tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6037935537876774582024-03-28T20:29:49.686-07:00September's Rabbit in ArgyleActonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-15318011203277797852023-12-01T16:36:00.000-08:002023-12-01T16:37:27.531-08:00Rabbit, Rabbit, It's December!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo7Sn9utWJko5VWNgDQ6ZiBfzNSVUMyzff6qplPq_5B4E5rPyUpZSllnNILYfrflCdnUfzC-epxQUhvmWX-Oacr9N8nr4k8HiFAAWpq6ml8XXelEHQ-Qjj0NQERSrgSdRZZhhR8AomdNObDPckJqU1nyfNSoqyTymNhmcrYAnaqVPg_-XvR08p3NDEIo/s705/xmasrabbitBall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo7Sn9utWJko5VWNgDQ6ZiBfzNSVUMyzff6qplPq_5B4E5rPyUpZSllnNILYfrflCdnUfzC-epxQUhvmWX-Oacr9N8nr4k8HiFAAWpq6ml8XXelEHQ-Qjj0NQERSrgSdRZZhhR8AomdNObDPckJqU1nyfNSoqyTymNhmcrYAnaqVPg_-XvR08p3NDEIo/s320/xmasrabbitBall.jpg" style="filter: invert(0);" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Friday, December 1st, everyone. I've neglected saying this a few times, but good luck in December!</p><p>Today is the first day of meteorological winter, and it feels like it. I am extremely thankful to be living where I do, with heat, enough food, and so much more. My life is one of great fortune. </p><p>Mike and I had a delightful breakfast yesterday with Mom on her birthday. I am also thankful for having my mother. Mom was deathly ill with COVID earlier this year, with pneumonia and sepsis, so it's really amazing that she is back to being herself again. Being sick for an extended period sucks, but she is having better days now.</p><p>In September, Mike and I took a trip to Ireland, which was a fantastic experience. There were about sixty people on our bus, and surprisingly, a fairly large percentage of them were Australian. There were also some Brits, but the largest number of us were from the US. </p><p>Soon, we will go on a cruise with a couple friends we met at magic collectors' conventions. This will be a different experience for us, and I'm looking forward to it, especially having friends with us at dinner. That will add to the fun, for sure. </p><p>Tomorrow night, we're going to dinner with friends from the Annville area who I feel very lucky to know. It'll be fun, catching up with them. </p><p>My other blog, about Netgalley books, has also been quiet, but I suddenly have two titles to read, so I'll be back. I'd taken some time off to read a longer book club selection, and then a library book. That title was <b>A Gentleman in Moscow,</b> by Amor Towles, a historical novel that I do recommend. I loved it.</p><p>When I went to check out other library books on my radar, I found that they were all immensely popular, so I am now on about seven (7) waitlists. </p><p>So, I'd better start reading these two titles from Netgalley. Are you reading anything good? Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-37474968061987505292023-08-01T07:38:00.003-07:002023-08-01T07:38:55.575-07:00Rabbit, Rabbit! Happy, Lucky August, Everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyqcrb_a5rCxyyVneR0eEHdUaSb7VM2m6tmdb7QRvd0baYDtpliH9_QHH5KF15Hs-faFIal1brU4RFTQABZ21UgRRsgqC5bwnYYe6GRF9zn7VU_kXXr4I3l4luEhVIuiIECj_0zSmSsDQgziM5KiutTvnPUH3DN2fCJ2INrL-lZJxOLUkCF8-OVTz3ik/s1218/August.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyqcrb_a5rCxyyVneR0eEHdUaSb7VM2m6tmdb7QRvd0baYDtpliH9_QHH5KF15Hs-faFIal1brU4RFTQABZ21UgRRsgqC5bwnYYe6GRF9zn7VU_kXXr4I3l4luEhVIuiIECj_0zSmSsDQgziM5KiutTvnPUH3DN2fCJ2INrL-lZJxOLUkCF8-OVTz3ik/w240-h400/August.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Good morning! Yes, I'm actually writing a blog entry, such as it is, on August 1, 2023. The year is something I need to remind myself about these days, since time becomes so fluid and easily poured out in retirement. </p><p>And speaking of this human construct, August, a month that arbitrarily has thirty-one (31) days, is regarded as the Sunday of summer. That should mean that it's relaxing, but I think most people think it means that this warm weathered season is almost over for those who are having a relaxed break from school. (I keep wondering why we capitalize the first letter in the days of the week. It's weird.)</p><p>So, what do I have to write home about? For one thing, we learned last night, during dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant, that Banana Leaf is about to get a makeover. I'd noticed that the walls looked spruced up, and then realized that they'd painted. They are getting new furniture and there will be about four special places to be reserved for Indian barbecue, which the owner says is very common in India, but not present here at all, and it's nothing like the barbecue places we have in the US. These tables will have their own fire pits, but it sounds like barbecue will also be available to order, also (but if you wanna cook your own, reserve a pit and grill to your heart's desire). </p><p>There will also be a Jain table. I did not know what this was until asking what this term was on the menu. Jain cuisine is lacto-vegetarian and lacks root veggies. People who practice Jain ascetics do not want to disturb small insects and microorganisms. Learning something new every day! There are plenty of veggies that are considered okay to them, but I would sure miss potatoes and beets.</p><p>In ME news, I have become addicted to playing games on my phone. It's appalling, really. I'm supposed to be reading David Copperfield, the Dickens classic, as a precursor to enjoying Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. Mike finished, of course, because he is focused and disciplined. I am barely halfway through, largely because I've been playing Best Fiends, Solitaire 2, Royal Match...the list goes on. Sometimes, I forget to play Wordle! I had a nice long streak going there, too. Obviously, it wasn't important, and I really, truly, don't care what Wordlebot says. If I got that word in three or four guesses, I'm happy, save the statistics for people with minds--not like mine.</p><p>Moving on, as I should be, we here in Pennsylvania have been enjoying weather that is hot, but not as hot as many parts of the country or world. Climate change is killing people. We might be witnessing a tipping point, a huge change in life as we know it. </p><p>And meanwhile, life goes on. A former president may or may not serve time for a host of crimes, democracy around the world is facing tough times, and I'm playing games.</p><p>On a lighter note, I visited #1 sister yesterday. Evidently, her cat Kathe does not get enough attention, and covered me with her hair, since I'd just shaved and was lacking hair of my own. #1 sister just had carpal tunnel surgery, so is homebound for a bit, since she's not to drive. I walked there, and discovered that even the walkable journey measures a bit less than three miles. And the walk home shook all the cat hair off me, too. It was a lovely day for a walk, too, and I was grateful to get in a walk while visiting! Cool beans.</p><p>Mike is now a walker, too. I was pleasantly surprised at how happily he's given up running and found walking to be an enjoyable exercise. And he's got new, spiffy Hokas that are giving him happy feet.</p><p>And now I suppose that it's time for me to get up and move...</p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-16143322328100849772023-06-25T09:40:00.000-07:002023-06-25T09:40:02.261-07:00Hey, it's June, and it's almost over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmUkEC5GT4pFGq-vUt1OYxSETPIxCC-BmyH7T-jsyrCUGFs_e3v9ey2DVpj-0YNRvNdBrhZAR3_gCi6JraGNNuplUz7tAPVciZu0zNELr125ZR4PJ1xxT2lnACl3DguxClaeAFc9rbLdcSJMBp9STNR2tkcDfzCKOJzX2-z-pMd5Maz1eqQhof28MGKE/s354/popbunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmUkEC5GT4pFGq-vUt1OYxSETPIxCC-BmyH7T-jsyrCUGFs_e3v9ey2DVpj-0YNRvNdBrhZAR3_gCi6JraGNNuplUz7tAPVciZu0zNELr125ZR4PJ1xxT2lnACl3DguxClaeAFc9rbLdcSJMBp9STNR2tkcDfzCKOJzX2-z-pMd5Maz1eqQhof28MGKE/s320/popbunny.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Wow, I totally forgot to blog this month, and it's already mostly over. As usual, I'm disturbed by how quickly my life is flashing before me, but I'll try not to dwell on that for now.</p><p><br /></p><p>Random stuff: </p><p>I'm sad that Reddit is choking its third party apps, and missing some of my favorite subreddits, since they've gone dark in protest. These forums are slowly coming back, but I fear that Reddit will be forever changed. We'll see. In the meantime, I've noticed that the official app isn't as bad as it used to be. And, I was surprised to read in the r/help forum how many people didn't know about the protest and thought that they'd done something wrong! Also, quite a few people were barely aware that all these other apps even existed. So, yeah. I'll miss the app I was using (RIF, or Reddit is Fun), but it's not the end for me. I do think Reddit will miss all that voluntary moderation, though! </p><p>I'm glad that Hunter Biden is pleading guilty to his crimes and perhaps we can stop hearing about his *#!* laptop. </p><p>I was listening to Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me whilst walking today, and that show always highlights news stories that sound like paradies. Well, some of them are, but honestly, some serious crazy shit goes on out there--</p><p>In the 1990s, a murder trial was decided by a Ouiji board. Of course, someone has written <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/trial-by-ouija-board-when-jurors-misbehave">a book </a>about this, and also of course there was a retrial.</p><p>Item: a TikToker faked his own death so he could show up for his funeral by <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/06/15/tiktok-david-baertan-fakes-death-helicopters-own-funeral/70327822007/">helicopter.</a> I think this is an awful prank, and he must have issues. </p><p>And, I learned a new, fun term: beige flag. It's a dating term for something that's less serious than a red flag, but something that might give one pause. Or, something that won't kill you, but might drive you bonkers. I wouldn't spend much time with a guy with a pet tarantula, for instance. Tarantulas are not poisonous and do not want to hurt people, but--their hairy little legs and visible eight eyes might give me the willies. And, it might be cruel to keep them as pets. And they need to eat insects, so--'nuff said. A pet tarantula is a beige flag.