Thursday, February 6, 2014

Happy February

Looks like we are needing a new post.  I have downloaded some of my favorite pictures of Arkansas. A friend has posted them on FB. I will look back and find the those who took the photos and provide them later. 



195 comments:

jan said...

The first and second pictures are of Hawksbill Crag. The 1st pic is by Adventurous friends at Hiking the Ozarks. The 3rd picture is an Old Barn in Boxley Valley by Camille Carpenter. All pictures in Arkansas. Although I grew up in northeastern Oklahoma, my ancestors migrated from Arkansas and one or two on the Trail of Tears from North Carolina. I guess that explains my love of AR and NC.

Carol said...

nice pics Jan. Thank the photographer.

Chloe,zooming out didn'st work. Finally got my wifi working.

Carol said...

It's sleeting here and TW says it's snowing some at her place and that's about 20 miles west of here.

RebelliousRenee said...

Jan…
beautiful pics! The fall colors are just as spectacular as here in New England.

Carol… we got a foot of snow yesterday. Love it! Now it looks like a winter wonderland again.

Unknown said...

Absolutely gorgeous scenery, Jan!

You couldn't have chosen a better group for the latest post. (... almost makes me like winter :))

Unknown said...

Arkansas is such a short trip for us, and I've thought for a while now that it would probably be worth the drive. I didn't realize what beautiful elevation it had, although I did know it to be a beautiful state.

One of these days, who knows.

Unknown said...

Carol,

Regarding your 'resolution' problem (or should I say, page not fitting on your screen problem)... here's what 'should' work:

Carol,
Right click on your desktop (in a blank spot on it)
A drop down menu will pop up, click on screen resolution
Click on the arrow to the right of 'screen resolution' tab
Drag arrow down to lower resolution, up to raise it

... if you're missing part of the screen, you probably need to lower it a bit.

Don't worry about making mistakes, because it's easily changed back (in the same way) if you do!

If this doesn't work, take 2 aspirin and then call or email or text me. :)

Unknown said...

... sorry about the double 'Carol', Carol.

I wrote the instructions on my wordpad first (with your name on it, evidently).

Unknown said...

'call or email or text... or leave a message here. We all learn from each other when we share.

Unknown said...

Oh, and don't forget to CLICK ON OK after you get resolution where you want it, or it won't stay that way.

Carol said...

When I bring the site up me know. Bring it up we could number did everything I can't see my other little words there the design and no new post so I'm a little messed with the other thing I'm leaving this because I can get to it now I know how to do couple way that you get to it when I need to

Carol said...

Boy the microphone sure messed up that comment

Coreen said...

Terrific photos Jan...and while the view from the Crag must be magnificent, could not imagine
walking out there...

The old barn is another of those
winter scenes that you can find in New England...

jan said...

Coreen, for some reason I am drawn to photos like the winter barn. I suppose it could be that when I was a child and living out in the rural Oklahoma countryside, these were scenes that were so familiar. I think as a child I found them depressing. Yet, at this time in my life I love them. Strange!

jan said...

Carol, Don't give up on your comments even though the microphone spins them out its own way.

I bet your roomie is moving in and that is why we are not seeing you here.

jan said...

John and I are sad tonight. His brother and estranged wife had to put their 15 year old dog, Gracie, down today. She has been ailing for over a year. Soon, I will post some beautiful pictures of her. Brings back memories of Lobie for us. Lobie died 3 1/2 years ago. Cannot believe it has been that long.

jan said...

Miss all of you. Hope I don't have to talk to myself too much longer.

RebelliousRenee said...

Jan… so sorry about Gracie. Pets have such a special place in our hearts.

I'm leaving today for the wild and wooly northern part of my state. I am bringing my iPad. Don't know if I'll be able to post comments here. I couldn't last year.
If I can, I will occasionally… if not, I'll talk to you all next week.

Everyone take care!

Coreen said...

Jan, I think you may be on to something about those pics we may be drawn to...scenes that are familiar may offer us comfort, together with memories...and as we age, memories seem to occupy more of one's thoughts...

Sorry about Gracie, the pain from the loss of a pet may not be understood by those who aren't 'animal' people, those of us who are share your feelings...

Coreen said...

Renee, enjoy your vacation...I know you have snow up there, too bad you couldn't have taken what is here with you!...

Coreen said...

Here's another of those ghosts in pics stories...have no idea what to make of it, who knows...

You know I am skeptical of such things, but it does make you wonder...
Ghostly figure in photo

Coreen said...

Did you see any of the Olympics opening ceremonies last night?...

It was soo long...technically extravagant & I guess impressive but what I managed to check out not impressed...

What about the team's clothes...USA was obviously Ralph Lauren...those sweaters were a over the top, but didn't hate them, but I wouldn't wear it...

And admit I liked the Russian coats (but should have been done with fake fur, not real, for some reason I find that other cultures have less concern for animal welfare then we do)...which brings me to my other problem with these Olympics...you may all know that the Russians have been killing stray dogs in Sochi for several months in anticipation of the Olympics...apparently dogs that have been abandoned by owners for many reasons...which
knowing this bothers me a lot...especially the fact that NBC must have know about this for
a long time & did nothing to solve the problem...has anyone heard Bob Costas or any of the other announcers comment about this...
Racing to save roaming dogs in Sochi

Carol said...

