I lost a good friend yesterday. Mr. Mallard and his Ms. came by several times a day to visit and eat the corn I threw out for them. He was a dedicated and faithful duck husband. That wing he has hanging down by his side was the result of his fighting off these two young punk ducks trying to screw with his hen. He was healing up pretty well before his little life was snuffed out. Heard tell it was some dogs or a car that did him in. Around these part, if you are wildlife and you taste good baked, roasted, or BBQed, your days are numbered.
I'll 
miss you Mr. Mallard.
miss you Mr. Mallard.PS. No one has seen Ms. Mallard. She may have left town with the bad boy punk ducks. She even deserted her eggs. Grief can do that to a girl.
Houseboat Brenda, one of my new friends in the Hood, had to rescue these baby ducks. A hen laid these eggs in some woman's planter down the road. They just hatched yesterday and the lady who had the planter didn't want the duck do do around her place so Houseboat Brenda had to take these younguns to raise. They are only one day old so I hope they make it. She said she's raised lot of different birds and ducks before. She going to try to catch the mama duck tomorrow.
UPDATE: Went down the road to check on the baby ducks this afternoon. There are 13 fine babies and all are alive and pecking. While I was down visiting, Houseboat Brenda left the picnic table we were visiting at and came back and said that Gimpy was back. I said Gimpy? Yep, she said, Gimpy, his hen and the two punk ducks. Gimpy is AKA Mr. Mallard. I went over to look and sure enough, Mr. Mallard is still with us. He must have been out catting around, or ducking around, or somethin that rhymes with ducking.
So please disregard the memorial service. Mr. Mallard has returned from the dead!
190 comments:
Carol,
I meant to say on the last post I was sorry to learn about Mr. Mallard.
Thanks Ivy.
You gave Mr. Mallard a nice tribute, Carol. Very few ducks in this world get that.
Around here they do but it's usually comes as a big burp right after someone mentions how good it tasted. Bring me another cold beer.
Taylor Swift is on Country Music Awards. She doesn't sound much better there.
I just had to go get a sweater. We had something like one of these kinds of days...
The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March. (Robert Frost)
I do know what you and Robert are talking about there Ivy. We had a little shower pass over and it chilled up the wind a bit.
Carol,
Sorry to hear about Mr. M. Do you think it was the neighbors dogs that got the duck? Maybe that's why they knew about it.
Actually, I realize I like to organize and clean. It is very therapeutic to me. I like to stand back and admire the results of my efforts before somebody comes along and messes it up again. I must have been a janitor in a previous life. I was probably happy to be paid for something I like to do.
No Mary, his dogs can't get to the water or they'd be swimming over here. He said someone down the road told him about it. I'm sure he knows that they were my friends. He saw me standing out on the wharf fussing at the punk ducks the other day.
I kind of thought that maybe I was a maid in my last life and got too much of it.
Carol,
The guy near you sounds like an environmental hazard.
Carol,
When your sister comes, will she stay at your place or Mary's...or do you split her? I know you've said, but where does she live...is it where Miss College is going?
She will stay with me. I have her a nice guest room ready. Mary's got the room where she throws all her stuff.
She lives up in the Seattle area.
Miss College will be in Portland. I hear life is civilized there.
This evening, Hubs made something deep fried. Not sure what it was except it was deep fried. It is still with us. He said it will be a while before he makes it again. The whole house smells like fries.
Him saying that reminded me of my aunt's story of the last time she made creamed chipped beef on toast for dinner. My uncle ate it without saying a word. After they were done, he leaned back and said, "Well...it's been twenty years since I ate that. Hope it will be another twenty before I eat it again."
Ivy, Hubs musta known what he fried up. He won't tell you? Hope it wasn't something that quacks and rhymes with f---. If so, keep it to yourself. The more I get to know the wildlife, the less meat I eat. Most of the meat I buy is for Maggie. I don't feel bad about eating fish though. I've never been able to establish any close relationships with them.
I did subscribe to that Vegetarian Times today. It will give me some new ideas for my veggies. I don't think I would have a problem not eating meat.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Mallard. Maybe he gave his life for his lady.
Ivy, It is great to hear you have your energy back. Pain can drag one down.
I have never been much at keeping a clean house. I too get thing cleaned up when I am going to have company. I hate to think what my house would look like if I did not have company once in a while.
I usually move every 4-5 years which really helps me clean up the clutter. We have been in this house almost 4 years now. Time to get some clutter out.
Carol,
I heard him say the word "crab," but it had a question mark at the end of it. I didn't see any.
I lost a post...I won't repost because soon as I do, it will show up as a double.
That was it above...lol...musta got caught for a "minit," as they say, in the deep frier of the universe...
You said that guy that shot an arrow toward your bird feeders was the tree guy. Do you mean the one that was doing all the burning of tree waste? He sounds like a bad guy. Stay away from him. How dare him - telling you that you need to move back to the city.
Happens to me too Ivy.
The pome by Robert Frost sounds like it could have been written for here in NM too. We have had some rain the past 2 days. It is almost cold one minute and I will put on a sweater and in 15 minutes it is hot.
Jan,
Yes, it is good to feel like I can "do something." My pain is not gone, but the threshold for it is higher.
I am feeling a lot of empathy for my mom who gets tired and winded these days at the merest exertion. I am worried about her dealing with the steps at our house. Her house is small and one level. Most of the time, we visit her (several trips a year to Colorado). I don't think she would come if it were not for the graduation. I just walked upstairs and counted the steps - there are 18 steps to the upper level. Even I felt it. Worse is coming down...I'm afraid she'll get dizzy.
Jan,
The Frost pome is lengthy in its entirety. My favorite verse in it is the one quoted.
It is "Two Tramps in Mud Time" written in 1936. I like this stanza too which aptly explains the title.
