Thursday, November 30, 2006

New Links

That's right...I've added new links over there on the right. I figured since I was having a brain fart with composing coherent reading material I'd at least give my readers some new sites to review. And as always, I don't add them unless I think you will like them. Well, that and so I won't lose the links but that's between us, k?

So stop on by and tell them Dazd sent you...although as usual they'll have no idea who I am.

On another note...Old Man Winter is coming to Indiana! Brrrrrrrr...time to officially get the winter apparel out. I'm telling you folks, it sucks being on blood thinners. I'm usually wearing a windbreaker in this weather but this year its all gonna change.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Blank

It's too cold for crickets to be chirping...what would be a wintry equivalent of this?

I've got nothing today.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Monday Thought

I always enjoy the holiday vacations spending time with family. I also enjoy getting back to work and a regular routine. I guess I’m strange in that respect, I always complain about not wanting to work yet when the time comes to return I’m thrilled. This week I’m a little more thrilled to return since I spent 5 weeks off work a bit more then 3 weeks ago.

The company I work for is scheduled to be shut down the week of Christmas. Which would be all fine and dandy if not for one little complication. It’s not a paid shutdown so you have to use vacation time if you want paid. Hence lies the issue…I have no vacation time left. So I’ve told them weekly I’ll work that week, all except Christmas Day, answering the phones, receiving any shipments, etc… All on top of my regular duties. I guess there are always an upside and a downside to every holiday.

How does your employer handle company shutdowns?

Friday, November 24, 2006

Oyster Dressing Award

I trust everyone had a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving. Our day was busy and filled with lots of food. We started our day with my mom and dad. Mom always has great food with allot of it still made from scratch. The one tradition I remember from my younger days is Grandma's homemade oyster dressing with sage. All homemade and always made to perfection. If there was any leftover, I usually was awarded the honor of taking the remaining dressing home. Now my mom has taken control of making sure the oyster dressing is provided on Thanksgiving. Dear grandma passed away many years ago and its with each holiday I celebrate my time with her rather then grieving her passing.

Mom created quite the feast this year. A wonderful smoke flavored turkey took center stage. Not a large bird since there was only 7 this year for dinner. It was succulent and the smoke flavor added a distinct taste. Next came the oyster dressing, homemade noodles, green bean cassarole, sweet potatoes, beets, relish tray and rolls. For dessert, mom made her delicious cranberry salad, homemade fruit salad, pumpkin pie (the missus baked) and pecan pie. There wasn't much leftover this year but I'll dare to say no one left the table hungry.

The dressing still remains a vital aspect of our family tradition. I am still awarded with the leftovers as in the past. That was until my cousin came along...who now covets every last crumb of oyster dressing as much as I do. Although I'm ten years older then him, he still insists the last of the crumbs be awarded to him. However this year was different. There was no civil debate, arm wrestling, game of chess or some other manly competition to decide who had the honor. In fact, the fanfare of me taking the last of the crumbs home went unheralded. You see, he is proudly serving his country over in Iraq. Today I am thankful for him sacrificing his Oyster Dressing Award to allow me and my family to continue to live with freedom and liberty.

And so this day I shall enjoy my leftover oyster dressing while quietly my mind reminisces the competitions of the coveted annual Oyster Dressing Award.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Monday, November 20, 2006

Monday Morning Funny

Twenty easy steps to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey!

Step 1: Go buy a turkey

Step 2: Take a drink of whiskey (scotch)

Step 3: Put turkey in the oven

Step 4: Take another 2 drinks of whiskey

Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens

Step 6: Take 3 more whiskeys of drink

Step 7: Turn oven the on

Step 8: Take 4 whisks of drinky

Step 9: Turk the bastey

Step 10: Whiskey another bottle of get

Step 11: Stick a turkey in the thermometer

Step 12: Glass yourself a pour of whiskey

Step 13: Bake the whiskey for 4 hours

Step 14: Take the oven out of the turkey

Step 15: Take the oven out of the turkey

Step 16: Floor the turkey up off of the pick

Step 17: Turk the carvey

Step 18: Get yourself another scottle of botch

Step 19: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey

Step 20: Bless the saying, pass and eat out

Thursday, November 16, 2006

History Project Update...and More Random Thoughts

Results from the Project Fair are in...and Lil Dazd received a First Place Ribbon and an Achievement Ribbon! There's still no word on the report aspect and we are assuming next week we'll find out that grade. You can see his marvelous Parthenon here.