One of the guys on sports radio yesterday was complaining about the killing of the stray dog so I did hear some complaining. I expect that Jane Mitchel on HLN did plenty of complaining because animal abuse is one of her issues. I don't watch that program anymore, but she is a big animal lover and I love her for that.

Carol said...

Maggie was stinking pretty good and roomy bathed her this morning in one of the tubs. That put aa big star in her crown. So far so good! Maggie wasn't exactly thrilled with it, she does like being clean.

Carol said...

It's supposed to warm up here today. Hooray! It will be just a tease.

I watch some of the Olympic opening show and I was disappointed.

Unknown said...

Carol,
Since you mention animal abuse and Jane Mitchel, I am going to reprint what sj over at TM recently commented:

sjwny 02/08/2014 at 8:59 AM
Re: Olympics
Made a decision not to watch, in support of the LGBTI community, in protest of the Sochi dog and cat killings, as a gesture to decency in general. I will not be an enabler to discrimination and the death of innocents. Here’s a listing of the NBC Olympic channels to avoid through February 23:
NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Golf Channel, E!, Bravo, Syfy, Oxygen, The Weather Channel.
Save spending your hard earned cash by not purchashing products from Coca-Cola, McDonalds, P & G. Pedigree Dog Food is advertising during the broadcast. Wonder if free poisoned darts are included with every purchase….
As for the athletes, they may come home with medals, they may put on inspiring performances. But at what price? Sochi represents a stain on the human condition. I’d rather support people who demonstrate moral strength. Commentators have a world forum to speak out. Staying silent = complicity; staying silent + collecting a paycheck = reprehensible. To argue the Olympics shouldn’t be politicized is a farce. That notion ceased to exist around, say, 1936. Berlin never looked better.
I choose not to be an enabler.


And Renee wrote this:
I choose to support all Olympian athletes… from all countries. They have worked hard… they and their families have made many sacrifices for them to get this far. It’s not their fault that the IOC chose Russia to host it at Sochi.

I agree with both of them.

Unknown said...

Glad that little Maggie is smelling all pretty again!

And glad that you have a roommate, Carol.

Remember all those times you asked us for our opinion on the secret to a good relationship. Well now you are working on building one from scratch.

I never gave you an answer when you asked me, but now what's entering my mind is that every single one of them is different, so there is no answer.

It depends on the two people and what each one of them is looking for in that moment in time. It has to be balanced and equal and it has to be beneficial to 'both'... or it's not really successful. No one on the outside can judge, because the people on the inside are the only ones who know what they're looking for (maybe they don't even know at the beginning).

I have good feelings about where you're going.

jan said...

Wow! you guys here are so great. Love all the comments.

Renee, have a wonderful time on your trip. We will miss you here if you cannot comment but having fun is the priority on a trip.

Coreen, so right about pictures that bring back memories of different times in our lives.

jan said...

Carol, reminds me that Ryley really needs a bath. Wish your roommate was here. I feel lazy this morning. She sounds like a winner.

Thank you all for your lovely comments about Gracie. She was a beautiful and sweet dog. She had a great life with Jim and Kay. She traveled and lived with them in Peru, Honduras, and Mexico during Kay's time with the State Dept. She always had her own swimming pool.

jan said...

"it depends on the two people and what each one of them is looking for in that moment in time. It has to be balanced and equal and it has to be beneficial to 'both'... or it's not really successful. No one on the outside can judge, because the people on the inside are the only ones who know what they're looking for (maybe they don't even know at the beginning)."
Chloe, this is profound and yet stated so simply. I completely agree.

Unknown said...

Sorry, Jan, about my insensitivity in not mentioning how sorry I am about Gracie this morning. I love animals so much and when I lose one, it causes indescribable pain.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jan said...

Thanks Chloe.

jan said...

Chloe, you were not insensitive at all. We cannot all comment on everything here. I often fail to comment on something because I forget by the time I read through comments or I just miss a comment.

You are very sensitive to what we each comment here.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Jan. For everything.

Carol said...

I bought a new tempurpedic ergo bed. I got the one with the new breeze mattress. The guy who owns the bed section was there . He gave mr the breeze model for no extra cost and it is usually 500 moe. I got a freee mattress protector and two tempu pillows for free. It wasn't delivered until after 8 p . I was in bed by 1030 and slept until 630, a record, Maggie got to sleep in a bed. She liked it also. I hope she doesn't hurt herself jumping in and out. She's no spring chicken anymore.

Carol said...

Slowly I understand what you're talking about I often fear that I may say something wrong and hurt someone's feelings. Or call somebody by the wrong name or forget to comment on something someone said.

Unknown said...

I have all those same feelings, Carol. Just remember, we love to hear from you, no matter what. And I hope that none of us are that judgmental of one another.

Unknown said...

Glad to hear the bed has already made a difference. Sleep is so important.

Unknown said...

"She's no spring chicken anymore."

Ha... are any of us. Welcome to the club, Maggie!

Unknown said...

Hi ya, Solar.

Unknown said...

...if that's you.

jan said...

Carol, You hit a home run with your bed. A good night's sleep is so important.

Carol said...

I'm laying in my highfalutin bed watching Dowton Abbey. Feel like a queen Need a queens salary salary to pay for it

jan said...

More surprises on DA.

jan said...

Carol, It is great to hear you are enjoying your bed.

Carol said...

Lady Mary's adventures last night with the pigs remind me as some of the fun I've had on the farm except it was with cows instead of pigs. She has my respect now.

Unknown said...

