The ice cream truck has a rotation of:

"'tis the season to be jolly, tr-la-la-la-la-lalala" and "jingle bells, jingle bells" playing over the intercom; and only sells stuff to the car garage mechanics, 2 doors down. They just passed by and inspired this post.

These sightings are fewer and further between.... but boy ,do I revel in these moments

Although there is the albino (do you capitalize that?) dude pushing stacked coolers on a cart around the hood....

And we have the "new" crackhead that walks in front of our house non-stop every day and night; headed to the "fo'way" - where you can buy whatever your little heart desires. He walks down scratching at his chin and walks back swinging his arms behind his back....not in a cocky walk - but a serene "I feel good" walk.

And the minivan parked outside of the church across the street. The guys open the back hatch and chill on the church wall with their wifebeaters; summoning over the guys with flat bicycle tires that look like they need a fix. I think their prices are too high or their stuff is no good 'cuz everyone stops but proceeds to the fo'way - only to pass by the minivan on their way back to where they came from.

Sometimes the minivan dudes crank the music and dance on the sidewalk - the later it the night it gets and the more crunk they get, the louder the music. The bolder they are in their solicitations and dance floor (they blocked the street this weekend with their dance party)

I miss the crazy Edgewood Estates shit that happened back in the day...or maybe I am just getting immune and the crazy stuff is becoming the "white picket fence" normal the suburbanites revel in....on a 'hood-like level.

From the desk of the preseeeedent. Source - the dudes on loan from the Geekly Planet

"I declare Christmas to be be a thing of the past. You see folks, the last time the Mrs. said, "we need to pay our respects to the Pope", I figured she said that just to, ummm, protect me from the truth.

But my recent visit with the Pope, I saw that he was walking and talking and stuff. You know, like he's really alive! So it couldn't be the Pope we visited back yonder cuz, well, errrr there is only one Pope. So I ask you fine feller Americans; hows can folks celebrate Christmas with Santa dead and all?

I was there and I saw and conquered some Roman ass...wait....I mean lookie at this. My Daddy was there to see it and I have a picture for proof!"

(it was reported that Bush then proudly whipped out this picture from his left sock with a shit eating grin on his face; and the guys from the Geekly Planet headed out to the parking lot where they were seen sipping off a flask and sharing some smoke)

Okay, not really pouring. Or really raining.

It's more like the gods have a bladder infection and they are dribbling down upon Atlanta.

But that's cool! I will take the water any way I can get it.

Hope all of you in the South (me included) get a little relief and rain from the "b" dude tropical storm

We are headed to Piedmont Park for the Atlanta Jazz Fest in a bit - all tools are packet up. A blanket and bottle of "Dreamy Clouds" Sake my buddy, Vihn, brought by yesterday.

My playlist includes 2 of the many artists we plan to catch today. We may be back tomorrow for the The Pete Escovedo Orchestra

I think the "Dreamy Clouds" will be opened up about the time Herbie hits the stage at 9 tonight. SWEEET!!!!!

We have been at level 2 drought for a month or so now. Not really sure what that means - it is half way between level 1 and level 4, I suppose.

The city of Atlanta put further restrictions beyond the state mandate yesterday. We are now at a level 3 here. What does that mean? We are closer to 4 than 1 - I know, brilliant thinking

Watering for odd houses (that's us!) is Saturday between midnight and 6am, even houses is Sunday.

That's it! One day a week during hours only vampires keep.

They are promoting a "turn in your neighbor!" campaign. Results of a violation is "no water for you, buddy!". As of today, the news reported 50 people without any water - shut off and cut off for watering their lawn.

I am slightly fearful as I water my plants and sod (coming next week) 2 times a day, every day and will continue to do so until established....and not in the middle of the freaking night. Who will turn me in? The bitchy old lady next door, I'm sure.

But I am exempt since we had landscaping installed by a professional company in the last 2 weeks. The city allows 30 days of unrestricted watering after installation is complete.

Since we are spending a bootie load of money, our landscaper planned it out in phases so we will be able to water into mid-July. By this time, the first 2 "phases" will be established.

I compensate for this extra usage. Fewer runs of the dishwasher, only totally full to the max laundry loads AND I use my rain barrels (although they are just about empty) for plants near the barrels and the veggie garden and compost bin. Unused dog and bird water gets recycled to water the indoor plants. Hell, I do this even when there are not restrictions.

I wonder if I should put a sign out front? It would read something like this:

Due to an overly expensive installation of plants; I am exempt from the water ban. Call the city to verify (phone number inserted).

Attempting to be some vigilante of a neighbor will result in my daily shower, bathroom and laundry duties being performed in your front yard! I own a hose - don't make me bring it to your yard!

Hey, on a lighter note! Hogzilla has been surpassed. An 11 year old kid killed a hog in 'bama that weighed in at 1051 pounds. This, and water restrictions make the front page of our paper. You just gotta' love the South!