"The water for which we may have to look
In summertime with a witching wand,
In every wheelrut's now a brook,
In every print of a hoof a pond.
Be glad of water, but don't forget
The lurking frost in the earth beneath
That will steal forth after the sun is set
And show on the water its crystal teeth."
My mom has always been "exercise averse." Yoga Schmoga...
The Frost pome "Two Tramps in Mud Time" is essentially a social commentary on joblessness, and "have's vs. have-nots" Many things of the "Depression Era" seem relevant again.
Actually Jan, that was my neighbor guy that made that comment. I guess he is tired of my bitching at him. It seems to always involve the tree guy though. He's not even from our parts. He's a Tennessee native who came down to take advantage of the work after the hurricane. We got alot of transplants after Rita.
I only asked him about the eternal burning of someone else's tree debris that fills up my place up with choking smoke and then fussed because they scared me to death yesterday. It was a cross bow, his friend the tree guy was shooting. These aren't huge back yards. He was shooting at a can, a foot away from my bird feeder and I was outside. The arrow hit a cypress knee which broke off and flew into something on the birdfeeder. It made an exploding sound.
There are laws and good sense that govern these parts. Just because we live out of the city limits doesn't mean anything goes.
Jan, Mr. Mallard died because he thought he could trust humans. A very big mistake.
I wonder if one of those punk wild Mallards will move into Mr. Mallard's place and take care of his Ms. I have seen the two of them cruising the river.
Carol,
So sorry about Mr. Mallard...I know the feeling, getting attached to our critter friends, then the loss and sadness when suddenly they are missing...but I know that the
time while they were around was worthwhile & continue to 'help' whenever the chance happens...I suspect that you will always help too...
As far as human neighbors...honestly, I try not
to get too familiar with them, only a wave
or a few words in passing, since it seems that the more friendly you become with neighbors, the more likely that sooner or later...a conflict will occur....which results in problems....
That old saying about fences making for good friends seems so true....
Carol, I felt sick when I read your post this morning. Large, uncontrolled dogs are so dangerous, especially when they get in packs. That duck would never have been on the road in the first place, if he weren't running from them.
I feel just as bad as you do Carol.
Carol, I am concerned for you. The guy shooting an arrow over to your property may not be an accident. What would you think about offering an olive branch to your neighbor in the form of a pie or something like that?
Good Fences is also from Robert Frost...the man was a genius.
Mending Wall
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun,
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'.
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it
Where there are cows?
But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me~
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."
"I wonder if one of those punk wild Mallards will move into Mr. Mallard's place and take care of his Ms. I have seen the two of them cruising the river."
Carol, I hope so.
The mallards and your comment reminds me of a movie I rented last night - "Brothers" It was a good movie - although disturbing. A phenomenal cast. I recommend it.
I am reading a book that is really touching me. The author is Anita Daimant - the book is "Good Harbor" I found the book at a yard sale and snapped it up b/c I loved her other book "The Red Tent" Good Harbor is about 2 women who are forming a friendship. One has breast cancer and the other woman's marriage is falling apart.
Ivy,
Thanks, you are so needed around here...
Was hopeful that you would give us the
entire 'good fences' poem....
And yes, Mr. Frost was a true genius and an
absolute treasure...
Great pome, Ivy. It makes me think too of our 1st Americans - some of my ancestors - who never built fences. They had other ways of marking their territories.
We sometimes find arrows from the neighbor's target practice on the ground or in our trees. So far, we have left them sticking wherever they land as "evidence." Eventually the neighbor comes and pries them out. We have not made an issue yet. He well knows the kids play in the creek there because he has a kid. If and when the time to confront him comes, Hubs won't let me go over there because I "mouth off" too much. Hubs has a calmer demeanor developed from his skills as a negotiator. If negotiating were to fail, I believe we would not hesitate to file a complaint at the sheriff's office.
Thanks, Coreen. Ditto to you...lol
Ivy, so you have experience with this kind of neighbor also. How sad that he has a kid and exhibits this kind of behavior.
Jan,
I read "Good Harbor" not long after I read "The Red Tent." "The Red Tent" is Diamant's chef-d'oeuvre. It would be hard for anyone to top such a momumental work. That said, I enjoyed reading "Good Harbor" too.
Jan,
We stay on good terms as much as possible with our neighbors. They mostly mean well, they just sometimes have differing values than ours. We try to find common ground with people, and many times we do. We know we are not perfect neighbors either. I have to remember that it is true that I am "not from around here." I am trying to stay humble and always teachable...
Hubs has a story from his "Davy Crockett Hat" days...when he was six. He shot an arrow in the air, it fell to earth he knew not where. He found out later when he got a butt-whooping...it stuck in the canvas top of his father's Cadillac convertible.
I shot an Arrow into the air
It fell to earth I know not where,
For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breath'd a Song into the air
It fell to earth, I know not where.
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of a song?
Long, long afterward in an oak
I found the Arrow still unbroke;
And the Song from begining to end
I found again in the heart of a friend.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
'Hubs won't let me go over there because I "mouth off" too much. Hubs has a calmer demeanor developed from his skills as a negotiator.'
Ivy, sounds like you and hubs truly complement each other.
Reminds me of an incident that happened when we first moved into our neighborhood. Our driveways are directly in line with each other. The lady and I were both backing out of our driveways at the same time. I had looked back and to the sides but the sun was blinding me and I missed seeing their car. She actually hit me - but we were both at fault. I offered to pay the damage on their car, and did. Mine was dented but it is an old car and has many scratches and the dent did not affect the car's function. The woman is quite elderly and until just recently, she did not talk to me when she was out in her front yard. We have gotten to know all our other neighbors. Yesterday, we passed each other, walking our dogs and she stopped and talked to me. It was a breakthrough. At the time of the fender bender I hated having to come up with $950. but now - 3 years later - I am glad I did.