... yes, Mary turns out to be a lot like Scarlett O'Hara. She adapts.

jan said...

I agree about Lady Mary. It was fun to see her out there hauling water for the pigs and getting dirty. She was enjoying herself too.

It seems the focus this season is on Lady Edith and Rose.

Carol said...

I remember one time when Bob's little heifers got into some grain that they accidentally opened the grain shoot and over ate. w had to go out there and the vet had to put a tube in each cows stomach to put some type of laxative in there so they could pass the grain overdose or something to lubricate them so that they could clear that other system so they didn't all die we were marching around in mud that was at least up to our knees. That scene brought back that memory.

I bought an expensive tv to put at the camp. I take one of my room receivers out to hook it up but we could get it to hook up to the tv. I have a dish guy coming out tomorrow

The secon half of my DVR goes to my roomies bedroom and it doesn't work with her tv. Dish does allow you to move a receiver to another location where you are staying. I hope the guy can help me out or I'll have to take back that expensive TV. No use having a nice TV that doesn't work..

Unknown said...

The TV 'will' work, Carol.

Now-a-days, we have to call in the professionals. The system is no longer set up for the do-it-yourself-ers. Even the cars are computers. Ever think you'd need a computer tech to fix your car?

Hang in there. Help is on the way!

Unknown said...

... help is always on the way. :)

Carol said...

Hope you're right Chloe!

Carol said...

chloe,those new TVs the way smarter than IM and was smarter than the lady they came to hook it up she didn't know how to work it either. Hopefully the dish network that come will know and I hope he will cooperate with me. Is my services listed at my home I hope he will help me hook it up to the camp is usually if you have service one place you were allowed to take an extra receiver somewhere else you're going to and hook it up. thats my understanding. We had the service out of the camp that I moved into the house but I initially has the the dishes service at the camp. I moved it back to the house when I moved back. I was bringing my extra bedroom receiver to use at the camp. It worked with the old T V I had there but that TV was too small and had problems. Usually does those dish technicians don't really care what you do. Not sure what dish thinks but I pay a premium for my service and even bought the service for myBIL in Port Toensend. I'm not going to paper a additional service just at the camp when I only there part-time.

Unknown said...

Carol, Just the same as every other profession, not all techs are equal either.

I am sure that Dish (if they're like Direct TV anyway) will be able to solve your problem. The ones I've dealt with are wizzes.

'If' they can't come up with an idea for your camp that won't cost you (not saying they won't), then get your house straightened out first, then worry about the rest later (after you've had time to think about it). Baby steps! :)

At least you'll have home base covered, and you can always do something a little different at your camp, if necessary. One thing at a time, Carol. And not to worry! Learn not to take 'No' for an answer, until you are absolutely positive you have to. And try not to worry in advance.

Unknown said...

I've found that most people love to help (... and for that, I am forever grateful). Lot's of good guys out there.

Carol said...

Same here Chloe. I'm going to offer to pay him since dish is pretty cheap with what they pay them.

Carol said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carol said...

Help is always on its way is a great affirmation Chloe.

Carol said...

I just have to believe iit!

Carol said...

Tell me you yanks, you got to be over this winter.

I'm even over cooler weather. I want our sauna back.

Unknown said...

Me too, Carol.

Well you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go
Passenger

Unknown said...

Help is always on the way

We should brand it on our forehead, Carol.

jan said...

Chloe, "you only need the light when it's burning low" beautiful song. He sounds British. Love his voice - distinctive. Thanks for posting link.

jan said...

Words of the song are so true.

jan said...

I love cooler weather. Hate to see this end.

Unknown said...

Jan, I accidentally ran across that song while punching button on my car radio.

I listened to it a lot since, and I agree with you about his voice. It's very interesting, original and just right for this particular song. And you're right! He is British.

Glad you liked it and thanks for letting me know you did. My taste is often different from others.

Unknown said...

... it's not that I like extremely hot weather, it's that it's so much easier to stay cool in the summer than it is to stay warm in the winter.

Air Conditioning, when properly filtered, actually keeps the air cleaner (along with being cool) at the same time. They improved the freon so much (therefore, it's very nontoxic to the air) and the AC Units have become so high efficient that they're getting very inexpensive to run. Our winter heating bill is over twice as high as our summer AC bill in the hottest months (and we don't set our heat all that hot).

Area's with hot climate are set up so well to deal with the hot weather, and there's always some place to go that's very cool and comfortable. That, along with like the feel of wearing cool clothing (the feel of 'not' being cold) is probably why the warmer climate is to my liking.

I really hate being cold... it almost gives me an insecure feeling. I know it's just personal, and many feel the opposite.

Carol said...

Guy has not gotten here yet so I'm not sure what's going to happen I am worried about it

Unknown said...

No pre-worrying, Carol.

There's plenty of time to worry later!

Unknown said...

Remember, the only way affirmations work is to assume the best. Assume you'll succeed, and worry about disappointment later.

Maybe we should start some affirmation card together, since we both have worry and stress problems. No 'pre-worry' needs to be first. That will eliminate a lot of our stress. Once we write it down, all we have to do is repeat it daily, as long as it takes. As we add more affirmations, I'm sure ours will differ, but we will have a few in common.

Unknown said...

Have you been watching 'LIFE'. I finished the series last night, and am slightly depressed about having to start something new.

One think I like a lot about Charlie is that he was so much into Zen. It reminded me of some of the tapes I used to listen to and so I ordered a starter for the car (CD, not tape now. That show was in '07 and '8.

