Thursday, October 29, 2009

Born with the Golden rules


Been doing some thinking about Ivy' post (very good) the other day: The one had a list that her friend had sent her...it was mostly about ethical, and moral behavior. I was going to write my own answer..but I will post something that I have copied to note pad, and no link to the Author..but will try if you want me to keep looking.


It's that synergy thing...we can't escape it no matter how we try to change it...we are all one, and all the one.!!


Obviously, says the monkey.

Human nature simply cannot be understood in isolation from the rest of nature. This evolutionary approach is already difficult for many people to accept, but it is likely to generate even more resistance once its implications are fully grasped. After all, the idea that we descend from long-armed, hairy creatures is only half the message of evolutionary theory. The other half is continuity with all other life forms. We are animals not only in body but also in mind. This idea may prove harder to swallow.


We are so convinced that humans are the only intelligent life on earth that we search for other intelligent beings in distant galaxies. We also never seem to run out of claims about what sets us apart, even though scientific progress forces us to adjust these claims every couple of years. That is why we do not hear any more that only humans make tools, imitate each other, have culture, think ahead, are self-aware, or adopt another's point of view. It is the rare claim of human uniqueness that holds up for more than a decade.


If we look at our species without letting ourselves be blinded by the technological advances of the last few millennia, we see a creature of flesh and blood with a brain that, albeit three times larger than that of a chimpanzee, does not contain any new parts. Our intellect may be superior, but we have no basic wants or needs that cannot also be observed in our close relatives. I interact daily with chimpanzees and bonobos, which are known as anthropoids precisely because of their human-like characteristics. Like us, they strive for power, enjoy sex, want security and affection, kill over territory, and value trust and cooperation. Yes, we use cell phones and fly airplanes, but our psychological make-up remains that of a social primate.


To explain human behavior as a "mere" product of evolution, however, is often seen as insulting and a threat to morality, as if such a view would absolve us from the obligation to lead virtuous lives. The geneticist Francis Collins sees the "moral law" as proof that God exists. Conversely, I have heard people echo Dostoevsky's Ivan Karamazov, exclaiming that "If there is no God, I am free to rape my neighbor!"


Perhaps it is just me, but I am wary of anyone whose belief system is the only thing standing between them and repulsive behavior. Why not assume that our humanity, including the self-control needed to form a livable society, is built into us? Does anyone truly believe that our ancestors lacked rules of right and wrong before they had religion? Did they never assist others in need or complain about an unfair share? Human morality must be quite a bit older than religion and civilization. It may, in fact, be older than humanity itself. Other primates live in highly structured cooperative groups in which rules and inhibitions apply and mutual aid is a daily occurrence.


Even without claiming other primates as moral beings, it is not hard to recognize the pillars of morality in their behavior. These are summed up in our golden rule, which transcends the world's cultures and religions. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" brings together empathy (attention to the feelings of others) and reciprocity (if others follow the same rule, you will be treated well, too). Human morality could not exist without empathy and reciprocity, tendencies that have been found in our fellow primates.


After one chimpanzee has been attacked by another, for example, a bystander will go over to gently embrace the victim until he or she stops yelping. The tendency to console is so strong that Nadia Kohts, a Russian scientist who raised a juvenile chimpanzee a century ago, said that when her charge escaped to the roof of the house, there was only one way to get him down. Holding out food would not do the trick; the only way would be for her to sit down and sob, as if she were in pain. The young ape would rush down from the roof to put his arm around her. The empathy of our closest evolutionary relatives exceeds even their desire for bananas.


Reciprocity, on the other hand, is visible when chimpanzees share food specifically with those who have recently groomed them or supported them in power struggles. Sex is often part of the mix. Wild males have been observed to take great risks raiding papaya plantations, returning to share the delicious fruit with fertile females in exchange for copulation. Chimps know how to strike a deal.