Ivy, love the hubs story.
Beautiful pome by Longfellow. One of my favorites.
Well, "another day, another dollar" A saying from my dad - must come from the depression. Work is calling.
"Something there is that doesn't love a wall..."
That "something" is the Natural Order of Decay in the Universe. Everything must be maintained, or it will fall down, fall apart, or fall away.
Jan,
Your story illustrates to me that making of amends has nothing to do with controlling the response of the other person.
Ivy, when I paid for the damage to her car, I just saw the $$ going away - I am tight-fisted enough with my money that I did not have my heart in it. The couple is elderly and at the time I thought they were probably on a fixed-income, so it just seemed the only thing to do. So I wonder if that was truly "making amends."
Ivy, I had another, more self-centered interest too - that I did not want to be viewed by the woman and others in the neighborhood as a "bad neighbor."
Jan,
Those are what I call "enlightened self-interest." It's when doing for yourself results in a greater common good. (I didn't coin that term. It's from 18th century philosophers, some of whom influenced our founding fathers. Considered the foundation philosophy of capitalism.)
Also, Jan, you mentioned you "were both at fault." The only part you had any control over was the part you recognized as yours. You couldn't make her see her part - maybe she didn't see herself as having any fault, and that was the piece that held her in her place of resentment. Who really suffered? Your life went on as usual, the better for it, because you had made amends for your part. It's a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it.
My first female hummingbird appeared today. Let the mating ritual begin! lol
Ivy, I have never heard this explained this way. From what you are saying - "making amends" benefits the one making amends as much or more than the one receiving the amends.
Ivy, congratulations. I have not seen one here as yet. I keep hoping. I need to put out feeders. The man who cleaned up our yard last year cut back the plant the hummers loved last year. It may never be the same again.
vy, I have never heard this explained this way. From what you are saying - "making amends" benefits the one making amends as much or more than the one receiving the amends."
This is what I try to do on all things...and is why sometimes it is taken as weakness sometimes, until pushed too far.!!
I would say that it definetly benifits the person making the amends much, much more.!! For me it leaves no doubt as to whom was the generouse one, the grown up.....and in the long run..the upper hand in all things...since that other person knows the truth about things...guilt is not a pretty thing to live with...so making the first steps to m ake amends to me is very important....
Now how one does it is another thing....I try to not embarrass any one...but at the same time, not to be taken advantage of too much.....
Well guys there is a fence between our properties on that side mainly because my neighbor has at least five big dogs in his yard that he has to keep in. It's a hurricane fence so arrows can go right thur it. The arrow actually didn't come into my yard, it cut off a cypress knee chunk that flew over and slammed into my feeder.
There really wasn't much space for them to be shooting in. He has a little kitchen thingy he built out in the middle of his back yard so it only left one place, over my way, for them to shoot. It wasn't a great idea since we pretty squeezed in here.
I don't think that there will be any more issues with the arrows. It was probably just a one time thing. It did scare the heck out of me and the wildlife. He waved as I left for work this morning so everything is most likely OK. It is kind of interesting that the only problems we have had always involve that tree guy. The tree guy does seem like a nice enough guy. I think he was taking advantage of my neighbor by dumping the tree debris over there for him to burn. I was hoping I would give him an excuse for not having to deal with it.
Jan, did you have to come up with that money for your neighbor's car out of your own pocket. It doesn't sound like you were responsible but by paying, you accepted the responsibility. I don't know if I would have done it. You are a good neighbor. Was your recent breakthru conversation with her worth 950 bucks? I hope she had some good gossip.
Ivy, thanks for sharing the pomes and that was a very funny story about when Hubs was a kid. Hard way to learn about gravity.
Thanks for the tea and sympathy everyone. I was so hoping they were off having their little ducklings and they'd be swimming them over the visit the old spinster one day.
Carol, the neighbor I was talking about is about 85 years old. Her husband is a good guy and real friendly. She didn't tell me any gossip, but she smiled and visited about the weather and general things. Yes, the $950. was worth it. They occasionally have health problems. He had a heart attack the first month we lived here. They are the only neighbors who built their house (back in the 1950's) and are still here. I think they must have been newly weds then. It is important to me to be on good terms with my neighbors and I will go the extra mile or $$ to have that.
On the other hand, I would not like someone burning stuff or shooting arrows around here. I would take them a pie and say please don't do that again. If it happened the 2nd time I would visit and say - "I would hate to do that, but you are forcing me to take it to the police" and I would not take a pie.
I really like Neecie and Chad Ochocinco on DWTS. Think I'll vote for both of them tonight. It has to be tough to dance as well as he does being that tall. And she has those big buzungas to carry around.
Jan, your neighbor being 85 would have won me over also, but....for the same reason, I would plan to not be backing out of my driveway ever again when she was near her car.
You can bet John and I both check them out before we back out.
I like the ice skater - but he has such an advantage. I like the tall girl, Erin too. I think Neecie is a scream. John's favorite is Ochocinco.
I remember when I graduated college, started my first real nursing job and bought my first new car. It was a Plymouth Gold Duster Special. It cost a whopping $3300. I went and picked up my mom from her work and let her drive us home. She was stopped at an intersection, waiting to make a left hand turn and this really old lady ran a stop sign and slammed into this car coming from the other direction. That car slammed into my very first brand new car. It hadn't even made it home.
Then three years later when I had just paid off that very same car, and was going to grad school so I couldn't afford any bills, I was headed over to your house and another old lady ran a another stop sign and finished her off. Member that?
I have a real fear of old ladies driving. Yes, I'm afraid I might just be one of them one day so I do try to be cautious.
I think some people vote for their favorite based on personality (us for instance). I think it is amazing that Kate is still there.