I love it when I actually learn something from the people I'm watching act. That show has excellent writers.

Unknown said...

Charlie is British too, although I would never have known it.

Carol said...

My dish guy has still not arroved

Carol said...

He was suppose to be here between 8 and 12. They have called and moved the time back several times but I'm nervous about whether he will do what I née. Problems with positive affirmations.

Carol said...

Everything went well everything worked out I need to have more faith

Carol said...

But now I'm a nervous wreck. Doesn't take much to set me off

Carol said...

Chloe, i I have never heard that song before . I like it

Carol said...

Renée do you think the pellet burning stove is the most efficient wood-burning stove.? I think I want to put one out in the big room at the camp.

Unknown said...

Carol, Renee mentioned before... that she likes the pellets, but the bags they come in are so heavy that Rick has to do the heavy lifting. So that's something you may want to check out.

I kinda figure the pellet's (and the stove too) may be more expensive down here because no one (that I've seen) uses them... although I'm sure there's a way to get them.

The wood stove's are nice and work well, but you have to make sure they're well vented. We took out ours because we'd get more smoke than we wanted just opening the door and loading it. Clean air is more important the older we get.

It's also almost Spring now. Starting today, the weather is warming up and according to the 10 day, it looks like it's (almost) here to stay.

You may want to put off the decision until just before next winter. They might even be cheaper to install off-season.

Carol said...

Chloe I can find someone to carry my pellets or the wood upstairs for me. I'm just wondering which one would be the most economic for heating

Carol said...

Minus main concern is that I would have somewhere to go to get warm if I had an ice storm and all the power went out.

Unknown said...

Carol, This may be a good place to start pricing (?) ... maybe will give you info. on local places too.

Bayou Wood Pellets LLC
1315 Highway
West Monroe, LA 71291
Ph: (318)397-0000
http://bayouwoodpellets.com/

Ok, off and running.

Unknown said...

ps Hope your TV/Entertainment Center is up and running -- both at home and at the camp!

Unknown said...

Carol, Renee left this message over at TM:

... please tell Carol that I can read the Swamp, but cannot post on it. I prefer pellets because you can control the temperature on the stoves. But the stoves are more expensive to buy and pellets are more expensive than wood. Also, pellet stoves are ignited electronically…. if you want it to work when the electricity goes off, you need an expensive battery. If all she’s looking for is a backup for when the electricity goes out, I’d recommend a woodstove.

I’ll be back home in a couple days and will be able to post on the Swamp again. My best to you, Carol, Jan, Coreen, and Solar until then.

Unknown said...

Another starting place:

Wood Fireplaces & Stoves at Lowes

Arm yourself with information!

Unknown said...

... OK, this time I mean it! :)

Carol said...

I'm down in the dumps because of my refrigerator went out. First it was freezing everything that turned down everything is Milton he must've been the freezer so I got to get another one but the big problem is it's a very strange size . The hole where it goes is small. They had a hell of a time getting that fridge in the available space. I've been hankering for a salad and now I ruin three containers of organic lettuce and spinach because of that refrigerator so I can't make a salad.

Carol said...

Lately I've been spending money like I won the lottery. That stresses me out also.

jan said...

Me too Carol. This is where I find mindfulness training helpful. It is our reaction to these things that make us stressed and sick, not the events themselves.

Carol said...

Jan define mindfulness.

jan said...

Carol, to me, being mindful is to be aware and living in the present. To be aware of what is happening right now and to be aware of how I am reacting to any event. I still will feel stress. But when I do feel some stress, discomfort or unhappiness about something - I will try and understand where it is coming from. Being mindful also means to not try and gloss over an emotion I am feeling but to be with the emotion for a time. Being mindful also means using kindness and caring in interactions especially with the people I love.

jan said...

Carol, I am not saying this works all the time. I am human. Sometimes when something happens that upsets me it takes a day or two to get back to using the mindfulness in practice. It helps to talk to someone about what is going on too.

Unknown said...

Jan,
Thanks for sharing your experiences of mindfulness with us.

I went looking for a simple start for it this morning, as I have been meaning to concentrate on what it has to offer for a long time now.

I found a site I like a lot. Simple and to the point.
Mindfulness in a nutshell.

Mindfulness points out what ordinarily escapes conscious attention, what is hidden in plain sight -- or what we've overlooked or forgotten because it doesn't fit our interpretations, or pertain to our goals, or because it makes us feel uncomfortable..

Mindfulness does its work before intellect and emotion have had a chance to bring their judgments, interpretations, names, categorizations, or biases to bear on perception. It feels light and nimble, and comes in a flash -- out of the corner of the eye -- as if with a sideways glance, without grasping or looking directly.Why bother cultivating mindfulness? Among its many welcome side effects are deep serenity and a patient, tolerant understanding of others, but it is worthwhile in itself for reasons that must be experienced to be appreciated. In a word, it awakens us.

Without mindfulness, we function as if on autopilot, only partially aware of who we really are or what we're doing.

Unknown said...

The small site also mentions dreams,Jan. It says that you only need to focus on their essence.

I also like what it's saying here: In the same way that you were noticing moments of silence between sounds, also notice that between the feelings of effort there are gaps where those feelings diminish or disappear. Sometimes the gaps are so small that they're hard to notice at first, but let mindfulness point them out.

(does it look familiar from those Mindfulness classes?)

Unknown said...