Our primate relatives also exhibit pro-social tendencies and a sense of fairness. In experiments, chimpanzees voluntarily open a door to give a companion access to food, and capuchin monkeys seek rewards for others even if they themselves gain nothing from it. Perhaps helping others is self-rewarding in the same way that humans feel good doing good. In other studies, primates will happily perform a task for cucumber slices until they see others being rewarded with grapes, which taste so much better. They become agitated, throw down their measly cucumbers, and go on strike. A perfectly fine vegetable has become unpalatable! I think of their reaction whenever I hear criticism of the extravagant bonuses on Wall Street.


These primates show hints of a moral order, and yet most people still prefer to view nature as "red in tooth and claw." We never seem to doubt that there is continuity between humans and other animals with respect to negative behavior - when humans maim and kill each other, we are quick to call them "animals" - but we prefer to claim noble traits exclusively for ourselves. When it comes to the study of human nature, this is a losing strategy, however, because it excludes about half of our background. Short of appealing to divine intervention as an explanation, this more attractive half is also the product of evolution, a view now increasingly supported by animal research.


This insight hardly subtracts from human dignity. To the contrary, what could be more dignified than primates who use their natural gifts to build a humane society?

107 comments:

Solar said...

I was going to touch it up, a little, and find the link that Ivy's posted, but.....no time now, hope that this is OK, I have been thinking about that list for some time now...not just of this specific one that was posted..but all of these things are always discussed in one form or another.

Solar said...

Sorry it was so long...I was going to break it down, and then put some of the info in the comments.

Solar said...

Carol,

Im glad that I got here on time...I almost told you to hold on to you're pantloons,,..but decided not to..you going to need those polka dots later on..

Anonymous said...

Solar, I LOVE your post. I have finish my chores for the next hour or so, then I'm going to come back and read it again and comment.

Thank you so much. You always come through. I'll be back.

Carol said...

Thanks Solar. This post gives me a lot to ponder. I need to read it several times.

I'm still trying to get prepared before dark.
I will be back also. River is rising and my boys, actually men, will be taking my truck to high ground. Now we will only have boats for transportation. A little scary.

jan said...

Solar, beautiful post. So much here to ponder.

jan said...

The 2 stories about primates really struck me - the one in which the chimpanzee would not come down for food but when the scientist would cry the chimpanzee would come down to comfort her - amazing!
And the other story about the cucumbers and grapes is also amazing - how close their behaviors are to ours.

What a wonderful post. Your post strikes a chord with many of our chats we have had here.

jan said...

Carol, so glad you have your computer. I was interested to read Chloe's encouragement to you to move temporarily to your other house. I thought to myself - Carol sees this as an adventure and if she is still like she was when I knew her, she wouldn't miss this chance for a great adventure - even if she is taking some risks.

jan said...

Chloe and Carol, I did send you some pics - for another day and time.

Solar said...

Jan,

What is amazing is that we don't see what is all around us..we just take, and take from mother nature, and don't even understand that we are only depriving our selves...we take more that we can use at one time...and greed is the norm of our society now...

I'm a small business person..so I do believe that I should get compensated for my gambles, more than my workers...but not to the point that it takes away what is fair to them...same with what we do to the earth...we keep killing of rain forest and will run out of natural places that protect us...more, and more hurricanes and extreme weather is going to be the price of these thing...and not just the normal cyclical turn of events...just saying...

Carol, when this blows over. Start thinking of a shelter were you and maggie can ride out the bad stuff...little digging, a little concrete, and some air lines, a generator, or something that you can have some lights, and a small re fridge going for a cpl of days...an Inverter (large one), that it attached to a bus battery, should do it...

Solar said...

Jan, Just remembered:

There is a movie about the life of that scientist that raised a Chimp, It was a great Movie about a very independent Women..her name is above..

Ivy Green said...

Solar,
There was no link to the comment I posted. I had created it from an e-mail that was sent me. I don't know where it originated before my friend. Wherever it came from matters less than that I found some useful tips, as well as certain items that I probably won't use. Such as getting to bed earlier when it's more interesting to stay on here with you guys until a late hour. lol

Carol said...

