Since it is so cold in most of the areas we all live, I thought it might be time to share some photos of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. I never know in what order the pictures will be shown so I will just say a little bit about each one. There is one pic of a lighthouse taken as we were leaving the Los Angeles area. One pic is of rocks jutting out of the Pacific close to Cabo San Lucas. Another pic is of some art in the park in Puerta Vallarta. There are 2 more ics of PV - one of us by a stature and one beach scene. We took an excursion in Cabo on a boat to see whales. The boat was open and little more than a raft with a motor. It began raining and the Pacific looked treacherous. We saw whales at a distance but were happy to get back to shore. One pic is of the water on this trip - looks dark and stormy.
152 comments:
Very nice, Jan. I feel more relaxed already.
Jan, your timing could not be better. Great pics and not a minute too soon. Haven't quite caught up with the comments on the last post.
In response to some:
Solar, I realized that the only reason that that pipe had that happen was due to the build up of grease in all those turns it had in it. I fixed it and simplified the design.
Now I realize that it has been giving me a problem for a while because it had too many turns in it. I had been hearing a glunk sound as the water drained thru that pipe for a while now, which was a sign that water was having to go thru a severe narrowing. Lots of things can be determined in retrospect. No glunking now.
And it's too big to freeze up now unless it was capped at the end.
In response to another comment, we do not house our severely mentally ill with other inmates. They are kept on a separate pod. They are either in cells with a couple of compatable others or alone. I can't even remember the last time one was injured unless he/she did it to himself/herself. I can't even remember that happening.
The nurses who take care of that pod are older and very maternal with those inmates. They are very protective. Some of the inmates even call them mom. There are a lot of angels working in many of these institutions. Our unsung heros.
One of my nurses, who unfortunately is out with cancer, was decked in the face by one of the inmates she was giving an injection to. She didn't complain because she understood. She also had a cup of urine thrown at her, she went and washed her face and hair and went right back to work. Jail is not always the horror that many people imagine it to be.
Don, I designed a squirrel proof thingy for the pipe I have my bird feeder on. I took a piece of aluminum flashing, it's about 12 inches wide, and coiled it around a plastic butter dish. I duck taped that together. I made a hole in the butter dish and ran it up the pole. On top, I cut a piece of that flashing in a square and put that on top of the coil of flashing with the butter dish inside. The squirrel can't get up the pole to the bird seed cuz it runs into that butter dish. Can't go around it either.
I may not look all that pretty but I used stuff I had available. I had the flashing left over from a horse shelter I built a few years back.
Perfect timing Jan. Love the pics. The water looks just like it did on the cruise I went on. We went the first wk. in Dec. as soon as hurricane season was over. The water was pretty rough the whole time. Thank goodness for Dramamine less drowsy. I had the scope patches but never had to use those.
That was supposed to be, it may not look that pretty but then I also look like someone put me together with duck tape. That duck tape is good stuff.
Carol,
Got it. I was going to tell you to start planning a straight line for the pipes. this way u can avoid the stoppage; kind of hard to do that with pvc..unless there are to many turns...
Peopl make fun of duck tape, I don't. It has save my but more than a few times. I used it over my shoe tongue that I cut from my boot so i could stop a leak on one of my machines...once I made it very pliable with oil...I taped the hell out of it...made it thru three day's until I could get the part that I needed..
I should use duck tape on myslef once in a while...
Jan,
Very nice pictures of you vacation. Thanks for putting them up.
Did you ever feel sea sick Jan? That rough water pic seems like it could cause some.
I'm OK in small boats with rough water but I went out fish once in Corpus in a bigger boat and it got to me. Didn't throw up but was pretty green.
Wonderful to see sun Jan. Thanks.
Ivy, very nice bonsai. A neighbor once gave me one he'd had for 30 years, and it only took me a year to kill it. Felt really bad.
There are multiple kinds of stops. They don't actually search the cars for plants, they just look in the windows. They do search trucks, but the commercial trucks they just check their paperwork most of the time.
The really annoying stops now are by the border patrol. They stop every car and ask as many questions as they would if i were coming off a foreign flight in an airport. You can't get much more anglo than me and I can't sneak anyone in my little coupe. It's really annoying, and there are 3 or 4 stops going across the southwest.
Priorities in this country seem to be nuts some times.
Don,
I kept the Japanese pot the bonsai was in. It's a nice decorative item even with no plant. I'd like to try again with another bonsai, but I have to make sure I can make the commitment. I didn't realize it would require the same level and duration of care as a cat.
One time I brought home a new orchid just as we were scheduled to drive to Asheville. It was about to bloom and I didn't want to miss it. I did the logical thing and brought the orchid on vacation with us (good thing N.C. doesn't have a houseplant border patrol). Hubs thought I had lost my mind.
The orchid deserving of such attention was brassavola nodosa..."a small, tough species of orchid native to Mexico, the West Indies, Venezuela and Peru. It is also known as 'Lady of the Night' orchid due to its citrus and gardenia-like fragrance which begins in the early evening. Both its fragrance and whiteish-green color are meant to attract night-pollinating moths." Its blossoms are fairly small. Its fragrance will fill up the room!