DWTS summary....absolutely no doubt about it...Nicole & Derek...perfectly fantastic....
Evan & Anna, poetry in motion, graceful, a true pleasure to watch them...
And again it is so past time for that
Kate to be off the show...she is just
awful,she is not only a terrible dancer, no grace no poise, but she is not gracious in any way..she is a bore... I feel really sorry for the pro, Tony....having to be partnered with her.
I will not be satisfied with DWTS until she if out....end of story...
Yes Jan, some of these dancers certainly have an advantage. I'm looking for most improved. This is not like AI, where the winner should represent the best in the country. I'll use my criteria for judging.
Carol, I definitely remember your gold Duster. I did not remember the little old ladies rear ending you. I am dying laughing here. I was rear ended in the only new car I have ever bought too. It was a red Honda Accord. It was raining in Little Rock and someone slid into the back of it while I was sitting at a red light. I saw it coming too and had time to brace myself. I wonder if there is some kind of karma about new cars.
I completely agree about Kate, Coreen and you saved me having to come up with the words. Thanks!
Kate has been on a bunch of talk shows in the past week. I want to laugh - and guys and girls I know it is stupid and she does have all this household support but I feel so bad for anyone who has 8 kids and is a single mom. I just can't help it. Just for the record though, I don't vote for her.
Well, maybe they will oust Kate this week. She is certainly past-due.
Jan, that old lady slammed into the side of my Duster. It was another car, that horrible used Rambler, piece of junk, I bought with the pennies they totalled my Duster out with that another person slammed into the back of. I left auto parts from that car, all over Houston. Were you with me that time?
OK - I have a desk top - so I have to leave to watch the dancing. Back later.
Yes Kate has a huge following, unfortunately.
Guys, I have never voted for anyone on DWTS, and in general I feel that each celebrity dancer should be given lots of kudos for getting out there and dancing...they all seem
to get better each time & the women, I marvel that they can dance so well & in high heels...BUT...not Kate...
I have no idea how she ever had a tv program
what in heaven's name could be of interest
about her....she has not even one tiny saving
quality about her....& that she has 8 kids & is divorced...well...don't let me get started...but the one word I come up with is
exploitation....
Amen again, Coreen.
What I also remember about that wreck is that my car was smoking and I couldn't get the door open, thought it was jammed, so I dove out the window. I thought it was getting ready to explode. Later, when Jan came to pick me up, she unlocked the door, opened it, to get my stuff out. I just looked at her. She kinda made my dramatic exit look at little silly. My vehicle was impacted on the opposite side.
Cars...I still wish I had kept that 1969 GTO...and someone ran a stop sign right in front of me...while I was driving it....I wound
up with a perfect 'c' scar on my right knee from hitting the dashboard & I cracked the windshield, but never remembered hitting it, but some of my hair was in the crack...but I
was really ok....young & tough....
And one of my friends still has his 1968 Corvette that he bought for $3,500 new way back
then....& we all thought that was so very much
to pay for a car.... He also has a 2003 or 4
Corvette that he paid approx. $50,000 for...how
times change...
We really all need to vote to counter all the votes Kate is going to get. I do think she could get my vote for the most traumatized/abused uterus. I think she earned that vote.
Dang, it's too late to vote. You only have 30 minutes after the show is over.
Yes Coreen, those vehicles have gone up quite a bit. I currently have a Toyota Tundra. I bought it because I had to have a truck to pull a camper I used to have and to haul stuff.
Fortunately Toyota was a good still a good vehicle when I bought mine and I wanted it to last for about 300,000 miles. I think I'm at least half way there. I plan to drive it until my feet are running under it like the Flintstones.
Carol, right now I have 2 cars...a 2002 Jaguar
x (all wheel drive) that doesn't have 50,000
miles yet...& a 1990 Buick Reatta has only 18,000 miles (they only made 20,000 of them...my 2 seater coupe)....don't ask why I bought it but I liked it...still do...
My mom has a 2008 Buick Lucerne....
We take pretty good care of our cars around here....they last a few years....
I dread the idea that when I go to buy another
car, it will cost more than $40-$50,000. I am keeping an eye on the Cadillac 2 door coupe that is coming out this summer. My friend with the vettes saw it at a car show & said it
is really nice. I want another 2 door coupe, but will see next year...
You need all-wheel drive to get around here when it starts snowing, & my Jag has it, & the Reatta is front wheel drive.
Just finished DWTS. I had taped it so didn't get to vote. Nicole and Derek were great again, and so were Evan and his partner. There is no doubt these 2 couples are the best.
Coreen, you are right on. There is something wrong here if Kate stays on. I think her partner is ready for them to leave the show. He may quit after this.
I've never been someone who valued fine vehicles or fine clothes. Just a plain Jane. I like practical things that get the job done.
Carol, I had a cute little white Toyota pickup for 12 years- It was one of those that you could put into 4 wheel drive. I bought it in 1980 and kept it until 1992 - gave it to Steve and then it was passed to one of my grandchildren. I think it had about 250,000 miles on it the last time I heard. It was a great little truck. I met John while I was still driving it in 1990. He always wanted me to get a personalized plate that said "Twuk"
John sounds like quite a character Jan.
The car I drive now is a 1999 mercury villager. I love it and will grieve when it goes. I drive in a lot of poorer neighborhoods so not a good idea to drive something anyone else would want.
Well, time to hit the sack.
Carol and Coreen, if you are still around, sleep well.
Today's In-Box Wisdom --
"The ancients created the paths of yoga because they believed these were the best ways, indeed the only ways, to realize our full human potential. No one makes this any clearer than Patanjali, the second-century author of the Yoga Sutra.