Jan, I ain't the adventurer I used to be. I'm not strong enough. I'm a chicken now. I'm here to watch over the place and do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

I'm not worried about water getting into the camp unless the roof springs a leak.

I read an article a while back about a crow or some similar bird using problem solving. They put something floating in a test tube that the bird wanted to eat but couldn't reach. They left some rocks nearby. The bird put the rocks into the test tube until the water rose enough to float whatever it wanted to eat into reach.

Hell, I'm not sure I would have come up with that solution. Better keep a couple of crows near by.

Not sure if someone here linked that article but if so then I apologize for the rerun.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
They were just "break newsing" about your weather in western LA.

Ivy Green said...

Solar,
I just realized you meant an intra-blog link to my post. As Emily Litela would say, "That's very different. Never mind."
lol

Carol said...

What did it say Ivy? I didn't get any breaking news.

Chloe has had it worse than us here. It's been sitting on top of her all day. How much rain there Chloe? It isn't suppose to get here until 9 or 10, then high tide at midnight.

Solar said...

Ivy

My error for not being clear. I think that most of that information that was on you list, was great, and wise..It made me think of where do we think that these thoughts, originated from. I was just going to the sources that I believe most things come from..our very long past history...

Jan,

Francis Collins has a book that I want to get: "The Language of God" along with the one that Ivy gave me a name too the other day...think that i wrote it down.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
It was that quick breaking news update on MSNBC. They reported it was wild weather, and some church had suffered damaging winds...they didn't say in what town, or else I didn't catch it. I miss stuff when I'm reading or posting and only half-listening to the TV.

Ivy Green said...

Solar,
You were not unclear. It was my mistake by reading too fast, and/or probably distracted by the TV. lol.

jan said...

Going to take Mr. John out for some New Mexican food here in a minute. We have a little neighbor place to eat - its our night out to eat "high on the hog" as my dad used to say. High on the hog for us is about $20. John likes chicken enchalidas (blue corn) and I like chiles rellenos. We both prefer green chiles to red chiles.

I hope when I come back you are all still dry.

Chloe what is happening in your neck of the woods.

Solar, I want to read more about the woman who raised the chimpanzee.

Solar said...

"Such as getting to bed earlier when it's more interesting to stay on here with you guys until a late hour. lol"

U can say that again.!! I will for U-just one word.....lol- lol....lol the last one cos I laughed at my own dumb joke.!!

Ivy Green said...

Solar,
That book was "The God Part of the Brain" by Matthew Alper.

Ivy Green said...

I got a new book today, another in the "prayers and poems" series by June Cotner. This one is called, "Serenity Prayers, Prayers, Poems and Prose to Soothe Your Soul." Sounds just what my doctor ordered.

Hope to share a "pome" or two.

Solar said...

Thanks, going to write down where i can find it fast: I started a folder..not in the comp. but a folder in a file drawer from some of the information that I have from tm, and a cpl of other places. Books and such...

Ivy Green said...

Do you love that bank commercial where the roly-poly kid with the toy truck says to the man, "It's a piece of JUNK!"?? I don't know why it's funny to me, but I rotfl every time they show it.

Solar said...

I haven't seen that commercial. I don't watch much tv. I do know what you mean tho: I used to do the same thing when I used to watch a phone commercial. Horizon? The first time that I saw it. i could not stop laughing for quite a while..and being in advertising..it was just great...

The commercial started off in a horse or cow corral...and someone yelled "STAMPEDE" the next thing that you see is a bunch of cats.running around someone trying to lasso them...had to be there maybe??

Every time that Craig used to refer to us at tm "like herding a herd of cats" It makes me think, and haha about it. Funny what is funny to some, and not to others...Now that Chloe gal..she thinks pop corn is funny....mmmm

Solar said...

