LOL as always. I was responding to people on a dairy I posted last night at several Texas blogs Nurnt otange is one. I also did a podcast about the city council races in Austin this am. I am also loading new security software into both my cpu and my lap top. LOL
Good morning, AndiF! How are you this fine morning?
I’m up early to take CBtE to school for his 3-day field trip! CBtY and I are planning to do all the things he doesn’t like to do with us while he’s gone…which means Indian takeout for dinner tonight.
Storm has passed and it’s just sprinkling outside. Had to pick up George and carry him out to the yard again. He’s such a wush about getting his paws wet.
Up early this morning. . .well early for me at any rate. Tea today: China Red, a black from Jiangxi province. Plenty of caffeine, but supposed to be very smooth with wheaty undertone. Sounds yummy. Hope everyone is having a good morning.
Most of the drama in my life happens on the page. I am going for a walk this afternoon to have lunch with Dr.Mc. and the chair of the English department. But that’s about as exciting as it gets. Glad to hear you recovered the weedeater from the snake. Was it all right? The weedeater that is. I presume the snake is fine. I’m not a big fan of the slithery ones either, but really sends me up the wall is centipedes. Bleah!
I’m not so good at bloggy sentence construction at this hour. Should have been “what” really sends me up a wall. For some reason I only see things like that after I hit post, even when I preview. Sigh. Funny thing is that it doesn’t carry over into my day job writing. Weird little hole in my brain there.
Well, I’ve never cringed at any of your comments. . .Okay not for writing reasons at least. I won’t comment on content;-) Besides writing isn’t about talent, at least not mostly. There’s a sort minimum talent condition, yes, but it’s mostly work.
The formula I use with my students goes like this: 13-17% talent + 60% hard work/craft (see also smacking your forehead against a brick wall repeatedly, or pure mule-headedness) + 23-27% blind luck = low paying career in fiction. So, it’s mostly about building forehead calluses and waiting for the wall to break. You heal, it doesn’t.
You should see my forehead. If I were a bit more alert I’d insert a picture here from one of those tantric yoga books showing a man with his forehead swollen with wisdom (yeah, that’s it, “wisdom”) – but that’s way too much like work. Hope you have a lovely day as well.
Actually doing pretty well this morning (so far) — still upset with the spouse but learning to let some of that go and just deal with my own crap. If all goes well, we’re heading out later to watch most of the Sharks game at a new restaurant we’ve been wanting to check out…should have a lot of fun.
Hockey news: Colorado actually scored 3 goals against Anaheim goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, but Anaheim won in overtime 4-3 to take a 3-0 series lead. All four Anaheim goals were scored by the same player, which I believe is considered a hat trick plus one for the brim. 😉
After I’m done computering, I’ll probably work on finally getting the heavier winter nightwear stored away, since it’s just about all in the laundry basket and clean anyway…once the spouse is up and stirring I’ll work on putting away the rest — hell, why wait, it’s his fault he didn’t come to bed till 1am… lol
Okay, off to get a few things accomplished…back later…
And a lot of other places too, I imagine. At least we’re one day closer to the weekend. Going to be a long day here at the office, so I may have to break my one cup o’coffee rule today. But unlike yesterday, it’s sunny, a bit cool and rather lovely out. Would rather be out there digging in the dirt than stuck in this stupid refrigerated building. Ridiculous that when the weather is so nice outside, I have to run a space heater in my cube because this office is so freakin cold!
Hmm, Andi, guess I’m a bit grumpy today too, lol. Probably my fault for staying up so late again.
Hey FM, I’ve got some yard work you can do… and only garter snakes up here… send some of the rain our way will ya? We got some the other night but it appears to be drying out quickly.
A big shout out to all of you before I write a tome here… best of the day to all, Olivia, CG, RF, KMc, Cali … hope I didn’t miss anyone! (They say the memory’s the first thing to go … right, FM?) heh
Ok, I was going to make you wait, but I’m not into torture this early in the day. (This explanation assumes you’ve seen The Daily Show or at least know what it’s all about.)
