin with exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. Based in Rockford, Illinois, and founded by Dylan Silbaugh, our locally owned and operated company has been serving the community for over 10 years, delivering high-quality renovation and construction services that homeowners can trust.

Our range of services includes everything from bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling to exterior projects like roofing, siding, gutters, decks, and fences. Whether you're looking to enhance your home’s functionality, boost its curb appeal, or simply create a space that reflects your unique style, our experienced team is here to bring your vision to life.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and our dedication to our clients. We never use subcontractors; instead, we have a handpicked team of skilled professionals who meet our high standards of work and service. As a fully insured company, we offer you peace of mind throughout the entire renovation process, standing behind our work with a solid 2-year workmanship warranty.

With our transparent pricing—free from hidden fees—you’ll always know exactly what to expect. For those looking to make environmentally conscious choices, we offer eco-friendly options, allowing you to enhance your home while reducing your environmental impact.

To make the process even smoother, we provide free estimates within 48 hours, so you can quickly move forward with your home improvement plans without delay. Our 5-star rating on Google reflects our commitment to excellence and the satisfaction of our clients.

At Kekoa’s, we believe in the power of local. Being a part of the Rockford community means we understand the unique needs of our neighbors, and we take pride in contributing to the growth and beauty of the area.

Social Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kekoasrenovation/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kekoas-renovation-construction

Hours:

7am to 7pm mon – fri

[bioonetucson]

About Your Local Owner

We are a help first business, and we do it because we care.

David and Tori Anderson

Owner

David and Tori Anderson are the driving force behind Bio-One Tucson, bringing with them a wealth of experience, compassion, and a deep-rooted commitment to serving their community.

Originally from Wisconsin, David and Tori relocated to Arizona in 2015, seeking new opportunities and adventures in the Southwest. David, with 23 years of experience in the automotive industry, has dedicated the majority of his career to mastering his craft in this field. However, his journey extends beyond automotive expertise. During his college years, David worked for a remodeling company, where he honed skills, such as installing windows, doors, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, plumbing, and electrical work. His hands-on experience in property improvement didn't end there. David has also owned and maintained nine rental houses, where he conducted routine maintenance and extensive remodeling services. Through these experiences, he gained invaluable insights into the needs and challenges faced by property managers, further enhancing his ability to provide tailored solutions and support.

David recognized the immense potential of Bio-One Tucson as an impactful business opportunity and eagerly embraced it. With his background in property management, coupled with extensive experience in various trades, he swiftly understood the invaluable role Bio-One Tucson's services play in supporting individuals during challenging circumstances.

In addition to his automotive expertise, David has a passion for helping others, driven by his personal experiences with family members dealing with hoarding and the impact of suicide. This innate compassion and empathy have guided him in his journey to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Tori, David's partner both in life and business, is a full-time dental hygienist. In her free time, she is an active volunteer with the HARTT organization (Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team), where she coordinates search and rescue missions and provides support to pet owners in distress.

Together, David and Tori form a dynamic duo, united in their mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve through Bio-One Tucson. With their combined expertise, compassion, and dedication, they provide a comforting presence and expert assistance to individuals and families during their most challenging times.

Wendy Cardoza, Tucson, 12/2021

The company booked quickly and responded to concerns over a particular area, coming back to redo a spot within two hours of my phone call. T...   Read more >

[staticspaces]

Walden North

Check out the fresh new video here!!

Let's begin this incredible location by taking a look at the living room with the coffered ceilings, the kitchen with the avocado green appliances as well as a some exterior views!!

Hidden away on the east side of the Coast Mountains within British Columbia, Canada, lies this fortress of an abandoned house. Sitting atop a cliff overlooking a creek the mansion which was built in the 1970s by Vernon Pick, is slowly rotting away.

Vernon was born in Wisconsin in 1903 and left home at the age of 16 and joined the US Marines a year later. He was a gold miner in Manitoba before running an electrical company for 17 years in Minneapolis, then moving back to Wisconsin, there he built a hydroelectric generator to power a derelict flour mill which he then converted into an electrical workshop. In 1951 a fire destroyed his workshop, so he and his wife Ruth bought an Airstream and headed west.

Then at the age of 48 he spent nine months prospecting for Uranium in Utah Canyonlands. When down to his last $300, he then lucked out and struck it rich, this catapulted him into wealth and nationwide fame and he was given the name “Uranium King of America”.

He sold his mine for $10 million and with this new found wealth, he bought an estate in California and renamed it Walden West, he converted it into a research facility and staffed it with scientists to try and develop a cheap source of nuclear power.

In 1965, with the Cold War era in full swing, Pick chose to abandon Walden West and decided to build a compound in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains of BC, since the area would be heavily protected from nuclear fallout. He named it Walden North, there were two homes, a workshop/laboratory, a hydro electric dam as well as his mansion on the cliff that was accessible by a tram.

Vernon died in 1986 from cancer. Pick's belongings and equipment were auctioned off and the mansion has seen little use since.

The property is active with the hydroelectric dam still producing 16 MW of power which is enough for about 8000 homes.