Lady of the Night
Gorgeous Ivy. That dedication is probably why you're so successful. I bet you have lots of beautiful photos to post, I hope you do an article with them.
I would need a small cabinet with automatic misters. I've always had a lot of travel with business, but when I have a watering system i have a chance.
But I can kill the hardiest of phalaenopsis. I stick to forgiving plants.
Ivy, that is one beautiful plant. Can almost smell it.
My art in the park photo did not make it onto the post. Will post it another time.
Carol,
I don't get seasick, but I was scared sh..less on the 27 foot boat we were on that was looking for whales. The sea was getting very choppy and we were out in the Pacific quite a ways. The boat was just a soft sided raft type vessel. On the way back to shore, the guy had it "opened up" and we were bouncing like crazy. John and I were in the back of the boat and getting soaked from the rain and the water splashing on us. We were each holding onto this little thing on the back and each other's hands. We did have life jackets on but- good gosh - this was the pacific ocean. I almost kissed the dock when we got back. There were 2 young boys sitting across from us on this little boat (one was 8 years old) and I kept saying "sh.." I didn't care either. I would not have ordinarily said that with a kid right there - but I was scared.
Ivy, most men cannot understand wanting to see that orchid bloom. Once someone sent me roses and we were going on a trip and I took them with me. I understand completely.
Carol, I have more problem with small boats than big ones. Didn't have a single problem with the ship. If I was not looking at the water, I would not have known we were on water.
Jan,
Thanks for a most pleasant diversion from the
reality of the east coast deep freeze that just won't let go....
And from the other day, when you mentioned your
father would not allow you to lisen to Elvis, big difference for me, my mother (who is back from Florida & staying home even though it's cold) took me to see Elvis in Miami, many years ago, I was like 10 years old, & she was screaming....I was looking at her like she
was nuts....
I saw him here in CT, years later, when he was wearing the white jumpsuit...
But you have one on me & my friends, we have never made the trip to Graceland, keep saying
that we should, but so far not....
"Peopl make fun of duck tape, I don't. It has save my but more than a few times."
Solar, I think duct tape is one of the best inventions ever. I have never heard anyone make fun of duct tape. Is it duck tape? I have been mispelling it.
"I was like 10 years old, & she was screaming....I was looking at her like she
was nuts...."
Coreen, LOL, your mom sounds cool. For me, Graceland was a disappointment. We were living in Little Rock and Memphis was only a 3-4 hr drive. We had planned to see the King Tut exhibit and I saw the sign for Graceland. We did not make the King Tut exhibit.
And as far as duck vs. duct tape, I say both too & believe it or not there is an explanation...both are correct....
Duck vs. Duct tape
Gorgeous pictures of the ocean Jan, and you and John are such a good looking couple. You look both relaxed and happy to be where you are. To think how close you came to missing that trip.
I may have missed it if you already said, but how was the food on the cruise. Ha, naturally I'd want to know that. Thanks for sharing those pics with us Jan.
... btw, I was thinking that boat you went on to see whales sounds a little scary, especially if the water was as choppy it looks in one of your pictures -- but then I saw your post that said that it was indeed. Yikes.
And tell us about the temperature Jan. Was it warm? I want to hear about warm. I can't remember what that feels like anymore.
Jan,
What did you find disappointing about Graceland? I have been to both Graceland and King Tut.
We saw King Tut the first time he came, during the late 70s. We drove from Houston to New Orleans and waited in a 7 hour-line. By the time we got in, we were about to die, so I may have under-appreciated it. As they pushed you through with cattle prods, it was hard to really take it in.
Elvis didn't require as much an endurance test, so we actually enjoyed it. We liked the "time capsule effect," the wall of gold records...and the suits. The house itself is modest.
I went to see that Kind Tut exhibit in New Orleans also Ivy. Can't remember when but it was the first time it came to New Orleans. Maybe I even saw you there. Do you remember anyone around you bitching. Probably me. I don't like waiting in lines.
Chloe, I beat you. I already asked Jan about the food. I can't remember Jan telling us much about it except about the seating arrangements. If it would have been me that went, you would have gotten a bite by bite commentary. But then, I do live to eat!
Coreen, that was interesting what you linked about Duck tape. I didn't even think about the name but I do keep several rolls of it around. Think I've even considered using it to hem something. I have used Scotch tape to do that when I had a last minute hem crisis.
I also toured Graceland once. I was already in Memphis with a friend who was having ear surgery. He wanted me to go while he was in surgery so I did. It was interesting but I'm glad I didn't make a special trip just for that. The house was very modest.
I would also like to hear about the food. The food on the cruise I went on was unreal. I probably weighed the most I ever have when I went on that cruise. I kept saying I was going to lose some weight and go on another one. Now I weigh the least I ever have since my adult years so it's time for me to go on another one.
Mary,
Do tell. How did you lose the weight?
We didn't make a special trip to Graceland either. We were in Memphis for a college visit for Miss College when she was deciding.
