Morning, everyone. Sitting here with my Saturday coffee with the sinking feeling I’ve forgotten something. Some place I have to be, something I have to do….Hmmm, hope it comes to me. Otherwise, my only obligation this weekend is to bake cookies for a cookie exchange that I’m going to tomorrow. Can’t decide what to bake but I have some pretty sprinkles and decorator’s chocolate so it’s going to be something I can cut out and decorate – gingerbread or sugar cookies, some such. Merlin is on his play stand in the kitchen looking out his window and saying “hello” to the squirrels that walk by on the fence outside. Reminds me that I thought my Christmas shopping was done, but I’ve forgotten to buy Merlin a present! I think he’d like a pomegranate and maybe a new squeaky toy to annoy me with.
Duckie ?December 3, 2016 / 9:25 am
I’m not normally conscious at this time (it’s just after six in the morning in BC) but my brain refused to shut down last night. Cute sleepy kitty looks very much like I do right now, except my hair is grey-ish compared to kitty’s gold.
We apparently have an Arctic wind descending upon us early next week. Not looking forward to wind chills on surgical scars. Might kidnap a bunch of cute kitties and hibernate. Purring is therapeutic, isn’t it?
ScoobieDecember 3, 2016 / 9:39 am
Is that a cat or a fox?
debgDecember 3, 2016 / 2:39 pm
I saw a fox this morning on the way back from the recycling center! It was very exciting for me, though probably less so for the fox.
Oh cool! There was a fox who’d walk through the back yard at my old job – we would all gather at the picture window. It never gets old.
LauraDecember 3, 2016 / 9:11 pm
When we lived in Maryland, there was a fox that would frequently sleep curled up buried in a pile of leaves against the fence behind our property. It was so beautiful. They have the most gorgeous tails!
AmylizDecember 3, 2016 / 9:56 am
Kitty has beautiful eyes! Today I’m having lunch with a friend and then we are going to a Christmas tree display and them to some cutesy/artsy shops so it should be an enjoyable day!
Massive bedroom rearranging due to procurement of 2lb puppy. Actually needed to be done for quite some time.
Millie accomplishments: 1. learned to squeak her tiny squeaky toy on her own. 2. Walked on the floor for the first time. Wow! 3. Peed on pad in “puppy jail” big crate.
Still working on placement of poop on pad!
JulieDecember 3, 2016 / 10:49 am
Millie is a ROCKSTAR!!!
debgDecember 3, 2016 / 10:56 am
She sure is!
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 12:05 pm
A CHAMP!
DulcieDecember 3, 2016 / 2:51 pm
Explain walking on floor for first time? Was she always on carpet? Did she look funny? Reminds me of my nephew at somewhere around a year old…never walked on grass before and he kept staring at it and rubbing his foot on it.
Grading like a wild woman. Midterm grades are due Monday and I am *way* behind. But I did buy some Christmas gifts today and treated myself to some goodies too (like a new winter coat marked down 40%!)
jlamusingsDecember 3, 2016 / 4:21 pm
Our semester is ending so I’m drowning in final papers. At least we do mostly online stuff now so I can quickly switch over here to calm myself when I start flailing around wildly yelling about how no one seems able to hear or read directions anymore. Sigh. I’m also drowning because I am procrastinating in a way that would make my students proud (note multiple comments today when I rarely comment). I feel like I have the biggest mental block that means can’t read another paper. I no long want to grade or comment. I’ll just use various animal pictures to express my attitudes about the work.
I have an arsenal of stickers that I can use to give positive or negative feedback to my students. I rarely use them because I usually am grading minutes before I have to hand them back. But I, too, am despairing because a high school student just submitted an English reading journal entry about a children’s book (for eight year olds!) that is only available in German and used Google Translate to convert the German book description into English *facepalm*
jlamusingsDecember 3, 2016 / 6:57 pm
hahaha! Classic. I teach college, so no stickers for them. 😉
Oh, the facepalm stories I could share…. I once had them researching how technology has advanced so quickly over the last few centuries, and 2 lovely students interrupted the silence to ask, “So did Abraham Lincoln have internet?” All the other students’ heads whipped around with mouths agape (that was comforting to me that they understood why I was speechless for a moment). I only managed to say, “Uhhhhh…… NO” before the whole class burst into laughter, including the 2 students who were probably high anyway. 😀
Hopefully you’ve read about the research about how cute pictures do increase productivity! (To a point, otherwise, we’d all have taken over the world by now XD)
debgDecember 3, 2016 / 10:29 am
A few necessary errands today, including buying new kitty wands because Scorpius keeps destroying them. Then a lot of super-intense knitting for work, hopefully followed by relaxing knitting on my own projects. If I can finish the work cowl by Monday, it will be a small-order miracle. At least I’ve got great audiobooks to keep me going on the cowl! (It’s colorwork, so if I try to watch TV, I’ll either miss things or mess up the knitting.)
While my plans might strike some as boring, a few days inside, cuddled up with kitties, yarn and books, sounds like heaven to me. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had a photo shoot for my summer magazine, outside, in Colorado’s Front Range. Tuesday featured bitter winds and I still haven’t completely thawed out. At least I could bundle up, unlike the poor models in short skirts and light sweaters.
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 12:04 pm
Everybody seems to be spending time well – whether relaxing or getting stuff done. A friend is coming today to help me clean a bit and try to put up some Christmas decorations. I still can’t really lift anything more than a couple of pounds. Hubby will help get some boxes down. It’ll be interesting because I have my “ways”, my “modi operandii” (sp?) and I’ll bet I hear some opinions. But he said he’s willing to help, so we shall see how it all goes. I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen floor and cooking so we’ll have a nice dinner without too much fuss. I haven’t done a lick of Christmas shopping and it’s doubtful I will except for one party which is a week before Christmas, a tree-trimming party with a group of old friends. I’m planning on finding something comestible because none of us needs any more stuff. Presents for this tend to be hand made or small, which is good. Egad, I’m already exhausted – I still don’t sleep very well. hopefully I will get a second wind.
DulcieDecember 3, 2016 / 2:56 pm
Handmade, small and cute…have any of you crafty people seen the 100 felt faces? I can’t remember the site but it can probably be Googled. Very sweet!
LauraDecember 3, 2016 / 4:02 pm
Didn’t Mike have it in the Links post yesterday? I checked the artist’s Etsy site, but she only had two up. 🙁 I wanted the one with the yarn wound round it and the mini-knitting needles stuck through it!
Yes, I scrolled through all 100 of them over at Bored Panda (from the link here) and just marveled at them. Amazing! It’s so cool to see the artist go off on a tangent, new theme, then return to main motifs.
Phred's MomDecember 3, 2016 / 3:31 pm
Don’t make yourself crazy over decorations, you still need healing.
I passed on a tree this year, just want to take it easy. Garland and
ornaments with “fairy lights” on the mantel, that’s it. And got out
the doll house my father made for me in 1943. Reglueing woodwork,
making curtains and bedding, and generally making it presentable
in its old age. Fun. Take it easy and let hubster do his thing. His way
may give you some new good ideas. Or not. In any case, joint projects
can be fun, if one doesn’t take stuff too seriously. I will try to remember
this when we are bread-baking tomorrow. It could get serious fast.
The dollhouse project sounds cool! I love miniature anything.
AmylizDecember 3, 2016 / 7:04 pm
I agree! That dollhouse sounds like a treasure!
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:11 pm
Yes! – and I haven’t forgotten that I have to look through what I have that might go with your house. And, Duckie, I haven’t forgotten about the lace! I have put a few pieces aside but haven’t gone through the mother lode yet.
Duckie ?December 3, 2016 / 9:01 pm
Take your time. Your health is more important than any lace.
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:30 am
Exactly, none of this stuff is urgent.
Heal, Murray, that’s what is important.
This stuff s just fun frills, not vital.
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:09 pm
No way will my husband actually decorate, He just helped carry the boxes and put them in the hall, then off to whatever it is he does. But my friend and I managed to get my little 5′ fake tree – the one for my studio – up and decorated. I made a lot of the decorations for that one – crocheted snowflakes and clothespin dolls. Now I can sit in there and get a strong dose of Christmas. We won’t do a big tree this year – maybe a tabletop tree, just to get the balsam smell. I have to admit that I really hurt tonight. I try not to overdo but I guess one does things one isn’t immediately aware of.
