As you can see my squirrel and other critter baffle on my birdfeeder is pretty embattled. Those critters take their best shot and I attempt a repair. If you look close, there's lots of duck tape involved. Love that duck tape or duct tape, whatever you want to call it.
Carol, it sounds like you are really in your element out "fishin on the river." I wish I liked to fish. It just never appealed to me. I am somewhat of a "hothouse" flower. I love walking outside if it is not too hot. I don't like the heat and sun. Actually the sun has always given me a headache. I wear very dark sunglasses out when I walk.
I also loved hearing about all the work you did on your SF's farm working the soil and putting in a garden. We have a great area for a garden in our back yard - and yes- it is now just weeds. I don't care for gardening. I did a bunch of weeding a few weeks ago - and wound up with bad back pain. John has asthma so he can't garden either. I think we will keep the house a few more years and then get a condo. I love flowers so will probably just have a few pots of flowers.
Hi Chloe, I did have 2 home visits this week to do health screenings with families in Head Start. A home visit takes me about 3 hours from start to finish - driving there, doing the assessment and then the write-up. I will do about 3 of those a week. This is my primary responsibility. I am expected to put in 10 hours a week. Some weeks may be a little longer and some a little shorter. I do enjoy this type of work. So it does not seem like work. This fall, I won't have students with me, but will in the spring. I love this type of work because it is working with young families.
Carol, you have a "show" right there at your place. What amazing pictures. what I miss about Louisiana is that things grow without any watering. You have to water everything here or all you get is dirt, sand, thorny plants or scrub bushes. I love all your beautiful birds.
That tug boat had two barges, side by side, strapped to it. Don't often see that. They just about take up the entire width of the river. It's fun to watch them try to negotiate that 90 degree left hand turn they have to make. They pay those tug captains quite a bit of money to guide those huge barges down the river.
Doesn't one of the guys on TM do that kind of work?
Jan, in this heat, I have to come home and water at noon or I will lose some of my potted plants. That's why I come home for lunch, well, besides needing to get away from the insanity.
Coreen, if there's water around, there's some industry that's going to take advantage of it. We have a very busy port in the city here. There are two small industries, not far, up river here. Those barges go up and down the river every so often. Not sure if it is at least once a day and sometimes even more often. It's kinda neat seeing them, especially at night when they shine this huge light down the river.
I'll see that bright light before I see the barge that is shining it. The river and the trees will light up, right outta the dark. It will startle me at times. They even shoot lights off to the side. I try to make sure I have my clothes on because they can see right thru all my windows if I don't. But I don't think they would want to look twice if they ever did.
Ya know that Giant Turk's Cap we had a heck of a time identifying last year? The one that froze down during our dreadful freeze? It did come back and I found and planted another one. I've had just one bloom one of them so far. I thought that it bloomed all summer last year but I read that it blooms in the Fall, most of the Winter and in the Spring.
I'm watering, feeding and waiting. Yesterday, my neighbor guy brought me a plant he uprooted from somewhere that looks like a minature version of my Giant Turk's Cap. It must be the regular size Turk's Cap. I planted it in a pot and will nurse it along to see if I can keep it alive. This is not a good time of year to transplant anything.
I also finally repotted this plant I bought at that garden show called a Indigo Iochroma. It has these long little purple flowers and the hummers and butterflies are suppose to love it. I almost let that poor little fellow die. I just got around to transplanting it into a bigger pot last week. It's the first little plant just to the right of those impatiens in the last pic I posted. It would have probably been huge and gorgeous if I would have transplanted it right after I got it in March. Lazy me.
I have my speech prepared for SF. If anyone is available and would like to give me any advice, I'm open.
SF, when I decided to jump on board here, preparation was already completed to put you away in a place where your safety could be assured. I jumped in because I felt like it was too soon for that to happen to you.
I do enjoy spending time with you. I hadn't spent that much time here before because I didn't have it to spend. I'm now having to work much harder to squeeze this in but I will gladly do it if I can assure to your safety and do it without torture. I love you.
From what I have learned there were a significant number of people taking advantage of you. It mounted up to a considerable amount of money, money you needed to take care of your business and yourself. It is your money to do with what you want but you still have those obligations.
There are many good people involved in your care. We were never able to find that kind of help with mom. That help also costs money but it has been some very good help for a very reasonable cost.