First Place!!!

Yes, I'm proud. Lil Dazd was beaming from ear to ear when I got home. He was running so hard he darn near knocked me over...ribbons in hand. We will proudly display them in his room. Now to find a storage place for the Parthenon.

And for those returning for another post of Disturbed Thursday...I'm fresh out. It was sick and twisted...funnier then all-get-out that the low-life SOB got caught not once but twice! And this Disturbed Thursday won't become a regular posting event...I think.

I heard on todays radio news that the Playstation 3 is set to be released in stores at midnight. And yes, the stories of the diehards from geekdom waiting in lines for hours on end are surfacing. A local store here, which will remain nameless, is telling people in lines they only have 2 Playstation 3's. And there's 4 people in line. Must be some new mathematics I'm not aware of...

Oh wonderful...I went to link another story I found interesting and looky what happens...Blogger and Blog*Spot are unavailable.Blogger and Blog*Spot are unavailable right now. We apologize for this interruption in service.
Details. Blogger is undergoing a scheduled maintenance. It will return within 10 minutes. I'll lose this damn post now...

Ok...I've lost my linky goodness. I'll post more later.

Disturbed Thursday

I have been described as disturbed before...even told "You're not right in the head". But I found this news article not only funny but very disturbing.

DULUTH -- Prosecution of a case involving alleged sexual contact with a dead deer may hinge on the legal definition of the word "animal.''

Hathaway, of Superior, Wis., faces a misdemeanor charge of sexual gratification with an animal. He is accused of having sex with a dead deer he saw beside a road on Oct. 11.


Go read more about this ummm sick and twisted lawyer defense here.

Anyone else find the Assistant District Attorney's name disturbing while attached to the case? Maybe I'm not pronouncing the name correctly...just like I saw this name and chuckled again for the hundredth time: Congressman John Boehner.

Am I correct in these pronunciations or am I phonetically challenged?

"Lawyer Provides Stiff Defense in Deer Assault Case"

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Random Thoughts

I suppose I should update my daily readers. I had an echogram a week ago Tuesday and saw the cardiologist yesterday. He claims that there is minimal damage from my heart attack. He said between the 3 echograms I've had he cannot find any signs of damage. He believes I can make a full recovery, or damn near it anyways.

But here's the kicker...I've been having palpatations (sp) and some chest discomfort. And my lower jaw and teeth have been aching...not as bad as the night of the heart attack but still aching. We discussed things for awhile and I finally said, "I want to know everything cos I'm 41 and not ready to give up just yet." After he pondered this statement for what seemed like an eternity, he's decided on further testing.

This Friday I'll have a myoview stress test performed. Here's a link with info. Read this link cos it's pretty self-explanatory. Radiation pumping thru my cardio system...glow-in-the-dark. I'm a little apprehensive having this done. Why you ask? You all heard of the Incredible Hulk and Spiderman haven't you? heh

Then Monday I'll have a heart monitor that I'll wear for 48 hours. I'm not too concerned about this except one thing...do I get to shower with this thingy on or what? If not, not only will I smell awful but I'll be grumpy on top of that!

Also Friday I'm trying to schedule a family doctors appointment. It's my follow up for cholesterol levels and this damn cold is trying to be a sinus infection. Yes I still have the sniffles and stuffiness. Plus I've not seen the family doctor sense this all began with my heart. Mom tells me he's asked her twice now during her appointments.