I made a great dinner. I found a chicken in my chest freezer – turns out it was from 2012!!! But it was dee-lish – stewed it, then sautéed lots of veggies that I added to the broth (after removing meat from bones). I had roasted a couple of pounds of sweet potatoes in the morning, mashed half with a lot of fresh peeled ginger to make ginger sweet potato mash. Served it in a soup plate, potatoes in the middle and the stew/soup in a moat surrounding them. It was quite yummy.
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:35 am
Making that wonderful dinner may have been the cause of the
pain in the shoulder. While we’re having fun, we don’t notice
the strain, the reaction lies in wait for later. Endorphins?
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 10:27 am
Could be, makes sense. It still hurts today – I’m about to do my exercises – I’ll see how much I can do. I go easy on myself if I feel I can’t go beyond a certain threshold. YOua re all so sweet with your concern and I thank you.
PattyDecember 3, 2016 / 12:25 pm
I have a lot of crocheting to do, so a lot of my weekend will be that. On Sunday evening I will go watch my youngest daughter sing. She is a member of our town’s chorale, and their Christmas concert is Sunday. She said she has sort of a solo, like a section of a song is just her singing. If you click the link, she is the girl in the middle in the 2nd row. http://www.salinachorale.com/
My niece (mother of the baby my other daughter is fostering) will be done with her probation violation prison sentence on Monday. Her baby is 3 months old, and she hasn’t seen him since he was 3 wks old. She will have visitation with him Tuesday.
taraDecember 3, 2016 / 1:37 pm
Oh beautiful kitty eyes. The fur around the eyes looks like massive eye lashes. Gorgeous.
Its a beautiful day in Philadelphia, lots of puffy clouds scuttling across the sky. I’m going to catch up on Wait Wait Don’t Tell me and knit the thumb onto a mitten to finish it. After that I’m making a box for Butch. Butch is the feral cat who has been in my yard for about three years. He is a perfectly symmetrical tuxedo kitty. Very handsome. After the first few months I caught him and took him to Paws for shots and to get him fixed. He was scared to death but really sweet while he was in the bathroom recuperating, but after two days he broke out through the window screen. He stayed in the yard for the next two years but wouldn’t come anywhere near me until about two months ago. Suddenly he has decided – yes please – he actually would quite like some human love! This is not making Jacques (the cat I belong to) happy at all. So Butch has to stay outside for now and keep feeding himself. Which he does quite well on all of my squirrels. Fine with me – they keep breaking into my house and chewing on it. Anyway, box for Butch, because he keeps zipping into the shed and parking himself on the garden chair pillows. So I think a box with some warm clothes for him to snuggle in are in order.
Then we’ll see what happens after that. Probably more knitting and Christmas gift making. Oh – and y’all reminded me that I should decorate! Thanks! 🙂 Happy Saturday everyone!
dubravkamcvmdDecember 3, 2016 / 1:42 pm
Your Butch situation sounds interesting. Keep us posted!
jlamusingsDecember 3, 2016 / 4:16 pm
Not that you probably already don’t know this, but there’s some good vids on Youtube about making inexpensive insulated outside shelters for kitties. I like Cole & Marmalade’s version since Marm “helps” a bit. 🙂
taraDecember 3, 2016 / 4:40 pm
Thanks Jlamusings! Actually – it didn’t occur to me to look up any instructions for this! I will check these suggestions out immediately. Hopefully I didn’t do too much wrong. I just took a sturdy cardboard box from the basement, covered it with tyvek cut a hole and stuffed an old sheet and a towel into it. Butch was ambivalent until I threw some catnip in there. Then that box got a lot more interesting.
Will keep you posted. 🙂
Butch sounds like a delightful character! I was going to recommend the Cole & Marm video too, but it sounds like you’ve got matters well in hand.
taraDecember 3, 2016 / 5:00 pm
So, Yeah, Cole and Marmalade’s insulated house is WAY better than mine, (not to mention is just brilliant!) This one will do for now, but I think there will be an upgrade in the near future.
jlamusingsDecember 3, 2016 / 6:59 pm
I have vet tech friends who are involved in rescue, so I sorta knew about the double plastic containers with insulation already. I love Cole & Marm’s take on it with the 2 inside containers to fit more kitties!
Gigi the cat ladyDecember 3, 2016 / 2:12 pm
Not much going on here, my husband and I went out for breakfast and then we did the weekly shopping for groceries. Also we’ll be going out for dîner later, nothing fancy just for Chinese, otherwise it’s going to be a quiet weekend.
murkle46December 3, 2016 / 3:02 pm
extra big kitty cats on imgur posts today
jlamusingsDecember 3, 2016 / 4:17 pm
*grabby hands* Want snuggles!!!
Hm. But where would I sleep? My normal-sized kitties take up way too much of the bed on cold nights already. I suspect I’d be sleeping on the floor if I had big kitties.
murkle46December 4, 2016 / 8:20 am
I think there would have to be serious dedication involved when I think of what litter box maintenance must entail.Real motivation to give potty training your cat a try!
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 10:56 am
You’d need a kid-sized sand box for those kitties. I had friends who, once, when the door to the bathroom was closed meowed and scratched – then ran in when the door was opened to squat on the john. She had trained herself to use the potty!
LauraDecember 3, 2016 / 3:16 pm
Sounds like it’s a fairly quiet weekend for everybody. Us, too. Hubs isn’t feeling well, so his plans for taking Melody down to the VA have been discarded, and instead the plan is to have our lovely teenage neighbor, who has recently become our dogsitter — her family’s name ought to be Super-Responsible, they are all incredibly nice and incredibly hardworking — take the Idiots for a nice walk. They adore her, so that works out well. My back, alas, simply won’t let me walk that much, which is frustrating but I’m learning to live with it.
I’ll be doing a bit of work otherwise, which I’ve been putting off but is due Monday, and a bit of knitting — I need to finish the foot on a sock. I wish I could still do colorwork; I used to, but lately my hands hurt too much when I do. So I stick to socks, which don’t hurt, or lace, which can be as fancy as I can handle (I adore knitting fancy lace with fine yarn), and for the socks, let the yarn do all the work — I love wildly patterned and striped yarns.
Melody is asleep on her bed in the living room, and Sebastian is sleeping on the chair in the corner of my office. And I think hubs is sleeping at his computer, or at least vegging.
And that’s our exciting life.
Phred's MomDecember 3, 2016 / 3:20 pm
Spent a pleasant birthday at a “food fair” and bought lots of
special handmade goodies for us and for little “table gifts” like springerle,
lebkuchen, olive/fig jam and orange/apricot/almond preserves. Then a nice
lunch to celebrate my day. Realized last night it’s unwise to count how many
years till I turn ninety. Bummer. Tomorrow we bake bread using a flour from
Italy which uses an ancient grain that was nearly extinct, but has been
resurrected, as it were. We will have some (hope it turns out ok!) with
blueberry/lemon preserves and butter. Life is good. *Said she, waddling
out of the kitchen*
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:17 pm
Happy Birthday, Phred’s Mom! sounds like a very nice way to spend your day – waddling and all!?
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:41 am
Sure hope today will be good. Sometimes when we work a joint
project, we each want to be in charge, so things can get a bit strained.
The kitchen is mainly my territory, and MyMike was a boss for many
years before retirement, so we try to steer clear of sharp objects when
we cook together. Usually, it’s good and enjoyable.
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 10:28 am
Let us know how it goes???
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 5:23 pm
Ancient Sicilian grain flour worked pretty well.
Ancient Phred’s Mom and MyMike ditto.
Just had some warm fresh out of the oven
with butter and fig/olive jam. My Shetland grand-
dad used to say that rocks boiled in butter make
a lovely broth. Butter enhances a lot. All kidding
aside, it was very nice. Took a lot of work, converting
grams and Celsius to American, or even English measures.
We had to play with the time, too, so it was quite the project.
And no arguing! Yay!
Oh, happy belated birthday! I missed that part yesterday – hope it turned out great.