Patanjali states that yoga has two distinct purposes or goals. In Chapter II, verse 2 of the Yoga Sutra, he states that yoga's "purpose or goal is to cultivate the experience of equanimity [samadhi]" and "to unravel the causes of negativity." Patanjali tells us, in effect, that yoga will help us figure out and eradicate the reasons why we suffer, even as it leads us to feel the deepest of human experiences."
Purpose of Yoga
I needed to practice my linking skill...I'm a quick forgetter and I was starting to...
Hubs' Dad's car was a '57 Caddy convertible. Hubs only had two arrows, he said. After he shot the one, and it landed in the car top, then he had none.
We all need to keep our eyes on this financial reform. Some pretend to be for it but aren't. Maybe all of them are doing that. I do think the fraud goes all the way to the top.
Dylan lists those we should listen to on financial reform:
Eliot Spitzer
Sen. Ted Kaufman
Sen Blanche Lincoln
Simone Johnson
Elizabeth Warren
Rep Alan Grayson
I see that several of us are driving older vehicles. That's probably a good thing. They just don't make anything with quality anymore. They give us the cheapest products but charge us the most for it now. If you want quality, you have to go back to a time when that was still important.
"to unravel the causes of negativity."
What a nice way to put it Ivy.
When we're told to be positive (don't have a negative attitude)... well, it sounds sorta meaningless, or at least impossible (without some elaboration). But to unravel the causes, that sounds doable (and meaningful). Thanks for the link.
I want to point out something that is very humorous but sad. The Republicans are saying that all this financial reform legislation is not tough enough, it doesn't have any teeth in it, but when called on it, their response is to do nothing. What a scam!
Morning Joe did actually point that out this morning. They tried to hold Bob Corker's feet to the fire but he kept up his double talk. Yap, yap, yap and say nothing of quality. Kind of like the products were all stuck with these days. Many of our politicians are expensive but provide no quality.
". I was so hoping they were off having their little ducklings and they'd be swimming them over the visit the old spinster one day."
I really wish you wouldn't call yourself an old 'anything'. The things we say to ourselves have such a strong influence on us.
I shudder at the things I say to myself. But I am working on it. We owe it to ourselves to at least treat ourselves as well as we treat others.
The words are 'so' important.
Carol,
The politicians think we can't tell the difference between substance and double talk. They make meaningless assertions and expect us to think it means something.
They do like what the Kimberly-Clark Co. did to my favorite paper towel brand, Viva Big Roll. I recently picked a roll off the shelf at Publix and noticed it appeared to have shrunk. When I got home, I compared to one of the rolls I already had, it was clear the new-and-improved "Big Roll" was a shadow of its former self. From 70 sheets per roll down to 52 sheets. I'm not math whiz, but that is shrinkage. I don't think they shrunk the price. The biggest insult to my intelligence is that they did not revise the product name to the more appropriate "Teeny Tiny Roll." I'm supposed to still be "thinking big." Double talk. Lack of substance. And we're not supposed to notice that.
I've switched to Bounty.
Chloe,
What I hear you saying is the power of Affirmations...the good things we say to ourselves about ourselves. Those little messages sink in. Yesterday, my Physical Therapist commented I have "good posture... probably from all the yoga" I've done. I never thought I had good posture, or any posture. But her one little comment has me aware of how I carry myself. I plan to work to keep my "good posture" as long as I can.
Carol, interesting list of those we should listen to on financial reform. Blanche Lincoln, Dem from ARk. is one that has had a lot of flak from the democrats. I admired her when she was running for Senate. I would like to study her voting record. I tend to avoid looking at politics but you guys are educating me.
Carol,
U were right, have been having some great weather around here...little too cool at night......
have seen gas prices go up a lot tho......I asked over at the trail the other day...but no one responded...
We get out gas from Canada, Mexico, and Venzuela....how come the middle east is able to manipulate its price so much...imo this oil, gas, and other energy products is why (the main reason) that we are in these wars....going to get worse as our friend in that area need more, and more water also.
Maybe they can b/c of the devalued dollar?? and is it planned then....
out = our
Solar,
You are not alone with the increase in gas prices...just paid $3.20/gal today for Sunoco
91...and had an oil delivery at the house with
the receipt saying the fuel oil is 3.75/gallon...
But there is no outcry from the media or anyone
yet...only at the start of summer driving do they even mention it...and since it would not
aid the current administration to bring it up, will see if it even gets a mention around Memorial day...
But it is a pretty nice day here anyway...can only get better for the next few weeks....
Gas is about $2.70 here right now, which is the highest it's been in a while.
Here's a nifty little chart on gas prices (not sure how accurate it is, according to what everyone is seeing with their own eyes, though): http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_home_page.html
As Ed said, when he linked these volcano pics on TM, they really are amazing. http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/more_from_eyjafjallajokull.html
Ivy, Isn't surprising that no one ever mentioned your good posture before. I'd say, coming from a physical therapist, that is quite a compliment.
If you have any favorite yoga poses, I wish you'd share them with us. There's probably a link to just about any of them online, but I can't quite figure out which ones I want to master (or more accurate, work on) first.
should be: isn't 'it' surprising
Chloe,
I probably can't come close to pronouncing the name of the Iceland volcano, but "Eye-full" seems close enough after viewing the photos you linked.
Thanks for keeping tabs on TM for us...I'm having enough trouble keeping up to date on just this blog. What used to be my discretionary computer time is going into PT and the homework she assigns. Much like working on an advanced degree. The further along you get, the more work they pile on.
Solar, Rahm said if/when Mayor Daily doesn't run for Mayor, he would like to. Ya want Rahm as your Mayor?
Mayor Rob...I mean Rahm....sure why not.! One crook is as good as another.....he is feeling his oats huh...papa Obama will give it to him??
I haven't heard anything good or bad about our fairly new congress man Guiterez...he did some good work over here in chicago..I think that he just might be one of the honest ones.