No word yet on the History Project grade. Hopefully we'll hear something today or tomorrow. If we are allowed another History Project this year...The Roman Colosseum maybe?

All you blogspotters out there...have any of you clicked on the "Your new layout is here" link thingy yet? Does haloscan and bloggroll transfer over? I'm scared to click "ok" for fear of losing things. And just how does one "back-up" their blog anyways? Yea, I have a wordpress site I've created a back-up on. But haloscan didn't transfer either nor did all my pics in my posts. And I never figured out how to add bloggroll either. Email the dazed and confuzed one with any help you can provide. Please???

Ok...gotta scoot...the elevator to the salt mines is leaving!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

What I did this Weekend



What took the Greek Empire decades to build, we accomplished in 3 days. Gotta love the world of technology.

My son has finished a History Project for the annual Project Fair. He decided this year to write a report and accompanying scaled model of the Parthenon. We worked tediously this weekend and accomplished our goal. The Project Fair is this coming Tuesday. I'll keep you all posted on the results.

How was your weekend?

Friday, November 10, 2006

Remembering Our Veterans

Before You Go Home Follow this link for a worthy tribute honoring those that served our country with honor and dignity.

What is a Veteran?

On Veterans Day, November 11th, we pause to remember and to honor the men and women who selflessly and bravely served in America’s armed forces to keep our nation strong and our freedoms secure.

Veterans Day traditionally is a day of celebration when communities large and small demonstrate their respect and appreciation for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have sacrificed so much for the cherished causes of liberty and peace.

This Veterans Day, however, will be a more somber occasion as we pay tribute to not only those who served in past wars, but honor America’s sons and daughters on active duty in Iraq and in the war against terrorism being waged around the world.

Observance of Veterans Day – or Armistice Day as it was known then -- began 84-years ago, in 1919, when Americans gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of the peace agreement that ended the first world war – the war to end all wars.

Today, many wars and conflicts later, we continue this tradition of paying tribute to those who have worn the uniforms of our armed forces. Our servicemen and women have freely given of themselves throughout our history to preserve the precious liberties and freedoms enjoyed today by Americans and people worldwide. We are the fortunate beneficiaries of their vigilance and determination.

The courage of America’s veterans has been passed down from generation to generation. Our veterans have proudly and bravely battled tyranny and oppression in the world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

And, today, our men and women in uniform once again are at war, bringing freedom to the people of Iraq and standing vigilant against brutal and ruthless terrorists who kill innocent people in their blind hatred of America and our special way of life.

Through their service, today’s veterans have joined a long line of patriots willing to risk all to preserve our freedom and the American way of life.

To the families of others who have made the supreme sacrifice – we extend our heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging we cannot measure the value of the freedoms secured by their supreme sacrifice. Their losses, however, will not be in vain, as our nation will emerge victorious in these wars and the world will be a better and safer place.

We are a nation blessed with an abundance of citizens willing to take up arms to secure, defend and maintain the principles put forth by our forefathers. Since the founding of our nation, nearly 50 million men and women have served America in uniform.

Half of them – some 25 million – are living today. They are our grandparents, parents, sons and daughters, co-workers, friends and neighbors – ordinary citizens who have served in extraordinary ways to preserve the greatness of America.

It is our duty as citizens of this great nation to remember the service of our veterans, their sacrifices and their commitment to America and its citizens. We should do so, not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.

That is the least we can do in recognition of the inestimable debt we owe for what they have done for us, and continue to do to make a better and safer tomorrow for generations of Americans, who will enjoy the promise of freedom and happiness as the legacy of the selfless service of countless patriots.

A few years after the end of World War I, President Calvin Coolidge cautioned Americans that “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” The admonition is as timely today as it was then.

On Veterans Day 2006 let us join together in remembering our veterans and giving thanks for all they have done for us and our great nation. And, let us pray for the safety and well being of our men and women in uniform, and wish them success as they fight for the cause of freedom and peace.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU." Remember November 11th is Veterans Day.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Thursday, November 09, 2006

What's in a Name?