Last night, “correspondent” Jason Jones did a piece about the Minutemen in VT guarding the Canadian border from the “hordes who want to rush over and get better healthcare, spread leprosy, TB and other diseases.” He spent several hours, sitting in lawn chairs with a hateful old fossil who was watching the border to make sure no “Icebacks” sneaked through into VT. It might be one of those “you had to be there things” to be truly funny, but I laughed out loud at the use of the term “Iceback.” There ya have it.
Hey CG… well, if you know the typical Daily Show “reporting” style, you can imagine. That was actually the old fossil who was claiming that ridiculous stuff. I think you can view the previous day’s episodes at ComedyCentral.com in case you’re interested. I never try to watch video at home b/c of dial up connection… I’d rather watch paint dry than wait for a video to dload. LOL. Ok, I HAVE to get outta here and get some work done…
LOL, you make me smile, Andi! Just popped back in, but I should get some meaningful work done here very soon… mostly tedious stuff I’m avoiding. With any luck, I should be able to pop in and out for slacker breaks today, given the lighter, boring workload here.
Hi IVG. Just got back. Gosh the week is half over and everyone is grumpy.
About your yard and garter snakes. Doesn’t matter. It can be a garter snake or an anaconda, same reaction. 🙁
Memory? If I didn’t keep a daily log I couldn’t tell you what I did two days ago. Obviously now that I’m home all the time it’s easier. When I worked I would be asked about details from a survey I had done six months to a year before if something came up. So for years I’ve kept a daily log.
Thank you to all who called, wrote and sent good vibes!!!
I didn’t get home to super late from the work party/meeting.
“M” from CP gave Danni tons of crystals one that is about 10 pounds… she has boxes and boxes of rocks, minerals and crystals. Danni’s eyes about fell out of her skull 🙂
Wesley was happy because they had a cake from New Seasons for “L”s birthday. She might have a hoop skirt for me to wear Friday for the federal bldg LOL
On my way to City Hall today for the impeachment resolution. gotta jet soon.
Hey there, all — remember me? I’m the one who’s supposed to be hard at work planning & constructing her own humble domicile.
Greetings to one & all on a truly lovely — if climactically confused — spring day in the Catskills. Our world grows strongly green now; the final frost is past (we hope).
Do hope everyone’s doing reasonably well. I haven’t been checkin’ in much, not wishing to offend with a ‘hit & run’ dive-bombing.
Ergo, I’ll most likely offend with a ‘hit & run’ dive-bombing.
Wow! It is gorgeous out there! (Need I say ‘luscious’?)
How absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing those images! So lush & pretty.
It’s truly heaven out there!
I’m assuming you’ve seen a little more rain than we have lately — these wet weather systems seem to just skirt us. No chance now of avoiding summer drought. The streams & creeks are very, very low.
In any case, I appreciate your pictures of what’s in store for us. The trees here are just starting to leaf out — not yet so deeply green.
As for smelling, chasing & digging: I rarely see the cats any more. Out making mischief with the locals, no doubt.
Of course we remember you and any time you get in here to say hi it is very valued — even the dive bombs! Hope the constructing has been going well — and the weather has been helpful in that regard! {{{ww}}}
I’d been wondering where you’ve been the past couple of weeks. Glad to know it’s just been busy-ness (not business)! Hope work is coming along well with the domicile, and whenever you want to start consulting on the garden plan, you just let me know. You know where to find me.
On our end, we’re in full manic-panic spring planting frenzy, though somehow I can’t seem to stop myself from getting yet another little plant to work in somewhere. Though I planted 10 delphiniums last weekend, I feel compelled to get more, though we have a backlog already of new pretties to get planted. Anyway, don’t be a stranger WW… hope to see you again soon!
Thanks, IVG! I haven’t quite gotten around to it yet. I’ve done a bit of catching up in the garden, but it’s been neglected for so long I figured I better get what’s already there sorted out before I go planting any new stuff.
Yeah, clean up is always a good plan before planting. We’ve got the major stuff done, so now it’s down to the fine weeding and thinning out of rampant perennials so we can replace the with more desirable greenery. Well, have fun while you’re doing it and keep me posted on what’s new out your way.
