I couldn't figure out how to get my leaf bags on my lawnmower yesterday, so I mulched.

At times the build-up of maple leaves in pathways created by the lawnmower was impressive.

It's already evident that this year's leaf pickup will be much easier than usual, thanks to the removal of eight poplar trees from the yard.

No poplar leaves or twigs or bark means approximately 2, 432, 710 fewer pieces of residue to scoop up and haul away.

Still, it would be nice to figure out the leaf bag. I go to You Tube for help and find that their how-to instructional videos require a lot more nuts, bolts, wrenches, screwdrivers that what I have to install my bags.

The main mystery for me involves two long rods, and I cannot figure out where they are supposed to go.

Bill has no idea either.

So, I'll keep studying the bag situation and continue mulching.

More than likely by the time I figure it out, the leaves will be gone.

For now, those still clinging to their respective bushes or trees are holding their beauty.

Well, for what it's worth, a new season of Gonzaga men's basketball is starting today.

It's an exhibition game, pitting the ZAGS against John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks. Like the challenges associated with my lawnmower bag installation, the game involves some road bumps in figuring out to watch it.

From what I read, we have to pay a subscription fee to ESPN+ and then stream the game.

I'm hoping my sisters or Willie will figure out how to stream the game on their television sets cuz I'm not that proficient in the streaming department.

If they do, we'll be taking our ZAGS swag over to Colburn to watch the game.

Since Bill and I were not here to watch Kraziness in the Kennel, we've got some catching up to do on who's who on the squad.

And, it sounds like that's fairly common, maybe even with the coaches.

What a bunch of Kraziness the once simple and fun game of watching our beloved ZAGS has become because of portals and big money for players and a brand new league.

I guess it will be good for us fans to go head-on toward a new learning curve and do our best to navigate the new ways of watching college basketball.

Anywho, it's exciting to know that the ZAGS are starting out with what should be a competitive and exciting exhibition game today.

Now, if we can just figure out how to watch it!

🏀$🏀$🏀$🏀$🏀$🏀$🏀

Gonzaga Bulldogs Game on Oct. 24 — Channel & Details

The Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Oct. 24, 2026 game is an exhibition matchup at Arkansas, airing at 1:00 PM ET on SEC Network+

Game details

Date: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Opponent: Arkansas Razorbacks
Tip-off: 1 p.m. PDT (12:00 PM MT)
Type: Exhibition game
TV channel: SEC Network+ (streaming via ESPN+ subscription)
Below: it's neat to see former ZAG Kevin Pangos making the move from player to coach, even if it isn't with the ZAGS. I kinda figure that Arizona is the ZAGS South.
GO, ZAGS!!!!!

Our dear family of deer.

Yesterday they allowed me to walk slowly toward them as they chomped on apples.

I was standing about 20 feet away when they finally decided to flip their tails in the air and run away, just around the corner.

I saw them back at the tree shortly thereafter.

I guess it depends on what kind of poop you prefer.

Is it certified weed-free poop or is it poop filled with toxins and other seedy stuff?

The nation will be making up its mind about its preferred political poop in just a few days.

I'm wondering how we'll all be feeling once the S--- finally hits the fan on Nov. 3.

Will it be total relief, the kind that only a good laxative can provide OR will it be more chronic constipation where, try as we might, we can never rid ourselves of the unsavory elements?

Guess we'll have to stay out of horse trailers and stay tuned, hoping for the best movement possible.

As for the promises, I guess it's all in the perspective.

Some promises kept, especially those of late ----not welcome.

Others, offering hope: let's see if those who make them can deliver.

Which brings me to my perennial complaint.

Why so much money and time spent on the ugliness and misery associated with elections in this country.

If we elected a whole bunch of people with spines, maybe they could pass legislation limiting the amount of time and money allowed for campaigning.

I would wager that we would know all we need to know about candidates in a month's time. If we need two to four years and bajillions of dollars to figure this out, we must be pretty stupid.

Think of how that time and money could be spent for more productive pursuits and how we might just see a trend that elevates our country on the world's "most happy" list.