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 5:24 pm
Thanks, Smarty! It was very nice indeed.
Alice ShortcakeDecember 3, 2016 / 3:28 pm
After four months in the new house I’m reaching the end of my wallpapering and painting marathon (thanks to eyesight problems I’m way behind schedule). Earlier today I rewarded myself by buying a ticket for Handel’s “Messiah” at York Minster next week.
Phred's MomDecember 3, 2016 / 4:22 pm
What a marvelous place for this music. I would be
in tears. I envy you.
Alice ShortcakeDecember 3, 2016 / 5:44 pm
I go every year, and now I live within walking distance of the Minster. But I’ve learned from previous experience to wrap up VERY warm – central heating doesn’t have much effect in a massive stone building!
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:47 am
It’s a wonderment to me that there even is any kind of
heating in York Minster. And, by the way, I think Richard III
should have been (re)buried there, he was a York king, after
all, no? He still is getting the short end, so to speak. Enjoy the
music. I barely made it through choral music in the cathedral
in Orvieto, Italy without tears. The voices! The organ! The
sounds wraps around one and is overwhelming. Wish I were
with you.
Hi Cutetropolitans – quiet day here – went to the transfer station (dump) this morning (I was very good and didn’t pick up any treasures – I need to find a new apartment after New Year’s, so I’m becoming very aware that anything I bring home, I’ll have to move…). Dropped off Toys for Tots at the police station; drugstore, supermarket, etc. Placed an Amazon order thru Mike’s link here (organic houseplant food and vegan ‘jerky’ sampler).
Vivid nightmares this week, the kind where I wake up punching and hollering – my poor neighbor in apartment next door must be wondering “what are you doing over there??”
Tomorrow: laundromat, pharmacy, bagel shop. I want to nab some milkweed pods at the roadside to plant next year for the Monarch butterflies – it’s really late in the season, so most of the seeds have already popped and been dispersed, but even a few would be a start.
Next week: two physical therapy appointments, and want to visit the local self-storage place to get a rate sheet for the move, and their recommendations of a moving company…
fkaWaldenPondDecember 3, 2016 / 7:01 pm
I am sorry to read about the nightmares SP; I had one myself. With all the changes going on in your life it makes sense; working stuff out.
And re milkweed, one of my most magical memories is taking the train from Oakville back to Mississauga and as it blew through, all the monarchs that were feasting on the railside milkweek blew up in swirling clouds as an orange fluttering wake.
Thank you FKA, I appreciate it. Last night I had cute dreams instead, about a baby zebra – hope your night was better too!
And this morning I nabbed a big bunch of milkweed pods that hadn’t completely popped, so I’ve got seeds for 2017. Yay! Your train ride with the Monarchs sounds lovely.
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:31 pm
That’s disruptive, right in the middle of winter, to have to find another apartment – and you’re having PT? And nightmares? Egad, Smarty pants, that’s a lot to deal with. Can only wish you peace and healing. I’m sure you’ve told us what the PT is for but I’m not remembering – I try so hard to keep everybody straight with their various goings on but not always possible. (If I knew how to do a spread sheet I might consider it!)
Thank you Murray, that’s very kind. I lived here happily for 20 years, but then the owner sold the building to a fellow who turned out to be like a cartoon slumlord, and I’m just done. So I’m telling friends and neighbors, and starting to de-clutter so I don’t have to tote everything to the next place. I plan to stay in the same town because I love it here.
The PT is for chronic inflammatory stuff that’s had me unable to work for a few years – joint pain / migraines / fatigue. PT worked wonders for me a few years ago, so we’re doing another round. They’re super nice people and I have a lot of confidence in them, plus any kind of exercise is good for one’s mood. I want to make some endorphins! 😀
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 5:21 pm
Very true – it’s hard when you’re in pain to do exercise, but it really is the best thing under most circumstances. It feels so good when you stop!?
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 5:27 pm
Please feel better, soon, SP! It is so difficult
to do anything at all when one feels crummy.
Pain sucks all the joy out of just about everything.
Thank you, Phred’s Mom! The support from lovely folks here really helps.
allein ?December 3, 2016 / 5:56 pm
Getting into the Christmas spirit!
Yesterday my boss called me into his office to tell me I’m getting a raise. Not a huge amount, but considering we’ve had the work of two people added to our workload since August (one left in August, the other in October), it’s nice to get a little something for it. And when review time rolls around my next raise will be from a slightly higher starting point.
This morning I went to my nieceish’s Christmas play at their church. She was a cow. At about 20 minutes in the sheep next to her said, “I’m tired. I’m hungry.” Pretty sure that wasn’t in the script (really they just sang songs; the only script was the teacher’s words). And one little shepherd cried through the whole thing. It was entertaining.
After that we went to lunch and then the bookstore, where she got a little raincoat and boots for their Elf on the Shelf (whose name is Isabelle).
And here’s a mildly amusing thing I saw on facebook last night…
I was that way in elementary and high school, not so bad in college. But I reverted in adulthood even tho’ I performed music. I was always feeling invisible (despite my almost 5’10” frame). I think shy people often end up as performers. But I got over my shyness when I married – I could be my complete self, no tension around men anymore. I still have some residual shyness but I have a much better time now with people of all stripes.
EmsthemonsterDecember 4, 2016 / 3:11 pm
I was somewhat invisible in elementary, quite popular at high school and university and as a young adult, but now I am completely invisible – avoided at best …
As for Allein’s name game: I am Oz 🙂
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 5:19 pm
The Great and Powerful?????
EmsthemonsterDecember 5, 2016 / 3:14 am
a smaller and less powerful version 🙂
Murray C.December 5, 2016 / 10:05 am
Oz Lite, then?
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:51 am
I doubt that, Faye.
And I would be Do,
which is actually what
some of the other kids
called me way back when.
AmylizDecember 3, 2016 / 7:08 pm
I love the Christmas play story…funny! 😀
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:28 pm
Yes, and I love the two cats and their little Christmas song.
I think, since I can’t go to the Messiah at York Minster, much as I would love to, that I’ll put on a recording this evening. I could use the beautiful music.
My SIL called a little while ago — MIL, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, had to be admitted to the hospital last night. Her blood oxygen drops into the low 70s when she sleeps (it should be in the high 90s), but worse, they can’t properly control her pain — if they do control it, she has so much medication in her that she can’t breathe. It sounds, unfortunately, like she’s going downhill really rapidly. The tumor is already about 3 inches (7 cm). So my husband has changed his plans — he was going to go see her in early January, but now he’s leaving Monday morning. That leaves him one day to take care of stuff around here.
She’s such a wonderful woman! I talked to her a couple days ago, and she was telling me how miserable she felt, but was still trying to stay so cheerful. She was supposed to start radiation treatment this week — maybe she still will, but who knows? I really wish there was something someone, anyone, could do so that she doesn’t suffer like this!!!
I’m sorry to be such a downer, but the news a little while ago just gobsmacked us. Any and all prayers or good wishes/thoughts will be welcome. She’s one of those tiny, strong women the world depends on, you know?
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 8:24 pm
So sorry for this terrible news, Laura! How often these things happen around the holidays. And I’m sorry, too, that you won’t have the solace of a live performance of the Messiah. All one can do is keep on keeping’ on. We’re all pulling for you and your MIL.
LauraDecember 3, 2016 / 9:27 pm
Thanks, Murray. I know that my MIL is in the best hands with my oldest SIL managing her care — she was the head of the radiation department at that very hospital until she retired last year, so she knows every doctor and nurse and understands exactly what is going on better than anybody else. I feel very confident that she’ll make the best possible decisions. And of course Agnes herself is able to make decisions as to what she wants to do, so it will be a group effort. I’m just glad my husband can go out and be with his sisters who live nearby. One more sister and their other brother live farther away and are working, so can’t drop everything and come. That’s the advantage of being retired, I guess.
I could find a live performance of the Messiah, I’m sure, but it can’t possibly be as wonderful as the one Alice is going to — I found a video of the soprano performing “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion,” and her voice is so beautiful it nearly made me cry tears of pure joy! I know it’s going to be magical, Alice — I certainly hope there’s a video made of it for the benefit of those of us not on your side of the pond!