I just Had another funny post (true) about Chloe, but the comment box ate it...o well..later

Ivy Green said...

Here is the tv commercial...I'm still rotfl. The kid reminds me of my nephew when he was little.

Ally Bank Truck Commercial

Anonymous said...

A joke about me? You're probably real lucky the comment box ate it. Just consider this your lucky day.

Solar said...

Funny. Have a little mean streak in ya ha? I like it...

Solar said...

Hey, settle down Sally, it was just some little ole thing about the way that you walk..is all..forget about it.shhh.!

Ivy Green said...

There is not much TV that I actually "watch." I have "google brain," I can't keep my attention on any one thing for long. I won't get involved in any series these days because they'll cancel it. In fact, my "attachment" to a TV show is its kiss of death.

I won't look at any "trauma" shows...that's not entertainment. No "lock up" shows...Carol, are they even realistic? Either way, I don't need it.

The game is on now. It's "on" and I'm busy doing three other things while "watching."

I still am attached to the Phillies, but only because it goes back to childhood. If they don't win, it won't crush me. Not like it would if the Crimson Tide loses. Then I will feel bad. One of my friends literally cannot get out of bed the day after an Alabama loss.

Carol said...

I love that commercial Ivy.

Has Chloe checked in recently. Hope she hasn't floated away. Chloe do you need me to come get you guys in my boat?

I think we've only had one drop so far today. I was only kiddin when I said you hadn't to keep the rain. You can send it on thru but make sure it moves real fast.

Anonymous said...

I don't know how much rain we've had, but I can tell you we've had a lot. It only came down really hard for a couple of hours though. Our property can take on a lot of water, with the worst puddle right smack dab on the pathways we most use, so it can be messy. But it's sandy soil, so it's not muddy and it takes in the water relatively quick. It's 81 here right now. That's warm for being almost November.

Carol, if you get a couple of hours of the same rain as us, you'll get a lot of water, but it will taper off probably as quickly as it did here. We don't have the flood problems up here as bad as the ones you hear about down in Houston. Another reason never to go there.

Solar said...

Chloe,

You asked about the weather here. Im not far from Chicago: About half hr away or less. I don't think about the weather too much unless it inteferes with doing outside construction work..

What I like about our weather is that I doesn't get to the extremes very often... I do like all of the seasons, tho fall is my favorite, whether, ans color wise..I just go with what ever is out there..

Anonymous said...

Solar,

That post of yours was sensational. As you know, I've never seen humans as being superior to anything else in this world (or any world). We're just part of the whole, and everything in it is just as important and necessary as we are.

Like you said Solar: "It's that synergy thing...we can't escape it."

Also, I noticed that your post talked about animals have a same sense of fairness like (most) humans do. That is something I have often observed first hand.

I don't know. I can't understand how so many people can miss the 'synchronicity' in everything that exists within the same time period. When I look at nature, it's as clear as can be to me.

jan said...

Ivy, that bank commercial is funny. Either that kid is a great actor or that is a real situation.

Anonymous said...

"I just go with what ever is out there.."

I've been trying to do that, myself, Solar. I've been thinking that I should just be making an effort to enjoy the best of 'every' season, instead of obsessing about hating the cold. I don't know, I've always thought of Fall and winter as being the end of something, and love the Spring, because it feels like the beginning.

But, I know that isn't helping me enjoy 'all' the seasons as much as I should. I know, as always, everything's subjective, and that I should be trying to use that to my benefit.

You guys have helped me look at things differently, and that's always a 'good' thing.

Anonymous said...

"I have "google brain,""

Ha! Me too Ivy.
Carol made me laugh when she said quite a while back, that sometimes when she gets on the computer, she tries to think if there's anything she wants to know. It struck me as funny, because I do that all the time.

It used to be a little harder to find things, answers, opinions, facts, whatever. But now, man there's nothing you can't find.

I LOVE TECHNOLOGY. I feel so fortunate to have lived in a time when it moved forward so quickly.