Thanks, IVG. I’m lucky that our place was fairly sensibly landscaped by the previous guy before I got here, so I get to enjoy spring despite my own lack of effort. The azaleas are all going crazy and the rhodies are just starting. My daily walk is lovely right now.
I was just reading through and saw that I missed her. I hope she drops back in later. I’d like to hear more about how things are coming along with her.
Plus, Izzy crumpled and sleepy? I just can’t imagine that. 🙂
Saw the pic of the weed whacker over at your blog earlier… that cracked me up. Just the vision of the lonely gardening implement lying, dejected on the shore of the pond… weeping uncontrollably for having been cruelly abandoned, while running no less, and left out in the rain!
Morning Andi!!!!!
Morning Refi!
Morning!!!!!
Another busy day as usual?
LOL as always. I was responding to people on a dairy I posted last night at several Texas blogs Nurnt otange is one. I also did a podcast about the city council races in Austin this am. I am also loading new security software into both my cpu and my lap top. LOL
Good morning, AndiF! How are you this fine morning?
I’m up early to take CBtE to school for his 3-day field trip! CBtY and I are planning to do all the things he doesn’t like to do with us while he’s gone…which means Indian takeout for dinner tonight.
I’ll have ssag paneer and an order of naan, please
I love Indian food!!!!
Morning Everyone.
Have you laid out the pentagram and said the chant that bans all snakes coming closer than 10 miles to your place?
Not yet. I start the ceremonies a little late when I get all my protective equipment on.
How’re ya doing this morning?
I’m fine, if a bit grumpy (for no particular reason).
I don’t believe it. We’ve got another thunder storm coming through. I haven’t seen the lighting yet, but I can hear the thunder.
So I’m shutting down for a while.
Check back later.
Storm has passed and it’s just sprinkling outside. Had to pick up George and carry him out to the yard again. He’s such a wush about getting his paws wet.
Seems nobody in the cafe huh.
I’m off to work now — have a good day FM! Hope when you go collect the weedeater it’s snake-free. 🙂
Enjoy you day Olivia. Already went out and got it. I figured no snake would be stupid enough to be out in a storm like that. Hah.
That doesn’t sound quite right does it. 😉
LOL He has learned slacking from a pro. LOL
Up early this morning. . .well early for me at any rate. Tea today: China Red, a black from Jiangxi province. Plenty of caffeine, but supposed to be very smooth with wheaty undertone. Sounds yummy. Hope everyone is having a good morning.
Morning Kelly. Good to see you up so early. 🙂
Planning a big day today?
Most of the drama in my life happens on the page. I am going for a walk this afternoon to have lunch with Dr.Mc. and the chair of the English department. But that’s about as exciting as it gets. Glad to hear you recovered the weedeater from the snake. Was it all right? The weedeater that is. I presume the snake is fine. I’m not a big fan of the slithery ones either, but really sends me up the wall is centipedes. Bleah!
I’m not so good at bloggy sentence construction at this hour. Should have been “what” really sends me up a wall. For some reason I only see things like that after I hit post, even when I preview. Sigh. Funny thing is that it doesn’t carry over into my day job writing. Weird little hole in my brain there.
Yea it will be fine. I decided with the storm that came through this morning it’s a sign not to go outside, so it’s working in the house today.
Heck I wish I had the talent to write. I look at my comments and cringe sometimes.
Well, I’ve never cringed at any of your comments. . .Okay not for writing reasons at least. I won’t comment on content;-) Besides writing isn’t about talent, at least not mostly. There’s a sort minimum talent condition, yes, but it’s mostly work.
The formula I use with my students goes like this: 13-17% talent + 60% hard work/craft (see also smacking your forehead against a brick wall repeatedly, or pure mule-headedness) + 23-27% blind luck = low paying career in fiction. So, it’s mostly about building forehead calluses and waiting for the wall to break. You heal, it doesn’t.
Hope you have a good day Kelly. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the metaphor. It’s very close to the truth of the industry.
I guess that’s one of the reasons I’m not a writer. Way to much work involved. 😉
You should see my forehead. If I were a bit more alert I’d insert a picture here from one of those tantric yoga books showing a man with his forehead swollen with wisdom (yeah, that’s it, “wisdom”) – but that’s way too much like work. Hope you have a lovely day as well.