When seen with mindful glances, the most ordinary aspects of experience seem mysterious and remarkable -- and the more ordinary, the more remarkable.

How strange that the universe exists rather than that nothing exists at all, and that it exists just as it does and not some other way. And then, how strange that this "I" exists and is aware of the existence of that universe.


... sorry, guys, about the length of all this stuff this morning. I just find these thoughts exhilarating once I get started on them.

Information often equals hope... IMO.

Unknown said...

Awareness vs. Misinterpretation.

... I spend so much of my time misinterpreting things. Changing is so hard.

Ok, I'm outa here. Going out into the world hoping I'm 'not misunderstanding' as much as I usually do.

Unknown said...

Oh, wait... the last paragraph! Great for my morale:

Such bare reflections come as part of the process of mindful awakening. Once the process of awakening begins, it moves along at its own pace, under its own steam, as awareness awakens to itself.

(blog hog, blog hog!)

jan said...

Chloe, thanks for posting all of this. John and I took a class on Mindfulness 3-4 years ago. I really did not begin to work with it for some time after that. We began the dream work classes shortly after and the combination of the two programs worked well together. I feel much better when I use the mindfulness in my daily life. I try to keep it simple.

jan said...

Carol, we are not hearing much from you. I bet you are getting to know your roommate and staying busy with adjusting to a new living situation. I do miss hearing from you so check in with us every so often.

jan said...

John and I are talking about going to see the movie, Monuments Men this evening. It sounds good. Love the cast.

Carol said...

My right front rims are killing me I had it last Tuesday I was taking Maggie out I use the short leash I had an umbrella I'm my right hand and Marite and I had her in my left and she wrapped around my knees so I want to take a steps I could reach the screen door I fell off the porch and landed in some soft mud you know I felt pain in my usual areas but I think the Denny new damage but yesterday my whole rib cage was hurt this morning it's localized in the seams of my right front ribs. My pain meds aren't helping. Laying in my new bed still makes it worse when I go to move. I'm so tired of this constant pain.

jan said...

Carol, so sorry to hear of your fall and more pain. I am wondering if there is someone who can take you to have it checked out.

Unknown said...

I agree with Jan, Carol, about seeing a doctor.

If those ribs are broken, then you need to have them wrapped. That, plus some type of anti-inflammatory should bring down the pain a lot. Why prolong the suffering.

Maybe your roomy can take you to emergency or a quicker clinic. That's one of the reasons that you have live in help now. Take care of yourself.

Carol said...

wrapping my ribs always made the pain worse.

Unknown said...

I just looked it up, and saw they don't usually wrap ribs anymore. You can tell I haven't had many injuries, and rarely see a doctor either.

Sorry for all the pain you're suffering, and hope you're taking it easy and taking advantage of having someone to help out now.

Unknown said...

Did you see your movie, Jan. I'd thought of going to see that movie too, but haven't been motivated since I'm immersed in other things.

Let us know how it is, so I can add it to my watch list if it's good.

RebelliousRenee said...

I'm back home…
now I have a mountain of laundry and an empty refrigerator. I LOVE being up north… looking at the mountains… watching all the skiers… and of course being in the hot tub. But… I did miss my bed…. and of course my cats. Peanut wouldn't leave my side last night.

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol…
so sorry for your pain. I agree with Chloe and Jan about you seeing a doctor. Although I'm sure by now you're sick of them.

We were going to see the Monument Men last week. There's a movie theater about 5 minutes down the road from the resort. But we got caught up in watching the Olympics. After going out to eat we'd go back to the condo and just want to wrap ourselves in blankets and watch the games.

Carol said...

My roommate has been super in helping me out . I like my new bed but I think it's too har. I don't move much. When I lay still, all my bones hurt. That started when I wa a kid. I think that is why I toss and turn so much.. I also had to get out of bed early because of it, even when I'm not ready to get up.

Unknown said...

After going out to eat we'd go back to the condo and just want to wrap ourselves in blankets and watch the games.

Welcome back, Renee!
That sentence of yours above sounds so heavenly, as does your whole vacation.

Every time you mention Peanut, I get a little pang of loss. That was the name of one of my first 2 cats, who were raised together. We brought them from Ca. to Tx. with us, and they lived here quite a few years. But now, of course, they're long gone because of old age. I love all my cats so much, but will always have a special place in my heart for those two. It never get' easier, when you lose one, either.

Unknown said...

I takes quite a while to get used to a new bed, Carol.

Really glad to hear how helpful your new roommate has been to you (I forget her name).

Things will get better. Don't let go of hope.

Unknown said...

Carol, I 'hope' you take a hard look at that Mindfulness site I linked.

It's short and has some very precise, well explained 'secrets' embedded in there (that I, for one, plan on practicing and putting to the test). I seem to finally (after so many years) to have reached a point where I'm really 'starting' to get it... and I sure don't plan on letting go either.

Everything on that page actually made complete sense to me. Pure simplicity, which is exactly what I needed.

Thanks to Jan, for keeping the idea of Mindfulness alive here long enough for it to start to catch on.

I notice that it is almost identical to Zen. Therefore, thanks to Charlie, on LIFE for presenting me with Zen, in a way that caught my attention.

jan said...

Carol, let us know how you are even if pain is no better. I hope you keep trying to sleep in your bed. Maybe until your ribs are healed, your recliner will work.

Can you have some fencing put up out your door to just let Maggie out to go to the bathroom?

jan said...