Saints will play the Cardinals in New Orleans next week.
Carol,
Your Saints get the Arizona Cardinals next week... I'll let you know what the NY sports
guys say this week about that matchup....
Duct tape, my secret for keeping my wreath on
the front storm door. I use strips of duct tape to hold the suction cup on the glass (otherwise the weight of the wreath pulls it off the glass)...& U don't need a holder over the door....
It started about 7 yrs. ago when I broke my right arm which was my eating arm. It was a really bad break which after 7 wks. didn't heal at all so I had to have surgery and they put a rod down the bone in my arm from the shoulder to the elbow. My left arm got so tired from having to do everything that I guess I didn't eat as much. It was at the same time that we were taking care of my mom when she was dying. I dropped about 30 lbs. in about 2-3 months. I've just never been able to gain it back.
I don't suggest anyone do that to lose weight.
Can't say I'm not nervous Coreen, Ivy. I'm still having a hard time dealing with those last three games. I've talked with some of my footballs fan friends here and they don't have much faith either.
I just can't get into that excuse that they didn't need to win or that they weren't playing as hard as they were capable. If that was the case, I think that stinks.
Mary,
I can't let Hubs see your post...I am just finishing a second helping of Blue Bell Vanilla Bean...Hubs will be joking it might be a good idea ...for me to break my eating arm. My left shoulder is out of whack already, if my right side goes out I will have to be spoon fed...with Hubs in charge of the spoon. lol.
Jan,
If that is you and John in the second photo, you are a very nice-looking couple.
How did you injure your shoulder Ivy.
Anyone watching Dateline? Meet my patients.
Carol,
I'm not sure. I think it was smacking Hubs. He snores.
We are taking the little CC home. I will post a pic of her soon. Took a couple of cute ones today. I had to take about 10 pics before she I could get her face. She kept turning around when the camera would flash. There is a delay from the time you snap a pic until it takes a pic.
Duct Tape...what holds America together...
American Duct Tape Council
What are they saying on Dateline, Carol?
I am taping dateline now.
Why did you have to mention that Blue Bell Ivy? I didn't even think about it last night like I had the two nights before.
I don't usually even keep ice cream in the house but I bought a little container for when my SF was here for Christmas. Since we rushed out to the movie it was all still here. Half gone now.
And it's not just the ice cream. I'm melting chocolate candy on top and adding chopped pecans.
The chocolate hardens on top. It's wonderful.
Carol,
You'll be grateful for the extra energy if you have to go out into the night for more waterline repairs. Just like your green tea fortified you last night.
Ooooh...I have some chocolate candy stowed away...might have to get my carton back out...it's about the only brand that still sells a full half-gallon. Even so, doesn't last long around here. lol
My breakfast granola comes in flat bricks but pieces always crumble off to the bottom of the bag. I used to throw away those crumbs, but now I keep them in a tupperware in the freezer as a topping for my Blue Bell. I like vanilla bean best because you can do so many things with with it.
Can't think of anything that can get me outside tonight Ivy.
I did get the opportunity to figure out why my longjohns that were rated for very cold/high activity weren't working very well for me. Until last night I had not achieved any high activity. Last night I noticed a big difference when I was working up a sweat outside.
When I got my longjohns the other day, I should have asked for the one rated for very cold/couch potato.
Carol,
I missed Dateline. Chuck's on now. What was it about? Do you think the MSNBC "Lockup" show is realistic? I heard the announcement NBC is canning the new Leno Show. One of Bruce Hornsby's jokes was that he was glad to have appeared on it the first week...when people were still watching. I missed the first two weeks because that's when we were in Scotland. By the time we got back, the show was already in the toilet.
And these babies are supposed to wick the moisture away from the skin. The only moisture I've come close to seeing is when I almost wet my pants because I'm trying to avoid sitting on my 40 degree toilet seat.
I see we have more visitors from the United Kingdom. Our "All England" threads must have drawn them in. It will be interesting to see now that we have a thread with "Mexico" in the title if we attract some viewers from our neighboring country to the south.
Oh, that guy that did the perv stings was in Las Vegas with some other criminal stings caught on tape. It was interesting to see those criminals and their excuses for their crimes. Many have this attitude that if you have more than they do, it's OK for them to take it from you. You won't miss it.
I remember talking with this guy who was charged with all these bank fraud crimes. He told me they were victimless crimes. He was cool with spending time in jail for them.
There are moments when I do want to reach over and shake some of these turkeys. That's when I get up and take a walk outside.
Ivy,
From what I heard Leno is going to go back to his regular time and I'm not sure what Conans going to do. They may have said he's going back to the time that he was on.
I often go past my inmates medical problems because I'm interested in their life stories. It's really the most fascinating part of my job.
I had this young, black, tall and lanky guy in the office the other day. He looked like a basketball player. I asked him if he ever was. Sure enough, he had a scholarship to play for a U in the state. He got messed up with Xanax and was suspended. He was suppose to lay out for the semester and come back. He could have continued his scholarship.