Nice to see you this morning, FM…
“Snakes…why does it always have to be snakes?”
🙂
Actually doing pretty well this morning (so far) — still upset with the spouse but learning to let some of that go and just deal with my own crap. If all goes well, we’re heading out later to watch most of the Sharks game at a new restaurant we’ve been wanting to check out…should have a lot of fun.
Hockey news: Colorado actually scored 3 goals against Anaheim goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, but Anaheim won in overtime 4-3 to take a 3-0 series lead. All four Anaheim goals were scored by the same player, which I believe is considered a hat trick plus one for the brim. 😉
After I’m done computering, I’ll probably work on finally getting the heavier winter nightwear stored away, since it’s just about all in the laundry basket and clean anyway…once the spouse is up and stirring I’ll work on putting away the rest — hell, why wait, it’s his fault he didn’t come to bed till 1am… lol
Okay, off to get a few things accomplished…back later…
Morning Cali. I’ve got to do the winter clothes thing myself.
Hey you just made my day. Now I almost feel cool about it always being snakes.
Been checking out your new site and I’m so glad you’ve got it up and running. I think it’s a great resource.
Harry definitey adds a more zesty ruggedness to snake fear! 🙂
And a lot of other places too, I imagine. At least we’re one day closer to the weekend. Going to be a long day here at the office, so I may have to break my one cup o’coffee rule today. But unlike yesterday, it’s sunny, a bit cool and rather lovely out. Would rather be out there digging in the dirt than stuck in this stupid refrigerated building. Ridiculous that when the weather is so nice outside, I have to run a space heater in my cube because this office is so freakin cold!
Hmm, Andi, guess I’m a bit grumpy today too, lol. Probably my fault for staying up so late again.
Hey FM, I’ve got some yard work you can do… and only garter snakes up here… send some of the rain our way will ya? We got some the other night but it appears to be drying out quickly.
A big shout out to all of you before I write a tome here… best of the day to all, Olivia, CG, RF, KMc, Cali … hope I didn’t miss anyone! (They say the memory’s the first thing to go … right, FM?) heh
…great big fat hairy spiders on your window? LOL
Have a good day IVG.
No spiders, but that wouldn’t bother me (unless they are black widows or brown recluses)!
You have a good day too, Olivia the “Iceback!” (Will have to explain that to you later… it’s a joke from last night’s Daily Show.)
ciao for now…
…b/c it doesn’t sound like a good thing to have/be? 🙂
Nothing to say — just didn’t want it to feel like I was ignoring your sparkling presence.
As if anyone could ignore Olivia’s sparking presence. 🙂
What’s up Olivia? No meetings so far today?
Remember your test today? Nap while appearing to work?
If you can pull that one off, I’ll teach you the secret of typing while asleep. I’m finding after reading a lot of my stuff, I’ve mastered that one.
Stealing my sleep typing — shame, shame.
OK I’ll admit it. It was just to good a line not to include in a slackdom comment.
Anyway Andi, you’re my muse. 😉
… I will try to accomplish my task today, O master … 🙂
Just one meeting a little later, but mostly working on the ‘puter today. Perfect day to try out for the Slacker club. 😉
Ok, I was going to make you wait, but I’m not into torture this early in the day. (This explanation assumes you’ve seen The Daily Show or at least know what it’s all about.)
Last night, “correspondent” Jason Jones did a piece about the Minutemen in VT guarding the Canadian border from the “hordes who want to rush over and get better healthcare, spread leprosy, TB and other diseases.” He spent several hours, sitting in lawn chairs with a hateful old fossil who was watching the border to make sure no “Icebacks” sneaked through into VT. It might be one of those “you had to be there things” to be truly funny, but I laughed out loud at the use of the term “Iceback.” There ya have it.