</p><p>______</p><p><br /></p><p>AND, here I am, haven't even published this blog yet. Publish seems a fancy word for what this is, and yet. There have been lots of big news stories since I last visited. I'm so sorry for those men who died in that sub exploring the Titanic. And fascinated by what is going on in Russia. And watching all the legal issues unfold for the former guy. </p><p>So,whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-153261030688568462023-05-06T15:00:00.002-07:002023-05-06T15:01:44.941-07:00Marvelous May<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGrXeapKs4U8sPsu67LAAZoYmBEGuptYcQN58suyps4uTDB8R9oYt_Yi_rLo3p4sWbfJ8ckIWeM1BDLceEr0XYYg3saone6xK9zHm6jSVPmCco7IfBk3LT2_mXEmkbcm2aQmmJ2oAkUvylr6PZJLSQS92EeDGDeFod793B9EL7xs5kPM1OZJBe-HV/s563/sleepy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="563" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGrXeapKs4U8sPsu67LAAZoYmBEGuptYcQN58suyps4uTDB8R9oYt_Yi_rLo3p4sWbfJ8ckIWeM1BDLceEr0XYYg3saone6xK9zHm6jSVPmCco7IfBk3LT2_mXEmkbcm2aQmmJ2oAkUvylr6PZJLSQS92EeDGDeFod793B9EL7xs5kPM1OZJBe-HV/s320/sleepy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Did you sleep well last night? I did. And it's sunny outside, and I had a good step aerobics workout, and then I went to visit Mom and saw Della, too. <p></p><p>Mom and Della sure looked chipper for a couple people who got up earlier than I did, and that's impressive. </p><p>What have I been up to? Well, I just finished a novel that's been on my list, by Kazuo Ishiguro, called <b>Klara and the Sun.</b> One of Ishiguro's themes is duty, and, like both <b>Remains of the Day</b> and <b>Never Let Me Go,</b> this was sad and thought provoking. Klara is a sentient robot, and this story seems especially timely.</p><p>In other news, I'm very relieved that Ed Sheeren did defeat that copyright infringement case against him. It seemed most unfair and unlikely that someone could claim to own a certain cord progression. </p><p>And ah, yes, there was a coronation across the pond for the first time in decades, but I just can't seem to work up any interest in it. </p><p>And the Kentucky Derby is today, but seven (7) horses have died this week, leading up to this event. What's going on? Are these horses being over-trained and over bred? How very sad. </p><p>On Monday, Mike and I are driving out to Cleveland, Ohio, for a convention of magic collectors. Yes, it's taking place in the middle of the week, because it's less expensive that way, and--it's an older crowd. I'll try to take some pictures.</p><p>I usually have a relaxing time reading and exploring while Mike hangs in the dealer room. I'm glad we're driving out, too, so that I can pack the kitchen sink, just in case. </p><p>Netgalley has graciously floated me a couple of mysteries that look interesting, too. Perfect timing.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-36725090947726275942023-04-10T13:00:00.002-07:002023-04-10T13:00:43.312-07:00April Scribbles<p> Happy April! Okay, so we are a week and a half into it, and Easter has just passed. I'm late, but I can't be fired from my own blog. Or so I say.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLxowyiDuVS2ecs5PXoCWU6gYZ18cgibH0PVk9f0wZPLzd6zmHjF1k470In6vOndHIr8nP9rB2EQPDQpR8sijhlVuIDt8XXFgUardwBoyeWypc0vsfIy8AxTDsy-gKGs-FN1kgjADO5YspFUo8AgpK0ahF0d594-IA-bLZ9S9BdU_i1zca6wHQFsc/s720/Screenshot_20230410-141436.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="720" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLxowyiDuVS2ecs5PXoCWU6gYZ18cgibH0PVk9f0wZPLzd6zmHjF1k470In6vOndHIr8nP9rB2EQPDQpR8sijhlVuIDt8XXFgUardwBoyeWypc0vsfIy8AxTDsy-gKGs-FN1kgjADO5YspFUo8AgpK0ahF0d594-IA-bLZ9S9BdU_i1zca6wHQFsc/w400-h389/Screenshot_20230410-141436.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>So, happy belated rabbitses, I hope y'all remembered. (I swiped the above photo from someone over on Mastadon.)</p><p>It's looking like spring around here, with all the blossoms and sunshine, and it's so good for the spirits. And another school year comes to a close, and soon, the kids will be hangin' at the nearby park and pool. It'll sound more lively around here. </p><p>April is not a month I've ever had strong associations with, for some reason, but we've watched a couple of Netflix documentaries that make me wonder why. Sadly, we are coming up on the 33rd anniversary of the siege at Waco, Texas, on April 19. That date will also be the 31st anniversary to the Oklahoma City bombing, which Timothy McVeigh carried out in retaliation for Waco. </p><p>The Netflix documentary is called Waco: American Apocalypse, and in my opinion, is very much worth watching. It's scary that a cult, or any charismatic leader, can gather together enough people and weapons to do actual battle with the federal government. This film does show that David Koresh, head of the Branch Davidians, and the FBI both abused their power. It was frustrating to watch the lack of communication and consistency involved in the government's treatment of the situation. </p><p>Needless to say, we are still living in interesting times, which can be stressful when I think too much about it. So, I read novels and play games. I'm still reading some Netgalley books, though I do have quite a long list of books I want to get to. I also can't resist checking out other reading sites that are not Goodreads. </p><p>Don't get me wrong! I don't dislike Goodreads, and I don't dislike Amazon, but when Amazon bought Goodreads, it just seemed unsettling that suddenly, everything we Goodreads members had reviewed and all of our to-read lists, all that information, was available to Amazon. That was ten years ago, and now I take for granted that the platform functions as a store front and data miner. </p><p>There are other intriguing platforms, of course. I was enjoying Readerly for a few months until I received an email informing all the users that the site just wasn't making it and was closing down. I also very much admire The StoryGraph, which is independent and ad-free. I've already imported my Goodreads books and am enjoying the options for book reviewing. If this site is to remain independent, though, there need to be enough subscribers...something Goodreads doesn't have to worry about. </p><p>There is also the fediverse, or a group of interconnected, open source sites like Mastodon, except focusing on books. I've taken a gander at Bookwyrm, another welcoming and pleasing platform. It will be interesting to see if these projects can succeed. It's certainly a revelation to see book reviews with no adverts or shopping buttons. </p><p>There was a time when I thought that GR was the cat's meow, whiskers, AND tail. Since then, especially since Amazon bought it, there haven't been any updates or improvements, and this is discouraging. </p><p>Anyway, that is how I avoid hard news with first world problems.</p><p>Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-72343978794306144672023-03-03T12:14:00.001-08:002023-03-03T12:14:29.182-08:00March!<p> Good morning, happy First Friday, if that's a thing. I'm generally in favor of things, especially if it makes the day special. </p><p>So, I didn't make a Rabbit, Rabbit post happen, but I will try to do better in the future. I'm in need of lots of improvements, especially in the using-my-time-more-wisely category. There's a lot of stuff in this house that is not sparking joy, or even awareness of its existence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6vACgMP0enMNShr8frSbaqKNgWokCamzz5UKMYk7Vb4kMbfkFX2getwTOy7rgKl7UYEbh_e6ignqDfM7Amkhx5oJsfQbSMihoErpY9P4aZOKIL84TqMGPHMMN5DtGay6oHh_D5ZaZQzcPq2Pb4TSNmwS9xNUAd6WnS5JFrAV5BjyslJhc6l30uzK/s751/marchhare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6vACgMP0enMNShr8frSbaqKNgWokCamzz5UKMYk7Vb4kMbfkFX2getwTOy7rgKl7UYEbh_e6ignqDfM7Amkhx5oJsfQbSMihoErpY9P4aZOKIL84TqMGPHMMN5DtGay6oHh_D5ZaZQzcPq2Pb4TSNmwS9xNUAd6WnS5JFrAV5BjyslJhc6l30uzK/s320/marchhare.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Today is grocery day, good thing, as I am completely out of some of my staples: tea, soy milk, frozen spinach, cereal, and peanut butter. Planning ahead might not be my strong suit. Hmm, maybe I should get sardines, too. Only if they have them in olive oil. </p><p>We just finished watching the Netflix documentary about the Murdaugh family on Wednesday, and now, Friday morning, we hear that Alex Murdaugh has been convicted of murdering his younger son and wife. There are a couple other deaths that need to be investigated, too. Their housekeeper's death looks suspicious, and the older Murdaugh son is almost certainly involved in the murder of one of his classmates. Paul, he dead son, was probably going to face consequences for a boating incident that killed a young woman, though Alex and Paul's grandfather were trying to cover that up. I wonder if Alex might also be charged with interfering with that case? This family is probably not out of the news, yet. And, of course, there will probably be a repeal. And oh, dear, I almost forgot about the millions of dollars Alex M. stole from his clients and law firm. What a sordid saga.</p><p>It's a rainy day, and that tends to make me lazy. However, I had decided that I should start taking pictures of our beer mat collection. And, I just happen to have one that is so close to me that I don't need to even get up--well, that's an exaggeration, but anyway, here is an over-sized coaster we found during our trip to Montreal several years ago--</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPznPIZ7f-X3kQKoe8SKiGwVd5J_FOl-tRu4Q4GMhBplZUF87kgn6_oA9ivIUd-lHW4AwZz44pbjHLCl3OcW2sixB80ilUX3RN7SbKRN2IO6ZZW9BBxqiCbNHGMQfZfdBmUyL78v1D4huv7Z2n3L-JoXpEyJFsp8ItrlRn2Ra7y6tZ1mUq-FvlTtsB/s4160/IMG_20230303_145958037_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPznPIZ7f-X3kQKoe8SKiGwVd5J_FOl-tRu4Q4GMhBplZUF87kgn6_oA9ivIUd-lHW4AwZz44pbjHLCl3OcW2sixB80ilUX3RN7SbKRN2IO6ZZW9BBxqiCbNHGMQfZfdBmUyL78v1D4huv7Z2n3L-JoXpEyJFsp8ItrlRn2Ra7y6tZ1mUq-FvlTtsB/s320/IMG_20230303_145958037_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>A surname on my mother's side is Brasher, the Americanized spelling of the French occupational name for brewer. So, I thought of Granny when we saw this.