Now he is in jail, involved in a shoot out in some parking lot. Someone was shot. I think it was some children who got in the way. Can't remember but someone might have been killed. He wasted his life and his talent. He was very contrite. Very depressed. Not really the criminal type. I guess he would be in the catagory of recreational accident.
It was that damn Xanax. They ought to take that drug off the market. It has messed up so many lives.
Ivy, does that mean that yesterday's thread may attract some criminals? I hope not any SERIAL KILLER.
I wish some of our visitors would talk with us Ivy. Did ya'll notice we had a new follower? I noticed the other day and forgot to welcome Beth aboard. Welcome Beth. Talk with us Beth.
They lurk among us, no doubt.
I missed that Beth is here. Has she posted a comment yet? Beth, welcome.
I kid but I really don't think that blogging would be a past time for a serial killer unless they had the Internet in prison? I wonder if any prisons do?
I'm surprised that Chloe, our blog welcoming committee chairwoman, hasn't noticed. I noticed the first day the new square showed up but I forgot to comment.
Where are you from Beth?
We haven't advertised for SK's in any post titles. Maybe best to keep it that way.
Good idea Ivy.
I tried to find a pic of those pretty little orange flowers I mentioned last night. They look like tiny little irises. The flowers are on these stems that fan out like a little trellis.
I had to put "The Lovely Bones" down, at least until they quit running the movie trailer. The movie opens this week. On CBS Sunday Morning today, they profiled Stanley Tucci who played George Harvey. Tucci said it was a difficult role, and he hadn't wanted to take it. He was grateful the makeup made him look so different that people he knew didn't realize it was him until the credits rolled.
I heard the book is better than the movie.
Jan was right, it is a very captivating book.
Hi all, we got little CC delivered back to her parents. They had driven 8 hours from Colo so we took her home to save them another hour's drive.
I too noticed we have 14 followers now.
Ivy, I saw the trailer for the movie, The Lovely Bones - I am torn - as to whether I want to see it at the theatre. I know that eventually I do want to see it. Again, I loved the book. I read another one she wrote about her experience of being raped - the book's name is "Lucky" It was also a good book. I read another of her's on the cruise - "Almost Moon" Mucho strango - but she is a good writer.
Several of you asked about the food on the cruise. How could I forget to tell you about the food? It was amazing. I love fresh fruits and vegetables. The food was served buffet style in several rooms. I always partook of the fresh fruit every meal. There were always salad fixings. I love hearts of palm. We bought it regularly in Argentina but have not seen it here in supermarkets. They had it at every dinner with the salads. They also served fish at every meal. I don't eat much fish, but I had fish at every meal. It was delicious. I suppose because it is a Norwegian line - they served more fish and less beef.I seldom eat beef anyway. They had several different ethnic dishes that were new to me. I tried a spoonful on different occasions. Some I liked and some not. Finally, the desserts were heavenly. They served small servings which was perfect as one could try 2-3.
Breakfast included everything one can imagine from sausages and bacon, eggs, omelets, pancakes, oatmeal, packaged cereals. I ate oatmeal or another hot cereal every morning with my fruit. Of course, I had br sugar and walnuts on my hot cereal. I tried to stay away from the hi fat foods so I could have desserts. The food on the buffet was part of the cruise package and it was all you can eat. There are specialty restaurants on the ship for a small price ($10-$20/per person) for italian, lobster, steak, etc. We did not eat in the specialty restaurants as they had everything we liked on the buffets.
Ivy, yes the picture is me and John. Someone offered to snap it of us together. Thank you for your kind words. The statue is a sort of mascot of the city of Puerta Vallarta.
Jan, Was the food in the dining rooms buffet style also. On the cruise I went on which was an NCL, the food in the dining rooms was served. They did have a place on the top of the ship that had a buffet and I would usually eat breakfast there.
Jan, You don't look like you've changed a bit since the last time I saw you. You just stay young.
Mary, you are so kind. I find it a shock when I look in the mirror. In my mind, I look like I did at 30 - but the mirror tells me different.
The top floor (12th) was the buffet. That is where we ate. The only other dining rooms were specialty restaurants that cost extra. How long ago did you go on the NCL?
Good nite all. It says 9:03 on my last comment but it is really 10:04 here now. I guess it is an hour or two later where most of you live. So I will say good night to myself - good night Jan. good night Jan.
Jan,
I went in 2000. There were 2 dining rooms on one of the floors that were both free and those were where you were served and than the buffet on the top was free. They did have some specialty restaurants that you had to pay for but I never went to those. What was the name of the ship you took? I think the one we took was the Norwegian Sea.
There should have been some dining rooms somewhere that didn't cost extra.
Jan,
I just looked it up and I think you must have taken the Norwegian Star. Did you eat in either the Aqua Main Dining Room or the Versailles Main Dining Room because those shouldn't have cost extra. Here's the link
http://www.cruisesonly.com/sc.do?tab=foodanddining&c=34&v=402&i=865228&d=12/1/2009&d2=5/31/2011&IncludeAlumniRates=&IncludeSeniorRates=false&dsc=y&state=&zipcode=
I don't know if the whole address linked. If it didn't just go to Norwegian cruise line and pick the ship.