If you are going to fight me on this, I can't continue to try to keep things going as they are. That doesn't mean I can just bow out either. When I rescued you, I took on an obligation to keep you safe. I am committed to that obligation even if it means that you will need to go somewhere where your safety can be assured. That is not only a good thing, it is the law. They have laws for elderly protection and they were on the case before I re-entered the picture. They are still watching and we don't have any choice.
Nite nite. Sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite.
I use to hear that all the time when I was a kid. I thought that bed bugs were just those regular old bugs that sometimes chose to also share the bed. I later learned the truth.
I checked and I don't have any bed bugs, thank God, but I do have my share of other bugs. If I open the door too often at night, many bugs will fly in. Some find other ports of entry. They want some cool air.
Oh, I did give the speech, not exactly like it was written. We were in the truck and I had to ad lib. I added a bit more lib than either of us wanted but I noted lots of resistance. We'll see what comes of it. He's an old codger but totally in control and smart as a whip.
Last one here is a rotten egg....and you will be in plenty of good company. How in the heck can there be a billion rotten eggs? If you like eggs, better get your own chicken. I, personally, can do without. I noticed there were very few eggs at my Walmart even though Louisiana wasn't suppose to be in that recall. Maybe people are coming over from Texas.
Before I left for my mission today, I took out some ground chuck and chicken to thaw out to cook up a batch of Maggie food. When I got home, I threw it into her electric stew pot and low and behold, what I thought was ground chuck was actually my coveted Angus beef cutlets that I like to coat with seasoned flour and fry up for a special treat.
Drats, now instead of Maggie begging for my food, I'll be beggin for her's. Snif, snif.
Jan, Maggie just ate some of her, (my) special treat, Angus cutlet dinner. She was really licking her chops after that dinner. She may not ever settle for just Angus ground Chuck again.
"Angelina Jolie is an adventurous eater. She has sampled bar larvae and a corn stalk. Jolie tasted a Cambodian cockroach and called it a “high-protein snack food.”
I just added another pic. It's not very clear but it was the best I could do walking down the road.
I went out to walk Maggie and an owl flew up into a tree. I have seen something large fly past my window several times lately but couldn't catch a good look at it. Tonight I saw an owl. Even though I hear them hooting up a storm at night, I haven't seen one since little Vertigo left. Maybe it is little Vertigo, coming to say hi to me.
"Angelina Jolie is an adventurous eater. She has sampled bar larvae and a corn stalk. Jolie tasted a Cambodian cockroach and called it a “high-protein snack food.”
Jan, I'm so glad to hear that you're doing what you love to do. Thanks for filling us in, and hope you keep letting us know how things are going. I also enjoyed reading about how much you and John enjoyed having your 9yr old GGD over the other night. You two sure have a full life.
Yep, and she keeps getting thinner. She is a very strange person.
Carol, I love the pictures you took. I enlarged them all, and it reminded me again why you love it so much there on the river. I'm sure you know that a lot of the things that grow there are the same as we have here - very similar. We don't have moss on the tree's close to the house, but a few of the ones out further do.
A few days ago, after I mentioned that I miss our owls out back, I actually heard one coming from the front part of our property - I can't remember if it was early morning or evening, but I just loved hearing that sound. Haven't heard it since though.
... I also loved the way you describe the tug boat and the lights shining on your river at night.
I love my house in the same way as you love your camp. I don't think I could ever give it up - I plan on spending the rest of my life here. Can't think of any place else I'd rather be.
With all your folliage Chloe, it would be difficult to ever spot an owl there. I hear lots of them but can't see any of them this time of year but I think they are watching me.
Isn't it amazing how the weekends get things back on track. Reminds us of what's really important among I the ____ we have to wade through so much of the time.
Glad you got through the first serious talk with your SD. Always good to keep the lines of communication open.
The important thing is that you said it Carol. You know they hear what they want to hear, but I'm sure he got the basic idea. That's important for you two to be on the same page.
I'm going to check in again in the morning, and enjoy your pics some more. Thanks for sharing your river, and all the little 'beings' with us. It was so refreshing to tune in and find all that here tonight.
Bet little Maggie will sleep well tonight, with her little belly full of those prime cuts of meat.
Nite nite. Sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite.
... won't let hubby say those things to Emma at night - I mean the part about bed bugs. Kids take things so literally. I'm always monitoring the things I say repeatedly, to make sure I'm teaching her the right things. I'm a strong believer in the power of suggestion.