</p><p>When people ask me what I do all day, it's stuff like this. Just so you know.</p><p>Next week, we are taking my father-in-law loveseat shopping. It'll be an adventure! </p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-52471452980011437012023-02-17T06:32:00.000-08:002023-02-17T06:32:22.725-08:00I'm Back!<p>Did ya miss me? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ocsrtNxUIzIRP5ebQWT9YR5s2E5MtrPSqS_D6jUEerAlWIdbFkAW20eexqrEXx44TSuJnycrzVgg-DE1UN7dydLCKYyYdelf9ag15eDxqR7zGkD--3jR8AjkG84lZ7XlygMO2LMlzC7su4fCyTg40QqLoy2Z1fWcm9CuF4-hWVAvTx7lx03d-IpK/s755/reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ocsrtNxUIzIRP5ebQWT9YR5s2E5MtrPSqS_D6jUEerAlWIdbFkAW20eexqrEXx44TSuJnycrzVgg-DE1UN7dydLCKYyYdelf9ag15eDxqR7zGkD--3jR8AjkG84lZ7XlygMO2LMlzC7su4fCyTg40QqLoy2Z1fWcm9CuF4-hWVAvTx7lx03d-IpK/s320/reader.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So, Mama did point out that I haven't been here for awhile, and it's true. I completely skipped January and here it is, late February. Valentine's Day is over, and our thirty-fourth wedding anniversary is tomorrow. Dates are always closer than they appear to be on the calendar.</p><p>I have updated my <a href="https://hopforbooks.blogspot.com/">book blog</a>, which I use as an additional link to Netgalley books, or any book I get in return for an honest review. Currently, I am perusing <b>Please Report Your Bug Here</b>, by Josh Riedel, and so far, it's an interesting, light read. </p><p>So, I'm talking about books on the argyle side...what else is happening? </p><p>We just got a new treadmill, and it's a very nice upgrade. It's quieter and has Bluetooth, so Mike can stream public radio from his fire tablet right to the treadmill's speakers. It makes life quieter all over the house.( I'll continue to do that thang I do, which is pairing my phone with my headphones. I like it like that. (hey, that's a zeugma)).</p><p>Right now, the living is easy for us, and I want to appreciate and celebrate that. We have events to look forward to and are feeling well.</p><p><br /></p><p>We visited friends for The Superbowl (is that capitalized?) and learned that night that our hostess had just had a scary mammogram. Of course, she's stressed out, but the good news is that it caught a bad development extremely early--the results showed pre-cancer, what she referred to as stage 0. It sounds like she will have surgery and radiation, and perhaps medication after that. This is the miracle of the 3-D mammograms! Catching bad stuff super early. We'll be thinking of her, as this is going to be unpleasant, mentally and physically.</p><p>Yesterday, I had my teeth professionally cleaned, and learned that my hygienist was also quite stressed: her husband, who bikes to work every day, had had a bad accident, and had just been released from the hospital the previous day. She-Bonnie-was actually leaving work early, right after my appointment. Bonnie's husband suffered a concussion, several broken ribs, a punctured lung, and I think she mentioned his collar bone. Yeah, awful accident. One incredible thing: he was wearing an Apple smart watch, and<i> it called the ambulance while he was unconscious</i>. (I felt bad about being there, and told her I could've rescheduled, but obviously she didn't feel that she could just do that.) Anyway, she seems to not trust her husband to abstain from any physical activity, such as getting in the shower and whatnot when she's not there. I'll be thinking about her, too. </p><p>I believe that both Sherry (game hostess) and Bonnie's husband will get through these health issues, but they are major events. </p><p>And, I hope all my friends and family are feeling well, as often as possible.</p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Actonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344781460971466611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-32936600945694345972022-12-04T14:10:00.004-08:002022-12-04T14:15:22.532-08:00Happy Lucky December<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR3nxNX0_M3aw8a_7OEs_cWrVIwvYke_9trc_LINli39pcBBaCbTrCgXW8qadOORU8Wv23W0pdXUxBf6xCNuEJfRW-dGNiFEZhLAbK5lpS1cF0scXE4ThipLiYVvp8_pJG7AIVfeUH8O162-seKBqMUCyEkeaK9ilndC-TPU6PbUDZBeMmJxVPDMf/s3000/Winter%20Wish%20-%20Art%20Print.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR3nxNX0_M3aw8a_7OEs_cWrVIwvYke_9trc_LINli39pcBBaCbTrCgXW8qadOORU8Wv23W0pdXUxBf6xCNuEJfRW-dGNiFEZhLAbK5lpS1cF0scXE4ThipLiYVvp8_pJG7AIVfeUH8O162-seKBqMUCyEkeaK9ilndC-TPU6PbUDZBeMmJxVPDMf/s320/Winter%20Wish%20-%20Art%20Print.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div> (Lucia Heffernan)<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Look! It's December already, and I've forgotten to blog, yet again. There's not a whole lot going on here just at the moment, but any minute now, I will start freaking out about packing for the longest cruise we've ever been on. It will be an adventure.</p><p>Are you ready for Christmas? Got your ducks in a row? We have less and less to do. It's been long enough since we've had kiddos to buy for that we have no idea what's all the rage these days in the toy department. In fact, I hardly ever go shopping these days, except for groceries, and when I do find myself in the mall, I'm actually lost half the time. So, I suppose it's not correct to say that I necessarily find myself in a mall, just because I'm in a mall? Stupid shower thoughts.</p><p>My echo dot just scared me, reminding me that it's time for Duo(lingo). This piece of electronics just speaks to me without warning, because I done forgot about asking it to speak to me. And I already played with Duo. Hmm, I should find a way to have it goad me into doing...so many things. </p><p>I need to finish our book group read! It's not long, I just get sidetracked. It's <i>The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove,</i> by Christopher Moore. It's a funny, entertaining, light read. I'm not sure what we're going to talk about with this one, but...we always have fun. </p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-1740483953348857872022-09-01T08:44:00.003-07:002022-09-01T08:47:55.514-07:00Rabbit, Rabbit, Happy Lucky September!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ1Ux7jIk-WrpWiCsAG24ZKTZcHS7wsfW1gKYOGn6svgir16uOart8pNwfyePYOD1N4STF3tefBDpFpmM--Z9ZkAJG3TBA4iaDe9ke8xDyKktnneGxvmFunDqp39myyx7FSG8bkPXE3SfgoxxNQj_QRke97ssgzvbmML49TXDHwLmWm-kgc0mZc8Q/s669/2bunny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ1Ux7jIk-WrpWiCsAG24ZKTZcHS7wsfW1gKYOGn6svgir16uOart8pNwfyePYOD1N4STF3tefBDpFpmM--Z9ZkAJG3TBA4iaDe9ke8xDyKktnneGxvmFunDqp39myyx7FSG8bkPXE3SfgoxxNQj_QRke97ssgzvbmML49TXDHwLmWm-kgc0mZc8Q/s320/2bunny.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>It's September today. Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas. </p><p>School buses are back in the neighborhood. To celebrate the first day of the month, I slept in past eight o'clock. Actually, it wasn't planned, I never have a plan. </p><p>Lara's here for one last visit before things get even busier for her, Della's happy with her new apartment, Mom's amazing, and I am looking forward to cooler weather. </p><p>I've just started reading <span style="color: #2b00fe;">This Will Not Pass,</span> by Alex Burns and Jonathan Martin, and I'm still making my way through the second season of <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Stranger Things </span>on Netflix. </p><p>There are a dozen podcasts I'm interested in, and I'll try to listen to them on my longer walks this fall. This coming Saturday is <a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-cinema-day-tickets-d97d156acb6f8189d2c423bd2bb9ec23">Cinema Day</a>, but I have no idea if there's anything I actually want to see...culturally, I'm pretty out of it.</p><p><b>Random stuff:</b></p><p>This is fun to play with, but 2022 looks bor-ing </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR7GfImqhqeFGq-64PEf1tXbhe_QJYp_V3NNJTp8L10kESY7UJBRubmnBRnX9pb_w5RxA7_f-AjUcG-zTr81SRCQoWVOR0mqE4lry5CxSCou9FzxeFpyDdFknWZo0r97SxtjgMMFkUMfziGI_ZsxjR0jHg-0Gnu5XK1usZcYWwv-fJoid76qKTCwI/s902/monks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR7GfImqhqeFGq-64PEf1tXbhe_QJYp_V3NNJTp8L10kESY7UJBRubmnBRnX9pb_w5RxA7_f-AjUcG-zTr81SRCQoWVOR0mqE4lry5CxSCou9FzxeFpyDdFknWZo0r97SxtjgMMFkUMfziGI_ZsxjR0jHg-0Gnu5XK1usZcYWwv-fJoid76qKTCwI/w320-h452/monks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Contronyms! So many things that have never crossed my limited mind...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88j6yvFq2L0ea6jHO7ZNyyRy2MsQ5i2YN6SSciHEOqHqJdCujHrpgRSR02rxYHhdRTcZ9KQHRaL7yJK_lwPIihuAHo5w3yJGnuyqhXXMNBF97TFuWoFXyCMDXSFbv77HbHGMrixTxBVPbRWteEFzsD_Osq2ngrR_CVaiVhJWa6Kgde4s6UCK-V5Pn/s715/contra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="539" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88j6yvFq2L0ea6jHO7ZNyyRy2MsQ5i2YN6SSciHEOqHqJdCujHrpgRSR02rxYHhdRTcZ9KQHRaL7yJK_lwPIihuAHo5w3yJGnuyqhXXMNBF97TFuWoFXyCMDXSFbv77HbHGMrixTxBVPbRWteEFzsD_Osq2ngrR_CVaiVhJWa6Kgde4s6UCK-V5Pn/w341-h453/contra.png" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p>And Mom, enjoy the fall and stop dreading winter! You don't have to get out much, and you are good at parallel parking.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjf3AZPyHTiOE1VcATcYoPjffti8xfaam5yw5PUajmXzzmIn2uMLbp7WOpVg3M2s6lxcHH5DUs96gIDK_OW2x-oxDRCbf5jOPiKWkdVrCINS2MoItJuxORqgBaELTmOg0G7Yb9ZE3vxpyAhCa45qxGeAGKCvKYY4HNPFESH4CU-BxNJsumZnpv2jD/s563/snowpark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="563" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjf3AZPyHTiOE1VcATcYoPjffti8xfaam5yw5PUajmXzzmIn2uMLbp7WOpVg3M2s6lxcHH5DUs96gIDK_OW2x-oxDRCbf5jOPiKWkdVrCINS2MoItJuxORqgBaELTmOg0G7Yb9ZE3vxpyAhCa45qxGeAGKCvKYY4HNPFESH4CU-BxNJsumZnpv2jD/w390-h335/snowpark.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><p>Okay, time for me to get off my backside and start my month. Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-40282277695689671512022-08-23T17:34:00.012-07:002022-08-23T17:58:30.496-07:00It's Still August, Right?<p> What a neglectful blogger I am. Not only did I not post a lucky rabbit picture for August, I haven't posted anything! And the month is mostly over.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyG_l2CN_RVYb_I0a-Ya7wlOR8AlJ988tQ-3ARz-2GpFFlqnNF7pytaFXqwEbmbFnk_mCy4wUyX6QzUqGjweSGkJxmplEh8FOya5YEE4Wm6IXzs5G_Ag-zgeCKsE6yHgwBbdeQP9QOcnebfraQbbM_7C39dOp2RrUAcJvuHTCWbpsiEOxd69es-ZDu/s469/white-rabbit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="350" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyG_l2CN_RVYb_I0a-Ya7wlOR8AlJ988tQ-3ARz-2GpFFlqnNF7pytaFXqwEbmbFnk_mCy4wUyX6QzUqGjweSGkJxmplEh8FOya5YEE4Wm6IXzs5G_Ag-zgeCKsE6yHgwBbdeQP9QOcnebfraQbbM_7C39dOp2RrUAcJvuHTCWbpsiEOxd69es-ZDu/w273-h365/white-rabbit.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>I am late, to be sure! Good thing there's not much of an audience, here. <div><br /></div><div>What have I been doing? It'll sound like so little. I currently have a 106 day streak on Duolingo, I've read some books, watched some documentaries, listened to music and podcasts, spent time at Planet Fitness, and sometimes I actually clean the house. </div><div><br /></div><div>Duo is a very effective nag, and I'm delighted that I can also use it on this Chromebook, since my pecking skills on my phone are sad. </div><div><br /></div><div>...That reminds me, I just found out about a game called Dino Jump, starring that dinosaur you see on the screen when you've lost your internet connection. It's an offline game! To play, you tap on Dino to make her jump over the cacti that will be in her way as she sprints through the desert. So exciting. If you time the jump too late, Dino crashes into the cactus, and if you time it too early, she'll be impaled by a cactus, and that's when you have to start the game over. But then, the points start back at zero every time Dino crashes into a cactus. Anyway, I'm pathetic. I had one job, but can't even make it to 200. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQuZ6yqdM3vBFES9xR6wsWaAc_1swYyQyaE_ijHvIWkA9gqWsB0oS-k5U4f_phlwd6dpCC_QQrfgXZ2UneR316Inn-EykMDiX-cSQx_uCUaUqfs2Y3-hhPMfrjoYkiWW8rVIaFnfLI3IBuUT7Q-zHMbOnvTVtHZC2wDo9HZXzM1lBBX_lx1sVrHB7/s1520/Screenshot_20220822-183108.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQuZ6yqdM3vBFES9xR6wsWaAc_1swYyQyaE_ijHvIWkA9gqWsB0oS-k5U4f_phlwd6dpCC_QQrfgXZ2UneR316Inn-EykMDiX-cSQx_uCUaUqfs2Y3-hhPMfrjoYkiWW8rVIaFnfLI3IBuUT7Q-zHMbOnvTVtHZC2wDo9HZXzM1lBBX_lx1sVrHB7/w321-h548/Screenshot_20220822-183108.png" width="321" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span><span style="font-family: courier;">When it comes to reading, I'm taking a break from Netgalley, after making it through the newest John Irving book, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Last Chair Lift.</span> </b>Suddenly, I feel that perhaps Moby-Dick wouldn't seem so long, after all. I liked it, it was very much a John Irving book, but--too much of a good thing. Then, I embarked on our next group read, called<b> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Westward with Giraffes,</span> </b>a historical novel that reminded me very much of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Water for Elephants</span>,</b> except not quite as engaging. (Authors Lynda Rutledge and Sara Gruen, respectively). I'm now reading a nonfiction/autobiographical book of essays by Samantha Irby, which is both hilarious and very sad. It's called <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">We Are Never Meeting in Real Life.</span></b></span><br /></span><div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I must confess to spending a lot of time scrolling through Reddit. Oh, it's not the worst place to spend time; I've actually learned stuff and gotten quite a few chuckles. It's how I learned about anther reading site called The StoryGraph, for instance. And all kinds of random stuff I don't need to know, and perhaps isn't even any of my business, like the fact that Beyonce's dad had breast cancer AND tested positive for BRCA. That worries me. See? random, and none of my business. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I am currently making my way through the second season of <i>Stranger Things</i>. I'm finding the characters likable and the plot interesting enough to keep watching.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, our local school district starts back on August 31, just about a week away. The school district I attended is starting two days earlier, while some school districts in PA actually started today. Every year, it's a surprise to me to see all the kids in the neighborhood suddenly appear and disappear at certain times of the day. If they didn't come out to get on a bus, I'd have no idea there were that many children living in this area! </div><div><br /></div><div>And though it is still August, I'm so looking forward to our December cruise. It'll be the longest one we've ever taken, and it will be substantially different--not just beach flopping. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enough for for now. Whatchaupto?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p>P.S. I did put those book titles in<b> bold text</b>, even checked the html, but oddly, it's not appearing that way on my end. T<i>hat blogger. </i></p><p>When I researched the problem, someone said it could be the font, and to go to here and there and paste this and that, but I couldn't figure that out, so after discovering that bold didn't work in any font, I simply colored the text. See? That's how I murder time. </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-22687674494915320162022-07-01T07:03:00.001-07:002022-07-01T07:03:17.488-07:00Rabbit, Rabbit, Happy Lucky July!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIdsZKlVAsHIXugoY8qgdcXrGdnXAAeVbqoADNh7M0tmcnpDyLXi1ZcbW4kI8stwCve7Xt72bj5jxyzChJOpRbM1iG-QYPd2StpcCpwiYKID9AVYi2B2BDT5v51bcPXs7aint3OqlSCQYTuzKEmUlRUj1NK9zgDqA8oUHXPn0AhiBfilmI9HJP1HS/s480/luciaheffernan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIdsZKlVAsHIXugoY8qgdcXrGdnXAAeVbqoADNh7M0tmcnpDyLXi1ZcbW4kI8stwCve7Xt72bj5jxyzChJOpRbM1iG-QYPd2StpcCpwiYKID9AVYi2B2BDT5v51bcPXs7aint3OqlSCQYTuzKEmUlRUj1NK9zgDqA8oUHXPn0AhiBfilmI9HJP1HS/s320/luciaheffernan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />(Lucia Heffernan: I like her artwork! https://www.framedart.com/framed-heffernan-prints-a118096)<div><br /></div><div>Happy Friday, everyone, and Rabbit rabbit!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today has already been lucky for me; I finally tested negative for COVID, twelve days after the onset of symptoms. I felt bad for just a couple days, and after that grew a bit frustrated to continue to test positive after that 5 day wait period. So, now I get to go grocery shopping and pick up Bob's dry cleaning! Back to being useful again. And back to the Planet Fitness playground. </div><div><br /></div><div>This coming week, we'll visit with some friends on the 4th, and my sister Lara is going to be in town, too!</div><div>Also, Della is moving into a newer, more convenient apartment. She's excited, and I'm looking forward to it, too. She'll be closer to us now. </div><div><br /></div><div>In micronews, I'm reading the latest John Irving book, which I was surprised to see on Netgalley. It's over 700 pages, so I need to get some discipline to finish in a timely manner. After this one, I might take a break from the site to read my own pile for awhile. </div><div><br /></div><div>The national news is making me tired and grumpy, and selfishly happy not to be young anymore. That last guy ruined everything, and now we have to know how many people sort of suck.</div><div><br /></div><div>THIS JUST IN: Mike won last week's <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-high-should-you-climb-up-the-tower/">Riddler Express over on FiveThirtyEight. </a></div><div>(scroll down to see his name)</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great July, everyone!</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatchaupto?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-65949673178322686942022-06-01T06:39:00.003-07:002022-06-01T06:39:39.044-07:00Rabbit Rabbit, Happy Lucky June!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-xDhIi4jrNpC6gEL8od260LUPEhV4tA19N-y2TrEnZsmT86WjV4vYNikl6JJdwCpQVjrxkomILgXiD0n92aXwPIavXGBP3_ZrhZ5kD-_iY1Z117dVds6XbzpJR8LZHFNuvt7yqutgVRS2Anw1X28PCGyMoZEAwdYdYJUYB1G7Thv3X0kyjA7H41R/s738/Screenshot_20220531-211622.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="738" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-xDhIi4jrNpC6gEL8od260LUPEhV4tA19N-y2TrEnZsmT86WjV4vYNikl6JJdwCpQVjrxkomILgXiD0n92aXwPIavXGBP3_ZrhZ5kD-_iY1Z117dVds6XbzpJR8LZHFNuvt7yqutgVRS2Anw1X28PCGyMoZEAwdYdYJUYB1G7Thv3X0kyjA7H41R/s320/Screenshot_20220531-211622.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Where did May go, and why am I so happy that it's June? Hmm, for one thing, school is letting out this coming week, sometime, for just about everyone, and the start of summer vacation for so many, and even if I'm not affected, I catch the relief and happiness.</p><p>Mass shootings in schools is something on everyone's mind right now, and I hope what happened in Uvalde can at least be a tipping point. Surely, people can see that assault rifles are an insanity for civilians. Surely, we can all agree that the legal drinking age might be best for not just alcohol, but also guns? And perhaps credit card companies should put a cap on how much credit they extend to buy weapons of mass destruction? Evidently, ammo is expensive, but someone who plans to end things for so many won't care about simply pulling out a credit card. We are living in scary times in a dangerous country. (Where underage girls may be forced to birth babies, but underage boys & girls have access to dangerous weapons.)