Thursday, April 12, 2012

A rose by any other name....

April 13..
Happy Birthday Jan




When I was doing my yard work this weekend I cleared out some small trees and found an old rose bush I planted years ago.  It was very tall but hiding in those small trees.  I noticed a small rose bud on the top of a very tall branch.  I had to pull it down to see it.  I took these pics.. a day or two apart.. of that rose bud as it opened.

The last pic is of an interesting toad stool I found.  Pretty cool huh?

187 comments:

Carol said...

Well..Jay Leno is giving it to Hillary R for her comments. He said it's sad when Democratic women say things just as bad as the Republican men say. Had to chuckle at that.

Carol said...

My rose was just my yard's way of thanking me for taking care of it. Just a sweet gift.

Carol said...

I think that one comment by Hillary R evened up the war on women by the two parties.

Go Buddy Go Buddy Go Buddy

Carol said...

I took those pics with Iphony. It was a little difficult to hold the rose down..hold the Iphone in the other hand and push the little button that takes the pic. I needed a third hand.

Carol said...

The Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite launched by North Korea was a dud! I thought about getting out one of my umbrellas when I heard they were going to launch it but they are all duds also. So much for cheap umbrellas and cheap rockets.

Carol said...

I had this student once. She was an older single mom..had five children..worked as a waitress at a mall bar at night and went to nursing school. I was in awe of her.

jan said...

Beautiful rose Carol. toadstool pretty too. I did miss yu when you went on your gummy mission. I understand that. I wanted something tonight too but had my nightgown on and didn't want to change so I made myself a cup of hot chocolate with some little marshmallows in it. That satisfied my sweet hunger.

jan said...

Yes, Hillary R. did even up things.

jan said...

Yes, I too have been so impressed with some women and what they go through to get through nursing school. It seems like there was a gal who had about a dozen kids who did the nurs program in LA that you and I knew. We have had a couple of strippers in our program here. Makes it more interesting. We have had a couple of crazy guys too.

jan said...

Time to get this old bod to bed. I will be a year older tomorrow. It is kind of amazing that in a couple of hours I will be 71 and inside I really don't feel any older.

After I read the book, I usually don't have a hard time with the movie, because even if it is gory or scary, I know what is going to happen.

Carol said...

Happy Birthday Jan..

You shouldn't have mentioned your age because to look at you..you haven't changed a bit from when I last saw you 30 something years ago.

Carol said...

I wasn't ever a Stooges fan but that new movie..the Three Stooges is something I think I want to see. I think I can handle the violence..nyuk nyuk nyuk

It has several great stars in it..including Sofia Vergara. I just love her.

Coreen said...

Jan, Happy Birthday...enjoy...

Agree about the inner feeling that
time has not passed, even though
the years have...but the aches/pains sure remind me...

jan said...

Carol & Coreen, thank you for the birthday wishes

Carol, I am choosy about what pics I post. I pick the ones that do not show my wrinkley neck. I too have that book "I feel bad about my neck. If I were going to have plastic surgery - it would be on my neck.

Coreen, I too feel my age when I move. I used to love to hike in the mountains. Never do that any more. I also used to like to ice skate and am afraid if I fell that I would break a bone and don't want to take that chance. The ice is unforgiving.

jan said...

I too love Sofia V. She is so funny. I love her accent.

jan said...

71 is not too bad you all. As my dad always said on his birthdays "consider the alternative." He was a good role model for aging.

jan said...

Carol, I love that you put the birthday wish at the top with the roses. I dearly love roses. Pink ones are my favorites. Yellow ones are next for me.

jan said...

Watched Modern Family this afternoon. Had it taped. Sooo funny. My favorite part was the 2 guys driving around using the loudspeaker to tell people to pick up their trash, etc. I also loved Claire's husband driving the old guy around. Loved the old guy.

Carol said...

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Jan! Did you do anything special or just relax?

Carol said...

Yes..Modern Family was a hoot.

I just got back from Wally World. I got a new bird feeder for here. I got some grape tomato plants and another bell pepper.

The bell pepper that I planted last year is still going. It even has several bell peppers on it. Poor thing. It needs to be retired.

Now I want some more herbs. Couldn't find any good ones at WW so I'll have to hit a garden store. Have to have some fresh herbs.

Carol said...

Well..just got back from Harbor Freight..Lowe's and Home Depot. I found Rosemary and Thyme at Lowe's but no Parsley or Sage. That's only half a song.

I went to Home Depot and found Parsley but no Sage. Now I can sing..Parsley..Sage..hmmm..and Thyme. I'll still have to go to a garden center and find some Sage.

jan said...

Hmmm, sounds like you are having fun Carol. Wish we lived closer. I would love to do some planting. Need someone to give me inspriration.

Had a good day yesterday. We went to a movie the Hunger Games. It followed the book very well. Then we stopped at Whole foods - I bought a salad, John bought some chicken enchaladas (taee outee) and we bought several small desserts. Could not eat them all but enjoyed them very much.

jan said...

It is very windy here.

John's niece from Little Rock was in OK City yesterday during the tornados. She and her husband were driving - got under an overpass and a tornado went right over them. She said it is the most scared she has ever been.

jan said...

i need to get up from here and clean some windows. That is my goal today.

Hope you all have a great day.

jan said...

We both dearly love desserts.