Thank you, Bill Gates.

Anonymous said...

Jan, I assume you're feeling better.

I don't know if you saw where I asked when your retirement comes through. But I think you're going to be so happy, once it does.

It sounds like you can do a lot of traveling just visiting relatives, from what I've heard you mentioned.

Solar said...

Chloe,

"We're just part of the whole, and everything in it is just as important and necessary as we are."

This is what Religon teaches, but only in the case of some very special indviduals..it is not practiced.

I tell them that if there were a Jesus...he died for all of us, not just for some...and in reference to what you said..in the above, isn't that what is meant when (catholics and others) go and recieve the holy ghost at communion..this is my body...so when all others do the same..isn't this another way of say "we are part of the whole" all part, and are god..no? but they have organized one god against another god..and compete to see which one is the most evil..sorry didn't mean to go wandering, but...yes.

Can you just imagine what it must be to feel this synergy..the connection to everything..transcendental-med, can do it some times...and only a very small %age of people have ever experienced it..I think...well you said you wanted me to talk about synergy. will when it makes sense to what is going on at the time...

Carol said...

Chloe, it still excites me when I think of a question I want the answer to and know it is minutes away. I still have trouble finding some things but I'm getting better with how I ask my questions or it's getting easier to find the answers.

It used to be that whatever question I asked there was some sex commercial coming up with the other answers. I don't know how my question brought up those kind of answers.

Anonymous said...

"It used to be that whatever question I asked there was some sex commercial coming up with the other answers."

LOL!
That's part of what makes it so interesting though, that we all search slightly different, and therefore all come up with different answers, or at least answers on a different page.

How we search is like everything else. As time goes by, we evolve.

Anonymous said...

"compete to see which one is the most evil"

Exactly Solar!
That's what most bothers me. It's as though 'you're evil' if you don't believe the exact same thing I believe.

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."
e. e. cummings

Anonymous said...

The rain's coming down hard again Carol. I think this 'is' going to go on for a while. Then tomorrow night it gets cold too, I think.

Oops, there I go again. Worrying about being cold. But the main thing I hate about it, is that it's hard on the animals. I can always get warm. We do have places we've built where ours can all be safe and warm, but some of them really prefer to be alone, away from the rest. Just like some humans, I guess.

Anonymous said...

nite.

Solar said...

37,36,35

Anonymous said...

.. back for a sec.

Jan, I just checked my email and saw your beautiful pictures. New Mexico and your neighborhood is gorgeous!

Jan, What you wrote and those pictures are a post, a great one. Do you mind if I put them up in a few days, along with what you wrote. Or would you rather do that yourself?

I'm sure everyone would love to see them. Keep them coming!

Anonymous said...

34,33,32

Carol said...

Nite Chloe.

Oh yes Jan, those pics are beautiful. So different from our area. Nice to see that there is no grass to cut. I could handle that. It would be nice to retire the lawnmower.

Carol said...

Chloe, a couple of those chocolate covered grahams jumped into my stomach. I couldn't stop them.

Carol said...

Coreen is starting to feel a little better..

jan said...

Chloe, please put them up when you think is a good time. I took them 2-3 weeks ago I think. I do lose track of time. Its a good thing I took them then, everything has changed now.

jan said...

Ivy, I went to you tube to watch the video of the kid and wound up spending an hour watching you tube videos. I have found some great ones there for classes - better than power point.

Chloe, I will retire June 30, 2010. Now that I have decided I can hardly wait.

jan said...

Carol, when we first moved here we bought 2 lawnmowers (one electric). Last year we got rid of our grass and xeriscaped -in front - went to plants that needed little water and rock. We still have to do something with the back area. We let the grass die. Gave the lawnmowers to grandsons.

jan said...

Your choc grahams sound good. I buy those little fruit cups in jello and put cool whip on it. Its a good snack and not too high calorie. To get my fruit I fix smoothies.For some reason I don't care for fruit by itself any more. Used to love it.

jan said...