</p><p>What did I do in May? I did successfully donate blood, and they even gave me a nifty water bottle and stickers. I am still part child, these things delighted me. Eventually, I got a reactive + COVID antibody test result that means my antibody level is actually high enough that my donation could be used as convalescent plasma. Good to know those vaccines are still doing the job, since I'm putting off my fourth shot until closer to our cruise. </p><p>And, Mom gave me her older Toshiba laptop, which cooperated with a Cloudready install, so now it's functioning just like a new Chromebook! It's my lucky rabbit, rabbit day! I really like Chromebooks, so easy to use. </p><p>Mom and her bestie are going to the shore soon, the same week Mike and I will be in Texas. I'd better try on my bathing suit, a dowdy mastectomy affair that is comfortable and easy, if not flattering. It's harder to achieve "flattering" these days. Thankfully, I just don't care as much, and may stay in Arthur's pool the entire time, anyway. Nothing to see here.</p><p>Mike convinced me to read a book called <b>We Begin at the End, </b>by Chris Whitaker, and I'm glad. It is indeed a great book, one of the best young female protagonists, ever. </p><p>Okay, right now, I have to stop playing with my new toy long enough to get to the gym. </p><p>So, whatchaupto on this first day of June?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-81555197591764829722022-04-19T10:42:00.001-07:002022-04-19T10:42:24.114-07:00TIL, Or, Data Dump<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Tuesday! It's now late April, the latest possible Easter has just happened, and we had a splendid time, visiting with family.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, since I spend so much of my retirement cruising the interwebs, I decided it was time for a mental data dump--just what am I getting out of this? No need to hold onto that hat, I'm a pooh of little real estate up there, so don't expect too much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBwp9fEQaSkvHvocuU1OlExLYFj19eu9BKv13GMFN5Ds3TJJlVYTT7KeYM9xNOMlG5X4vP1BzGPTS4xhPxSQV_5_Eoap-_ok9stlUMvcDYotgpNC8LvQXHtDvMoQGjPMK3-IaJkV62ntl99wvxgxcIENqF2Bhq4oFBwaTVpHy3bS6babQBxJs6UJH/s960/barrles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="960" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBwp9fEQaSkvHvocuU1OlExLYFj19eu9BKv13GMFN5Ds3TJJlVYTT7KeYM9xNOMlG5X4vP1BzGPTS4xhPxSQV_5_Eoap-_ok9stlUMvcDYotgpNC8LvQXHtDvMoQGjPMK3-IaJkV62ntl99wvxgxcIENqF2Bhq4oFBwaTVpHy3bS6babQBxJs6UJH/w640-h301/barrles.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1</b>. So, that's how Tun Brewery got its name...too bad it's in Atlantic City. And--one really can ask for a butt load of beer. Good to know. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2</b>. Hong Kong is THE most expensive place to live. I did not know this. There are people living in apartments there that are so small that it stretches the meaning of the word. But not the space. There are some very ingenious ideas about what to do about the housing situation.</span></p><p><b>3.</b> After Mom called and told me about how exciting the women's race was at The Boston Marathon, I hopped over to YouTube and watched, and I'm glad I did. Congratulations to Peres Jepchirchir! Ababel Yesaneh put up a good fight, and finished second. It was the 50th anniversary of women being allowed to run Boston, and it certainly was a stunning race.</p><p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: Unify Serif, Georgia, TimesNewRoman, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"><b>4.</b> Since I've been going to Planet Fitness, and therefore seeing all these TV channels up above, I've learned that Hoda and Jenna have too much fun on The Today Show for it to count as an actual job. And yet, they are probably being paid enough to buy butt loads of beer every day. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: Unify Serif, Georgia, TimesNewRoman, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">I've also learned that someone always beats me to locker #42. At first, I thought it was my own fault, for traveling without a towel, but then I learned that it was also Jackie Robinson's number. Or <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/australianredcrossbloodservice/definitive-proof-number-42-actually-is-the-answer-to-life">whatever</a>. So, fine. I got myself a blue combo lock, so I can remember where I put my stuff.</span></span></p><p><b>5.</b> There's a free VPN service called Proton, and there's no data limit. Of course, one must make sure to be connected somewhere in the US to listen to Pandora, but so far, that hasn't been too difficult. </p><p><b>6.</b> I see cool stuff!</p><p><iframe height="529" id="reddit-embed" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups" scrolling="no" src="https://www.redditmedia.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/od2jce/this_new_concept_for_a_pedestrian_crosswalk/?ref_source=embed&ref=share&embed=true" style="border-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="640"></iframe></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: "Unify Serif", Georgia, TimesNewRoman, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 18px;"> I cross the pike most days on foot, and will be happy when this township has more sidewalks and crosswalks. Since they are building a new apartment building behind Rite Aid, it would make sense to for there to be a better walking situation. We shall see.</span></p><p>Well, I'm off to finish another comfortable day, for which I'm extremely grateful. </p><p>Whatchaupto?</p><p><span style="color: #303030; font-family: Unify Serif, Georgia, TimesNewRoman, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>p.s. is the font inconsistent? I have absolutely no idea why</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-105350679965835152022-04-09T14:46:00.002-07:002022-04-09T14:46:19.019-07:00April's Rabbit, Still in a Sweater<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRUbbCPqe-am39VyDp8B41kP9Btb0_LxvzgY1ZkIIYSdfvo18r2Yx5KoF4wD5TueVh_DMK0MXwwSe4fJcWz2AhKohMj4re5WkhIYgOo267EXMNEi_CeapqMc8R_9_8xJBxgxnnr2cwkVx1fslSzhTH3D5ExeFarHGXJSjq-TpXTZBung8ui09AVES/s736/bunnysweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRUbbCPqe-am39VyDp8B41kP9Btb0_LxvzgY1ZkIIYSdfvo18r2Yx5KoF4wD5TueVh_DMK0MXwwSe4fJcWz2AhKohMj4re5WkhIYgOo267EXMNEi_CeapqMc8R_9_8xJBxgxnnr2cwkVx1fslSzhTH3D5ExeFarHGXJSjq-TpXTZBung8ui09AVES/s320/bunnysweater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Greetings, fellow earthlings, I hope April finds you all well. I'm not sure there is much news to impart from my neck of the woods, but I shall endeavor to provide some tidbits.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since I last visited this blog, the days have gone by smoothly enough for us, and I am thankful for that. I'm thankful that we keep in touch with some friends and have the occasional night out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We had an unexpectedly good time in Annville last week, where we went to be part of a group joining a couple of very nice people who are trying to retire from farming by renting space for a solar farm. Unfortunately, many of their neighbors are outraged, and Annville's supervisors voted it down. (some people are afraid of noise pollution? This was an interesting cultural experience.) It will be appealed, an ongoing battle... more information <a href="https://www.ldnews.com/story/news/local/2022/04/06/north-annville-rejects-lebanon-solar-1-solar-panel-farm/65348539007/">here. </a> Anyway, we went back to the farm and had a fun party, anyway. We met reps from Enel Green Power, who were smart and interesting. </span></p><p>I wish I could claim to be doing interesting stuff, but I fear that the pandemic has made a bit of a house cat of me. Except for my trips to see my mom, grocery shopping, or going to the gym, I'm at home, reading and playing games.</p><p><b>Wooden Overcoats</b>, the podcast I followed for four seasons, is over. It was wonderful, and I will miss it. I've just started listening to <b>The Amelia Project, </b> which I hope to get into. Podcasts are fun, and they are good for exercising my attention span. There are books I'm looking forward to finally reading, so I'll have to avert my eyes from the offerings on Netgalley, for a little while. I just finished the latest novel by Jennifer Egan, called <b>The Candy House,</b> which I was astounded and grateful to get on that platform. (My review is on the other blog.) </p><p>Another year of movies went by, and since movies are available on specific platforms these days, we feel lucky to have caught ONE newsworthy film this year: <b>The Power of the Dog</b>, which we saw on Netflix. The rest of them might have to wait until they appear at the library, which may be awhile. And since we don't have cable, we didn't watch the Oscars, but heard all about the tragedy the next morning. Honestly, that may someday be a movie: reach the pinnacle of a career, and just before accepting the prize, do something insane that might ruin said career. What a story.</p><p>Hokey smokes, where is the day going? Whatchaupto? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-73341057635644090222022-03-01T07:08:00.007-08:002022-03-01T07:12:02.545-08:00Rabbit, Rabbit! Happy Lucky March<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi9axFcosQhT3A2Q380Tv-iazUEuSAAROzC9ndObsKg5dN2Kq1i4wmVmEhW3Zo_zyZ5HdO4gcnP9EgoiOtwRSoH-HaQPREd_cgoiaHMoWSO-OVI-m2mQYE-scgeEG-RyGQ5aomI3-bU6XyJCMC-5tCC53SrniflUzso4gTtvCdDHxRTDYsdjcPidHO=s754" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi9axFcosQhT3A2Q380Tv-iazUEuSAAROzC9ndObsKg5dN2Kq1i4wmVmEhW3Zo_zyZ5HdO4gcnP9EgoiOtwRSoH-HaQPREd_cgoiaHMoWSO-OVI-m2mQYE-scgeEG-RyGQ5aomI3-bU6XyJCMC-5tCC53SrniflUzso4gTtvCdDHxRTDYsdjcPidHO=w384-h400" width="384" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Good morning, happy Tuesday to you all. Spring is coming, and that always helps, doesn't it? <p></p><p>Not always, I know. If you're living in country that is being invaded, and afraid that some members of your family will die a horrible, violent death, the seasons don't matter much to you. Tragic news from around the globe always remind me how first world all my problems are. How little I've done to deserve any of my luck. </p><p>If you or your loved ones are struggling with health issues, may the coming of warmer weather make you more comfortable and help your overall mood. That always helps. And, for the over-worked, over scrutinized, stressed out teachers, it is that much closer to the end of another year. May the next three months be easier, or at least go by quickly. </p><p>Right now, I am doing well, happily living an uneventful life, and trying to remember to be thankful for the present, while looking forward to the warm weather.