MrsJ sure does have a way of distracting people while they sling salt from deep within the bowels of the Earth...

Now here is my screen name analysis results:

Although the name Dazed creates the urge to be reliable and responsible, we emphasize that it limits your versatility and scope, tuning you to technical details.

This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the elimination system, and through worry and mental tension.

Your first name of Dazed has given you a practical, logical, analytical approach to life and a great deal of patience.

You enjoy working at anything of a mechanical or technical nature, and believe that what is worth doing is worth doing well.

When you are interested in a project, you concentrate all your thoughts on it and do not appreciate being interrupted.

This name creates a deliberate and methodical way of thinking and speaking; it takes you time to learn but, once you have mastered a subject, you do not forget it.

Now here is my real first name analysis results:

The name "Thats Me" creates the urge to be creative and original, but we point out that it limits your versatility and scope, tuning you to technical details.

This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses centring in the head, and in the stomach and intestinal organs.

Your first name of "Thats Me" has given you a very practical, hard-working, systematic nature.

Your interests are focused on technical, mechanical, and scientific things, rather than interests of an artistic, musical, or social nature.

You have a rather skeptical outlook on life and rather materialistic standards.

In reaching your goals, you are very independent and resourceful, patient and determined.

You can be so very positive and definite in your own ideas and opinions that others sense a lack of tact and friendliness in your manner of expression.

Go check it out for yourself HERE.

Now what I find amazing is how analyzing my real name and my screen name actually produced results that have similarities. And how each name analysis also produced different results that still personify Dazed and yet coincide with my real person. So now I'm wondering if my screen name, which was originally created from humor and suffering, was really created from an unnoticeable presence that directs our decisions. Or is this just some random name analysis that has a few hundred answers randomly selected based upon a lifelong, or centuries long, study of human nature and its reaction to stereotypical surveys.

Regardless, this was an exciting survey for me...to actually see both names generating a synopsis of who I really am.

I must step away from the computer now before someone, namely me, gets hurt.

What Accent Quiz

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The Midland
 

"You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.

The Inland North
 
The South
 
The West
 
North Central
 
The Northeast
 
Philadelphia
 
Boston
 
What American accent do you have?
Take More Quizzes
 

Borrowed from Mrs. J.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Public Service Announcement

I bet my readers didn't know that I'm quite the gourmet cook, did ya? Let it be known I don't normally follow receipes for one simple reason, I lose things constantly especially my memory. I mix a little of this, a little of that and BAM, you've got a Dazed Gourmet Special! So why this Public Service Announcement? Simple yet again, I've got a cold and what better time of year then to provide Dazed's Cold Remedy receipes.

Dazed's receipe for a Vitamin fortified shake snack: Fresh fruits and veggies give the richest source of Vitamin C and there are lots of juices that combine fruit and vegetable juice with high levels of it. Some of the highest Vitamin C amounts can be found in sources like Rose hip, Wolfberry, Blackcurrant, Red pepper, Parsley, Guava, Kiwifruit, Broccoli, Redcurrant, Persimmon, Papaya, Strawberry, Orange, Lemon, Melon, Cauliflower, Grapefruit, Raspberry, Tangerine, Passion fruit and Spinach. Mix this all ina blender and trust me, you'll forget you've got a cold. (Cauliflower, broccoli and spinach turned me off)

Dazed's receipe for Chicken Soup: A few cans of store bought chicken soup, of your preferred brand, can be enhanced for the "kill all" remedy. Toss some Garlic in there too. As an immunity booster, garlic has a natural antibiotic called Allicin. Though Garlic is most effective when you drink fresh juice or take garlic capsules. Onions share some of the same antiviral effects as garlic and used together in cooking will give a large boost. Remember that vegetables retain their vitamin and mineral content best when eaten raw or lightly cooked, so don’t fry or boil them to oblivion.  Make sure to have allot of crackers handy...helps kill the 
garlic/onion after taste.