Can you just imagine what it must be to feel "this synergy..the connection to everything..transcendental-med, can do it some times...and only a very small %age of people have ever experienced it..I think...well you said you wanted me to talk about synergy. will when it makes sense to what is going on at the time..."

Solar, it seems to me that the American Indians experienced more "oneness" with nature than most anyone I am aware of.

jan said...

"but some of them really prefer to be alone, away from the rest. Just like some humans, I guess."
Chloe, interesting. I too worry about animals that have to be out in the bad weather. I remember in ARK, the people across the street had a black lab and he was out in all kinds of weather. John and I couldn't stand it one very cold night and put him in our garage. He pooped all over the garage that night. Poor thing. He lived to be quite an old dog - I think all that hardship made him quite resilient.

jan said...

Chloe, I sent the pics to you and Carol for one of you to post them when there is a good time. I still struggle with just sending them to you.

jan said...

John just said to me, "are you going to be in here all night (the computer room)"
So I will say good nite all.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I'm running this morning, but was hoping to see if you're ok. Hopefully, you didn't have to sleep in your boat last night. Seriously, I hope you check in soon. I'm taking my wireless laptop, but don't know if Emma will give me a chance to even open it for a second.

I'll see how much John is this morning, if he's even for sale. Uh, what am I talking about. Never met a politician that wasn't for sale.

Ok, I'm outa here. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Jan, Glad to see you were here last night. I'll have to catch up later.

Carol said...

Everything is cool here, literally. The big rain was going this morning when I got up. Up until midnight we hadn't had much at all.

The river was down a little this morning but the hydrologic prediction has it going up to close to 6 feet around Sunday and continuing that way through the next week. If it is correct, that would pose a problem for getting out of here to go to work next week. I would be taking a boat.

It could be that they are predicting a worst case senario. I was thinking that once the wind shifted to the north, that would blow it down pretty fast. Maybe I should consult a crow. They seem to be better at problem solving.

Be careful out there Chloe, you guys got a lot of rain yesterday. If you see water, turn around, don't drown.

Carol said...

Ivy, you had mentioned the other night that when they expect a storm over your way, everyone runs out for bread, milk and toilet paper. I thought that was funny until this morning when I realized I only had a half a roll of toilet paper.... but plenty of bread and milk.

Carol said...

I guess I could use the bread, it would be nice and soft and it is biodegradable.

Carol said...

There is a mystery that I have been pondering for years and I was just reminded of it. It is, why is it, after a short period of time, do you end up with only one of every color of socks? Is there a hosozone area where one of every pair of socks goes??

Or maybe the sock manufactorer makes one of every pair automatically self destruct so you have to keep buying more.

Carol said...

I propose a solution. I think we should make it fashionable to wear two different color socks, as long as the color are complimentary. I make the motion that we do that. Do I hear a second to that motion?

A crow suggested I do this.

Carol said...

I'm going to see if my boys are awake to bring me to my vehicle. I think I'm safe to have it out here for now.

Coreen said...

Carol, am so glad to see you are ok. The weather for western LA shows heavy rain & river
alerts, so I have been wondering all a.m. whether the river was holding. It appears from
what you said, it has. At my office, so will
get back again after I take care of some issues.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
I try not to run out of toilet paper no matter what the weather. I have my "secret stash" in case Hubs uses the last roll and doesn't write it on the grocery list. That should be on the "golden rules" list. "Keep your essentials stocked and your grocery list current." lol

Ivy Green said...

"I am not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship."

~ Louisa May Alcott

Ivy Green said...

"She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain."

~ Louisa May Alcott

Solar said...

Carol,

Are you ok? Talk to us now and again...Im in and out so, will check up on you as I can...here just to keep your spirits UP.! Mary, don't look.

A woman walks into a drugstore and asks the pharmacist if the store carries extra-large condoms. “Yes we do,” he says. “Would you like to buy some?” “No,” she replies. “But do you mind if I wait around until someone does?”