What? People are leaving a coutry with national healthcare and cheaper drugs to come here? Sounds pretty funny…
Hey CG… well, if you know the typical Daily Show “reporting” style, you can imagine. That was actually the old fossil who was claiming that ridiculous stuff. I think you can view the previous day’s episodes at ComedyCentral.com in case you’re interested. I never try to watch video at home b/c of dial up connection… I’d rather watch paint dry than wait for a video to dload. LOL. Ok, I HAVE to get outta here and get some work done…
See you all later! (really)
I can just imagine the crusty old Vermonter in his ancient battered lawn chair…
I guess(?) that is better than what I was imagining … something along the lines of frigid … 😡
Be sure to stop back by later. Grumpy loves company.
LOL, you make me smile, Andi! Just popped back in, but I should get some meaningful work done here very soon… mostly tedious stuff I’m avoiding. With any luck, I should be able to pop in and out for slacker breaks today, given the lighter, boring workload here.
Hi IVG. Just got back. Gosh the week is half over and everyone is grumpy.
About your yard and garter snakes. Doesn’t matter. It can be a garter snake or an anaconda, same reaction. 🙁
Memory? If I didn’t keep a daily log I couldn’t tell you what I did two days ago. Obviously now that I’m home all the time it’s easier. When I worked I would be asked about details from a survey I had done six months to a year before if something came up. So for years I’ve kept a daily log.
Howdy right back at ya and all the other froggies!!!!!
Autistic Army recruit won’t serve
Thank you to all who called, wrote and sent good vibes!!!
I didn’t get home to super late from the work party/meeting.
“M” from CP gave Danni tons of crystals one that is about 10 pounds… she has boxes and boxes of rocks, minerals and crystals. Danni’s eyes about fell out of her skull 🙂
Wesley was happy because they had a cake from New Seasons for “L”s birthday. She might have a hoop skirt for me to wear Friday for the federal bldg LOL
On my way to City Hall today for the impeachment resolution. gotta jet soon.
LOVE XOXOXOXOX
Excellent news, Janet! Score one for the good guys. Only about a bazillion to go.
Off to work, see y’all later.
Ditto that! So glad to hear this.
Great news!!!!!!! I think the recruiter who did this should go to prison!!!!
I’ve got to get the day started.
Everyone have a good one.
And some major Joe Cool Pink Lovin to all you guys and gals!
LOl I love Snoopy!!!!!!!
Hope your morning has been treating you well.
Howdy kelly, The day has been busy but great. I am typing comments inbetween calls at work. LOL Hope you are having a great day also.
Hey there, all — remember me? I’m the one who’s supposed to be hard at work planning & constructing her own humble domicile.
Greetings to one & all on a truly lovely — if climactically confused — spring day in the Catskills. Our world grows strongly green now; the final frost is past (we hope).
Do hope everyone’s doing reasonably well. I haven’t been checkin’ in much, not wishing to offend with a ‘hit & run’ dive-bombing.
Ergo, I’ll most likely offend with a ‘hit & run’ dive-bombing.
🙂
Here’s to your Wednesday!
Happy Wednesday, WW!
Absolutely the same to you, CG!
OT (what?): has the NE meetup been decided for the Festival?
That’s the plan.
Here’s more info on Clearwater.
by stopping by to visit, no matter how brief. It’s just that these kind of visits ups our WWW¹ quotient.
¹ wanting² wilderness wrench
²clever use of ambiguity
Andi! Thanks for your indulgence.
I’m guessing you’re experiencing true springtime out there in your lovely woods. I’ll bet the dogs are even happier than they were this winter!
to have an abundance of things to smell, chase, and dig for.
It’s been a particularly gorgeous spring. Some links to the proof:
pic 1
pic 2
pic 3
Wow! It is gorgeous out there! (Need I say ‘luscious’?)
How absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing those images! So lush & pretty.
It’s truly heaven out there!
I’m assuming you’ve seen a little more rain than we have lately — these wet weather systems seem to just skirt us. No chance now of avoiding summer drought. The streams & creeks are very, very low.
In any case, I appreciate your pictures of what’s in store for us. The trees here are just starting to leaf out — not yet so deeply green.
As for smelling, chasing & digging: I rarely see the cats any more. Out making mischief with the locals, no doubt.
I should say, I rarely see the cats in the daytime — they always come inside for the night (thank Bast).
Alas, time for me to put on my Wilderness Air Force goggles, hop on my broom & sail outta here ..
The lushness is the result, I think, of a very wet late winter, early spring.