And on a much lighter note, the reporting company I do a lot of transcription for sent out their occasional newsletter, and one item was written twice in all caps:
CHECK SPELLING AND GRAMMER!
CHECK SPELLING AND GRAMMER!
What is wrong with this picture? 😀 😀 I plan to give them SO MUCH GRIEF over this, and deservedly so! 😀 😀
allein ?December 3, 2016 / 9:53 pm
Maybe they’re testing you. 😉
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 11:16 pm
Funny! A moment of lightness.
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:54 am
We will all send positive thoughts her way.
It is horrid for her and for all who love her.
Laura, please give my best to your MIL (and yourself, too). I’m glad that she can make decisions and be involved in her own care, and that your SIL knows the ropes.
Oh, and –
Chek speling adn grammer!
RechercheDecember 3, 2016 / 7:13 pm
The lambs have been judged fuzzy enough to endure them and mom being moved out of the house to the semi-heated barn. This is making mom much happier. One of the rams/possibly the father (the big black guy in the pics) has now decided to adopt mom and the twins and is defending them against all comers. Including the vet. Further (bad) pics included below.
Recherche, that lamb looks just like a roasted marshmallow! He/she is adorable.❤️
We volunteered this morning, helping to restore a native habitat at one of our local colleges. The bonus for me was Bella the Papillion who accompanied one of the volunteers – she’s was super sweet and adorable.
I am on my own tonight because hubby is on his way to visit a friend who appears to be losing his battle with prostate and brain cancer. Laura, you and your family are in my prayers.
Prayers for all who are in pain be it physical or emotional.
LauraDecember 4, 2016 / 7:32 pm
You expressed that perfectly, Faye. Emotional pain can be as painful as physical pain. And us nice cutetropolitans (did we ever decide on the word to call ourselves?) are as supportive of the one as the other, I know. It is SO REFRESHING to just find a place where everyone is NICE, you know? This is such a safe corner of peace on the internet!
allein ?December 3, 2016 / 10:01 pm
La-la-la-la-la-la-la!
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 11:23 pm
This is terrific.
I know every town and hamlet has a version of the Sing Along Messiah, but I had heard that in San Francisco (whether this happens now I don’t know) they had a “Dance Along Nutcracker” – you rented a tutu for two dollars.
This looks so good! Amusing anecdote– last time I saw the Nutcracker live was in 2003 (I saw it quite a few times when I was young) but this time I was in university watching a performance at the Sony Centre in Toronto. One of the Snowflakes was so ‘robust’ in her pioroutetting she spun relatively out of control off into the stage wing. We were impressed that she didn’t fall but merely kept on, keeping on, off into stage left. It was obvious to the audience members who were familiar with the production but thankfully most were not. We all kinda looked around at each other and kindly not spitefully cracked up.
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 10:11 am
Ah. leave it to you, Allein! thanks for that. It does look like fun and I wish they had something like that around where I live!.
fkaWaldenPondDecember 3, 2016 / 11:06 pm
Hey Murray C, no sign or news on Heiki K? Hopefully she is busy with release from hospital arrangements, getting Matsi’s ‘Dad’ home and settled comfortably.
Murray C.December 3, 2016 / 11:18 pm
No, I haven’t seen anything – it is concerning but I imagine she must be very preoccupied with what is happening. I just hope the news is good when we do hear from her.
DulcieDecember 3, 2016 / 11:42 pm
Laura I am sending prayers and hugs – it is a very difficult time isn’t it. Our mysterious creator, whatever the entity, gave us both pain and happiness to endure and experience. If we didn’t love we would not suffer the pain of loss. So all we can do is count our blessings that we knew someone worthy of that emotion. It is totally not fair but dare I add – that’s life.
And yes I have been wondering about Matsi’s Dad as well. I don’t know if the silence means something grim.
allein ?December 4, 2016 / 12:24 am
New Simon’s Cat!
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 10:32 am
Thanks for that, Allein. He gets it so right.
Our cat has taken to batting around a little object in our guest room bathtub. What’s so hilarious is the sound of her purring magnified by the tub. She’s a pretty game gal for 17 years of age.
EmsthemonsterDecember 4, 2016 / 4:40 am
Happy Birthday to Phred’s Mom!
Iam also sending warm wishes, comforting thoughts to Laura.
jlamusingsDecember 4, 2016 / 8:13 am
Agree to both comments (hugs) all around (be they celebratory or comforting)
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 8:57 am
Thank you, all!
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 3:00 pm
Phred’s Mom, I have to talk to you! But it will require Mike sending me, with your permission, your email address. I have a fun idea. In your neighborhood.
These cookies are so well done! I’d hate to eat one, tho’. But perhaps I could force myself to take just one TEENSY bite and…….. (Cookie Monster in me takes over and I end up with crumbs all over my face and an empty tray of cookies)
AJDecember 4, 2016 / 5:26 pm
Well Murray C. we’d have to fight for the owl ones. And the others as well, me loves cookies too. Way too much. For me, life and a meal is not complete without at least one cookie (but it usually involves many more).
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 5:29 pm
Yes, cookies are my go to dessert. Pies I’m so-so about, I like cake, but give me a cookie anytime.
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 5:35 pm
Yes, a nice big,fat, butter cookie would be nice right about now.
allein ?December 4, 2016 / 11:03 am
My next door neighbors put a red light bulb in their porch light. I know it’s meant to be Christmasy, but…
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 11:10 am
And “Roxanne” fit in how????? I am confused.
allein ?December 4, 2016 / 11:31 am
The song is about a prostitute.
Roxanne you don’t have to put on the red light
Those days are over you don’t have to sell your body to the night
I think this year I’m finally going to give in and buy one of those retro Christmas bubble-light night lights – I’ve wanted one forever.
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 2:58 pm
I love those, too. I got night lights like that. Remember that sometimes they need a good shake to get them bubbling.
But, of course it was red (said like Maurice Chevalier)
Phred's MomDecember 4, 2016 / 5:37 pm
We had those Noma bubblers on the tree when I was a kid.
They are fun.
fkaWaldenPondDecember 4, 2016 / 9:01 pm
In and out of here all weekend and just saw it is your birthday Phreds Mom. Happy Birthday! 🙂
AJDecember 4, 2016 / 5:37 pm
Little late getting to the party and I looked like this guy yesterday. Birthday Felicitations to Phred’s Mom and hugs to Laura. Caring for your parents as they get older is one of the harder things to do. Lost my father earlier this year and now it looks like my mom is starting to decline after having a stroke. Stay strong and good that you have other family members to help out.
Was up early yesterday, dropped off puppy dog at daycare and went on a day trip to a Tamale Festival out near Palm Springs CA. For those not in the know, tamales are latin american/mexican corn dumplings stuffed with some kind or meat or cheese or fruit then wrapped in a corn husk/banana leaf and steamed. Yummmy!!!! I planned on eating my way through the festival but had to stop after 2-1/2. I was expecting small ones (say about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide) but one I had was huuuuge, had to be about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide so that filled me up pretty quickly. It was a pretty day just long – the bus left at 8 am and we got back around 7 pm.
Today is spent running errands, cleaning, and laundry. Then Wed, I’m out to CO to finish cleaning out my mom’s apt she lived in before moving to assisted living. 2 days of hell and then that should be all done. Most everything is going into storage or to Goodwill. By next Sunday, I’ll be exhausted so I won’t be posting next week.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 8:34 pm
Oh,man, good luck with all of that, AJ – that’s a LOT! Let us know how it goes!
I have a bit of news: I’ve inherited a pet rabbit from a niece who learned she’s allergic to rabbits. The rabbit’s name is Ani, and she’s a rather big rabbit whose favorite game is to run around with a scrap of paper in her mouth. I also inherited her cage, food dishes and food, everything she needs.
So she’s living in my screened front porch where she can watch the world go by. I’ll try to have some pictures and video of her soon.