Ivy, I think it's best to address it as "the volcano". Everyone else I've heard try to pronounce it sounded like they either choked on somethin or had a serious stutter.
Chloe, those pics were amazing. Mother Nature can be both beautiful and destructive at the same time.
Chloe,
As far as my favorite yoga poses go, the one depicted in our thread's cartoon -- Plough Pose -- that's one I try to do daily.
Plough Pose
Also, one that takes you in the opposite direction that I underestimated for too long is Bridge Pose. :)
If She Can, I Can
Chloe,
For sequences, most practices incorporate Sun Salutations, but I also like to mix it up with Moon Salutations.
Moon Salutations
Carol,
Good thing you & your friends are around to
rescue those baby ducklings...Are there 4 in the carrier...It would be nice if your Mrs. M
was the mama duck & you or your friend could
coax her back to the babies.
If not, Here's hoping that your friend can raise them.
Well, finally! DWTS has some credibility... Kate is gone......
Did anyone see the end of DWTS??? Can't comment or I'll give it away.
Whoopee. Couldn't help myself.
I think there are 11 of them Coreen. They are itty bitty.
Today is the first time I met Houseboat Brenda. Heard of her but never met her. Those kids will bring people together. I think we will be getting to be friends.
And we didn't even get to vote Coreen. The Universe musta heard our wishes or people are starting to invest in more glasses.
11 Just wonderful....
And it would seem that you have found a new
friend and ally in protecting your wildlife
buddies....
The mallards here are in the wetlands, I rarely have seen very young ducklings...I suspect that predator animals
are always somewhere in my woods....
I wonder if it's time for the mallards here to
be having babies...I do have a couple of lady
mallards stopping by for lunch/dinner....
I would definitely recommend you do those poses with an empty stomach Ivy, or you will be rechewing your cud.
Carol,
Great work on the duck rescue. Amazing how your commitment to wildlife brings new people with your similar ideals into your life.
Coreen, I've never seen any tame ducks or babies here before either.
We are sharing their habitat so we all have to share the responsibility. Those babies are so young. I hope they make it.
My new friend lives in a really cool houseboat. It's like a nice, small house. Her houseboat is just a short ways down the road from me. I still haven't met that many of my neighbors. I do need to get out more often.
I like to google DWTS to see the twitter and other comments that scroll by about the show. I think there were many that shared our views.
There is a battle of the bird box going on in my yard. I thought the bluebirds had reclaimed it. Then I opened it and discovered a Carolina chickadee nest. There were no eggs, so I swept it out. Next day I checked it again, and by the nest material inside, it seemed the bluebirds were back in business. But now, another turn of events...a chickadee has been camped out on the box for two days, singing his little heart out, in spite of the fact the material inside is not chickadee material which is soft and grassy green. I confused. They're just going to have to duke it out. Nature rules.
Here's images of the two nest styles to compare.
Bluebird Nest
Chickadee Nest
I don't know why Pam always is in the bottom. She is good. Maybe women don't like her??? Jealous?
That's very cool Ivy. You'll have to let us know who wins. Maybe you should cough up for another box or build something real quick.
Just finished reading this article, (and the comments are instructive as well) which pretty clearly states what is really occurring
with the 'wall street fiasco' that no one,
(other than Dylan Rattigan, this a.m. on radio
while he was filling in for Scarborough) is
discussing, & it is so very important for every
person to understand just how truly deceptive
the entire bank bailout continues to be....
That Wall Street continues to make money by taking advantage of being able to obtain capital at virtually zero cost, provided by the Federal Reserve, that they then turn around & lend at higher rates,
to the U.S. Treasury, at a profit just to the banks, all at the cost of the idiots...us...the taxpayer, while the Fed continues to keep the interest rates so low, that those Americans with any kind of money, can gain nothing from their savings.
As far as the proposed financial reform bill,
so far, I have not found any unbiased summary
of just what is in this bill, yet Obama is going to Wall Street on Thursday to push it...
So far both sides have spun the content of this
bill, which should be even more important to
every person who works & pays her/his way in this country, then the health care year long saga...& yet the media is absent..all they want to do is divert our attention with nonsense about teapartiers,
who they are, are they racist, their inciting
criminal acts, Sarah Palin, on & on...
while the same people that really 'screwed' everyone get richer than rich at the expense of the rest of us...& they wonder why people are 'angry'.....
The media & those in D.C. are clueless.....
You're Welcome, Wall Street
Ivy,
Only saw a bluebird once here...never a chickadee & was going to say why not put out
2 nesting boxes for both, & saw that Carol,
you beat me to the punch.....
Carol,
I agree that Pam Anderson is proving to be
very good...& as the judges keep saying she
really plays the part they give her well...
couldn't really tell you what her acting background might be, didn't watch baywatch, which is the only tv show I believe she was in...it may be jealousy or maybe the less than
flattering image of her that has been created
over the years.
Coreen, this is what the tea party protestors need to go after and not with the yahoos they have chosen to associate with. Those yahoos are some of the crooks.
We all need to make our leaders do something about this. They are stealing from us hard working middle class to get rich. There will soon be only two classes left, the ultra rich and the rest of us.
The trouble is that there really is little difference between the parties, as Solar,
keeps railing against, but that said, there
is no viable alternative at this time...& when
it comes time to vote....regardless of whether
'they throw the bums out' comes to pass, the
replacements will be no better...It's like
we are doomed...
And here is another story confirming the
discontent that is real, yet there is no one
to rally around....both sides are a disgrace...
Angry at government, voters may revolt in November, survey shows
On a lighter note for the end of the night,
Carol, Coast to Coast is back on a NYC radio
station, but not until 1 a.m. & the signal is
not really good...I kind of remember bits of
it as I drop off to sleep, but never recall
what the topic really was when I wake up!....