As for Vernon's home, the current owners have built stairs to the roof, presumably to do repairs, hopefully this house will get to live another day.

[heydudeplumbingservices]

Unlocking Superior Roofing Services in USA : Your Trusted Experts

Welcome to usa , where the weather can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Amidst the lush landscapes and changing seasons, one thing remains constant: the need for a reliable roofing solution. Whether it's shielding your home from the harsh winters or standing strong against the summer storms, having a sturdy roof is essential for every Wisconsinite.

At [Your Company Name], we understand the significance of a dependable roof. With years of experience serving the communities of Central Wisconsin, we have earned a reputation as the go-to roofing experts in the region. Here's why we are your trusted choice for all your roofing needs:

Local Expertise, Global Standards: Our team comprises local professionals who understand the unique challenges posed by the Central Wisconsin climate. From heavy snowfalls to intense heatwaves, we tailor our solutions to withstand the elements while adhering to the highest industry standards.

Comprehensive Services: Whether you need a roof inspection, repair, replacement, or installation, we've got you covered. Our comprehensive range of services ensures that your roofing needs are met with precision and efficiency, saving you time and hassle.

Quality Craftsmanship: We take pride in our workmanship, ensuring that every project is executed with the utmost attention to detail. From selecting the finest materials to employing advanced techniques, we deliver results that exceed expectations and stand the test of time.

Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We believe in transparent communication, timely responses, and personalized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Our friendly team is always ready to address your concerns and guide you through every step of the process.

Commitment to Excellence: We are committed to excellence in everything we do. Whether it's completing projects on schedule, adhering to budget constraints, or maintaining the highest safety standards, you can trust us to deliver exceptional results without compromise.

Licensed and Insured: Rest assured, we are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind knowing that your property is in safe hands. Our adherence to industry regulations and safety protocols ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Community-Focused: As members of the Central Wisconsin community ourselves, we believe in giving back. We actively participate in local initiatives and support charitable causes to contribute positively to the neighborhoods we serve.

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, don't settle for anything less than the best. Choose [Your Company Name] as your trusted roofing experts in Central Wisconsin, and experience the difference that quality, reliability, and professionalism can make.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can transform your roofing vision into reality. Let's build a stronger, safer future for your home together.

[mrterpenes]

Wisconsin's Number 1 Roofer/Home Builder/Remodels

EXPLORE THE BEST SIDING INSTALLERS IN SALEM LAKES: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic and durability of your home in Salem Lakes, selecting the right siding installer is paramount. In this detailed guide, we delve into why NRG Builders & Design stands out as a top choice for your siding needs, especially with the recent storm patterns increasing the demand for robust home exteriors.

UNDERSTANDING SIDING IMPORTANCE IN SALEM LAKES WEATHER CONDITIONS

Salem Lakes experiences a range of weather conditions that can severely affect the exterior of your home. The area’s susceptibility to storms necessitates sturdy and reliable siding that can withstand harsh elements. This is where the expertise of NRG Builders & Design becomes crucial. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, NRG Builders & Design ensures that your home is not only beautiful but also well-protected.

WHY CHOOSE NRG BUILDERS & DESIGN FOR YOUR SIDING INSTALLATION?

Choosing the right contractor for siding installation in Salem Lakes can be a daunting task. NRG Builders & Design stands out for several reasons:

Experience: With years of experience in the construction industry, NRG Builders & Design possesses the knowledge and skills required to handle any siding project, regardless of its complexity.

Quality Materials: They use only the highest quality materials that are proven to be durable and effective in protecting against Salem Lakes’ weather conditions.

Customer Satisfaction: NRG Builders & Design prioritizes customer satisfaction, ensuring that all projects meet individual preferences and requirements.

Comprehensive Services: Beyond siding installation, they offer a full range of home building and remodeling services, making them a one-stop-shop for all your construction needs.

RECENT PROJECTS BY NRG BUILDERS & DESIGN IN SALEM LAKES

Recently, NRG Builders & Design completed several high-profile siding installations in Salem Lakes, each tailored to the unique style and durability needs of the homeowners. Their projects often involve integrating advanced weatherproofing techniques to enhance the siding’s resilience, ensuring long-term protection and aesthetic appeal.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Professional installation by a reputable company like NRG Builders & Design is essential. Incorrect installation can lead to issues such as moisture penetration, insulation failures, and overall reduced lifespan of the siding material. NRG Builders & Design employs a team of certified professionals who guarantee that every installation meets industry standards and customer expectations.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR?

If you’re in Salem Lakes and considering a new siding installation, now is the time to connect with the experts at NRG Builders & Design. With the increasing urgency due to recent climatic events, ensuring your home is equipped with quality siding is more important than ever. Contact NRG Builders & Design today to discuss your siding options and how they can help protect and beautify your home against Salem Lakes’ challenging weather conditions.

Don’t wait until the next storm threatens the integrity of your dwelling. Reach out to NRG Builders & Design, the leading home builders and general contractors in Salem Lakes. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures your home will not only look great but stand strong for years to come.

Contact: Wisconsins Number 1 Home Builder/ Roofer/ Remodaling General Contractor