I had a strange dream last night. I dreamed we bought a house - were making a trip there to see it (2nd time). I was regretting buying it. We bought it from a middle eastern family. They had several large ornate pieces of furniture. The entire house needed floors and walls redone. Rooms were dark and dreary. I was wondering why I bought it. I have been trying to figure out what the dream means.

jan said...

I cleaned windows today - A big job here- as we have a lot of dust that blows in. The biggest part of that is the dust that collects in the little gulleys of the windows. I am tired.

Carol said...

I put up a new bird feeder here and no birds have found it yet. I remember when I moved to the camp and put out a new feeder. It took forever for the birds to find it and start using it.

I looked it up and found that it varies to how long but it is not unusual for it to take over a week or longer for birds to start feeding from a new feeder.

Hummers usually don't take very long to find a new hummer feeder. I guess that is because it is red and they are attracted to red flowers.

Carol said...

I've been pretty busy also Jan. One thing that I don't have to do on Saturdays anymore is wash clothes. That's because I'm living here. I can now do that anytime. Before..I had to make at least 4 trips here to wash clothes.

Carol said...

I read that they expect a reduced hurricane season this year. Thank you!

My prayers go out to all those who are dealing with tornado threats or damage. I've always feared tornadoes. I wasn't that afraid of hurricanes..until we actually had one. And all hurricanes are loaded with small tornadoes.

Carol said...

I saw where Hillary R canceled an appearance she had on Meet the Press. I do kinda feel sorry for her because I think I know what she was trying to get at but when you're talking to the masses..you have to be very careful how you say things.

She said she was going to take the time to tell her kids how you have to admit your mistakes and deal with them. Each time they had a pic of her...she looked a little more beaten down.

I said on TM that we all need an app on our smart cell phones where we could whisper in things we want to say and it could evaluate whether it would be a good idea or not.

I know that I piss people off with what I write but at least I've had time to ponder what I'm going to say..and I have a record of it. When you speak..it can be taken out of context. But still some will half read what you write and jump to conclusions.

Carol said...

I have been accused of being opinionated. Aren't we all.

I've mentioned here.. more than once.. that when I'm pondering here..I'm often trying to decide how I feel about things. I've made that disclaimer here several times. My opinions will evolve as I discuss them. Sometimes my opinions can change when I'm presented a different side of an issue. They can change back and forth.

I can't be battered into changing my opinion but a logical presentation of an opposing view can change my mind. I'm not one to just hang onto an opinion cuz I'm subborn.

And I don't avoid stressful discussions. I learned long ago that stress is necessary for growth..but not too much stress.

A plant develops a stronger stalk if it is stressed to a certain extent. Too much..it breaks. A muscle that is stressed will hypertrophy..too much and the fibers break down. I guess that's where that saying of.."what doesn't kill us..makes us stronger" comes from.

Carol said...

I heard Travis Smiley on Bill Maher. I just love that guy. I found it online where I get most of my TV stuff now. He's black..but he's not biased because of his race. He's a very logical thinker. I use to hear him on PBS. He had his own show.

Carol said...

And with this Zimmerman case..there are facts that aren't in dispute. Mr Zimmerman was following Mr. Martin. He had a gun. Mr Martin was only armed with iced tea and skittles. Mr. Zimmerman was told not to get out of his car. He did and there was an altercation..the details of it ARE in dispute. Mr Martin is dead and the bullet came from Mr. Zimmerman's gun.

Carol said...

I'm starting to feel that the real issue here is GUNS and the laws that control the use of them. The universe is trying to get our attention. I don't have any answers here. I do know that that "stand you ground" law in Florida is very dangerous.

I hear the discussion that that law may be Mr. Zimmerman's defense..but I also see it as Mr Martin's defense if it is found that he attacked Mr Zimmerman. He might have been standing his ground also. He may have been protecting himself from this stranger who is following him. He may have felt at risk..and he was correct. He was definitely AT RISK. He's dead..graveyard dead.

jan said...

Hi dear Friends, I have been "hard at it" today. I am cooking dinner for all the family. I didn't do Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners - my DIL's did those. I didn't do Easter b/c one of the family's was out of town. It is cold here- in the 50's. Hard to believe. We are trying not to turn on the heat. I have been cooking and the house has been warm so is only 64 inside. I cannot work when the temp is too high. John has on 2 sweatshirts. When everyone gets here the temp in the house will warm up with all the body heat. Well, better go. Back later to let you know how things went.

Hope you both are having a great Sunday.

Carol said...

Was there a holiday I missed Jan or are you doing your own birthday dinner? I usually do my own. Heck..I went to a friend's house and cooked last year for my birthday. I volunteered. I like my own cooking.

Or could it be tax day that you're celebrating? I don't celebrate that day. Haven't heard from my tax guy. I was late turning in my taxes but I beat you. He likes them a month ahead of time. That's not in my DNA to do anything that early.

Carol said...

There's an article on a site called 24/7 Wall Street. The article is "America’s Nine Most Damaged Brands"

Included on the list are:

#3 my Saints. sniff sniff.

And #5 is Rush Limbaugh. Sorry Coreen.

And #1 is Keith Olbermann.

http://247wallst.com/2012/04/13/americas-nine-most-damaged-brands/

jan said...

Everyone has gone home. Kitchen is clean and all put back in order.