</p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-8356105733477695042022-02-05T06:23:00.004-08:002022-02-05T06:24:52.361-08:00Belated Rabbit, Rabbit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY2461TjAb7BNqkG48BiXKv7HLBmSRsnP1TdUDXKZ7oecjGQVrPdsIuRUJ9iqeulfuwh2sBaRe_xi6GWulzBIdn2pRTRXDbTKSlX4b1Xxi-c0EUxgp-mj_DpEnBnbl5yiNef9PRXVoIoNJ3mqLtzyflqZrgPqmsdVkLyhYmpbkT4vqW1uxw5yAUr3C=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY2461TjAb7BNqkG48BiXKv7HLBmSRsnP1TdUDXKZ7oecjGQVrPdsIuRUJ9iqeulfuwh2sBaRe_xi6GWulzBIdn2pRTRXDbTKSlX4b1Xxi-c0EUxgp-mj_DpEnBnbl5yiNef9PRXVoIoNJ3mqLtzyflqZrgPqmsdVkLyhYmpbkT4vqW1uxw5yAUr3C=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Gracious me, I forgot to post a rabbit picture for the beginning of February. So, here's to a new month! I hope it is off to a good start for y'all.<p></p><p>First thing on my mind: after commenting on a Spotify forum that the service no longer sparks joy for me, I cancelled this morning. It's clear that CEO Daniel Ek has no intention of changing his company's focus. </p><p>So, I did that, and I'm over it.</p><p>In other news, we watched a captivating documentary called <b>Bathtubs over Broadway</b>. Its subject is industrial musicals.What? Those two words don't usually go together. I must admit, this doc did not initially appeal to me, but I am so glad Mike picked it out. </p><p>And, we hosted our book group last week to discuss <b>Cloud Cuckoo Land</b>, by Anthony Doerr, and that was fun. Good book, too! </p><p>It's forty-three (43) days until spring. It's hard to imagine standing in these temperatures to wait for a bunch of men in silly top hats to pull a groundhog out of a stump. I now understand why the locals told us, all those years ago, that we had such good weather for the event. Of course, I was freezing.</p><p>It seems like I'm trying to hibernate, but I will now get up and about. Sometimes, I get The Inertia real bad. Gotta fight that.</p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-78018863023673536032022-01-29T16:06:00.003-08:002022-01-29T16:09:51.005-08:00End of January Blues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR64wD-s0eh5FIGe_g974ptcaIX7dH9p6HPxAu4riTEuqrzFXoyvK97NOeMkVB1Ls11_NPzvD1sHZkzrm14xjlPd4rczmkf2aRBqiBNPLFpuxFVXCzv-RePZFE7HBEa_DHH2SLxLU87vRfGbBdqZGaB3ZSvSMUKB3p76dAEGwaoEkIsnq05leWN9NP=s752" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR64wD-s0eh5FIGe_g974ptcaIX7dH9p6HPxAu4riTEuqrzFXoyvK97NOeMkVB1Ls11_NPzvD1sHZkzrm14xjlPd4rczmkf2aRBqiBNPLFpuxFVXCzv-RePZFE7HBEa_DHH2SLxLU87vRfGbBdqZGaB3ZSvSMUKB3p76dAEGwaoEkIsnq05leWN9NP=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /> Today, we here in Pennsylvania count our blessings for not being under a blizzard warning. Sister Lara lives in an area that is getting pounded. Not fun. <p></p><p>There are many news stories fighting for the top of my news feed, all important issues, but I keep seeing news about Spotify. I enjoy Spotify immensely, and am horrified that the business paid a shocking sum of money to have the <i>exclusive</i> rights for "The Joe Rogan Experience." I've never listened to it. Spotify's algorithm was good enough to not suggest it to me (not a match for NPR stuff and Rachel Maddow, probably), but I also was not paying attention to the whole topic of right-wing nuts. Wingnuts. I ignore them.</p><p>However, Neil Young's protest is totally understandable. I get it. And now that Joni Mitchell has followed suit, folk music playlists will have holes in them. (By the way, I didn't know that Neil Young had polio as a child. That makes vaccines all the more personal for him.)</p><p>Since I paid for a whole year with a gift card, I am going to ride this out--and feel a bit guilty. Actually, I'm feeling sorry for Spotify's customer service. I've only had to contact them once, and had a good experience. While customer service is getting pounded and abused, the company they work for doesn't seem to have much to say. </p><p>Some of the people cancelling Spotify are moving to Apple Music, which I think is nuts--I mean, that's Steve Bannon's platform. And then there are people who will go to YouTube Music, but they've hosted plenty of jerks, too. That's where Rogan was most prominent, before Spotify gave him a contract.</p><p>Honestly, I wish music services would stick to music. There are so many great podcast platforms, mostly free. And yes, I know Spotify is not really a music company--it's a big business. Rogan was wildly popular, so they bought him. I'm still wrapping my head around how I was barely aware of someone who is, evidently, THE most popular podcaster in the US. </p><p>I am hoping Spotify ditches Rogan, and starts caring about their optics, if they can't care more about ethics. </p><p>Okay, that's my rant. (We'll save cable and Fox News for another day.)</p><p>Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-4112049390776422222022-01-01T07:16:00.005-08:002022-01-01T07:21:36.479-08:00Rabbit, Rabbit: 2022 Edition<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV29V9p2oV7_nyj7c0z8Z8o3YLlOGMmj28eqNEFU2fMKWzItznxLZgUqp_U6CSBt93Jxhd7dN8MW3ckp1T-O5kd_YSyXP3AI8ucazH0LSjkfEw_00KJIUfk_5okhPZI3siUJGxZXgyNJggFrV4U1k69oZaTQ8Cozuvqg_IgaGyFlhuYxQm4d5xYi47=s520" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV29V9p2oV7_nyj7c0z8Z8o3YLlOGMmj28eqNEFU2fMKWzItznxLZgUqp_U6CSBt93Jxhd7dN8MW3ckp1T-O5kd_YSyXP3AI8ucazH0LSjkfEw_00KJIUfk_5okhPZI3siUJGxZXgyNJggFrV4U1k69oZaTQ8Cozuvqg_IgaGyFlhuYxQm4d5xYi47=w260-h400" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Rabbit, rabbit, happy lucky January, everyone, and may 2022 turn out to be a special turning point in this pandemic. We could all use a little bit of fairy dust these days. Or something equally exciting.</p><p>December was blogless here. This year, I will try to be more inspired. More action, less sitting. </p><p>I'm not off to a grand start, I confess: we did stay up 'til midnight with a couple friends, and--I slept in. Way in. Mike, though, got up at the normal time, pounded the treadmill and all that other stuff he does, and is showered, dressed, and studying his Scrabble words, as usual. I am still in my pajamas, thinking I might still have time to make it over to Planet Fitness. I've been good at going, but also very good at eating. </p><p>Today, I'm going over to visit with the sisters, both Della and Lara, who is in town for another day, and of course, cute, loveable Digory. Mike will be spending the day with his dad, watching Penn State in the Outback Bowl. (Outback being the operative word, this year.)</p><p>We've had a good holiday season: spent a week in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where December has incredibly nice weather (not scorching), we've gotten to see family members we don't often see, and we had a very nice time last night with friends, and even ran into a neighbor. Life is good!</p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-53193325137055507272021-11-01T05:08:00.005-07:002021-11-01T05:11:11.815-07:00November Delights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Xt8uOIwNQhvlbKGLUArWaRWmhLEwZqIUZmQ6okQ1GagMQg8EmdjHYyv327E6UQFrb4uE88e8DMzt8UHR42tYf9Z9gF3_JFTJJUXYhTI3reYqufko-VsIuZ7hpD7OlTQQQFxQ8yS7gQ/s880/Novtwitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Xt8uOIwNQhvlbKGLUArWaRWmhLEwZqIUZmQ6okQ1GagMQg8EmdjHYyv327E6UQFrb4uE88e8DMzt8UHR42tYf9Z9gF3_JFTJJUXYhTI3reYqufko-VsIuZ7hpD7OlTQQQFxQ8yS7gQ/w281-h320/Novtwitter.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">amsin Abbott, artist, blue-ginger gallery</span></span></i><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rabbit, rabbit, happy lucky November, everyone! </span></p><p>I set a couple of alarms to prevent me from sleeping all the way through my rabbitses, because November is so exciting! Yes, let's get pumped about November.</p><p>Mike's birthday is coming up, and while he's out getting the car inspected today, I'll be slipping out to the mall to get his birthday chocolate. I hope Gertrude Hawk has their dark chocolate jack-o-lantern smidgens on sale. Mike gets a special kick out of that. (I will be livid if the Christmas stuff is already there.)</p><p>Speaking of Halloween, our trick-or-treat was last evening, and we greeted a total of nine or ten kids, in two groups. I mean, only two door bells. They were all super young, no one looked over eight years old, with a crowd of parents watching from the sidewalk. </p><p>Mom's birthday is November Last, and she'll be greeting her ninth decade. Wait, that makes eighty sound older than it is... anyway, woohoo! </p><p>And--in less exciting news, I finished a Netgalley book a couple days ago, but haven't reviewed it yet. That should get done today. Della loaned me a hard copy of <b>Dune</b>, by Frank Herbert, since it's everywhere right now, so popular that I'd have to wait six months to nab it at the library! Impressive, for a book that came out in 1965. It's one of those books I should have read ages ago. Perhaps I can stop wasting time and finally start that today, too.</p><p>THIS JUST IN: a couple friends have alerted us to Magic Mondays in Carlisle, and we'll definitely join them on a Monday this month. That will be fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYM4sS6p39bF6xdV0fH3NVmgWDDOi6Ap1J04Jh-vZgNjWmjyGAEzVctOz2P-rACyBLbxKDm2tG6SRdDY3GN3MOyp4RTSDgVxmv5eYCTpSYjkrFqj67vswcRTdeHMQhrS8PU6GVIQPM2k/s960/novcal.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYM4sS6p39bF6xdV0fH3NVmgWDDOi6Ap1J04Jh-vZgNjWmjyGAEzVctOz2P-rACyBLbxKDm2tG6SRdDY3GN3MOyp4RTSDgVxmv5eYCTpSYjkrFqj67vswcRTdeHMQhrS8PU6GVIQPM2k/w490-h326/novcal.webp" width="490" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Wow! Today is World Vegan Day! Does Lara know?