The guy from TM that captains a barge is MSQ (I think I have the letters right, but you know who I mean). I always liked him a lot - I mean, still do, just haven't been over there in a long time. I think he's one of the smartest, most reasonable people there.
Chloe, I am enjoying being back seeing families - I am not missing students now. I don't know if I am looking forward to seeing them in the spring or not. I am just taking it one day at a time right now. If I start thinking about spring, I get nervous LOL>
Jan,these pics weren't really that good because most were taken with low light, either at dawn or dusk. The colors are so much better when there is better lighting. The pic of the Anole was taken in the middle of the day, with good light.
I really do enjoy my 9 year old GD. She is very interesting. She is the baby of 6 children - all are her 1/2 sisters and brothers. So of course she has had a lot of attention. They are all grown now and doing other things. Her mom and dad both dote on her of course and her grandparents. She is quite good company as she is dramatic when telling me about events in her life. She has had some drama training and been an extra in several movies. She was telling me last night she wants to be a singer when she grows up and has already started making up her own songs.
How interesting what people eat - from the link you posted Chloe. The only strange thing I have eaten was in Argentina. One time someone served grilled cow pancreas. I loved it. It was a common dish there and every time I got a chance, I ate it. It was very tender and tasty.
We ate at outdoor places there pretty often and the common fare was ensalada and bife with papas fritas. I would often find a little bug or worm on my salad - i would just take it off and toss it and finish the salad. My favorite thing there was their bread and butter. Their little dinner rolls were crusty with very soft and flavorful bread and with butter it was heaven.
"She was telling me last night she wants to be a singer when she grows up and has already started making up her own songs. "
That is so adorable Jan. That drama training is probably one of the most influential things in her life - actors and performers learn to express themselves in so many ways, and from so many different points of view.
I think kids are more capable than we give them credit for. It's hard to remember to not set our own limitations on them. It's so great that your GD is optimistic (and confident) - looking forward to the future, doing what she loves to do (like her grandma :).
Chloe, this morning I was pondering what you said about how much you love where you live. That's so wonderful. Before moving to your place in Texas, did you ever live out in a rural area, surrounded by nature?
I do feel the same way that you do. It was so special when I got this place. Mag and I would get off work for the weekend and/or holidays and get to come out here. It was like I was going on vacation. I'd tell her to get her bags packed we're going to the camp. She'd dance around. There was excitement in the air. Since I don't get to really go on vacation, this is a pretty good substitute.
When I finally decided I didn't want to go home from vacation, I thought that maybe after a while, being here may not be as special. It hasn't happened yet. Everyday when I get off work, I'm on vacation.
My days off are really special. The most special part are the mornings. Sitting outside when the sun comes up, watching the birds and squirrels feed and play and the fish jump. Listening to the symphony of nature without any distractions. Oh soooo special.
Carol, Jan is right about your pictures - they're just right.
I personally enjoy those times of the day, and think your pictures reflect it all so well. The times I like most I like most, are changes in clouds and sky, the shadows on the ground from trees, etc (and the little creatures). You caught it all, and that's what makes your shots so interesting and beautiful.
Last night it was bright enough outside, that I saw moon shadows from my window - one of my favorite sights. It was shining beautifully into the house from other windows.
"Before moving to your place in Texas, did you ever live out in a rural area, surrounded by nature?"
Never. Land was way too expensive in California, and it's so overcrowded, you couldn't own a house a decent size piece of land unless you were rich. That's one of the reasons I love it here so much. We would never have had this opportunity in many other places, while at the same time living where it's populated and growing, allowing us to make a decent living.
"My days off are really special. The most special part are the mornings. Sitting outside when the sun comes up, watching the birds and squirrels feed and play and the fish jump. Listening to the symphony of nature without any distractions. Oh soooo special."
Really beautifully said Carol. I dare not add anything, because there's no way to improve on the way you put it.
I remember when you were making that decision to move out to your camp Carol. You included the rest of us in that move too, and have shared it with us ever since.
There's been a drastic change from when you first came onto TM. You had just had your heart broken by losing all that money, and were trying to deal with what that meant. I remember well.