I cooked my own birthday dinner Carol. I was in the mood to cook. It was fun. We had not had a family get-together in quite a long time. My 2 oldest sons, their wives and all their kids who live here came. Terry, his wife, their 10 year old, Terry's oldest daughter and her husband and their baby and Terry's 22 year old son and his girlfriend. Bill and his wife and their 2 sons (26 & 22). 14 in all. I cooked a roast and potatoes and carrots. One DIL brought a salad. I baked a cake. The other DIL brought veggies for an appetizer and my granddaughter brought Ice cream for the cake. It was a lovely time. Terry did the dishes.

jan said...

It is nice to have laundry facilities in your home, isn't it Carol. There have been several times in my life where I have had to go out to do laundry, so it still feels somewhat like a luxury.

jan said...

I am now reading the 2nd Hunger Games book.

I want to read the new book by Anne Tyler. She is one of my favorite authors.

jan said...

My hands feel like sandpaper. I have had them in water too much today.

jan said...

I made myself an angel food cake today with a lemon glaze - with strawberries. It was my favorite as a kid. Everyone else liked it too.

Carol said...

Dang Jan..that's a lot of people to feed. How big was your roast? I didn't think you liked to cook.

Carol said...

I had a lot of fun on TM yesterday..that is..between chores. Craig was on C-SPAN. He's always good. I was listening online to it while I had my coffee.

I prefer to visit there on weekends or evenings when there's more of a happy hour environment. Can't handle too serious of discussions. I laughed a lot yesterday. Many..over there..have a good sense of humor. These days ya got to laugh to keep from crying.

Carol said...

Craig's also started this little radio show on the weekends. He includes anyone from the blog who wants to participate.

Yesterday..he and a friend of his interviewed Bill Hudson..who was once married to Goldie Hawn and later Cindy Williams. He's recently written a book.."Two Versions: The Other Side of Fame and Family.” It was a very interesting interview.

I don't think the guy's book got a lot of hype because his x-wife..Goldie and daughter..Kate Hudson.. have more influence on the media than he does.

Carol said...

I start my vacation on Thursday. I was thinking that it was Wednesday but Thursday will be soon enough.

One thing that makes me nervous and probably a significant reason that I haven't fought harder to get my vacations is..that I've worked so hard to get that place to where it is and it can be screwed back up in a short period of time.

The biggest reason is that we have NO narcotics there. None..nada. People come in everyday who are on all these suitcases full of narcotics. Most realize..thru the grapevine..that that's over when they get there.

There's no screaming and crying. They mostly accept it. It's not that I haven't had some tough times. I've had to do a lot of praying over the years. I've been threatened by the best but that was what the Sheriff wanted when I first got there.

The practitioner who relieves me can screw that up in a New York minute. I don't even know who it will be yet. Not sure I will know. It would be nice if I could give whoever it will be a few instructions. Corrections medicine is an entire different animal.

Carol said...

Is it really going to hit 91 there Coreen or is that a mistake on my weather site?

jan said...

Glad to hear you are getting your vacation Carol. You need and deserve one.

I don't care much about cooking Carol. But I cooked the roast in a slow cooker in a lot of wine. They all liked it. I also cooked potatoes and carrots and a sweet potatoe dish with toasted marshmallows on it. My kids and grandkids love the sweet potatoes.

jan said...

I could hardly get out of bed this morning. Bck hurt but is fine now. I worked more than usual this weekend and my body reacted. Am OK. Caffeine is a great pain reliever. Also just getting up and moving around helps.

jan said...

I really enjoyed seeing all the family. The grandkids (except for 10 y/o) are all grown now. They are all sweet kids. Terry's kids are all paired off with wives/husbands or girlfriends. Bill's boys (22 & 26) are single - They both have had girlfriends, but both unattached now. Terry's 2 oldest (30 & 31) are married and having babies. His 22 y/o has a live in girlfriend - no talk about marriage.

Carol said...

That's quite a brood you have there Jan. Glad it was fun and you're recuperating.

Picked up my taxes and popped home for a few minutes. Not getting back as much as I wanted but it's something. No cow business write off and the gov won't let me write off all that loss I had because of their mistakes with our economy. Only $3000 allowed per year. I won't live long enough. Somehow the rich people find a way to do it.

Carol said...

One of my nurses on the other shift left a message for one of the nurses on this shift to get as many patients in before I took my vacation. Like..I'm gonna make it easy on the next person by killing myself before I take off. I told her bullsh--. I also wrote that next to where that nurse left that message. I'm abused I tell ya.

Coreen said...

Guess your vacation can't get there
too soon...

And no it will not likely reach 90 here in SO CT, but it may inland
around Hartford...At 3 pm it is
83 outside the office...the normal
high should be about 50...turned the AC units on this a.m. but should only be for a couple of days
as the temps should go back down before the week is over...

The weather here has been just
beautiful all weekend...

Carol said...

Not a moment too soon Coreen. Talk about an irritating day. I had irritation coming in from all channels. I'm trying to forget it but I think I'd have to try a little electric shock therapy thru the old noggin to accomplish that. But then I don't want to forget that I have that vacation starting Thursday.

Tonight..on DWTS..is Latin night. Ooh la la. I love me some Latin music. They are dancing the Salsa..the Argentine Tango and the Samba. Hot hot hot.

Tonight I will have to vote so some of the better ones don't get the boot. That kid isn't popular with the fans and he doesn't float my boat either but he can dance. If he does well..he'll get my votes along with others who do well but don't have a fan base. .

Carol said...