</p><p>Time to wrap this up and get moving. Besides, I'm getting rumbly in my tumbly, like I do.</p><p>Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-626415216799140592021-10-26T06:41:00.004-07:002021-10-26T06:46:35.269-07:00Boycott<p> When I was a teenager, my mother boycotted Nestle, for a very good <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/nestles-infant-formula-scandal-2012-6">reason</a>. I still think of that brand as evil, for the way the company prioritized profit over the health of babies, particularly taking advantage of third-world countries. </p><p>I never set foot in Hobby Lobby, even though it's conveniently right down the road from me. My problem is mostly the company's insistence on denying contraception to its employees, but that's not the only reason. They also discriminate against the LGBTQ community and exhibit a general intolerance to anyone that doesn't fit into some kind of evangelical mindset. Most recently, they stayed open during the COVID-19 lockdown, ignoring state mandates and endangering their employees. Honestly, I don't know why anyone would work there. Nope, if I need crafting supplies, I go see Joann or Michael. </p><p>Fewer stores will be open on Thanksgiving this year, and I like to think that it's an effort to be kinder to their employees. </p><p>If I can avoid spending my money at a retailer or business that supports mistreating others, I do. It just makes me feel better.</p><p>So, that's why I've left Facebook. It's not the first time I've left, but it will be the last. Now that I have a smart phone and participate on other social sites, I should be able to keep in touch with others without using a platform that hurts so many people. And once again, the most damage is done in third-world countries. </p><p>Anyone who has boycotted any business for any reason could understand avoiding Facebook.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6janjV7GksLKU4LQWgWZNdZU8bSUZ0HNVbCwKLxSofC-_W4f7MQnhpjhs6hK0yKL181c_ifQWaYD5ypFtlpAx5YycF4fKKIv9sTyrZG977bMaTecndVYdQhKZgvQbOSrOlxzxiXPyy4/s1106/washinghare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6janjV7GksLKU4LQWgWZNdZU8bSUZ0HNVbCwKLxSofC-_W4f7MQnhpjhs6hK0yKL181c_ifQWaYD5ypFtlpAx5YycF4fKKIv9sTyrZG977bMaTecndVYdQhKZgvQbOSrOlxzxiXPyy4/s320/washinghare.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>And when I heard that Mark Zuckerberg is planning on reaching young people by creating a <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/facebook-wants-us-to-live-in-the-metaverse">metaverse</a>...I'm scared, really scared. That man is already affecting the world in ways that were not foreseen, and now he's hiring 10,000 engineers to build his own world--instead of spending that money to make things safer for everyone. Strap on that virtual headset and never leave...mwahahahaha. GAME OVER for society as we know it. </p><p>I enjoyed reading <b>Ready, Player One</b>, but it was a cautionary tale, not a goal!</p><p>So, I'm not trying to snub anyone, or be holier-than-thou (good trick for an atheist), so I didn't create a dramatic post on Facebook before leaving (it'll be awhile 'til most people even notice, which is a luxury), I just left, because I'm uncomfortable about being there, and the very idea of being a product. </p><p>Keep in touch! </p><p><br /></p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p>* I love this print of a young woman <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/589760045/washing-her-hare-5x7-mini-print-rabbit?epik=dj0yJnU9bmRmUDU0SkpTY1ZzSXN1S0x0a3BJS1k5Q25Md1NGbWcmcD0wJm49SGhBMlA3UmN5cHNWaTlXVXVBX0RWdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0Y0QkV3">washing her hare</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-71227519935190338352021-10-20T12:04:00.003-07:002021-10-20T12:04:48.002-07:00Just a Quick Note...<p> Howdie, y'all. Just checking in to say, we're twenty days into October, and the leaves on our three maple trees are still up there, all green and firmly attached to their branches. Perhaps, when it finally gets cold, they'll all drop at once. We'll see. That might scare the squirrels, if they're still out and about.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrHkoh0kioqmFbVO2AT-0EMpzkF_8B-dn_I2tjWngmtlejjacgPKUVuICfpoGSNNZsF93sdVnPGS-rXVVyEmPCFpZYhDql2Nujz0iS27jpC6kp8D2iIGXQwAUlzW9lIoaCupXMmg70Zk/s665/erbsbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrHkoh0kioqmFbVO2AT-0EMpzkF_8B-dn_I2tjWngmtlejjacgPKUVuICfpoGSNNZsF93sdVnPGS-rXVVyEmPCFpZYhDql2Nujz0iS27jpC6kp8D2iIGXQwAUlzW9lIoaCupXMmg70Zk/w343-h320/erbsbridge.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />See? Look how sunny it is out there! I took this on my morning walk. If you zoom in, you might see three Canada Geese who might think they've already gone south. And yep, that creek is <i>low. </i>Despite all that rain we'd gotten, not so long ago. It looks like I could almost walk across the creek, only getting my shoes and socks wet. Not that I would do that. </p><p>And today/tonight is The Full Hunter's Moon. Time to hunt down and store all those acorns, then stay inside. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbZb-u1rnhQ05uPdWhKBAnBEuHxgC56WxIFnasDk19BLheklxhAYNz2XIf9dCFcLqQmATzz-PG6psuB6ZkBCj93vwI9fRZE8UY6IstvUJ6P3Obx32K0NsxrXTYW71DDz1PHL57lbm7mk/s600/fatsquirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbZb-u1rnhQ05uPdWhKBAnBEuHxgC56WxIFnasDk19BLheklxhAYNz2XIf9dCFcLqQmATzz-PG6psuB6ZkBCj93vwI9fRZE8UY6IstvUJ6P3Obx32K0NsxrXTYW71DDz1PHL57lbm7mk/s320/fatsquirrel.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Wow, I don't know if this is photoshopped, but it is the fattest squirrel I've ever seen. </i></p><p>Enjoy this lovely October! Whatchaupto?</p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-91239681138075482342021-10-01T19:26:00.003-07:002021-10-01T19:26:56.835-07:00Rabbit, Rabbit, Happy Lucky October!<p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyHPig1R2DcBJ0Iv8yEN0lC8P-tfozt_ZhKCBX2jpSRr9trInAlQoXXUb6oFhh52KamlFsKVbVGSUqgKqpcrmcQHgC_f_cJHkhEuMAMl1ImNOGligJL8cPaEnEoSOCU5bsEFR7mTiTgI/s472/beerhops.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="472" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyHPig1R2DcBJ0Iv8yEN0lC8P-tfozt_ZhKCBX2jpSRr9trInAlQoXXUb6oFhh52KamlFsKVbVGSUqgKqpcrmcQHgC_f_cJHkhEuMAMl1ImNOGligJL8cPaEnEoSOCU5bsEFR7mTiTgI/w400-h268/beerhops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happy Friday, too. On this first day of October, I am having some alone time, as Mike is in Happy Valley with his old friends from his high school cross country days. I hope he is having a good time, and that things aren't too weird for him, since he can't be drinking any alcohol for a couple more weeks. (He has to return to his doctor's office to repeat some testing, and he was asked no to drink at all.)</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">His friend Brent came over yesterday afternoon, so they could ride up together, and he gave me a small box of tomatoes. Well, that big one had to be eaten, it was ripe. And very delicious. I'd told Mike right away to not expect to see any of these beauties when he got back. They laughed, as if I were joking. (Brent is a farmer, by the way. He and his wife Julie are flush with veggies.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">What did I do today? It's amazing how easily I fill my time, especially on days when I am not motivated to do much at all. I wrote a book review. Then, I read all the emails I get from all those bookstores where I have accounts just so I can cut, paste, and sprinkle my opinions around the interwebs. Played a couple games, read some news, ran a very optional errand, tortured my recorder, went for a short walk, and then it was time to eat dinner and watch Washington Week in Review on PBS. It's what we do on our exciting Friday nights. I was too lazy to carry my food downstairs, where the TV is, so I watched it on the computer upstairs. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">These past few days have been beautiful! This past Wednesday, I walked through Indian Creek, Grandon Farms Trail, then part of Creekview Park, and I felt so retired! I mean, I barely saw anyone. The park was particularly empty, since it was a weekday. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzkOeDDsCLpkJTmRkT1xdAR_GXMUNEolAlbjDJ40CZJBmDFrC4vxSQ9zM0G8BhofPYnkNJ7x9-WMI3VHJsbNsMn6_NUFeYAZAkkgbijGLar42kJwCpPHffXy1YWgxjKYL42tTpOZJ0k/s2048/IMG_20210929_104331930_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzkOeDDsCLpkJTmRkT1xdAR_GXMUNEolAlbjDJ40CZJBmDFrC4vxSQ9zM0G8BhofPYnkNJ7x9-WMI3VHJsbNsMn6_NUFeYAZAkkgbijGLar42kJwCpPHffXy1YWgxjKYL42tTpOZJ0k/s320/IMG_20210929_104331930_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Crossing the creek, on my way to Indian Creek...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn1yYyi2kgf77gxCbsJ9Zpf4zy-RjGRlI7PgaQAcbEGsQeDr3LTO_gdLewQCI0WjqB7fkjaNMLvxoqO9IbpUF1DXhuNb-TLiQsxXQT6TUUZKferLB6UDTs2zd6v4CK193_InXUB2MZfs/s1600/IMG_20210802_112759883_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn1yYyi2kgf77gxCbsJ9Zpf4zy-RjGRlI7PgaQAcbEGsQeDr3LTO_gdLewQCI0WjqB7fkjaNMLvxoqO9IbpUF1DXhuNb-TLiQsxXQT6TUUZKferLB6UDTs2zd6v4CK193_InXUB2MZfs/s320/IMG_20210802_112759883_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>this is somewhere along the path cutting through Indian Creek...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYEEgeepDAgcDhUi7kXXCL4L3n-49R8_WjPwWiCIFrfgQAs7j6F7wJVe9Mj9UZyCPaBnqDuLyKlC97G5XkoFPfraSNmM-8y-0CNQvCLi9JTJkUbTuRHoRNT9_pnVn3SloLERIiRje_4E/s2048/IMG_20210929_100844687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYEEgeepDAgcDhUi7kXXCL4L3n-49R8_WjPwWiCIFrfgQAs7j6F7wJVe9Mj9UZyCPaBnqDuLyKlC97G5XkoFPfraSNmM-8y-0CNQvCLi9JTJkUbTuRHoRNT9_pnVn3SloLERIiRje_4E/s320/IMG_20210929_100844687.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">random picture somewhere on Grandon Farms Trail...