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 8:40 pm
Just be sure she has LOTS of Timothy hay – the most important of her foods – NO alfalfa pellet for adult rabbits, only Timothy pellets – Oxbow is a good company. Not too many sugary treats (banana and apple are very sugary) lots of fresh veggies – romaine lettuce, curly endive, parsley, cilantro, – not too much of the crucifers – kale, broccoli. Keep her reasonably cool – rabbits start to get uncomfortable over 70 degrees. And if you need to know anything, google The House Rabbit Society and all will be revealed! Lucky you to have a bun in your life, congratulations. Sorry to put it all out there – you may already know this, but I’m very protective of buns since their needs are oft misunderstood. I’m sure some of our other bunny lovers here will add their two cents!? I love that she runs around with apiece of paper! Adorable – PICTURES SOON, YES.
Thank you, I do appreciate the advice. I have a full package of Timothy hay. I made her a toy by stringing together some toilet paper rolls and stuffing those with hay too. I will look for that Oxbow brand. Summers get hot where I am, so I will have to work out an indoor arrangement for those months.
Murray C.December 4, 2016 / 8:55 pm
Sounds like you’ll be a good bunny Dad. Something we give to our bunnies for a healthy treat is Shredded wheat and bran – it comes in the brown box, little squares of whole wheat – they go NUTS over them. And tho’ it may sound silly, rabbits really need to be taken to a vet who treats exotics – who’d a’ thunk a rabbit could be considered exotic. And if she’s not neutered it’s good to get her spayed – they live longer and behave better. Females that don’t have kits can develop uterine cancer at much higher rates. (years of working with a rabbit rescue? )
DubravkamcvmdDecember 4, 2016 / 8:47 pm
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see her!
EmsthemonsterDecember 5, 2016 / 9:20 am
Congratulations Mike, may you have many great years together!
Morning, everyone. Sitting here with my Saturday coffee with the sinking feeling I’ve forgotten something. Some place I have to be, something I have to do….Hmmm, hope it comes to me. Otherwise, my only obligation this weekend is to bake cookies for a cookie exchange that I’m going to tomorrow. Can’t decide what to bake but I have some pretty sprinkles and decorator’s chocolate so it’s going to be something I can cut out and decorate – gingerbread or sugar cookies, some such. Merlin is on his play stand in the kitchen looking out his window and saying “hello” to the squirrels that walk by on the fence outside. Reminds me that I thought my Christmas shopping was done, but I’ve forgotten to buy Merlin a present! I think he’d like a pomegranate and maybe a new squeaky toy to annoy me with.
I’m not normally conscious at this time (it’s just after six in the morning in BC) but my brain refused to shut down last night. Cute sleepy kitty looks very much like I do right now, except my hair is grey-ish compared to kitty’s gold.
We apparently have an Arctic wind descending upon us early next week. Not looking forward to wind chills on surgical scars. Might kidnap a bunch of cute kitties and hibernate. Purring is therapeutic, isn’t it?
Is that a cat or a fox?
I saw a fox this morning on the way back from the recycling center! It was very exciting for me, though probably less so for the fox.
Oh cool! There was a fox who’d walk through the back yard at my old job – we would all gather at the picture window. It never gets old.
When we lived in Maryland, there was a fox that would frequently sleep curled up buried in a pile of leaves against the fence behind our property. It was so beautiful. They have the most gorgeous tails!
Kitty has beautiful eyes! Today I’m having lunch with a friend and then we are going to a Christmas tree display and them to some cutesy/artsy shops so it should be an enjoyable day!
Massive bedroom rearranging due to procurement of 2lb puppy. Actually needed to be done for quite some time.
Millie accomplishments: 1. learned to squeak her tiny squeaky toy on her own. 2. Walked on the floor for the first time. Wow! 3. Peed on pad in “puppy jail” big crate.
Still working on placement of poop on pad!
Millie is a ROCKSTAR!!!
She sure is!
A CHAMP!
Explain walking on floor for first time? Was she always on carpet? Did she look funny? Reminds me of my nephew at somewhere around a year old…never walked on grass before and he kept staring at it and rubbing his foot on it.
Grading like a wild woman. Midterm grades are due Monday and I am *way* behind. But I did buy some Christmas gifts today and treated myself to some goodies too (like a new winter coat marked down 40%!)
Our semester is ending so I’m drowning in final papers. At least we do mostly online stuff now so I can quickly switch over here to calm myself when I start flailing around wildly yelling about how no one seems able to hear or read directions anymore. Sigh. I’m also drowning because I am procrastinating in a way that would make my students proud (note multiple comments today when I rarely comment). I feel like I have the biggest mental block that means can’t read another paper. I no long want to grade or comment. I’ll just use various animal pictures to express my attitudes about the work.
I have an arsenal of stickers that I can use to give positive or negative feedback to my students. I rarely use them because I usually am grading minutes before I have to hand them back. But I, too, am despairing because a high school student just submitted an English reading journal entry about a children’s book (for eight year olds!) that is only available in German and used Google Translate to convert the German book description into English *facepalm*
hahaha! Classic. I teach college, so no stickers for them. 😉
Oh, the facepalm stories I could share…. I once had them researching how technology has advanced so quickly over the last few centuries, and 2 lovely students interrupted the silence to ask, “So did Abraham Lincoln have internet?” All the other students’ heads whipped around with mouths agape (that was comforting to me that they understood why I was speechless for a moment). I only managed to say, “Uhhhhh…… NO” before the whole class burst into laughter, including the 2 students who were probably high anyway. 😀
“Yes…only they called it the telegraph…” 😀
Hopefully you’ve read about the research about how cute pictures do increase productivity! (To a point, otherwise, we’d all have taken over the world by now XD)
A few necessary errands today, including buying new kitty wands because Scorpius keeps destroying them. Then a lot of super-intense knitting for work, hopefully followed by relaxing knitting on my own projects. If I can finish the work cowl by Monday, it will be a small-order miracle. At least I’ve got great audiobooks to keep me going on the cowl! (It’s colorwork, so if I try to watch TV, I’ll either miss things or mess up the knitting.)
While my plans might strike some as boring, a few days inside, cuddled up with kitties, yarn and books, sounds like heaven to me. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had a photo shoot for my summer magazine, outside, in Colorado’s Front Range. Tuesday featured bitter winds and I still haven’t completely thawed out. At least I could bundle up, unlike the poor models in short skirts and light sweaters.
Everybody seems to be spending time well – whether relaxing or getting stuff done. A friend is coming today to help me clean a bit and try to put up some Christmas decorations. I still can’t really lift anything more than a couple of pounds. Hubby will help get some boxes down. It’ll be interesting because I have my “ways”, my “modi operandii” (sp?) and I’ll bet I hear some opinions. But he said he’s willing to help, so we shall see how it all goes. I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen floor and cooking so we’ll have a nice dinner without too much fuss. I haven’t done a lick of Christmas shopping and it’s doubtful I will except for one party which is a week before Christmas, a tree-trimming party with a group of old friends. I’m planning on finding something comestible because none of us needs any more stuff. Presents for this tend to be hand made or small, which is good. Egad, I’m already exhausted – I still don’t sleep very well. hopefully I will get a second wind.
Handmade, small and cute…have any of you crafty people seen the 100 felt faces? I can’t remember the site but it can probably be Googled. Very sweet!
Didn’t Mike have it in the Links post yesterday? I checked the artist’s Etsy site, but she only had two up. 🙁 I wanted the one with the yarn wound round it and the mini-knitting needles stuck through it!
Yes that was the one – I forgot where I saw it!
Yes, I scrolled through all 100 of them over at Bored Panda (from the link here) and just marveled at them. Amazing! It’s so cool to see the artist go off on a tangent, new theme, then return to main motifs.
Don’t make yourself crazy over decorations, you still need healing.
I passed on a tree this year, just want to take it easy. Garland and
ornaments with “fairy lights” on the mantel, that’s it. And got out
the doll house my father made for me in 1943. Reglueing woodwork,
making curtains and bedding, and generally making it presentable
in its old age. Fun. Take it easy and let hubster do his thing. His way
may give you some new good ideas. Or not. In any case, joint projects
can be fun, if one doesn’t take stuff too seriously. I will try to remember
this when we are bread-baking tomorrow. It could get serious fast.
The dollhouse project sounds cool! I love miniature anything.
I agree! That dollhouse sounds like a treasure!