I'm glad you didn't get to 91 today Coreen. I guess one little old day of it wouldn't be too awful. Just think..in the summer here..that's almost our low.

Carol said...

We have all this rain around but so far..it's not too too bad. I measured an inch at the camp. There's quite a bit of water standing in my yard here. The sun is actually out now but there's a big blob just to the west and south of us headed this way. They're threatening up to 4 inches. We needed a little but not that much.

Carol said...

On Nightly News it reported New York City as having 88 degrees. That's pretty close.

jan said...

Wow Coreen, you are having a heat wave. Carol is having a lotawata (lotawata is actually the name of a town in OK. ) We are dry and cold here. Our temps were down in 30's last night. When I went for my walk this morning, I had on a long sleeved pullover, a hoodie and a wool vest - and I wore the hoodie up. I was not hot either. It has warmed up some now, but still jacket or sweater weather out. We had on our heat this morning. Our indoor temp when we got up (without furnace on at night) was 62 inside.

jan said...

Carol, Terry brought me a rosemary plant and a pink iris to plant. He is such a sweet boy.

Carol said...

That was sweet Jan. I've never seen a pink iris. I bet it's beautiful. I like both irises and rosemary.

Carol said...

Jan..I'm always amazed at your temperature ranges for your days.

Carol said...

OK Jan.. I give...what does lotawata mean besides a town in Oklahoma?

Carol said...

It's weird but every several days or so...some guy..I think it's a guy..comes on TM with a new handle. This time it's dogd. The person gives Craig a compliment and then makes some snide comment to the rest of the people on the blog. Usually something to the tune of that we don't praise Craig enough.

I wonder if Craig has a stalker??
The comment is so similar from one time to the other but the handle is different. It would be weird if there are many different people doing this same thing. Too much of a coincidence.

Carol said...

Well Jaleel did a great job with his Samba.

Carol said...

Melissa..she did OK and sooo much better than I could ever do. I think she is one of the weakest.

Carol said...

All this drama with the injuries is getting old. Maria is good though.

I think we're all watching Derek more than we're watching her.

Carol said...

Kathrine seemed to have more lifting than dancing.

Carol said...

Ut oh..looks like Gavin's a gonner.

Carol said...

Will did a great job. He tied with Katherine.

jan said...

Carol, there are two towns in OK - one is Nowata and the other is Lotawata - this is no joke. No wata and lot a wata.

Carol said...

Gladys is grrrreat for a 68 year old woman.

Carol said...

Ahhh..now I get it. I'm a little slow tonight.

jan said...

Watching a taped English version of Titanic. It is almost the end.

Carol said...

Actually we got lesawata than they were predicting.

Carol said...

We need to keep Gladys for another week! She needs to be with her Motown friends. I'll give her some votes.

Carol said...

I do think the squirt..Roshon.. is good.

Carol said...

Roshon is the best dancer. IMO

Carol said...

The judges robbed him.

Carol said...

I just voted and gave my votes to Roshon because he doesn't have a fan base and Gladys so she can come back next week.

Maybe it will be Gavin who gets the boot tomorrow.

The other really good ones will be safe.

Carol said...

Donald is one of my very favs. I think he is one of the best of any of the football players..ever.

Carol said...

I think the judges were too tough on him also. At least with what they said.

Well Carrie Ann got it right.

Carol said...

Can't wait to see what Pure DWTS has to say.

Carol said...

But Jan..we did get enoughawata.

Coreen said...

Still like Catherine, Maria, Jaleel, & Donald...

Want Gladys to stay...

Either Gavin or Melissa to leave next...

jan said...

I like your lesawata. told John - he likes it too.

Carol said...

And from two sources today..Max and Sheri..Melissa hit her head on Max's leg. I watched that episode carefully and didn't see any impact with the floor. She did it when they did that spin on the floor. I think I wang my noggin harder coming up under cabinets and I don't run for an MRI.

And Will had an MRI on his ankle due to some injury. Can't believe it could have been that bad for him to be out dancing on it tonight.

Maybe they need those injuries to get a day off. All that practice must be grueling. I wonder how many of these people actually work out months prior to this show to develop some endurance. I'm waiting for someone to have a heart attack. Maybe they do stress tests before they let them join the show.

Carol said...

I'd probably prefer Melissa to go. She can nurse her concussion.

Carol said...

Or head back to the prairie.

jan said...

Well, just finished watching DWTS. I think they all did very well tonight. Latin night is one of my favorites. I think the ones who did best tonight - were opera singer, Derek and Maria, Roshon & Chelsea, William and ?, Donald and Peta

My bottom 3 are Gladys, Gavin & Jaleel. I would like to see Gladys stay another week.

jan said...

oops - forgot Melissa. Lets make that bottom 4.

jan said...

oops - forgot Melissa. Lets make that bottom 4.

Carol said...

One more day..just one more day! I wrote up 4 pages of rules for my medical department that I hope my vacation relief will follow. Hope and Pray. They could screw up what it took me 7 years to achieve. I tried to add some humor to it.

I do have my nurses and pharmacist to watch my back while I'm gone. I don't even know who they are going to use. You would think that whoever it was would like a little orientation. Maybe I'll learn something tomorrow.

Carol said...

What's weird is that it's about 74 degrees outside and it feels very cool to me. I'm sure y'all will find that weird.

The forecast is for 54 tonight. Nice. I'll need an extra blankie.