Dazed's homemade lonzenges: Hell, stick a peeled Garlic clove in your mouth, hold it like candy and bite down lightly to release the juices. Just like a lozenge..talk about a rush. And this remedy helps keep your family and co-workers healthy as well. Who wants to be around garlic breath more then absolutely necessary? And another benefit is no vampires!

Dazed's homemade tea: What to wash this all down with? Simple...Fresh ginger root tea is another favorite. With about an ounce of freshly grated ginger root put into a pint of water and simmer for up to 10 minutes, add a little honey, cayenne pepper and lemon makes for a lovely afternoon treat. Lemon has high levels of Vitamin C to boot and honey also does its part to help the immune system.  The cayenne pepper adds a little ZING
to your afternoon tea.

Talk about a full course vitamin meal all-in-one! I sure hope this helps you dear readers. I provide these Public Service Announcements because I want my readers to return daily, while encouraging healthy bodies and spirits.

*Disclaimer: DACFH is not responsible for any of the following: Projectile Vomiting, Vitamin Overdose, Allergic Reactions and/or any medical conditions and incurred medical expenses derived from actually following these so-called receipes.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Bits and Pieces



Just a few days left to meet the overall goal of $180,000. Collectively we are half-way there. C'mon folks...this is for a very worthy cause. Otherwise I would not be posting this. Project Valour IT Go visit and donate to your favorite Military Branch. Its a friendly competition and the monies all end up in the same coffer.

In other news...my cold came back with a vengeance. It hit me hard yesterday afternoon and hasn't let up since. Today I have an echogram and this will be interesting. Sneezing, coughing and blowing my nose while trying to get accurate readings.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Reality

Cardio-rehab is getting tougher each week. It's to be expected but damn, it already feels like I'm training for a triathalon. Hell, maybe I'll be able to run a triathalon next summer. 8 weeks of rehab isn't all that bad. It could be worse...12 weeks or longer. The people there are really nice and I'm starting to relax and be myself. I really enjoy the treadmill as I like to walk. I am looking into gyms to frequent while the weather is cold and miserable. The choices are limited but I've narrowed down to just two.

I'm supposed to be exercising at home...supposed to be. I'm exhausted when I get home from work each night. I have to lay down for 30 minutes each night. I think I've done well only having cat-napped once at work. And this weekend, I'm trying not to let this cold get any worse. I had planned on a flu shot but they advised against it while I have this cold.

That's all for now...more to follow. Stay tuned and have a great weekend!

Friday, November 03, 2006

A Search with One Result

 One result search

And no it wasn't me!  

Domain Name (Unknown)
IP Address 63.173.52.# (Sprint)
ISP Sprint
Location Continent : North America
Country : United States (Facts)
State : Virginia
City : Reston
Lat/Long : 38.8318, -77.2888 (Map)

Language English (United States)
en-us
Operating System Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Browser Internet Explorer 6.0
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.2; SV1; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; .NET CLR 1.0.3705)
Javascript version 1.3
Monitor Resolution : 1280 x 1024
Color Depth : 16 bits

Time of Visit Oct 31 2006 1:46:26 pm
Last Page View Oct 31 2006 1:46:26 pm
Visit Length 0 seconds
Page Views 1
Referring URL http://www.google.co...e that problem%2E%22
Search Engine google.com
Search Words "some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the soldiers don't have that problem."
Visit Entry Page http://dacfh.blogspo...1_dacfh_archive.html
Visit Exit Page http://dacfh.blogspo...1_dacfh_archive.html
Out Click
Time Zone UTC-6:00
Visitor's Time Oct 31 2006 12:46:26 pm
Visit Number 3,173

Does this mean I'm all alone in my world?

And the most obscure search!
Rather odd...don't you think?

And yes...I like some good good reading. Which reminds me...there are new links over there for your reading enjoyment. Go check them out and tell'em Dazd sent you. Not that they have any idea who I am...but it sounds good right?