Renee, welcome back. You vacation sounds like a dream.

Riley, our little dog, is like Peanut. When I have been away all day, she will get as close to me as she can on the couch.

jan said...

Monument Men was a good movie. It reminded me of Argo in the suspense. there were sad moments but overall, I give it an A. Cast is great. At the end, I think it is George Clooney's dad,Nick Clooney, who makes a cameo appearance.Look for him in the cast of characters at the end.

jan said...

I have had a cold. It is about over but have some of it left over in my bronchi. I often get bronchitis after a cold that lingers for a couple of weeks but I am drinking tons of fluids to try and prevent it this time. This was my first cold in 2 years. I think it is because I have been taking a multivit with vit D for 2 years. And I have been pretty meticulous about washing my hands when I am working with little children.

jan said...

We missed going to the movies while John's son was visiting us. But many of those movies are coming to the Redbox. Seems like they come out so much faster now.

Coreen said...

Sorry about the ongoing medical issues Carol...not sure what is best for rib pain, but would suspect that if the pain continues or worsens, a visit to a doctor would likely be in order...just for reassurance if nothing else...

Not sure if you mentioned that when you purchased the new bed you
also included a feather mattress topper, if you didn't get one, you may want to consider buying one to cushion you until you get
comfortable...

Coreen said...

Colds...I rarely get one, but managed to pick up one last month...& it took over a week to finally get over it...

I take a slew of vitamins...the regulars...c, d, e, ginseng, gluc/condroitin, multi, omega 3 fish oil (one that doesn't have fish aftertaste) garlic (w/o the garlic taste) pomegranite & added biotin (for baby fine hair that breaks & yes the section that was a problem actually is growing again), lutein (hoping to ward off
the starburst effect from night driving that just about everyone I know has experienced, so far I have minimal cataracts so not ready for cataract surgery removal)...& yes I know there are
mixed opinions of the worth of any vitamins, but I am a believer...

Coreen said...

Hey Renee, what's with you guys
not getting your fair share of snow (yeah right its climate change can't say global warming anymore since GW phrase proved a joke---don't even go there!)...

there is more than a foot on the ground in February, pretty sure we have doubled the normal snow fall amount & guess what...I still really hate snow!!!...& the temps in Feb are below normal...we may finally make it to the 40s end of this week...


jan said...

Coreen, I believe in vitamins too. My husband takes most or all of those that you take. He believes in them too. He is 77 and takes stuff for the prostate and has a healthy prostate so I think it works. He is a healthy 77 year old.

jan said...

Carol, that feather mattress topper for you bed sounds like a good idea.

RebelliousRenee said...

Chloe… I found my Peanut 5 yrs ago in an animal shelter… she was 3 at the time. She originally was taken at the same shelter as a kitten by a family for their little girl. She named the kitten Paris… but unfortunately developed an allergy to cats. So they returned her to the shelter. I came along and claimed her. At first I kept the name of Paris. But she's very small for a cat…. only 7 1/2 lbs…. so Rick and I kept calling her our little peanut. After a month, we finally realized that we had renamed her. She has a special place in my heart.

RebelliousRenee said...

Coreen…
I take quite a few vitamins also. We do have plenty of snow… about a foot and half on the ground. It's good for our wells… the local cross country ski area… and for the soon upcoming maple syrup season. But with all the storms that have hit the northeast… we should have at least twice that much.

Yup! It's called climate change. It's happening no matter how loudly you claim it ain't… :)

Coreen said...

Renee, be assured that as long as 'reporters/talkers' continue to make the claim that whether it is a harsh winter, record cold snow or a mild winter, record warmth no snow, or whether it is an intense hurricane season or a quiet hurricane season all prove that man caused climate change/global warming is the culprit I will take issue with...

Coreen said...

Downton Abbey season is winding down soon, did enjoy tonite's extended episode...even appreciated Mary...but the Dowager is still the best...& finally Shirley Mac is going to make an appearance...

Today this showed up on my FB...
What Downton Abbey Character are you

jan said...

Coreen, thanks for posting the link. I am the Dowager Countess. A big surprise for me.

Unknown said...

I quickly took that test, Coreen... and it showed me as being like Sybil (I had actually forgotten about her). You might remember that at the time we were all watching it at the same time, she was (is) my favorite. In many ways, she's all that I strive to be (emphases on 'strive').

How did you feel about who they chose you to be, Jan. Did you agree?

Coreen, were you Mary?

Hope you take the test and share the result with us Carol and Renee.






















How

Unknown said...

It was good getting your text's last night, Carol. Normally I would have been asleep, but I was so hung up on the mystery of 'Homeland' that I couldn't shut down the TV. I forced myself to shortly after the conversation, because I knew I'd have trouble getting going this morning. If I had no obligations, I probably would have stayed up all night watching it.

I get so obsessed with whatever it is I'm doing at any given time. Then when it's over, it's the end of the world until it is replaced (and it never takes long) with something else.

Unknown said...

I don't know where that huge space (after my comment) came from. Weird.

Unknown said...

... or the word 'how'. Poltergeist!

RebelliousRenee said...

Chloe…
it says I'm most like Lady Mary. But that means nothing to me… I don't watch Downtown Abbey.

Now I gotta get back on my work schedule. It'll take me a few days to get back into the swing of things. Although goofing off is good for the soul.

jan said...

Chloe, yes the Dowager countess fits me very well in this time of my life. I took it twice and came up with same result.