Carol said...

Wow..Melissa and Gladys are safe.

Carol said...

Oh good. My little guy is safe!

Carol said...

There's no doubt who's the best of the two at the bottom but who will win??

Carol said...

No surprises tonight.

Carol said...

And our Motown girl gets to reunite with her homeys next week.

jan said...

...agreed, no surprises tonight. I liked Gavin but Jaleel was best dancer.

jan said...

Didn't sleep well last night so off to bed early.

Carol said...

Newt is a serious nut! I can't believe that there is actually someone who finances him.

He says:

"The right to bear arms comes from our creator.." I missed that in Sunday School.

He believes the "NRA has been too timid." He says he will "submit to the United Nations a treaty that extends the right to bear arms as a human right for every person on the planet because they deserve the right to defend themselves from those who would oppress them."

Does he plan to go to the jails and give them all guns. Some certainly need to protect themselves and some certainly feel oppressed.

And what about the thugs in his community. Some might not have enough money to get a gun. I would guess that Newt wants to take care of that too.

I say...to the MOON with that goon! We should all take up a collection to rush that adventure up..sooner rather than later. He can take all the guns with him.

Carol said...

The scripts from these Republican candidates sound like they were written by SNL. I'd fall on the floor laughing except that I know that they are serious. I'm even surprised that THEY can say some of this stuff without laughing.

Newt should have gun powder on his nose.

Carol said...

Chimpanzee is set to be in theaters on Friday..Earth Day. If you see it in the first week of release, a portion of the ticket price is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute.

"About 50 years ago, there were more than a million chimpanzees in the wild in Central and West Africa, he said. Today, there are about 300,000, and their numbers continue to dwindle. The causes are varied, but they include forest-clearing, which destroys the chimps’ habitat; poachers, who feed the “bush meat” market; and the deadly Ebola virus, which can rip through and kill as many as 90% of a clan’s population, he said."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-jane-goodall-20120417,0,6355924.story

Carol said...

Got home for lunch. Went thru a huge pile of charts and saw all the patients in one clinic. Have one more clinic and then ON VACATION.

Don't have a clue if or who will take my place. The LPNs can't even give out antifungal cream without an order and I cover nothing while I'm off. Can you see why I haven't done this before. But this time..no calls and I will not worry about what happens.

Carol said...

Tomato woman said there's something on the ABC news tonight saying after you find out what's in chicken..you won't eat it.

I tried to Google that but didn't get anything new back. I did hear a blurb on Colbert while getting ready this AM. Just heard him saying something about eating Kentucky Fried Cialis..that is boneless but you won't be if you eat it.

Guess I'll have to wait for the news.

Carol said...

Just went back to Colbert and as is usual..he had the news before the MSM. C2C usually does also. If they didn't give it to us..we'd probably never get it.

He was talking about the chemicals in chicken. He mentioned caffeine..arsenic and prozac. The caffeine is to keep them awake and the prozac to treat their depression cuz they are sleep deprived. Don't know what the arsenic is for. I guess it's for if the prozac doesn't work. To put them out of their misery.

What I find weird is that they have already reported that most of those SSRIs..which is what prozac is..don't work any better than a placebo. How many chicken farmers are out in those coups trying to convince their chickens that it just takes time..more time.

Carol said...

Vacation started and you don't even want to know how this day ended. If I can ever get my Bp back down to a reasonable rate..I'll tell you a little about it.

I'll tell you this much. My employer does not have a reasonable replacement for me. Just had 7 years and then three weeks of a final warning. And the supervisor over medical figured he could bully me into not leaving. If he had hair..it would be still standing straight up.

Not one more minute will I ever put up with that kind of abuse. I shouldn't have ever cared as much as I did. They all took advantage of it. It will take me at least a day or two just to cool off.

Carol said...

No..I'm not quitting until I get my 7 months of vacation.

jan said...

Happy Vacation Carol! enjoy it and don't worry about how they will do without you. You will find out when you go back. And do not answer any calls from them. Believe me! They can get along without you - at least for 2 weeks.

Carol said...

Just heard the news. Chicken warning.

They are removing inspectors from the plants and let the plants inspect themselves. That will work well.

To cheat the system they add bleach to the chickens when they suspect that someone will be testing the chicken. Oh great. I've heard that they sometimes do that with shrimp. I always smell my fresh shrimp to make sure there is no clorox smell.

If you go out to eat..you're really at the mercy of the eatery. Don't know where their food comes from.

Who is in charge of this? I'm sure the Republicans will say Obama. But who is it that campaigns on.. there are too many regulations? Republicans want to cut out all the regulators... for everything. Unfortunately many of the regulators they do have are too busy downloading porn to do their jobs.

Coreen..you don't eat things with feathers or fur but I don't trust the seafood industry either. Many of the waters where seafood comes from are very polluted. Also..need to almost catch it yourself to know for sure. I feel pretty comfortable with my river..now..but not years ago.

Guess we can all become vegans and grow that ourselves.

Or buy just organic. Problem is for those of us in small towns..there's not much organic available. I do buy what they have at Walmart. I don't mind paying more.

Carol said...

Jan..I got a call from work just as I walked in the door. I didn't answer. They left a message. I deleted it.

I will not mention the joint until I go back. I will try hard not to even think about it.

Carol said...

What's that song..they got along without me before they met me..gonna get along without me now.

Coreen said...