Jan, I just found that those main dining rooms were on deck 6. They don't cost extra and when you eat in one of those, you are served.
Oh drats, I've got to get up and get ready in my cold bathroom. With my new heater in here it is 56, tolerable with lots of clothes on and nice under the covers. Lots of fresh cool air to breath at night.
Bathroom is about the same with an extra space heater in there. The worse part is the tranisition between clothes on and under hot water. I almost have to burn myself initially to make it a little more tolerable. For the last few, subartic days, I have waited for the temp to rise before doing the shower thing. That was close to noon. No such luck today.
I guess it is good to suffer some. Suffering is suppose to build character or something. My character is getting pretty cranky though.
Chloe, are you getting SADD. You know that seasonal affective disorder. I am. I'm getting a bad case of it along with my FAC.
I rented Slumdog Millionaire Saturday. I tried to watch it twice yesterday. I fell asleep on the couch the first time. I needed a nap anyway. I made it a little longer into the movie last night.
It won so many awards so I thought it would be good. The part I saw was rough. I finally had to turn it off. It was vicious and I couldn't see any usefulness in it's viciousness. I couldn't find a point to it. I just can't entertain myself with pointless misery these days. Life offers enough of that. Maybe there was going to be a point but I couldn't wait around for it.
Anyone here see it? Can you tell me the point?
You guys who watched that stuff on the History Channel, do you think there is anything to this 2012 stuff? You know it does seem that things are definitely taking a plunge in the world. Think about it. Lots of extremes, these crazy financial times, all the terrorism stuff, etc.
This terror stuff could have been easily going on before but no one seemed to want to kill each other as much.
I have enough saved up to make it to 2012. I need to know so I can make the best of the last two years. I'd hate to work my ass off and bam, it's over.
Hi Mary, We traveled the NCL Star in July 2007 and I think we ate in the Versailles room - It seemed like it was extra. Well as the old saying goes "too soon old, too late smart" We both thought anything but the Market Cafe was extra. However, we were perfectly satisfied with the Market Cafe. Well, if we go the NCL again, we will try some of those other restaurants. Here, we both thought we knew it all about this ship after this time. Thanks for putting up that link.
Carol, sorry it is so cold there. I hope it warms up for you soon. I am not "buying" the 2012 stuff b/c so many times the end of the world has been predicted. I am just going to live my life as I do. I am just not watching the stuff on the history channel. I am like the "do do bird" and will just keep my head in the sand.
I'm not going to work until later this morning. I was thinking about not going in today but I don't want to use up another vac day on a day where I can't do something fun outside. Need to save some for fishingo/gardening.
I was looking at my fishing pics yesterday and it did perk my up some.
I think I just heard that Key West recorded the second lowest temps ever.
I saw this at the weather channel online this morning:
"Really cold for a few days and then *PHEW* it's over - back to light jackets and sweaters. That's how a typical winter can be summed up in the South. But that is certainly not the case this time."
That has been the problem, huh Chloe. We can handle an occasional really cold day but this s--- hanging around is the problem.
I do see that, in the not so distant future, we will again see some 60s and 70s. That's more like our typical winter.
I have been listening to MSNBC where the two guys, at least one of them is from Newsweek, are discussing their new book, Game Change. What a gossip rag. But that is what cable news has become also, gossip rag news TV. Might as well have the National Inquirer news show. Not much difference these days. They would sell out their grandma for a book. Do we really need to know every stupid remark these people make? Humans say stupid things. I'm glad no one is recording everything I say.
That's it Carol. We're just not ready for the unexpected. Actually, it should be almost 60 soon. Tomorrow is 57, then 58 and so on for a while after that. The best part is no freezing weather at night. I can't believe what a hardship it can be, not to mention a plain pain in the ass.
Isn't this your first winter out at your camp Carol? If your place is like ours, the problem is they aren't as insulated as they should be. We've made a lot of improvements lately, to make our house more energy efficient, but haven't finished yet. It takes time and a lot of money. But we'll be continuing on the journey this year. Winter is our slowest season, then when we hit busy season, where there's plenty of money, we just don't have the time. Ha! Feast or famine in our business.
... well, I read the last comment only, but will have to come back to catch up on the others, after I get my morning jobs done.
Carol, you are so right about the sleaze that
passes itself off as 'journalists'.
Both John Heilman & Mark Halperin were leaders
of the pack during the primaries, adoring
Obama & taking every shot they could at Hillary
& Bill.
The bits of the book that have been 'leaked'
are as you said 'gossip' & meant to do one thing only 'sell the book', which is out today.
Heilman writes for New York Magazine & they have an excerpt about John Edwards, his 'affair' & his wife, that even writers for a 'soap opera' couldn't beat.
No idea what portion of the allegations are true, since as you read what is out there, it is clear that it entirely their version of the
claimed quotes.
And as you said, people often say 'dumb' things, unfortuntately the p.c. atmosphere just
keeps getting more intense.