Yes! – and I haven’t forgotten that I have to look through what I have that might go with your house. And, Duckie, I haven’t forgotten about the lace! I have put a few pieces aside but haven’t gone through the mother lode yet.
Take your time. Your health is more important than any lace.
Exactly, none of this stuff is urgent.
Heal, Murray, that’s what is important.
This stuff s just fun frills, not vital.
No way will my husband actually decorate, He just helped carry the boxes and put them in the hall, then off to whatever it is he does. But my friend and I managed to get my little 5′ fake tree – the one for my studio – up and decorated. I made a lot of the decorations for that one – crocheted snowflakes and clothespin dolls. Now I can sit in there and get a strong dose of Christmas. We won’t do a big tree this year – maybe a tabletop tree, just to get the balsam smell. I have to admit that I really hurt tonight. I try not to overdo but I guess one does things one isn’t immediately aware of.
I made a great dinner. I found a chicken in my chest freezer – turns out it was from 2012!!! But it was dee-lish – stewed it, then sautéed lots of veggies that I added to the broth (after removing meat from bones). I had roasted a couple of pounds of sweet potatoes in the morning, mashed half with a lot of fresh peeled ginger to make ginger sweet potato mash. Served it in a soup plate, potatoes in the middle and the stew/soup in a moat surrounding them. It was quite yummy.
Making that wonderful dinner may have been the cause of the
pain in the shoulder. While we’re having fun, we don’t notice
the strain, the reaction lies in wait for later. Endorphins?
Could be, makes sense. It still hurts today – I’m about to do my exercises – I’ll see how much I can do. I go easy on myself if I feel I can’t go beyond a certain threshold. YOua re all so sweet with your concern and I thank you.
I have a lot of crocheting to do, so a lot of my weekend will be that. On Sunday evening I will go watch my youngest daughter sing. She is a member of our town’s chorale, and their Christmas concert is Sunday. She said she has sort of a solo, like a section of a song is just her singing. If you click the link, she is the girl in the middle in the 2nd row. http://www.salinachorale.com/
My niece (mother of the baby my other daughter is fostering) will be done with her probation violation prison sentence on Monday. Her baby is 3 months old, and she hasn’t seen him since he was 3 wks old. She will have visitation with him Tuesday.
Oh beautiful kitty eyes. The fur around the eyes looks like massive eye lashes. Gorgeous.
Its a beautiful day in Philadelphia, lots of puffy clouds scuttling across the sky. I’m going to catch up on Wait Wait Don’t Tell me and knit the thumb onto a mitten to finish it. After that I’m making a box for Butch. Butch is the feral cat who has been in my yard for about three years. He is a perfectly symmetrical tuxedo kitty. Very handsome. After the first few months I caught him and took him to Paws for shots and to get him fixed. He was scared to death but really sweet while he was in the bathroom recuperating, but after two days he broke out through the window screen. He stayed in the yard for the next two years but wouldn’t come anywhere near me until about two months ago. Suddenly he has decided – yes please – he actually would quite like some human love! This is not making Jacques (the cat I belong to) happy at all. So Butch has to stay outside for now and keep feeding himself. Which he does quite well on all of my squirrels. Fine with me – they keep breaking into my house and chewing on it. Anyway, box for Butch, because he keeps zipping into the shed and parking himself on the garden chair pillows. So I think a box with some warm clothes for him to snuggle in are in order.
Then we’ll see what happens after that. Probably more knitting and Christmas gift making. Oh – and y’all reminded me that I should decorate! Thanks! 🙂 Happy Saturday everyone!
Your Butch situation sounds interesting. Keep us posted!
Not that you probably already don’t know this, but there’s some good vids on Youtube about making inexpensive insulated outside shelters for kitties. I like Cole & Marmalade’s version since Marm “helps” a bit. 🙂
Thanks Jlamusings! Actually – it didn’t occur to me to look up any instructions for this! I will check these suggestions out immediately. Hopefully I didn’t do too much wrong. I just took a sturdy cardboard box from the basement, covered it with tyvek cut a hole and stuffed an old sheet and a towel into it. Butch was ambivalent until I threw some catnip in there. Then that box got a lot more interesting.
Will keep you posted. 🙂
Butch sounds like a delightful character! I was going to recommend the Cole & Marm video too, but it sounds like you’ve got matters well in hand.
So, Yeah, Cole and Marmalade’s insulated house is WAY better than mine, (not to mention is just brilliant!) This one will do for now, but I think there will be an upgrade in the near future.
I have vet tech friends who are involved in rescue, so I sorta knew about the double plastic containers with insulation already. I love Cole & Marm’s take on it with the 2 inside containers to fit more kitties!
Not much going on here, my husband and I went out for breakfast and then we did the weekly shopping for groceries. Also we’ll be going out for dîner later, nothing fancy just for Chinese, otherwise it’s going to be a quiet weekend.
extra big kitty cats on imgur posts today
*grabby hands* Want snuggles!!!
Hm. But where would I sleep? My normal-sized kitties take up way too much of the bed on cold nights already. I suspect I’d be sleeping on the floor if I had big kitties.
I think there would have to be serious dedication involved when I think of what litter box maintenance must entail.Real motivation to give potty training your cat a try!
You’d need a kid-sized sand box for those kitties. I had friends who, once, when the door to the bathroom was closed meowed and scratched – then ran in when the door was opened to squat on the john. She had trained herself to use the potty!
Sounds like it’s a fairly quiet weekend for everybody. Us, too. Hubs isn’t feeling well, so his plans for taking Melody down to the VA have been discarded, and instead the plan is to have our lovely teenage neighbor, who has recently become our dogsitter — her family’s name ought to be Super-Responsible, they are all incredibly nice and incredibly hardworking — take the Idiots for a nice walk. They adore her, so that works out well. My back, alas, simply won’t let me walk that much, which is frustrating but I’m learning to live with it.
I’ll be doing a bit of work otherwise, which I’ve been putting off but is due Monday, and a bit of knitting — I need to finish the foot on a sock. I wish I could still do colorwork; I used to, but lately my hands hurt too much when I do. So I stick to socks, which don’t hurt, or lace, which can be as fancy as I can handle (I adore knitting fancy lace with fine yarn), and for the socks, let the yarn do all the work — I love wildly patterned and striped yarns.
Melody is asleep on her bed in the living room, and Sebastian is sleeping on the chair in the corner of my office. And I think hubs is sleeping at his computer, or at least vegging.
And that’s our exciting life.
Spent a pleasant birthday at a “food fair” and bought lots of
special handmade goodies for us and for little “table gifts” like springerle,
lebkuchen, olive/fig jam and orange/apricot/almond preserves. Then a nice
lunch to celebrate my day. Realized last night it’s unwise to count how many
years till I turn ninety. Bummer. Tomorrow we bake bread using a flour from
Italy which uses an ancient grain that was nearly extinct, but has been
resurrected, as it were. We will have some (hope it turns out ok!) with
blueberry/lemon preserves and butter. Life is good. *Said she, waddling
out of the kitchen*
Happy Birthday, Phred’s Mom! sounds like a very nice way to spend your day – waddling and all!?
Sure hope today will be good. Sometimes when we work a joint
project, we each want to be in charge, so things can get a bit strained.
The kitchen is mainly my territory, and MyMike was a boss for many
years before retirement, so we try to steer clear of sharp objects when
we cook together. Usually, it’s good and enjoyable.
Let us know how it goes???
Ancient Sicilian grain flour worked pretty well.
Ancient Phred’s Mom and MyMike ditto.
Just had some warm fresh out of the oven
with butter and fig/olive jam. My Shetland grand-
dad used to say that rocks boiled in butter make
a lovely broth. Butter enhances a lot. All kidding
aside, it was very nice. Took a lot of work, converting
grams and Celsius to American, or even English measures.
We had to play with the time, too, so it was quite the project.
And no arguing! Yay!
Oh, happy belated birthday! I missed that part yesterday – hope it turned out great.
Thanks, Smarty! It was very nice indeed.
After four months in the new house I’m reaching the end of my wallpapering and painting marathon (thanks to eyesight problems I’m way behind schedule). Earlier today I rewarded myself by buying a ticket for Handel’s “Messiah” at York Minster next week.