If you think about the entire food industry you would never eat....

Just have to do the best you can & not think about it...

As for your work situation...you do know they will manage without you...& yes, you will likely have more work when you get back, but for the next few days, try to just let go of that ball & chain....

Carol said...

Back to Idol. I guess I'll have to vote for my favs tonight.

Carol said...

Just not lovin the music tonight. But love the singers.

Carol said...

So far the only song I recognized is Rolling in the Deep..Adele song.

Carol said...

Boy Jimmy is tough with his comments. I hope they don't hear that stuff before they have to hit the stage.

Carol said...

I thought I was out of Gold Brick eggs several days ago. I had some Heavenly Hash eggs in that same little compartment. What's weird is that for the last three nights..I go to that compartment and there was one more Gold Brick. It seemed to just pop up. Whoopee. It was almost like the Easter Bunny was bringing them.

Unfortunately..tonight..no more. Bunny gone.

Carol said...

The song that Joshua sang really showed his talent. Never heard it before either.

Carol said...

And he was in the bottom three last week. Got a standing O tonight.

Carol said...

Joshua deserved the praise the judges gave him. I guess I will be using all my 50 votes tonight. Might work off some steam anyway and I can stay up late.

The reality of my vacation is starting to kick in. I just still can't believe that AH being mad at me because I was going to be off for two weeks...after 7 years??? I'd be off forever if I dropped dead. I was afraid I was headed that way.

Carol said...

Maybe it's better than them celebrating because I was going to be off for two weeks.

Carol said...

Sorry..I'm still working thru this vacation trauma/grief. Can you understand why I might have put off taking a real vacation..for so long. I just knew there would be no one to easily step into this job.

My employer has this surgical NP who will be working another job..come in a few hours in the afternoon..not even sure if every day..and on weekends. He never came for one minute of orientation.

My clinics aren't set up for weekend medical call or late afternoon clinics. I feel so sorry for my nurses..most of them.
The thought of that..makes me shutter.

It's a hard thing for me to just shut that all off and enjoy myself. I can't help it. It's almost a maternal thing..like your deserting your child. Maybe that happens with people who never had real kids.

Nahh.. some people who had no kid could probably just walk away.

Carol said...

Well...after saying all that...I just love Elise Testone.

Carol said...

The judges over critiqued Elise. I think it's because she is so talented.

Carol said...

I missed both of Philip's songs tonight. I'll have to try and catch them online. I know he blows everyone else's skirt up but he just doesn't attract my attention.

Carol said...

I like Jessica also. She'll get some votes. The judges had to save her last week.

They are just all too good.

jan said...

I am going to use my votes for Joshua, Elise & Jessica

Carol said...

Dang Jan. we both agree on something. I just finished voting..I know close to 50 times. I voted for those three. They were all in the bottom so I thought I was all alone here.

I have a cramp in my back now. I hope those youngsters appreciate what an old lady is willing to do.

Carol said...

I think I only made about 3 or 4 mistakes with those dumb letters Jan. I'm getting better.

They are talking Joshua up on the local TV channels here. He's got the community spirit behind him. He lives in a small town..I think where Bob used to work.

Carol said...

Well..what ya know..that guy who I said sounded too familiar on TM. I thought he was the same guy..with a different handle..who has been coming back over an over. I was right. Craig just figured it out. And they were sucking up to him. Suckers.

Carol said...

Don't believe me..check out my..April 16, 2012 6:57:00 PM comment.

Carol said...

I'm pretty sure some of the others were on to him also.

Carol said...

At least..some of us cynical types.

Carol said...

Problem is..that Craig expects us to be hospitable over there to newbies. I did say "welcome". That's all I could muster up.

Carol said...

Just hope he's not a real Craig stalker.

Carol said...

Coreen..interesting avatar you're using on TM..when pigs fly? Anything you're trying to say there?

jan said...

Carol, yes - we occasionally agree on something LOL. I am glad to hear folks in your part of the world are getting behind Joshua. I love to hear him sing. He is so humble too. All 3 singers that we like are more humble and all 3 deserve to win. I am afraid we have picked the "underdogs' in this contest. But that is ok. I firmly believe that despite who wins all 3 have a career in music ahead of them. Problem is I like all 7 - but we each have our favorites. I probably won't get on here tonight until the end of the show here- otherwise why watch it.

jan said...

Carol, the last 2 -3 years I worked full time, I could feel myself disengaging from my work. I think that is just normal. I had a hard time getting excited about anything at work at that time. I do like working part time and I like the work I do. I do not want to do any more classroom teaching. I like one or two students with me on visits and observations at the child care students but do not want to be responsible for any more tests or reading papers or having to arrange for a group of 8 students for clinical or teaching a class. Just not my "cup of tea" any longer.

jan said...

Carol, John's 68 y/o brother has mono. He has had a fever for a week - ranges between 99 and actually went up to 103 one night last week. He has type II DM - manages it with oral meds. He is the one who fell and poked his eye with something. He has had 2 surgeries on it and vision not recovered in the eye.

Any advice I can tell John to give him. I did tell him to not take tylenol for his fever but to take ibuprofen. His docs don't give him much advice. He is doing better now. He and John talk on phone every day.

jan said...

Yes Carol, Bob did work in Westlake. The Conoco refinery was there - probably still is. You know Bob left Conoco when we left Montana. He went with a small oil co in New Mexico that sold out about 6 years after we moved here. He always regretted leaving Conoco. But he went on and got a doctorate and did well with that. I think he felt like Conoco was like his home. I think if he ever regretted a decision, that was it.