Hope you get some wet and some green very soon.
And more importantly, I hope the building plans are moving along.
Thanks very much for good wishes, Andi. Plans are settled, now to order lumber (for which I must squeeze the pennies out of my nose).
Hope to see you again shortly.
OMG!!!!! Where you been? I hope things are going great. We missed you.
Thank you, dear! That’s kind of you.
Things here are going as they should — up, down & sideways, just like our temperatures.
Hope things are going well for you, too! I assume you’re still doing the Good Work — on double & triple time, with the stamina of millions.
😉
Trying and keeping busy as all ^)(&^)(^(*^ LOL but you know I love it.
That’s the key, darlin’ — keeping our joy in what must be done (as a hummingbird recently told me).
Of course we remember you and any time you get in here to say hi it is very valued — even the dive bombs! Hope the constructing has been going well — and the weather has been helpful in that regard! {{{ww}}}
Thanks for the good wishes, Olivia! All’s basically well here — & yes, the weather’s been truly stellar. Very inspiring (despite the gnats).
We are looking for rain this weekend, however — which may give me a great excuse to come ’round to the cafe’ & set a spell.
Hope all’s well with you. I’ll see you again soon!
a big return hug for our own Purveyor of Loveliness.
(((Olivia & her magic artistry)))
I’d been wondering where you’ve been the past couple of weeks. Glad to know it’s just been busy-ness (not business)! Hope work is coming along well with the domicile, and whenever you want to start consulting on the garden plan, you just let me know. You know where to find me.
On our end, we’re in full manic-panic spring planting frenzy, though somehow I can’t seem to stop myself from getting yet another little plant to work in somewhere. Though I planted 10 delphiniums last weekend, I feel compelled to get more, though we have a backlog already of new pretties to get planted. Anyway, don’t be a stranger WW… hope to see you again soon!
Hey there, IVG! Good to know you’re taking full advantage of the season & adding to the world’s beauty with your care.
Thanks again for offer of consultation. I’ll sure keep it in mind for our own planting season — if not this one, then surely the next.
Good morning all… or afternoon. I see there’s been quite a morning already.
Good to see you drop in for a spell. Any luck on finding that variety of stock that you were looking for?
Thanks, IVG! I haven’t quite gotten around to it yet. I’ve done a bit of catching up in the garden, but it’s been neglected for so long I figured I better get what’s already there sorted out before I go planting any new stuff.
Yeah, clean up is always a good plan before planting. We’ve got the major stuff done, so now it’s down to the fine weeding and thinning out of rampant perennials so we can replace the with more desirable greenery. Well, have fun while you’re doing it and keep me posted on what’s new out your way.
Thanks, IVG. I’m lucky that our place was fairly sensibly landscaped by the previous guy before I got here, so I get to enjoy spring despite my own lack of effort. The azaleas are all going crazy and the rhodies are just starting. My daily walk is lovely right now.
Hello Everyone. I’m back for a little while.
What’s going on in the cafe?
Welcome back, FM. I was just showing up all crumpled and sleepy still. We also had a visit from Wilderness Wench!
I was just reading through and saw that I missed her. I hope she drops back in later. I’d like to hear more about how things are coming along with her.
Plus, Izzy crumpled and sleepy? I just can’t imagine that. 🙂
Oh, this is worse than the normal crumpled — I didn’t sleep well. It must’ve been that unsettling episode of the Gilmore Girls.
I know the ending sucked didn’t it. Hah.
Hi Izzy. Yeah, I could see how the GG ending could that — what a pisser.
It really was, although I don’t think I can honestly blame it for my poor night’s sleep.
I’ve opened a new cafe now. There’s ice cream. Maybe that’ll make us feel better!
Saw the pic of the weed whacker over at your blog earlier… that cracked me up. Just the vision of the lonely gardening implement lying, dejected on the shore of the pond… weeping uncontrollably for having been cruelly abandoned, while running no less, and left out in the rain!
Think it will ever forgive you? 🙂
Well I did go out and rescue it this morning. The weedeater is the least of my worries out by the pond. 🙂
The Froggy Bottom Soda Fountain is now open for business.