"people often say 'dumb' things"
I'll say, me included. If we were famous, we'd never be able to leave our thoughts here. At least no one gives a hoot what I say, so I can say as many dumb, meaningless, mundane things as I want to say. Ha!
Happy Birthday Abigail. Amie had her baby this morning. She woke up at 5:00 am having labor pains. They went to the hospital and she had Abigail at 8:30 am. Really fast for a first baby. You all know I have been concerned. Thank you God and all of you for your prayers. I will go up and see her at noon. I am going to let her rest this morning. More news later.
"I am like the "do do bird" and will just keep my head in the sand"
I don't think your keeping your head in the sand Jan, I think you've got your thinking cap on and enjoying the present. Way to go.
Yoohooo! CONGRATULATIONS JAN! To you and the happy parents. I can't wait to hear more.
Welcome to the world Abigale!!!
... I feel so lucky to have been here when you made the happy announcement Jan. Thanks for letting us know so quickly.
Congrats Jan. What a treasure to start the New Year with.
Carol
I think the 2012 stuff is just the end of the long calendar. There are some odd things happening, like the weird sunspot cycle and the south atlantic magnetic anomaly.
This is an interesting alternative to global warming. I think releasing heat and greenhouse gases, mostly methane from our feedlots, is still a factor, but maybe it's not happening as fast as we'd thought.
ocean currents
Pome to welcome Abigail --
In Celebration of a Newborn
Baby dear,
your sails are set
for the joyous trip
called life.
May you always find
brisk winds,
a guiding star,
and safe harbors.
~ Barbara J. Holt
Jan,
Great news for you & your family....best wishes
to mom & dad, and welcome Abigail...
Congratulations Jan. I don't think you mentioned whether it is Bill or Terry who is the proud grandpa. Calling one of them grandpa kind of sticks in my throat since I can still see them as kids.
Just heard Palin is going to be joining Fox.
I think Fox ought to also offer John Heilman & Mark Halperin a job. That's where they belong unless they can get on at one of those gossip rags. I wonder if they will ever get another interview with a politician.
Heilman & Halperin are put of the DC media elite, not likely to suffer any backlash...
But there are those who have called them out,
this is a pretty direct putdown of them,their
'book'& their 'friends' from Glen Greenwald at Salon.
"By all accounts (including a long, miserable
excerpt they released), the book is filled with the type of petty, catty, gossipy, trashy sniping that is the staple of sleazy tabloids & reality TV shows, & it has been assembled through anonymous gossip, accountability-free
attributions & contrived melodramatic dialogue masquerading as 'reporting.'
And yet--or, really, therefore--Washington's journalist class is poring over, studying & analyzing its contents as though it is the Dead
Sea Scrolls, lavishing praise on its authors as though they committed some profound act of
journalism, & displaying a level of genuine fascination & giddiness that stands in stark contrast to the boredom & above-it-all indifference they project in those rare instances when forced to talk about anything that actually matters."
Political reporting means royal court gossip
Jan, Congratulations on the birth of your great grandchild, Abigail. I know you must be so relieved now with the problems she was having. That was a very fast laobr for her first. If she has another one, she will have to park in the hospital parking lot when she gets close to her due date.
I totally agree with that article Coreen. And these idiots are the watchdogs for our government. No wonder we have so many crises going on and the people are getting screwed. You get better journalism on some blogs.
In fact I think some of these journalist go to blogs to get their info.
Can't wait 'til Jan reports in to let us know how precious Abigail is, and how her grand daughter is doing.
Carol, I hadn't heard about Palin/Fox, until I saw your post. So I looked it up, and like the way this article gave an overview:
"Washington – Today’s announcement that Sarah Palin will become a contributor to Fox News Channel is the next step in the logical progression of her career.
While Ms. Palin will probably never be president, it’s clear that many of her critics have underestimated her ability to tap into the grievances and discontent of large social and geographic blocs in the country.
Palin’s appeal no longer straddles simple political lines, but broader cultural ones: This is because she is no longer a politician but a pop culture icon and a celebrity. She has transcended politics, opening new career doors. " http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20100111/cm_csm/273209_1
Yes, for Palin this is a far less dangerous, more fun and more profitable career choice. She's not a dummy. Now she doesn't have to worry about those journalist like the Bobbsey Twins going after every dumb things she says. She will be in the perfect venue to say dumb things. It's expected.
And I'll bet she will improve Fox's ratings. People like to watch her, for many different reasons.
Yes they do. Like the article said, a pop culture icon. Hard to believe, but then look at the other icons, who have done even less.
Paris Hilton... etc.
I wonder if Don headed out for Florida yet. I'm hoping he'll take shots of some of that wonderful weather there, and share them with us.
I'm sorry I associated Halperin with Newsweek this morning. It is Time. My bad.
Chloe, we're still headed for below freezing tonight, 30, but that's better than the last three nights. The lowest temp is just before daylight and time for me to get in the shower. It wasn't easy getting into the shower this morning. I have the heat cranked as high as it will go and mid 50s was the temp.