What a marvelous place for this music. I would be
in tears. I envy you.
I go every year, and now I live within walking distance of the Minster. But I’ve learned from previous experience to wrap up VERY warm – central heating doesn’t have much effect in a massive stone building!
It’s a wonderment to me that there even is any kind of
heating in York Minster. And, by the way, I think Richard III
should have been (re)buried there, he was a York king, after
all, no? He still is getting the short end, so to speak. Enjoy the
music. I barely made it through choral music in the cathedral
in Orvieto, Italy without tears. The voices! The organ! The
sounds wraps around one and is overwhelming. Wish I were
with you.
Hi Cutetropolitans – quiet day here – went to the transfer station (dump) this morning (I was very good and didn’t pick up any treasures – I need to find a new apartment after New Year’s, so I’m becoming very aware that anything I bring home, I’ll have to move…). Dropped off Toys for Tots at the police station; drugstore, supermarket, etc. Placed an Amazon order thru Mike’s link here (organic houseplant food and vegan ‘jerky’ sampler).
Vivid nightmares this week, the kind where I wake up punching and hollering – my poor neighbor in apartment next door must be wondering “what are you doing over there??”
Tomorrow: laundromat, pharmacy, bagel shop. I want to nab some milkweed pods at the roadside to plant next year for the Monarch butterflies – it’s really late in the season, so most of the seeds have already popped and been dispersed, but even a few would be a start.
Next week: two physical therapy appointments, and want to visit the local self-storage place to get a rate sheet for the move, and their recommendations of a moving company…
I am sorry to read about the nightmares SP; I had one myself. With all the changes going on in your life it makes sense; working stuff out.
And re milkweed, one of my most magical memories is taking the train from Oakville back to Mississauga and as it blew through, all the monarchs that were feasting on the railside milkweek blew up in swirling clouds as an orange fluttering wake.
Thank you FKA, I appreciate it. Last night I had cute dreams instead, about a baby zebra – hope your night was better too!
And this morning I nabbed a big bunch of milkweed pods that hadn’t completely popped, so I’ve got seeds for 2017. Yay! Your train ride with the Monarchs sounds lovely.
That’s disruptive, right in the middle of winter, to have to find another apartment – and you’re having PT? And nightmares? Egad, Smarty pants, that’s a lot to deal with. Can only wish you peace and healing. I’m sure you’ve told us what the PT is for but I’m not remembering – I try so hard to keep everybody straight with their various goings on but not always possible. (If I knew how to do a spread sheet I might consider it!)
Thank you Murray, that’s very kind. I lived here happily for 20 years, but then the owner sold the building to a fellow who turned out to be like a cartoon slumlord, and I’m just done. So I’m telling friends and neighbors, and starting to de-clutter so I don’t have to tote everything to the next place. I plan to stay in the same town because I love it here.
The PT is for chronic inflammatory stuff that’s had me unable to work for a few years – joint pain / migraines / fatigue. PT worked wonders for me a few years ago, so we’re doing another round. They’re super nice people and I have a lot of confidence in them, plus any kind of exercise is good for one’s mood. I want to make some endorphins! 😀
Very true – it’s hard when you’re in pain to do exercise, but it really is the best thing under most circumstances. It feels so good when you stop!?
Please feel better, soon, SP! It is so difficult
to do anything at all when one feels crummy.
Pain sucks all the joy out of just about everything.
Thank you, Phred’s Mom! The support from lovely folks here really helps.
Getting into the Christmas spirit!
Yesterday my boss called me into his office to tell me I’m getting a raise. Not a huge amount, but considering we’ve had the work of two people added to our workload since August (one left in August, the other in October), it’s nice to get a little something for it. And when review time rolls around my next raise will be from a slightly higher starting point.
This morning I went to my nieceish’s Christmas play at their church. She was a cow. At about 20 minutes in the sheep next to her said, “I’m tired. I’m hungry.” Pretty sure that wasn’t in the script (really they just sang songs; the only script was the teacher’s words). And one little shepherd cried through the whole thing. It was entertaining.
After that we went to lunch and then the bookstore, where she got a little raincoat and boots for their Elf on the Shelf (whose name is Isabelle).
And here’s a mildly amusing thing I saw on facebook last night…
I was left with ‘P’.
Mine would be Ptt. Sounds like a rude noise.
I’d be “UH”.
I come out invisible or nonexistent. Sigh. Me at every party I’ve ever attended.
Aww, Faye, not in my book!?
Me too, Faye, me too
I was that way in elementary and high school, not so bad in college. But I reverted in adulthood even tho’ I performed music. I was always feeling invisible (despite my almost 5’10” frame). I think shy people often end up as performers. But I got over my shyness when I married – I could be my complete self, no tension around men anymore. I still have some residual shyness but I have a much better time now with people of all stripes.
I was somewhat invisible in elementary, quite popular at high school and university and as a young adult, but now I am completely invisible – avoided at best …
As for Allein’s name game: I am Oz 🙂
The Great and Powerful?????
a smaller and less powerful version 🙂
Oz Lite, then?
I doubt that, Faye.
And I would be Do,
which is actually what
some of the other kids
called me way back when.
I love the Christmas play story…funny! 😀
Yes, and I love the two cats and their little Christmas song.
Allein, congratulations on your raise – yay!
Thanks! 🙂
I think, since I can’t go to the Messiah at York Minster, much as I would love to, that I’ll put on a recording this evening. I could use the beautiful music.
My SIL called a little while ago — MIL, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, had to be admitted to the hospital last night. Her blood oxygen drops into the low 70s when she sleeps (it should be in the high 90s), but worse, they can’t properly control her pain — if they do control it, she has so much medication in her that she can’t breathe. It sounds, unfortunately, like she’s going downhill really rapidly. The tumor is already about 3 inches (7 cm). So my husband has changed his plans — he was going to go see her in early January, but now he’s leaving Monday morning. That leaves him one day to take care of stuff around here.
She’s such a wonderful woman! I talked to her a couple days ago, and she was telling me how miserable she felt, but was still trying to stay so cheerful. She was supposed to start radiation treatment this week — maybe she still will, but who knows? I really wish there was something someone, anyone, could do so that she doesn’t suffer like this!!!
I’m sorry to be such a downer, but the news a little while ago just gobsmacked us. Any and all prayers or good wishes/thoughts will be welcome. She’s one of those tiny, strong women the world depends on, you know?
So sorry for this terrible news, Laura! How often these things happen around the holidays. And I’m sorry, too, that you won’t have the solace of a live performance of the Messiah. All one can do is keep on keeping’ on. We’re all pulling for you and your MIL.
Thanks, Murray. I know that my MIL is in the best hands with my oldest SIL managing her care — she was the head of the radiation department at that very hospital until she retired last year, so she knows every doctor and nurse and understands exactly what is going on better than anybody else. I feel very confident that she’ll make the best possible decisions. And of course Agnes herself is able to make decisions as to what she wants to do, so it will be a group effort. I’m just glad my husband can go out and be with his sisters who live nearby. One more sister and their other brother live farther away and are working, so can’t drop everything and come. That’s the advantage of being retired, I guess.
I could find a live performance of the Messiah, I’m sure, but it can’t possibly be as wonderful as the one Alice is going to — I found a video of the soprano performing “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion,” and her voice is so beautiful it nearly made me cry tears of pure joy! I know it’s going to be magical, Alice — I certainly hope there’s a video made of it for the benefit of those of us not on your side of the pond!
And on a much lighter note, the reporting company I do a lot of transcription for sent out their occasional newsletter, and one item was written twice in all caps:
CHECK SPELLING AND GRAMMER!
CHECK SPELLING AND GRAMMER!
What is wrong with this picture? 😀 😀 I plan to give them SO MUCH GRIEF over this, and deservedly so! 😀 😀
Maybe they’re testing you. 😉
Funny! A moment of lightness.
We will all send positive thoughts her way.
It is horrid for her and for all who love her.
Laura, please give my best to your MIL (and yourself, too). I’m glad that she can make decisions and be involved in her own care, and that your SIL knows the ropes.
Oh, and –
Chek speling adn grammer!