Good night all....
Same here Coreen. I often go to bed with Coast to Coast but, even when it is interesting, I can't remember what I heard the next morning. It may be stuck deep in my subconscious, so if I spew out something profound one day, you know where it probably came from.
Nite
Is that a hammer I hear? I think I hear Ivy building a new box. If you had a hammer, you'd hammer in the morning, you'd hammer in the evening, all over this land.....
You guys made the same suggestion my bird-store friend made. The best I can do is maybe start now to get Hubs to agree to put another box up...next year. The real problem is I'm already risking our community association's ire with the one box I have. A second one may push them over the line, and then they could make me take down both. The backyard habitat is not suitable. There is already a box I installed out there that no bird has ever inhabited.
Bobby-sox was phenomenal on Idol tonight. Also, I like Casey a whole lot more than the judges gave him credit for. The one who's going to have to hit the bricks next may be Tim. He's stretched it as far as it can go. Siobhan is getting worn out by the process...you can see the strain on her. Crystal is emotionally wrought too, but she is riding a wave of popular acclaim to sustain her.
Carol, the baby ducks are so cute. I hope they survive.
Yes, so good that Kate is gone.
I liked Lee Dewyse tonight. Crystal was amazing as always. I have heard some talk show folks criticizing her for threatening to leave Idol. I hope that won't hurt her votes. I still like Siobhan - I think she has the purest voice. I too think Tim is the one to leave - but who knows. Even if I did not want to watch it the 2nd show, I can't help myself. Its an addiction.
Carol, I wonder if the reason Pam A. does not do so well is that people are just not voting for her - apparently both men and women. She is not that appealing other than her kind of hypersexuality. I too think she is dancing very well. The fact that Neicy is still there tells me that a lot of votes go for personality. The guy that got voted off last week was a real good looking guy but as Simon often says "he was not that memorable
Jan, I was never impressed with Pam before. It was probably her Playboy beginning and her marriage to Tommy Lee. Never took her serious. Now, I see a little different dimension to her.
She seemed to start the dancing stuff flaunting her sexuality, it's what made her famous, but I think she has tried to show a little more character with her dance. It was after that Judge told her to stop it. Can't remember the words he used but it was an interesting choice of words. Was it "titty baiting"?
Coreen, you mentioned we can't trust the media to keep us informed. I think they have too many connections to Banks and Wallstreet. Someone in the family is working or being paid by one. They have bought off anyone who might be harmful to them. We don't have a chance. It's all about the Golden Rule and not the one we were taught back when we were young.
I will check on the baby ducks after work today. Yesterday I was out watering the plants when I heard my neighbor guy say to someone on his phone, "you found some baby ducks". I think he did raise his voice just a little, knowing that would perk my interest and it did. He's been wanting to introduce me to Houseboat Brenda but ya know, my Aspergers.
I offered to bring her a big box but she was way ahead of the game. She just found the babies yesterday but already had baby duck food, a brooder, feeders, waterers, etc. People around here don't let grass grow under their feet. Well, actually it does and pretty fast.
I do worry about those babies though. Several years back, I came home from work and found a bunch of them swimming around my swimming pool. I think something must have gotten their mom. A neighbor had a pond so I called and she came and got them. They were older but none of them survived. Don't know why.
It may be stuck deep in my subconscious, so if I spew out something profound one day, you know where it probably came from."
LOL Carol!
You're always saying profound things, so we won't be surprised.
Cute little ducks. Sounds like Houseboat Brenda knows what she's doing, and she's had some experience in the past. So I'm hoping for success.
The thing that makes me most hopeful is that she's going to look for the mama. I just can't figure out why she left them in the first place.
Carol, Houseboat Brenda sound like a cool gal. I think we will all be rootin for the baby ducks. One of the few things I remember fondly about living in Dallas many years ago was a pond at a health club I belonged too. I called it a duck pond b/c in the spring there were several mama ducks with their little ducklings in various stages of growth. The health club had a walking path and while walking I would stop and watch all the ducks maturation thorough the weeks. I got to where I could spot each little family and grieved when a little duck was missing from the group. They are so cute to watch how they stay in a little line following mom.
Wonder if mama duck was killed too and/or became someone's dinner.
"...here is another story confirming the discontent that is real"
I assume that people are mad at the government, because they've become aware of how manipulated (and betrayed?) we are, as a population - but, I wonder if we haven't also started to blame them for 'all' our problems, and maybe looking to them to take care of us a little too much.
Regardless, if this leads to change, then it's got to be a good thing. Capital Hill is in need of some 'fresh' thinking (and I don't mean good talkers).
Dems eye older voters with Wall St. reform
"Democrats hope they can fix a political problem with seniors by passing their Wall Street reform bill.
Older voters had the most to lose from the stock market’s plunge in the financial crisis, and polls show they remain angry about the collapse and keen on reform.
Seniors will be an even more crucial bloc than normal in the 2010 midterms, with President Barack Obama not on the ballot.
Older voters can generally be counted on to show up at the polls, and this year they are likely to account for a disproportionate share of the vote." http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/banking-financial-institutions/93447-dems-eye-older-voters-with-wall-st-reform
Good morning Jan.
I was worried that if those dogs went after one duck, that they may still be around.
Ivy, Thank you so much for those Yoga poses - they're exactly what I needed. I don't think I can get completely into the correct form yet, but will work on it until I do. At some point, I'll find my DVD (hopefully) too.
Please check out the addition to my blog post. There has been a new development.
The more investigating I did, the more I realized that no one actually saw anything kill Mr. Mallard. The only thing I could pen down is that someone saw a dead duck and that no one had laid eyes on Mr. Mallard for a while. Next time I will just have to wait for the autopsy report or DNA results before I fly off the handle.