And yes, this is my first Winter at the camp. Once I committed to staying, I was stuck especially after turning off the water at the house and not being there to run it all night/day.
It wasn't just pitiful places like mine that had trouble, we had no water at the jail this morning. Many of the smaller communities are without water. My friend works at a large catalyst industry here and they had 160 chemical lines ruptured. They haven't operated in three days.
He was headed to north Florida wasn't he? It's still pretty cool there also. Probably no beach walks.
"My left arm got so tired from having to do everything that I guess I didn't eat as much."
Mary, I have heard that one way to keep from eating as much is to eat with the other hand. You have proved that this works.
After what we've just gone through Carol, 30 sounds easy. When it's cold like this, I take very, very hot showers, so they keep me warm for about an hour after I get out. That's the only way I could get into one on these cold mornings.
I haven't heard about as much damage here, for some reason. Luckily, our pipes did fine, using the drip method. We had to wrap the ones out at the barn, and their water was deeply frozen, so we had to break and empty it every morning. The worst is over.
"I have heard that one way to keep from eating as much is to eat with the other hand."
That's probably a good idea, but would drive me insane.
Jan! Is the baby healthy and beautiful?
Did you hold here? How much does she weigh, and how long is she? Is she eating ok? More questions coming!
Four more days Jan, and she would have had the same birthday as Emma. Only four days apart, but both are the same sign, I think. And both were born in very cold months.
"Probably no beach walks."
I'm not so sure about that. The weather is supposed to be climbing back up considerably. And Don doesn't get as cold as you and I do.
Chloe, thank you so very much for the well wishes on Abigail's birth and for the lovely e-card.
Ivy, I copied the pome and sent it to Amie by e-mail. She won't get it until she is home. I am going to write it on her baby card I give her and put from "Ivy Green" a friend. A beautiful poem and one to keep. Thank you.
Carol, this is Terry's oldest child & daughter, and now granddaughter. Can you believe that Bill will be 50 and Terry 49 this year? Terry has 4 children (2 sons and 2 daughters and Bill has 2 sons.
Mary, That was the 1st word I got this morning. After talking with Amie later, her water broke -or started leaking- about midnight last night. She was having contractions about 4 minutes apart and they started getting harder about 5 am and she decided then it was time to go - she was dilated 7 centimeters when she got to the hospital and felt the urge to push about one hour later. She was able to have this baby with no pain meds and no epidural. The placenta would not come out though so they had to do a manual extraction and she had to have 3 stitches then. She said the extraction of the placenta was much more painful than the birth. She looks good. Her face is not puffy any longer and her blood pressure is down to normal (about 115/70) so I am much relieved.
Sorry to all the rest who probably do not wish to hear the gory details, but I knew Mary and possibly Carol would like to know.
"She was able to have this baby with no pain meds and no epidural"
My land Jan, she's super woman!
You're wrong, we do want to hear all the gory details!
Chloe,
I'm expecting some 1st birthday pictures of Emma. Has she started walking yet?
Jan,
I also hope you get some pics. of Abigail to post.
I now work on the post partum floor at the hospital and I just love it. I never get tired of looking at those little angels.
Chloe, that is right, Emma's birthday is coming up - in 4 days. Is that 1/15? I think they must be under the sign of Capricorn. Abigail is beautiful. She has such a tiny little face. I went back up for a short visit tonight and she cried a little. It was that sweet little baby cry. She weighed 5 lbs 14 oz. Sort of small for a full term baby. I suspect she did not put on any more weight because of Amie's blood pressure being higher. Amie is very healthy and ate very well during her pregnancy and put on about 25 lbs. She did not put on weight for the 3 weeks before birth and then put on 2 lbs all of a sudden which I think must have been fluid. Amie told me a week or so ago that the midwife was concerned she wasn't gaining wt and Amie was eating very well.
Mary, my 1st 3 years here I took students to the postpartum floor. I love it too. I am so happy you work in postpartum.
Coreen, Solar, Don, thank you all so much for the well wishes regarding Amie and Abigail. I do need to find out how Amie and Kurt are spelling her name. Still not sure.
Chloe, Amie is breastfeeding her and she is 19 inches long. I had to look her all over.
Mary, her little umbilical cord looked awfully skinny to me, but I didn't say anything. Of course, she is a little bitty baby.
I think putting on 25 pounds is just right for a pregnancy. 5lbs 14oz is pretty tiny, and that may have made the delivery easier (I think?)
Is Abigail eating well? I don't know if you said whether or not Amie is breast feeding.
Do you remember that Emma's mom (my daughter) is named Amy too. And yes, Emma's was born on Jan. 15.
Would a small umbilical cord mean she got less
nutrients Jan. I would never had noticed that.
Jan, your grand daughter is a tough little cookie. And I bet it helps to have an EMT for a husband.
Interesting news about Sarah Palin. I can't blame her for wanting to cash in on her celebrity. She is an interesting lady. I would love to see more of her daughter that kept wetting her hand and smoothing her little brother's hair during one of Palin's speeches. I think the little girl's name is Piper.