Unknown said...

that means nothing to me… I don't watch Downtown Abbey.

Ha, LOL, Renee. Rest assured, Mary is a classy lady.

As for your state about goofing off being good for the soul... well, if that's true, my soul must be well fed.

Unknown said...

Jan, How great that you are the Dowager Countess. She is so grand!

Love her! And she sure makes me laugh!

Unknown said...

state=statement

please correct all typos. Thanks.

jan said...

Renee, if I had my choice of characters on D.A. I would choose Mary. Like Chloe said, she is a classy lady.

Carol said...

Thr test said I was the Dowager. I don't agree. I think I would be more like Sybil.

Carol said...

Hi fell asleep before I could see Dowton Abbey last night I wasn't worried because I knew I had it set to tape. And I went to look for the tape the recording this morning I only had one minute recorded so I don't know what happened. I can watch it on PBS or wait until next weekend watch it before the next show.

I'm trying to watch the new season of house of cards they have all 13 episodes done. I really forgot what was going on last season I probably need to watch the whole of last season first because I forgot most of it.

jan said...

Yes, Carol. I can watch last night's episode of D.A. next week too. Every sun nite they show last week's episode too.

jan said...

Carol, I don't think I am too much like the D.C. either but I took the test 2X and that is how it came out.

Coreen said...

Good insight Chloe...Mary it is...

Tried it again with answers that were my 2nd choice & Mary it still is...

Coreen said...

Carol, check your local pbs schedule, you may be able to tape it late tonite early morning Tuesday...One of the 3 pbs channels I have shows it repeats
at 1 a.m. tonite overnight...

Coreen said...

Just for fun...another Downton quiz...from the pbs DA site...

Which Downton Abbey bachelor is right for you?

Coreen said...

Even more fun...give this one a try...

Which Downton Abbey couple are you?

jan said...

I got Tony gillingham

jan said...

We are Anna and Bates.

Coreen said...

Somehow I managed to pick Charles Blake...well maybe not a big surprise....

And unlikely as I might think, Mary & Matthew for a couple...go figure...not sure how I keep favoring 'Mary' since I really wasnt' fond of her, until the last couple of episodes...

Carol said...

Jan I can catch that episode before the new episode next Sunday

Carol said...

My bachelor is Branson. He works for me.

Unknown said...

Something I really miss, Carol (and have thought about it often) is the way you used to wake up and share your morning pondering's with us.

You always gave me/us so much to think about, and I guess I just grew to count on it.

Hope you'll let us know how your doing and share your concerns with us.

Unknown said...

... this place is 'your' brain child, and I think in some ways we count on you.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all you've done.

RebelliousRenee said...

Yeah… I miss the ponderings too.

Coreen… we got another foot of snow yesterday… so now we do have close to that 3 ft of the white stuff on the ground. Should make for a really good maple syrup season…. YUM!

jan said...

Hey Carol, I just want to hear from you and how you are feeling. Are you still in lots of pain from your fall?

Unknown said...

Hi, Jan... I just texted Carol asking if she's OK. If you decide to call her, would you please let us know what you find out. I'm worried.

Unknown said...

Say Something

Have a good one, everyone.

Carol said...

Guys I'm more sorry than you does our that I haven't been doing me pondering lately I really miss itch. I do have much to be thankful for I am blessed. I just miss the old me that woke up joyful every morning.

I saw my doctor yesterday and she's very optimistic that I will fully recover from all this I do want to share her optimism.. I have had some positive results from my I am affirmations.

Carol said...

Are you guys over the Olympics IM. My room and I have been watching oranges the new black it's pretty interesting and she's worked in a women's facility so she familiar with how thing go in there.

Chloe now I'm having trouble connecting my new Toshiba at the Camp to myWi-Fi and get Netflix and whatever . I hop I can get to amazon. I'm going to sit down with the Toshiba people on the phone and see if I can't figure out it's really complicated even has a keyboard which I have no clue what to do with. The salesmanship tell me that the TV was actually a computer he may have to come out and show me how to use his big computer

jan said...

Carol, you do sound more optimistic. I too think you are going to fully recover from this. You have had a major insult to your body. I think we are all just wanting to see you comment here no matter how little or how much. Does not matter what you are saying, we all love you and like to hear from you.

jan said...

I have not gotten too excited about Olympics this year. I enjoyed the ice dancing. I have not watched the individual women's ice skating which I usually watch.

jan said...

TV just has not been that interesting lately. I have always liked Idol but am losing interest in it. The girls they picked this year are not good, in my opinion. I like a couple of the guys. One of the guys is from Bryant AR and goes to U of AR in Little Rock. He is a gorgeous guy but voice is just so-so. There is one other guy that I think is good. Otherwise, don't know if I will follow the show this year.

I am looking forward to the last episode of Downton Abbey. Am looking forward to nice weather and doing lots of clearing out of stuff in my home and getting yard in good order.

RebelliousRenee said...

Rick and I have been watching the Olympics. We both really love the winter games. Love the ice skating, skiing, bobsled, luge, curling, hockey, etc. etc.

Really looking forward to this afternoon's women's hockey gold medal game between USA and Canada.
Tomorrow afternoon it'll be the men's hockey gold medal game between the same 2 teams.

But then….. I LOVE sports… :)

RebelliousRenee said...

Carol….
very happy to hear your doctor thinks you'll make a full recovery. I know it just takes time…. and I know you keep saying that patience isn't one of your virtues… but hang in there.