Solar said...

Chloe,

Quit using Emma as an excuse to visit the Mall, and that McCain poster.!

Carol said...

Back from Sams and WM and flush with TP. I got to Sams just a little early for the food sampling time. I had to circle the store several times waiting for the ladies to get the food ready but that worked out pretty well cuz I might have worked off a few of the calories I consumed eating the samples.

Ivy, are you trying to say that Louisa was too addled to be afraid. I think that maybe she was.

When my neighbor guy parked my truck last night it hadn't rained much yet. This morning it was sitting in a puddle and he had to pull me out of the mud. Not a problem, he had a rope.

Ivy, I'm a grocery shop-a-holic and that includes toilet paper. That was a rare oversight for me to be down to the last half roll. If you'd come over here, you'd think that a family of five lives here. My neighbors probably wonder what's going on when they see me unload my groceries every week.

I think we are due today to see Emma in her Halloween costumes. Didn't Chloe promise to do that.

Carol said...

Cute Solar.

jan said...

Carol, I attempted to solve the sock problem - I now buy socks in bulk- at least 5-6 pair at one time of the same color/brand. I think its a great idea to wear diff colored socks. I think the nurs students do that in my classes.

Carol said...

I just walked in the room with these black, warm but ugly, fuzzy slippers on. I just bought them at WM. Getting prepared for cold weather. I scared Maggie. She must have thought I had two new dogs with me. She jumped off the couch and ran.

jan said...

Carol, I think its hilarious that you love to shop for groceries. I think this is probably true of people who love to cook. I don't like to shop at dept stores. I buy a lot of clothes at resale and thrift shops. I buy my underwear at WM or WG (Walgreens) I like the "Haynes for her cotton type" that come 3 to a bag. I haven't worn panty hose in years - I wear sandels until it snows and then boots or closed toe shoes with socks. The only thing new I buy are underwear and shoes. The only time I shop at dept stores is at Christmas or if I need a gift.

I dearly love fabric shops and book stores. Those are my addictions. When I retire I will visit the library a lot more. I have enough fabric to open a shop.

Solar said...

Look, behind or under the Washing Machine...

jan said...

Oh yes, I swim - so buy new swimsuits. Costco sometimes has them for $20. I also like TJMAXX - they have some great bargains on swimsuits.

Carol. LOL about your black fuzzy slippers and Maggie. She sounds like so much fun.

I had a great morning - more fun than had all week - a good way to end the week as I had the smart-ass student on Monday. Anyway, I have a nurse-friend who is the nurse at an alternative school(girls only) for pregnant and parenting teens. She invited me to be a judge this morn for moms and babies halloween costumes - the kids are 2 wks to 3 years old. It was so much fun. There were 4 of us judges and the moms and babies had a parade all through the cafeteria. They have 12 separate nurseries - so there were 12 winners. It was hard to choose the best costumes because all were so cute. Many moms bought their babies/kid's costumes and some moms made them. The homemade ones were, hands down, the best. ONe baby was only 2 wks old. She had him in a pumpkin costume. I wish I could have taken pictures - but not allowed.

jan said...

Solar, really funny joke.

Coreen said...

Glad to see that the weekend appears to be starting with few problems.

Here, whenever there is a forecast of snow,
the grocery stores are emptied of the 'essentials' milk, bread, eggs.

jan said...

Carol, I too love the samples (at Costco). Sat morn is best time for samples.

Coreen said...

Solar, always just too cute for words, are you
going to share your trick or treat?

jan said...

"She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain" Is this what other people thought of her since she was a girl and it was believed to be "harmful" to girls to read too much.

My dad thought I read too much as a child and teen and told me it wasn't healthy for a girl to read that much.

Coreen said...

Jan,

Wondering would any of your pics show the
mountains near Albuquerque---I vaguely remember
isn't the city in a valley with a mountain range. We drove in & through it once---it
was pretty cold in March, & I think there was
snow on the mountain range.