Coreen said...

You just noticed Carol....

Chose that when TM changed commenting method...

My office has quite a few 'flying pigs', since everyone who knows me knows that has always been one of my typical comments...

jan said...

Bob wound up teaching and got tenure but his best job was in doing labor/mgmt relations for the University and he gave up teaching and was full time with the labor/mgmt stuff. That was the work he really liked. He has his own consulting business now and is doing very well with that. His wife is head of bus. school. Health wise he is not doing as good-cardiac stent and prostate CA - had surgery and the report was - they got it all

Carol said...

Does anyone have any idea who will get the boot tonight. Hope it's not any of our three favs.

I'm not planning on watching the elimination misery. Don't care for that drama.

I rented the Descendants to watch tonight.

Carol said...

I have been hanging out on The Trail some. I've had a hankering to discuss politics and other related BS. It gets rid of that itch.

Craig Crawford's Trailmix

Carol said...

I'm getting a little closer to feeling like I'm on vacation. A little...closer.

I ended up talking to someone from work who wasn't at work. That got me down. And I still winch when the phone rings. If I've managed to forget the place..every time the phone rings I start thinking about it again. I'm like Pavlov's dog. Too many years of conditioning that response. Two measly weeks won't change that. Not long enough. I'm scarred.

Carol said...

It's like that feeling I get on Sunday evenings. That icky feeling we had as kids when we knew that we had to go back to school the next day. Even if I'm off on Monday..I have that same feeling. Conditioned response.

That's why I love psychology. I like to understand some of why we feel and behave the way we do. Not that it changes anything.

Carol said...

Can you think of any conditioned responses that you have that you wish you could get rid of.

I wish I could get rid of the two I mentioned.

Carol said...

SPOILER ALERT!

Our three are safe! Whoppee.

Carol said...

That's cuz we voted for them.

jan said...

yup Carol, we DID it! I do hate to see Colton go home though. It looks like the other 6 are having a difficult time with it too.

Jimmy hits it right on the head of the nail every week too. He is the best judge of all.

jan said...

Carol, sorry you are having a hard time with your withdrawal symptoms (work).

Wish I had some words of encouragement for you. Just hang in there.

jan said...

you asked if we had any conditioned responses. hmmm. must think about that.

Carol said...

Taking an intermission from the movie. It is a good movie.

Jan...I'm asking about a conditioned response you would like to get rid of. Some are good.

Did you also have that yukkie feeling on Sunday night's knowing you had to go to school the next day? Or did you look forward to it?

Carol said...

Something that I just remembered when pondering conditioning. I took a Psych 101 course my first semester in college. You probably did also since we were in the same curriculum.

The guy who taught the course was Mr James. He had one arm that was deformed. His idea for our midterm and final exam was for us to memorize the glossary in the back of the textbook. At midterm we had to memorize the first half and for the final..the second half.

I thought it was a dumb idea for those tests but I took one word and it's definition and wanted to see just how long I could remember it.

I chose "classical conditioning". This is what I still remember: a form of conditioning where an initially neutral stimulus acquires the capacity to illicit a response by virtue of having been paired with an unconditioned stimulus for that response.

Don't know how close that is to the definition that was in our textbook. I don't have the book.

I took that course in 1968. That was 44 years ago.

jan said...

Carol, I do not remember the memorization stuff. My psych 101 course was on tuesdays, thursdays and Saturday mornings. I think that was the last semester that there were sat classes. I remember going to a sat morning psych class and I had curlers in my hair with a little cap over them and the teacher coming back and whispering in my ear - what is more important than this class that you would wear curlers in your hair. I was very embarrassed but I had 3 kids at home and I think I forgot about the curlers before leaving home. That teacher was an a**hole.

jan said...

Carol, thanks for the link to TM so I went over and looked at a little of it. Just now how I want to spend my time. I watch the news but don't care to get into political discussions.

jan said...

I can see how it is your's and Coreen's "thing" I did see some of your's and Coreen's comments.

Carol said...

No Jan..I never expected you to be interested in Trailmix. I can't remember you ever having a political hone in your body. Nope. It's not everyone's thing. It really wasn't mine up until just before George was selected president.

Something came to me to tell me I'd better pay attention..things were going to get rough. It was an intuition. A strong one..one I couldn't ignore..even if I wanted to. It became an obsession.

I did start paying attention. No one around my neck of the woods cares about it either. If I mention politics..it's like I'm invisible..or maybe have a real nasty STD. They move away.

I found Trailmix because they are other people who are passionate about politics and other things. They are passionate. It's a group of other passionate people. That's why I love them.

jan said...

It is great to find something that we feel passion for.

BTW there is a lot on the news about this being the 2nd anniversary of the BP oil disaster.

jan said...

Are you enjoying vacation yet?

jan said...

Took John for his colonoscopy this morning. uneventful. He did fine. He did have 4 small polyps and evidence of some diverticula. will get path report in a couple of weeks. He does a lot better with the golytley than I do. I guess it is my turn soon.

jan said...

OK, so I miss you two people so I was forced to go over to TM to see where you are. Now I know where to find you when I don't see you here. I have to admit I enjoyed reading some of the comments. Saw you both there.