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31v4IxD1PQQodk1zSYleTWczpdattgywP3IuWJMgUGi6efbNxTGXgoEnXu3zNVrxjZ8xHNmjlDyEzljjbxdroGtXAkYzvjQgLJaO3OHjBTreYP3W3oCsh4Ht1Fa38i3HH94yEPEpkpyI/s1600/IMG_20210802_113706429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31v4IxD1PQQodk1zSYleTWczpdattgywP3IuWJMgUGi6efbNxTGXgoEnXu3zNVrxjZ8xHNmjlDyEzljjbxdroGtXAkYzvjQgLJaO3OHjBTreYP3W3oCsh4Ht1Fa38i3HH94yEPEpkpyI/s320/IMG_20210802_113706429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">...a shady area in Creekview Park, not far from the athletic fields. I loop around here somewhere and walk back, then. It's a great walk.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This coming Wednesday, I'm looking forward to finally seeing Mom! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So, whatchaupto?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-32549772590828786902021-09-01T14:40:00.002-07:002021-09-01T14:40:40.390-07:00Another September, Another Rabbit<p> ...but not in argyle, this time. Rabbit, rabbit, happy lucky September! </p><p>The end of any month is usually accompanied by a chorus of <i>where does the time fly??</i> August is especially that way, of course, because of school. Even for those of us not involved with school, there is an obvious change in vibe. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyHIHGM6sFKxqF85m9itcSa2aKGjSr9JWj8U0GkF-xDRqhcL0_vPRD9NJUt7fbcX9zbyPQxnuyVuco_IMHGPKLefFc6tVxVonmx16xr-mm39AMXjoeuSum1JTQ38TftOA8T4qXi5Qx6A/s705/read.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyHIHGM6sFKxqF85m9itcSa2aKGjSr9JWj8U0GkF-xDRqhcL0_vPRD9NJUt7fbcX9zbyPQxnuyVuco_IMHGPKLefFc6tVxVonmx16xr-mm39AMXjoeuSum1JTQ38TftOA8T4qXi5Qx6A/s320/read.jpg" width="256" /></a></div> Artwork: Lisa Congdon<br /><p><br /></p><p>This year, in these parts, the weather is adding to this vibe; Yesterday was the first day of school in our local district, and it didn't get much above 80 degrees. Today, it won't make it to 70 degrees. </p><p>I hope the kids are excited about going back, and that they have a good school year, even though things are looking dicey again because of COVID. And look: school is already letting out early, due to weather. On the second day of school! Yes, it's raining. </p><p>Starting this afternoon, we've been vacuuming up water in our basement. Before I started vacuuming, I had to clean the shop vac Mike was using for his woodworking projects, and that was a project in itself. (I'd just taken a shower, too. Hear me whine.) Of course, we are thankful that things aren't as bad as they were the last time we were doing this, and hopefully, Harrisburg won't lose another bridge, either.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnVVd1ZPHszEQDqSya1eu-bm9iTBgFLc4TrEVb99YCjf_VLtx6lQ9cHTDVNv5wiwQoV2H3iT1TT4b4FbTiLs-u74s2bcCIaz0J6YKSQGoUE2LXfffPV0m0y-LLH_nA4uNKVyJlGssnjk/s1280/walnut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnVVd1ZPHszEQDqSya1eu-bm9iTBgFLc4TrEVb99YCjf_VLtx6lQ9cHTDVNv5wiwQoV2H3iT1TT4b4FbTiLs-u74s2bcCIaz0J6YKSQGoUE2LXfffPV0m0y-LLH_nA4uNKVyJlGssnjk/s320/walnut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 1996<br /><p><br /></p><p>This was a hot summer, and honestly, I'm ready for cooler weather. But not pumpkin spice. And the rain should stop now, the neighborhood already looks very soggy. </p><p>On the bright side, the mail carrier came, and we got a postcard from our niece, who has just come back from France. She and I share a love for sardines.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJWUH2lOxCrKYC8VYOF1BwPCB_Pvlgq7g126xHJb1XHvb5jnxfE7ZOYvxm0WSuNAz08nrZrOeFKfOIq7ntPogKq5ib0mN5wgzhScWnRAk8FoGDLEChpA5qPblF-ktAWlNF-99lB3n_q0/s281/IMG_20210901_173542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="266" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJWUH2lOxCrKYC8VYOF1BwPCB_Pvlgq7g126xHJb1XHvb5jnxfE7ZOYvxm0WSuNAz08nrZrOeFKfOIq7ntPogKq5ib0mN5wgzhScWnRAk8FoGDLEChpA5qPblF-ktAWlNF-99lB3n_q0/s0/IMG_20210901_173542.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p>This translates to, "we have not raised the sardines together." I suppose that means they were WILD. And nestled in a tight spot together, even though they did not even know each other!</p><p><br /></p><p>In a few days, Mike and I are taking the train to Atlantic City, NJ, hoping for nice strolling weather and to just get away a little bit. </p><p>So, whatchaupo?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-39767145255875544002021-08-15T04:59:00.004-07:002021-08-15T05:10:23.066-07:00Welcome To the Middle of August<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgtaIOsRcNeaZRDjVSD_QIyKAix6JRMRe4w_ccjguXErS6q9IGDmqKBE2bhzujV2I_ksf24ej7AAi2P-R__OlohbF2c74lC-TjXdS8Dw2uYL_GMy4rPJ9iuaRbFWkww2VIJNaupLzmOQ/s422/readerrabbit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgtaIOsRcNeaZRDjVSD_QIyKAix6JRMRe4w_ccjguXErS6q9IGDmqKBE2bhzujV2I_ksf24ej7AAi2P-R__OlohbF2c74lC-TjXdS8Dw2uYL_GMy4rPJ9iuaRbFWkww2VIJNaupLzmOQ/s320/readerrabbit.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Good morning, good morning! It's finally a nice temperature out there, perchance to go for a decent walk. </p><p>Gracious me, I'm sorry to point this out, but summer is almost over. Area schools will be back in session in a couple weeks. Actually, the school district we reside in will start in about <i>one</i> week. </p><p>We haven't been to the pool at all. It just didn't appeal to us this year, and hasn't for awhile, now. Back in the day, we'd go after work, when it was quieter. That seems like another lifetime. Now, from what I see on Facebook, people are unhappy about the crowding situation there. It is a public pool--residents of the township can get a discount or membership, but anyone can pay a daily fee and use the park and pool, because of the way it was funded, in the beginning. Our township has grown, and is continuing to grow. The obvious solution would be to fund another pool, perhaps near one of the other parks in the township, but I've not heard any plans for that.</p><p>What I have heard concerns more apartment buildings. One will be very close to us, and I hope that a nice sidewalk along that road comes with it. That would be very nice. While it's being built, though, we'll all have to be very patient with whatever disruptions come our way.</p><p>Speaking of disruptions, our neighborhood was supposed to be paved a couple days ago, but wasn't. I'm assuming it was postponed because of excessive heat. I just hope we get a heads up about when we'll be kicked off the road. It really does need to be done. </p><p>So, for at least a couple days, gravity will not be pressing down on me as badly, and I might feel more energetic. Happiness.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-W3q5VHQIn4Ml-cO4VMvZX0fKKYlebI3i89mvcfCUfzrs6qbl2asmNPzgR2XutmJvDtAbZPBKEIsThzjklMg1c4ru4igj25ZHnjSimrrBQQ2aSL6-gfeHagDPcCGwLo21yLrfgRmKiI/s403/26+Memes+For+Anyone+Who%2527s+Ready+For+Fall_.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-W3q5VHQIn4Ml-cO4VMvZX0fKKYlebI3i89mvcfCUfzrs6qbl2asmNPzgR2XutmJvDtAbZPBKEIsThzjklMg1c4ru4igj25ZHnjSimrrBQQ2aSL6-gfeHagDPcCGwLo21yLrfgRmKiI/s320/26+Memes+For+Anyone+Who%2527s+Ready+For+Fall_.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>So, whatchaupto?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603793553787677458.post-36062283697650470192021-07-20T10:13:00.001-07:002021-07-20T10:13:16.803-07:00Sometime in Late JulyIt's Tuesday, the start of nothing but the rest of my life (so the inspirational memes say), and so I thought, let's blog again. <div><br></div><div>Today happens to be birthday time for Della's kiddos, who we still call The Twins. They are down with that. Thirty-<i>somethings, </i>now. Inconceivable!<br><div><br></div><div>Today, I am roasting beets for the first time. Confession: it's my first time roasting anything. We have friends who live on a farm, and every once in awhile, we get free veggies. Lots of veggies. This time, I got beets of every size! Who knew that there was such a variety? Most adults, probably. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoumX1OELhuX5gNKIfMTwF02PRbht6j5ydolZmZ5MZZ17iqgUuJpPjLLzWzPLT3RYx66_7mb0JRzsV4H8T-hGu5NxwHCc0xJhYKtLewIUM4DjsISeGCufF41jCDCS-FwhhWeA03ZrCkE/s1600/1626801194635489-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoumX1OELhuX5gNKIfMTwF02PRbht6j5ydolZmZ5MZZ17iqgUuJpPjLLzWzPLT3RYx66_7mb0JRzsV4H8T-hGu5NxwHCc0xJhYKtLewIUM4DjsISeGCufF41jCDCS-FwhhWeA03ZrCkE/s1600/1626801194635489-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div><div><br></div><div> Mike does not adore beets, but I do, and am curious if they are even better roasted. Mike is working today, and in about 12 minutes, he will come out to prepare his lunch and will notice that the cutting board is now a stunning pink color. I would not blame him if he thinks that there's been enough pink in life, but those are other stories.</div><div><br></div><div>The current book is <b>Cloud Cuckoo Land,</b> by Jonathan Doerr, courtesy of Netgalley. I am enjoying this very much. And I have others piled up--a book group selection that will be very different, a couple nonfiction books loaned to us by friends, and there's another Netgalley book waiting, as well. It's pouring books, over here. </div><div><br></div><div>Speaking of reading, I have recently realized that I must be mindful how I do it, physically. Back and hip problems that clear up with a bunch of stretching exercises mean I'm a senior now, and so no more lounging around on the futon. Sit up, and not for long periods of time. A day of poor posture can wreck a night's sleep. Actually, staying in bed too long can be painful, too. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In other boring ME-news, I made the switch from coffee to black tea, without too much discomfort. The tea contains enough caffeine to prevent those searing headaches I got from trying that ill-advised cold turkey stunt, and plus with tea, I can make it quickly the night before, stick it in the frig, and have iced tea in the morning, way nicer than hot stuff when there's no central air conditioning. I do miss coffee, but not that much. <br></div><div><br></div><div>The verdict on the beets: I really liked them, Mike sampled and said, <i>meh. </i>Which is a lot better than the usual <i>yuck. </i>So, more for me. </div><div><br></div><div>So, whatchaupto?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1