Solar said...

I don't think that Carol got the joke...just got a little ole.."thats cute Solar" well im not going to explain it to her.!

one more that I did at TM for Patsi..


Try this one...chuckles:

You know why " Trick or Treat" is better than sex? No. this is one reason:


If You Don't Like What You Get ,you Can
Always Go Next Door.

Solar said...

Coreen,

I wouldn't want to play poker against you....you call the bluffs...blushing over here.!!

Have U had the time to read the starting thread?

Coreen said...

Solar, I did read it--& since we were all
concerned about Carol this a.m. did not get a chance to reply & I am still at my office waiting for funds that were to be wired for
a refinance to reach my account, which have not, & now cannot complete the deal until Monday. If you think you dislike banks---you will have to get in line. They make us jump
through hoops & then make you wait, since w/o
the $$, I will not send the loan documents
to be recorded.

You darling are a very complex indvidual, but
figured that out after reading your thoughts
at TM over time. I suspect you may be more
generous in your evalution of the human race than I may be. Oh, & just so you know, I do
not insult 'animals' by saying that humans who
act badly are like them. I may call them a cretin, but never an animal--I respect animals
more than that.

Solar said...

Coreen,

Yep Banks: Where are Bonnie and Clyde when you need them?

We Rob Banks....sorta like those lines from that movie now...Im having some troubles with them now....they are very slow to respond to do a bid bond...and some opportunities have gone by...The last time that I talked to them; they had sort of an attitude and now I figure to leave them along for a few day's.

Yes they can be a pain in the neck, but what choice do we have? I just go with the flow.

Solar said...

Carol,

I hope that you don't mind: I invited Don 1 to come and talk to us here at the swamp.

Carol said...

Sorry, I got comfortable on the couch with my fuzzy slippers and fell asleep. Kind of a luxury on a workday.

Another cute joke Solar. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, giggle, giggle, giggle....Is that better
Solar?

You guys and your hobbies. I'm not sure whether it is the hobby or the shopping for hobby supplies you really like.

Carol said...

Solar, this is your blog too. Ya'll don't have to ask my premission to invite anyone. This place is not invitation only, OK. We've got people from Budapest lurking. Did someone invite that person?

Solar said...

Carol,

Excellent.! I love it when you are happy. specially now with all of the bad weather you're having.

Carol said...

It's really weird to fall asleep with Dr. Phil on and have that incorporated into a dream. That was a strange one.

Solar said...

Budapest HA.! Is that near Chicago?

Carol said...

You might have one there also Solar. Do you have any hungry people there? Oh, I mean people from Hungary.

Solar said...

Funny! Did the Maggester whisper that to you?

Carol said...

Who told you? The crow?

Coreen said...

Carol,

If you are interested I have some Halloween
scenes & a local ghost story. Was waiting to
see if you &/or Chloe were going to put something up, but if you aren't ready I can
get it ready later.

Carol said...

And Jan, speaking of buying used stuff, our mental health coordinator at the jail went to a garage sale a week ago. It was part of a fun, girls day thing. I was invited but had other fun stuff I wanted to do.

She found this leather jacket for $5. She talked them down to $3. I liked it, and it was a little tight on her so she agreed to let me have it. I insisted on giving her the $5. I wore that jacket all week.

I would love it if I could find someone to do all my clothes shopping.

Carol said...

That sounds good to me Coreen. I'm ready and Chloe can also put up her Emma Halloween pics. Make it a Halloween weekend.

Solar said...

Don 1,

It's not the after shave.! It's the ability to tell a bad joke....

Carol said...

I have an idea. Surprised? But someone has to put up a Halloween post to set the mood. OK?

My idea is that after someone puts up a Halloween post we can all tell a scary story, one that happened to you or to someone else.

Ya game?

Coreen said...

Carol, I think its ready, so be on the lookout.

Coreen said...

Carol, it posted, please take a look.