This reminds me of my sister. When I lived closer to my sis in OK/Ark a few years ago, I would get off work and call her. She was not at home or in her beauty shop. But I knew where she was. She was in the casino sitting at one of the machines that you put a card in and keep punching a little button. I wanted to see her so I would go and sit with her. I don't like to gamble but I did enjoy spending time with her. We would order burgers and fries and I watched her play and we talked some. After an hour or so I got up and drove home.

jan said...

Carol, I liked your fish story on TM. Also enjoyed to talk about Romney and putting his dog in the cage on his car. I read about that in Vanity Fair (Magazine). That was fun discussion between Obama eating dog and Mitt putting his on the car. I felt bad for Mitt's kids when I read that story. They had to watch the poop run down the windows. The discussion was fun to read - not fun thinking about the dogs.

jan said...

Going to Costco. Need food.

Carol said...

Jan..I thought I already told you guys my fish story. Probably have more than one. That one I'd have to call.."the duel of the wits". Fish came close to winning.

I loved rice canal fishing. I got mom to go with me on occasions. She loved to fish. I wish she could have seen my camp. I'm sure she has.

Carol said...

You have passion also Jan. One is your moms and breast feeding..and..

Carol said...

Sometimes..on TM..some want to bully you into seeing things like they do. I'm kinda stubborn..like you are Jan. The more I'm bullied..the more stubborn I get.

Carol said...

Yes..I am enjoying my vacation but I'm working like a...Carol. Couldn't think of anyone else that can work as hard as I do.

I have so much to do but I'm enjoying the change of pace.

I have all that estate stuff and we're selling our property. Dealing with sisters and lawyers. Lawyers aren't too bad.

I'm doing yard work inbetween. I go back and forth to camp. Got to take care of my critters there.

Carol said...

I thought it was Earth Day today. I was wrong. That's Sunday April 22. Today is National Weed Day. Not the stuff in the lawn. The stuff that keeps me so busy at work. Anyone celebrating?

jan said...

I am not really passionate any longer about breast feeding. I am passionate about having some time alone to walk and swim (when my arm heals). I am passionate about my 3 sons. I love them so much and still worry about them when they are on the road or anything that puts them at risk. I love my grandchildren, but I love my sons more. Don't tell them that. If I think one of them is hurting in any way, I am beside myself. John knows this. He understands. He is that way about his kids too. John and I have our disagreements but we do understand each other.

jan said...

We have lots of weeds here.

jan said...

Carol, I met a nurse this morning that is probably your age. She was John's RN. She is originally from NY. She graduated from her nurs program in 1971. She came to Albuq in 1976. I asked her what brought her here. She said she was tired of hospital nursing in NY and she and her husb wanted to try a new place. She said they moved to Phoenix for a year but did not like it and returned here. She is retiring later this year. She said 40 years of nursing is enough.

jan said...

One of the things I like about living here is there are so many people from other parts of the country here and yet there are many people who grew up here. Almost everyone I talk to lives here because they like it here, not because family lives here or their job keeps them here.

Coreen said...

Yes Carol, get all those things done & in place, because tick, tock, tick, tock...time is getting closer to leave the 'joint'...you already know it....

Hanging out at TM gives you an outlet to vent...you don't like to let go of something, so it is a good place for you...

Coreen said...

Jan, you seem a bit more laid back
than Carol...you may have strong
beliefs, but you seem to keep them close to the vest so to speak...

I think as we age, the reality of how futile it is to get worked up
about things is...there was a time I could argue with just about anyone about anything...but guess what...who cares?!!!..nobody!!!

jan said...

Coreen, my thoughts exactly. At my age I pick my battles. If I get too worked up, I get a headache or heartburn. Like Carol, there are issues at my work and though I work only about half-time most weeks, I still can get pretty worked up about things that bother me. When I feel that happening, I try to get away and come home. Home keeps me grounded. I talk to myself and tell myself these things really don't matter that much in the long-run. If it is something that affects our families at work in a negative way, then it is my responsibility to speak up or do something about it. I have no problem with doing that.

jan said...

You both do well over at TM. I am impressed with your knowledge and understanding of the topics.

jan said...

Absolutely true about the stubbornness of both of us. I can remember the arguments we once had. We both could get pretty passionate. I do remember that you wore me down. I usually just wanted the arguments to end - any way you wanted.

jan said...

Had a great time at Costco. One of best days for samples today. I had my lunch just eating samples. We bought some already prepared and cooked meatloaf and mashed potatoes - John's choice. He can choose whatever he wants - as long as I don't have to cook. Ha ha. John would love you Carol. He loves to eat and you love to cook.

Carol said...

Jan..most of those people over at TM..eat..sleep and breath politics. I don't anymore. You do have to do some homework to hang over there. If not..they'll run your ass out of town.

jan said...

I have some pictures if you want a new post- some of NM and Colo.

jan said...

I can see that Carol. I have no desire to get in the fray.

Carol said...

You know how I keep up with politics now???? I watch The Daily Show and Colbert Report. I'm better educated doing that than watching all those cable new's shows..and I can laugh at the same time. LOL.

Carol said...

Jan..we need a new Post! Get it up there sister!

Carol said...

Hurry up sister. I'm holding off on some comments.

Coreen said...

Now I have no adequate explanation for behavior such as described in this story...appalling stupidity?!...

2 gal of coca cola a day, 30 cigs, 8 kids, 30 yr old mom dead