My blog is worth $15,807.12.
How much is your blog worth?


Previously posted HERE. I'm financially expanding this blog...yea yea, I've heard it all before..."Checks in the mail"...WTFever!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Valour IT



Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss (Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss' father), provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.

Every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of voice-activated laptops for wounded servicemembers. As of October 2006, Valour-IT has distributed nearly 600 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country.

During its initial phase, Valour-IT created "libraries" of laptops equipped with voice-controlled software for the severely wounded staying at major military medical centers. In many cases a laptop was provided to a wounded hero for permanent use.

Valour-IT is continuing to accept donations of any amount to supply the "libraries" of laptops at major medical centers and gifts to individuals, but has also added the option of an individual or organization directly sponsoring a wounded soldier by completely funding the cost of a laptop and continuing to provide him or her with personal support and encouragement throughout recovery. This has proved to be an excellent project for churches, groups of coworkers or friends, and members of community organizations such Boy Scouts.

Most recently thanks to the efforts of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Valour-IT is now able to reach personnel in VA hospitals who would benefit from a Valour-IT laptop.

Wounded military personnel can request a laptop through the sign-up form if they are recovering at home or in military hospitals, or through the Valour-IT/Soldiers' Angels representatives if they are patients at the following medical centers:

Balboa Naval Hospital
Brooke Army Medical Center
Madigan Regional Medical Center
National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda Naval Hospital)
Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital (29 Palms)
Walter Reed Army Medical Center

It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put Air Force in big letters on the check):
Soldiers' Angels
1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Let's be a part of something big.

"At that time I had no use of either hand. I know how humbling it is, how humiliating it feels. And I know how much better I felt, how amazingly more functional I felt, after Soldiers' Angels provided me with a laptop and a loyal reader provided me with the software. I can't wait to do the same, to give that feeling to another soldier at Walter Reed. "
--CPT Chuck Ziegenfuss, on the inspiration for Valour-IT

Project Valour IT

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

BMS

I never posted something this emotional before. Yes, there have been a few about me lately but aside from that I rarely venture outside my own world. I've mentioned my cousin who is deployed currently and my nephew I lost back in February. And it's when I run across sites like the one in this post, I always seem to get the BMS. I'm sure most of you have experienced this whilst reading your monitor. Yes, us guys have only experienced once...Ok Ok, maybe twice, but thats all! *cough*

My blog buddy DNR posted about LCPL Joshua Ryan Bleill on his new site back sometime ago. If you remember DNR, he's the one who graciously updated you all during my tours in the hospital. Go check out his site...Grasshopper has done well.

So without much more fanfare, please go read about LCPL Joshua Ryan Bleill. Read it from beginning to end. It's worth the reading, otherwise I'd not post about it here. And make sure that you tell John Kerry "Kiss my Ass" next time he comes across the television screen. And here's a pic I shamelessly stole originally from Outside the Beltway but just realized Goldbloom's Padded Cell has it too!



And in case you haven't figured out what BMS is yet....Blurry Monitor Syndrome.

One of Indiana's Own

When the Frost is on the Punkin

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries -- kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermons to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawsack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below -- the clover overhead! --
O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin, and the fodder's in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too!
I don't know how to tell it -- but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angles wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me --
I'd want to 'commodate 'em -- all the whole-indurin' flock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!

~James Whitcomb Riley

For the non-Hoosier:
“Punkin” is a colloquial version of “pumpkin”.
“Fodder” is livestock feed, as in dried corn, and a “shock” is a heap in the field.
“Guineys” are Guinea fowl, small birds raised for their meat.
“Hallylooyer” is hallelujah.
“Tossels” are corn tassels, the flax-like ends of corn ears.
“Furries” is furrows, “meader” is meadow, and “wimmern-folks” is “women-folks”.
“Mince” refers to mincemeat pie, and “souse” refers to pickled foods.
“Boardin’” a meal, as in the “board” part of “room and board”.