Emma's sucking instinct took a little work to get going. Then she had trouble with the first couple of formula's (she didn't do well on her moms breast milk. Her mom tried, but she get spitting it up.
Chloe, did you ever come up with a birthday present idea for Emma? I guess you have by now.
Yes Jan, Piper is a 'very' cute name. I think
Sarah and her family deserve good things, and will get them.
Chloe, I now remember that you told us your daughter's (Emma's mother) name is Amy. Is this serendipity or synchronicity?
Amie is one tough little cookie. She left home at 17 - during her senior year - b/c her parents did not like her boyfriend - now her husband. She finished high school on her own and put herself through college and worked full time. She is sooo independent, as I have told you.
Chloe, I would love to hear what birthday plans you have for Emma.
Carol, we got her gifts that I know she will enjoy. She loves noise toys, doesn't like dolls or stuffed animals that much. But we didn't come up with an idea like your mom did, when she gave you the nurses kit. I'm waiting and watching to see what her aptitude is.
Carol, are you keeping warm tonight?
We're celebrating her BD Saturday. We're going a very nice mall we have here, the one with the play area that Emma just loves. My daughter is inviting some of her friends who have little ones, and we'll be doing the cake and presents right there, close by where they can play.
Emma's not walking yet, so our options were limited. So we went with some place that we know she'll have fun.
Jan, I wouldn't worry too much about the umbilical cord if everything else is alright with her. How is Amie's B/P since she delivered?
Chloe, take lots of pictures and share them. We would love to see Emma's first birthday.
One thing Emma goes nuts over are helium balloons. So I also need to get together a balloon bouquet for her. I think she's really like to see some of your hot air balloons someday Jan. She's fascinated with things that fly.
I will take pics Jan.
"Would a small umbilical cord mean she got less
nutrients"
Chloe, I don't know. I am going to check on it.
Chloe, you will have to bring Emma to the balloon fiesta in a couple of years when she can take it all in.
"She is sooo independent, as I have told you."
I can already see that same characteristic in Emma Jan. She's got such a strong personality, and knows exactly what she wants. There are still a lot of things that scare her though, and that's why we're sticking to something familiar, for her celebration.
I know she'd love that balloon fiesta Jan.
So she's not ready for the skating rink or the bowling alley yet, eh Chloe? Or that big bouncy thing that you blow up in the yard?
Well, I am so beat tonight.
Congratulations again Jan, and I'll be checking in tomorrow.
nite.
Mary, Amie's BP is just fine now. That was my first question- shame on me! Amie said the last time they took it - it was about 117/70 - this was about 2-3 hours after delivery. It was interesting to me how much different her face looked. Her face was definitely swollen before the birth. She was here at my house Thurs nite, and when I saw her today at noon it was less swollen and this evening about 4:30 her face looked entirely normal again.
Ha! Not yet Carol. But that will all come soon. She's still just a baby.
I am off to bed too.
Thank all of you for letting me "hogg" the blog tonight. Hey I'm a poet.
I was out with my Monday Night gang this evening, and came home to news from my brother that my niece "went early" and had her baby today...a boy, Jace Addison, all are well. With two babies in one day, can we claim "Swamp Twins?!" lol
How wonderful Ivy. A boy and a girl. January is good for something besides misery.
I saw you telling the TMers about going to a La Bamba concert. Sounds like fun.
I like that song. Makes me want to get up and dance. Speaking of dance, where's Fred tonight?
Yes, Carol. I didn't realize Los Lobos did that song. I think we'll have a nice time...I will try to listen to more of their You Tubes before we go. It always helps my enjoyment of live music to be as familiar as possible in advance.
Jan, do you mind if I "borrow" Abigail's pome for a card to Jace from his old Aunt Ivy? I didn't know that was going to happen today. My niece's due date was still almost two weeks away.
just checking in before bed. Watched a little TV and fell asleep.
Ivy, congratulations on a baby nephew, Jace Addison. What a great name. Yes, of course you must use the pome. It is such a great pome for a new baby.
How exciting, 2 babies here in the swamp in one day. Ivy, please convey my congratulations to your brother and his daughter on the birth of the new baby. What time was he born and how much did he weigh?
Looks like tomorrow we may turn over 200. Anyone have any ideas???
Congratulations Ivy. But Gemini isn't until Spring. :^)
I'm off to Tampa on Saturday but got a call from Hollywood today too.
I'll get to spend some time with a pair of very cute 8 year old identical twin boys. I'm having a lot of fun catching up with my 'nephews', their wives and children.
Coreen, as a big baseball fan, does it bother you about these guys using steroids to become super players? Maybe we could develop some robots who can play sports and then we don't need regular human beings.
And Coreen, I see that some sports have already developed robots:
"A New Jersey company says it has developed "the world's first sex robot," a life-size rubber doll that's designed to engage the owner with conversation rather than lifelike movement."
From Huff Post
And Chloe, we didn't get as cold as they forecasted last night. With the warmer temps this week, I will get to go to the house, turn on my water and see if I have a new sprinkler system.
Back on line now. Will start to catch up in between exercises....que pasa.!
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