The lambs have been judged fuzzy enough to endure them and mom being moved out of the house to the semi-heated barn. This is making mom much happier. One of the rams/possibly the father (the big black guy in the pics) has now decided to adopt mom and the twins and is defending them against all comers. Including the vet. Further (bad) pics included below.
http://imgur.com/XSjClFX
Recherche, that lamb looks just like a roasted marshmallow! He/she is adorable.❤️
We volunteered this morning, helping to restore a native habitat at one of our local colleges. The bonus for me was Bella the Papillion who accompanied one of the volunteers – she’s was super sweet and adorable.
I am on my own tonight because hubby is on his way to visit a friend who appears to be losing his battle with prostate and brain cancer. Laura, you and your family are in my prayers.
Prayers for all who are in pain be it physical or emotional.
You expressed that perfectly, Faye. Emotional pain can be as painful as physical pain. And us nice cutetropolitans (did we ever decide on the word to call ourselves?) are as supportive of the one as the other, I know. It is SO REFRESHING to just find a place where everyone is NICE, you know? This is such a safe corner of peace on the internet!
La-la-la-la-la-la-la!
This is terrific.
I know every town and hamlet has a version of the Sing Along Messiah, but I had heard that in San Francisco (whether this happens now I don’t know) they had a “Dance Along Nutcracker” – you rented a tutu for two dollars.
Apparently it’s next weekend!
https://ybca.org/whats-on/dance-along-nutcracker
This looks so good! Amusing anecdote– last time I saw the Nutcracker live was in 2003 (I saw it quite a few times when I was young) but this time I was in university watching a performance at the Sony Centre in Toronto. One of the Snowflakes was so ‘robust’ in her pioroutetting she spun relatively out of control off into the stage wing. We were impressed that she didn’t fall but merely kept on, keeping on, off into stage left. It was obvious to the audience members who were familiar with the production but thankfully most were not. We all kinda looked around at each other and kindly not spitefully cracked up.
Ah. leave it to you, Allein! thanks for that. It does look like fun and I wish they had something like that around where I live!.
Hey Murray C, no sign or news on Heiki K? Hopefully she is busy with release from hospital arrangements, getting Matsi’s ‘Dad’ home and settled comfortably.
No, I haven’t seen anything – it is concerning but I imagine she must be very preoccupied with what is happening. I just hope the news is good when we do hear from her.
Laura I am sending prayers and hugs – it is a very difficult time isn’t it. Our mysterious creator, whatever the entity, gave us both pain and happiness to endure and experience. If we didn’t love we would not suffer the pain of loss. So all we can do is count our blessings that we knew someone worthy of that emotion. It is totally not fair but dare I add – that’s life.
And yes I have been wondering about Matsi’s Dad as well. I don’t know if the silence means something grim.
New Simon’s Cat!
Thanks for that, Allein. He gets it so right.
Our cat has taken to batting around a little object in our guest room bathtub. What’s so hilarious is the sound of her purring magnified by the tub. She’s a pretty game gal for 17 years of age.
Happy Birthday to Phred’s Mom!
Iam also sending warm wishes, comforting thoughts to Laura.
Agree to both comments (hugs) all around (be they celebratory or comforting)
Thank you, all!
Phred’s Mom, I have to talk to you! But it will require Mike sending me, with your permission, your email address. I have a fun idea. In your neighborhood.
Murray, with your permission, I can send your address to Phred’s Mom, and then she can decide whether or not to reply.
Very good. Make it so.?
Is fine with me, Mike, either way.
It’s National Cookie Day!
http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2016/12/4/sunday-sweets-hand-in-the-cookie-jar.html
These cookies are so well done! I’d hate to eat one, tho’. But perhaps I could force myself to take just one TEENSY bite and…….. (Cookie Monster in me takes over and I end up with crumbs all over my face and an empty tray of cookies)
Well Murray C. we’d have to fight for the owl ones. And the others as well, me loves cookies too. Way too much. For me, life and a meal is not complete without at least one cookie (but it usually involves many more).
Yes, cookies are my go to dessert. Pies I’m so-so about, I like cake, but give me a cookie anytime.
Yes, a nice big,fat, butter cookie would be nice right about now.
My next door neighbors put a red light bulb in their porch light. I know it’s meant to be Christmasy, but…
And “Roxanne” fit in how????? I am confused.
The song is about a prostitute.
Roxanne you don’t have to put on the red light
Those days are over you don’t have to sell your body to the night
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-light_district
Ah, light bulb goes on.
…but is it a red one? 😀
I think this year I’m finally going to give in and buy one of those retro Christmas bubble-light night lights – I’ve wanted one forever.
I love those, too. I got night lights like that. Remember that sometimes they need a good shake to get them bubbling.
But, of course it was red (said like Maurice Chevalier)
We had those Noma bubblers on the tree when I was a kid.
They are fun.
In and out of here all weekend and just saw it is your birthday Phreds Mom. Happy Birthday! 🙂
Little late getting to the party and I looked like this guy yesterday. Birthday Felicitations to Phred’s Mom and hugs to Laura. Caring for your parents as they get older is one of the harder things to do. Lost my father earlier this year and now it looks like my mom is starting to decline after having a stroke. Stay strong and good that you have other family members to help out.
Was up early yesterday, dropped off puppy dog at daycare and went on a day trip to a Tamale Festival out near Palm Springs CA. For those not in the know, tamales are latin american/mexican corn dumplings stuffed with some kind or meat or cheese or fruit then wrapped in a corn husk/banana leaf and steamed. Yummmy!!!! I planned on eating my way through the festival but had to stop after 2-1/2. I was expecting small ones (say about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide) but one I had was huuuuge, had to be about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide so that filled me up pretty quickly. It was a pretty day just long – the bus left at 8 am and we got back around 7 pm.
Today is spent running errands, cleaning, and laundry. Then Wed, I’m out to CO to finish cleaning out my mom’s apt she lived in before moving to assisted living. 2 days of hell and then that should be all done. Most everything is going into storage or to Goodwill. By next Sunday, I’ll be exhausted so I won’t be posting next week.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Oh,man, good luck with all of that, AJ – that’s a LOT! Let us know how it goes!
Happy Birthday to Phred’s Mom! 😀
I have a bit of news: I’ve inherited a pet rabbit from a niece who learned she’s allergic to rabbits. The rabbit’s name is Ani, and she’s a rather big rabbit whose favorite game is to run around with a scrap of paper in her mouth. I also inherited her cage, food dishes and food, everything she needs.
So she’s living in my screened front porch where she can watch the world go by. I’ll try to have some pictures and video of her soon.
Just be sure she has LOTS of Timothy hay – the most important of her foods – NO alfalfa pellet for adult rabbits, only Timothy pellets – Oxbow is a good company. Not too many sugary treats (banana and apple are very sugary) lots of fresh veggies – romaine lettuce, curly endive, parsley, cilantro, – not too much of the crucifers – kale, broccoli. Keep her reasonably cool – rabbits start to get uncomfortable over 70 degrees. And if you need to know anything, google The House Rabbit Society and all will be revealed! Lucky you to have a bun in your life, congratulations. Sorry to put it all out there – you may already know this, but I’m very protective of buns since their needs are oft misunderstood. I’m sure some of our other bunny lovers here will add their two cents!? I love that she runs around with apiece of paper! Adorable – PICTURES SOON, YES.
Thank you, I do appreciate the advice. I have a full package of Timothy hay. I made her a toy by stringing together some toilet paper rolls and stuffing those with hay too. I will look for that Oxbow brand. Summers get hot where I am, so I will have to work out an indoor arrangement for those months.
Sounds like you’ll be a good bunny Dad. Something we give to our bunnies for a healthy treat is Shredded wheat and bran – it comes in the brown box, little squares of whole wheat – they go NUTS over them. And tho’ it may sound silly, rabbits really need to be taken to a vet who treats exotics – who’d a’ thunk a rabbit could be considered exotic. And if she’s not neutered it’s good to get her spayed – they live longer and behave better. Females that don’t have kits can develop uterine cancer at much higher rates. (years of working with a rabbit rescue? )
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see her!
Congratulations Mike, may you have many great years together!