And then again, maybe Mr. Mallard just wanted me to get out to meet the neighbors. I also learned that my new friend does housework on the side. Hmmmmmm. I see a little lightbulb going on above my head.
All I thought of when I read the update, was...
do you believe in miracles?....
So very happy for you, Carol, can 'hear' it in
your 'voice'...
I'm guessing, but is the river the connection
for the ducks between you & your new friend's
home?....Let's hope between the 2 of you, you
can keep any future disasters happening to the entire group....
Head's up...Treasury unveiled a new 3-d $100
bill to be placed in circulation February 10, 2011....
Hard to believe but the article claims that
2/3 of the current $100 bills in circulation are overseas...
and the $100 bill is the favorite choice by
counterfeiters outside the US....
Don't know about anyone else, but each time
a different version of paper money is given
to me, I wonder if it is real....& do you notice just how mangy/wrinkled most of the bills are, even if you get them from the bank...
New hi-tech $100 bill
unveiled by treasury, complete with 3-D security ribbon
Carol, what great news, Mr. M. is OK. wonder if the dead duck was the mom of the ducklings?
No Jan, that mama is still sitting on her empty nest. Will kinda be a nasty surprise when she learns about it, then she will get a taste of that empty nest syndrome.
Mr. and Ms. and one bbp duck (bad boy punk) just dropped over for some corn, first time since last week. It seems Mr. lost his alpha duck status. That bbp now has the top spot. He's chasing Mr. around. Makes me feel sad for him. I can kinda identify with him. It's tough getting old and worn out.
Watching ET and it seems Larry King might be able to relate to my duck drama.
Well, who will get booted off Idol tonight? They have to do it in front of two studio audiences tonight. Yuk.
Rumor, on Huff Post, "Donny Deutsch has been pulled from MSNBC's 3PM hour after including Keith Olbermann in a montage of angry media personalities". Interesting.
... and then there were 17!
I am so happy to hear the good news Carol.
That pecking order thing is just a fact of life. Those big ol' horses, all the way down, do the same thing... and all we can do is respect it.
Chloe, I'd rather be in that duck pecking order than the horse one. The duck only ended up with one gimpy wing.
The ducks are bedded down on my wharf tonight. They must have been reading the blog.
Just learned that Wanda Sykes and I think alike.
Chloe, since bad boy is now the top duck, he was hogging all the corn when I threw out a hand full. After I figured out what had happened, when bad boy turned his head, I threw Mr. the corn, one kernal at a time. I got one over on bad boy. He, He, He. It is fun effing with the ducks.
Ha Carol! I'm always doing the same thing - trying to help out the underdog. They're always my favorite, no matter what the species.
I'm so glad this all had a happy ending. Gives you a lot more faith in expecting good things to happen.
You've got the babies with you now?
.. oh, I guess you meant the big boys (and girl) are bedded down on your wharf.
I need to iron, when are they going to announce the big loser?
They may not have read the blog, but they may have heard they were the stars of the blog for a couple of days. They must know we're all rooting for them.
HB (Houseboat Brenda) has all the babies. She has a nice setup for them. She asked if I wanted to take half of them but what would I do with them??? I can just see them running around my living room with the Magster chasing them. Can you imagine what a mess I'd come home to?
... better to keep them all together anyway. You've got plenty to worry about with just the big guys to take care of.
Sounds like those babies are in good hands anyway. Brenda sounds great.
I told her I would gladly chip in for feed.
I plan to give some of them directions to Coreen's place.
I mean HB sounds great.
Are you kidding! They'd never be able to make it through the winter! They sissies, like us.
HB is cool and it was the ducks that got us acquainted. Interesting, the role that natures plays. Hmmmm, who do you think is really running this show? They are probably studying me.
I had to give up on Idol to come do my bedtime chores. Someone will have to tell me who gets the ax. Better that I don't have to watch that swan song anyway.
Carol,
When I heard Wanda Sykes's routine, I thought she had stolen it from you. lol
The loser was the one I predicted...he didn't seem too broken up about it, and they didn't make us listen to him sing. I wonder if he did know...during Wanda's routine, his was the face they focused on...he was laughing hardest at the going-home jokes. I don't usually jump off the couch when they make the announcement, but tonight I did. I was glad my one Casey-vote didn't go to waste.
Welcome back, Mr. Mallard.
So you voted, huh Ivy?
We had trouble with our cable tonight. We went to see the oldest boy and give his wife her B'day gift. Her B'day was Monday but no parties this time. Her bro in Montana has been very ill and she did not feel like celebrating. He is a little better but not out of the woods. It started out with his gall bladder - and he has wound up with 4 surgeries, a leaking bile duct, fluid around his lungs and liver and a collapsed lung, a bacterial and a yeast infection. He is only 47 years old for gosh sakes. They have finally called in a specialist. He is on antibiotics and seems a little better today.
So, to Idol. Tim got the ax tonight. He would have been my pick to go. He is a good sport. I think they should quit having them sing when they lose.
I voted last night - 6 times for Siobhan b/c I thought she might have a hard time. Ellen was the only one who praised her performance. I didn't want her to go home.
Ivy, I am glad Casey didn't go home too.
"After I figured out what had happened, when bad boy turned his head, I threw Mr. the corn, one kernal at a time"
Carol I am dying LOL here.
Carol, I would tell you to give directions to my house, but the ducks would find no water.
"Goldman's connections to the White House and the Obama administration are raising eyebrows at a time when Washington and Wall Street are dueling over how to overhaul regulation of the financial world"
Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/04/21/92637/goldmans-connections-to-white.html#ixzz0lpDl2c9I
It sounds like the only reasonable answer to this "too big to fail" bank problem is to break up the big banks. If they don't do that, nothing will change.
Maybe a little problem here also..."344 million spent on lobbying financial reform".
(Ratigan)
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