Unknown said...

Yep, Carol, the TV's (like everything else) is actually a computer. But one thing about a 'Smart TV' is that you can use it like a regular TV 'or' you have the opportunity to to take advantage of all it's extra's.

It also sounds like another unbelievably valuable opportunity to have a chance to have that tech (salesman) to come out and set it up and go over everything with you (if the price is right). I'd grab at that chance in a minute!

If he does come out, have him write things down for you as he explains... we can only take in so many new things at once (if we're expected to remember them). Also, ask him to leave you copies of any printed material he has.

We don't have to understand everything these TV's have to off right off (as if we could!), but we can 'use it up' one thing at a time, and the rest will wait until we're ready for it.

Unknown said...

You sound great!

I was worried, and hope you'll help us keep up with you by telling us what's going on.

Communication is so hard and can be a real pita, but it's sooooo important (for all involved).

No pain, no gain.
... OK, forgive me, but I can't resist. One more rhime: work that brain!

Unknown said...

NP, NG, WTB.

He, he. ;)

Carol said...

I had my first appointment with the shrink today and other times I saw the psychologist. I've only seen a real shrink to other times and I think I've played try to stump the shrink. She's a female and I've heard nothing about her. I guess if she's a good shrink she'll she'll see right through me. I don't have any real good reason to play stump the shrink except for my entertainment. Nota good motive.

Unknown said...

Maybe you're testing her, Carol. Is she passing?

Unknown said...

Out and about. Later.

Unknown said...

... one last thing. Don't worry about motive. You're a good person,Carol. Just maybe a little to clever for your own good. :)

Unknown said...

... but! She is very unlikely to call you on your game. The tend to avoid criticizing.

Lying to your shrink is like lying to yourself.

Carol said...

80 plus degrees now. Not complaining but I hope they have AC at the shrink's office.

Carol said...

Well I screwed up again my appointment wasn't until next Tuesday and I was Sure it was on the 20tbut I came home and looked and they were right it was the 25th having little bit difficulty with some dementia here

jan said...

Carol, I screw up appts all the time. A human condition. At least you screwed up in a direction where you did not miss the appt. I have done that!

jan said...

I just did a CE activity on Alzheimers. It was something that just showed up on my computer. Interesting, isnt it? It was a 1.5 hour webcast with a post test of 10 questions. It was a very detailed, technical webcast. A neuro doc did the lecture. It was for docs and other healthcare people. It was for professionals who have some knowledge of physiology and patho of the brain and also info on treatment such as meds. It was interesting but the test was hard. 10 questions -mult choice. I got 3 tries at the test. The first try, I got a 50, 2nd try a 60 and 3rd try I got smart - and figured out right answers -not because I knew but was able to eliminate my previous wrong choices. Hooray for me.

jan said...

Oh yes, I got an 80% on 3rd try, which was passing. So I got my 1.5 hrs of CEU's. BTW, no problem with my memory. LOL. I remembered each time my wrong answers.

Carol said...

One of the problems with me being able to enjoy ice hockey is because I do not understand the rules and how it's played. It's all Greek to me. I do understand that the objective is to get the little ipuck in the little net.

Coreen said...

Watching the Olympics is not as interesting most likely since unless you go to the nbc channel that has live coverage at odd times of the day, (when most people are working) what you see in the evenings has already been decided & like it or not, if the US team didn't win, (& you already know that, since every news during the day reports it) it lacks interest for most...

Still love the curling...but this year's American teams were how shall I say it, lousy...so watching the rest, just not a big deal...



Coreen said...

Renee, glad you made up some of your snow deficit since it makes you happy...

finally the snow that had covered the skylights in the kitchen melted yesterday, they were covered for more than 3 weeks & fortunately didn't leak...did have one leak in the family room, but roofer removed snow from roof (before it was covered with another 8") & so far haven't seen any more leaks since the melt started this week...but there is still about a foot on the ground...

Carol said...

Lisa and I are at the camp waiting for some friends to join us for Cards and karaoke and snacks, of course.

Sorry about your snow Coreen and your leak. Weather is great here today. Warm but the sun went away. Overcast now.

Unknown said...

How was your get-together, Carol. Did you have fun?

I can't believe how quickly you've solved problems and turned your life around. It's a wonder to watch. I was so glad to hear that your optimistic view of your recovery and future. Good work!

Hope you let us know how things go at your appointment on Tuesday also. Love watching progress.

Unknown said...

I left out the word 'doctor'... glad to hear your doctor has such an optimistic view.

... guess it doesn't matter, though. Am actually glad you are both optimistic. :)

Unknown said...

Hope you solved some of the last of your TV and computer problems. I think one of your last comments said you were having problems with your Toshiba. (?)

Best wishes to everyone. Have a good Sunday!

Unknown said...

Forward! March!

jan said...

Renee, did you watch the skating finals? I loved Myrna & Charley, the ice dancing couple. Love their story too. Skating together for 17 years is amazing. They were flawless. I love the ice dancing because it is more artistry than technique.

Have been following the figure skating controversy. Sounds like their are some real problems in the judging. I agree with one of the American sports writers that figure skating has become more "figure jumping" rather than figure skating.

jan said...

Sorry about my grammer. Should be "there are some real problems"

jan said...

Carol, so glad you are doing some fun things with roomie and friends.

jan said...

Anyone have some pictures to put up?

jan said...

New Post anyone?

jan said...

NEW POST

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