I did have one house in California (Simi Valley) that I really loved though (the one I brought my son up in - we lived there 17 yrs.). It was at the end of a cul-de-sac, and so the way the street was divided, we had a larger lot than usual - and whoever originally landscaped it, did a great job. It was done in such a way that created a lot of privacy. I really loved that house too (a lot bigger than the one we live in now) and was able to do the same thing you do now - sit out on the step of my front porch in the mornings and evenings, surrounded by thick greenery and tree's (nothing like the huge old tree's we have here though), and it was so quiet and beautiful. I used to get the sprinkler system going that time of the evening (we had to water there - not like here - and I used to love the sound of that too. Even better though, was the times it was actually raining. I have very good memories of that time of my life. The weather is wonderful there too - very dry.
We had so much freedom back then. Could take off any time we got the whim, and go to Vegas (which we did often). Hubby did triathlons and sail boarding, so we often traveled to those events. I was free as a bird, and a lot younger and energetic. Ha - less content though too. That comes with age. But still, beautiful memories. It is quite refreshing spending some time thinking about it this morning.
Thanks for the good conversation. Got to get breakfast going now. Will check in later.
Chloe, after 911, I became obsessed with what was going on in the world. 911 got my attention. Some, and I do understand why, think that because we are so removed from that tragedy that we didn't feel it as much as those who lived nearby or those who lost family and friends. And that might be the case for many.
From the moment my nurse called me at the prison, where I worked at the time, to tell me about that first plane that hit the World Trade Center, I haven’t been the same person. Everything in my life has been different. I can honestly say that I didn’t even know what the World Trade Center was. It had no meaning for me. Terrorism didn’t either. But that all changed on 911. I turned on the news that day and didn’t turn it off, until I moved out to the camp. I watched it 24/7/365 and felt anxious when I couldn’t. TM was the end of that new’s/politics obsessed era.
I watched every minute of the coverage of 911 on TV. I forced myself to even listen to those idiots on talk radio in hopes of getting a little more news. I cried with every family. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be on the top floors of those buildings, having to make the decision about whether to burn to death or jump to my death. I did share their pain. I did much of the same with Katrina and other crises around our country.
All that suffering was taking its toll on me and I couldn’t give up my addiction to watching and sharing it. Moving out to the camp and leaving my satellite dish behind was how I finally cured that addiction. But I can’t give all of it up. I still do feel like it is my responsibility to know what is going on in our country and our world and care about those who are suffering.
I added another pic, looking up at my huge Bald Cypress tree. The pic doesn't really do justice to the experience. They are magnificent trees. You can see the trunk of that tree in pic #7. If that tree would come down this way, my camp would be history. I do see some along the river that are dead but they are still interesting when they are dead and they don't seem to fall down even then. Even dead cypress trees create such interesting shapes along the river. They are as cool dead as they are alive. They also provide nice homes for the owls. My tree is where my owls have their babies each year.
"I do see some along the river that are dead but they are still interesting when they are dead and they don't seem to fall down even then."
I think the dying/dead tree's are still beautiful too. They usually fall apart a little at a time (ha... like us!). First they lose their branches, then the top of the tree eventually falls, then piece by piece, unless you take them down first - we often don't. The pines are a lot more fragile than the oaks though, and it's the oaks I like most. They're huge, and they have so much personality. I know some of ours have to be over a hundred years old, and it's those that I like the best. When one does die, I actually get a little sentimental about it.
We were neve rhippies (I mean, I guess you could say that just about everyone in Ca. was a little bit of a hippy during the 60s and 70s - the culture there was so different than here), and we always had good jobs and strong work ethics. We needed to to have the money we needed to take our trips and do the things we wanted to do. It was easy to make money of of Real Estate in Ca. back then, property went up so fast. We managed to spend just about everything we made though. Then the economy went south. It just got to be too much of a struggle there. When we got here, things hadn't recovered yet, but it it started to not long after we arrived - a couple of years or so after. This place has grown so huge so fast, and that's been good for the economy here. Lot's of changes.
Carol, That pic of the Cypress you added is beautiful. See what I mean about them all having their own personality. That one looks wise, and has the battle scars and all to prove how long it's been around. And, could that sky be any bluer! The sky was never that blue on the west coast - too much smog there, I think (at least down in southern Ca. where we lived). Northern Ca. is a lot colder, so the conditions their vary greatly from southern.
Hi Carol & Chloe, I have enjoyed the picture of your Cyprus Carol. I too have a special feeling for trees - like Chloe. We have a dead tree in the back and I refuse to take it down because it provides a place to rest for the birds. It isn't causing any problems.
I have enjoyed reading your conversation earlier. I think one of the great things about our little group here is that we all seem to be happy where we are - geographically and in other ways too. Yet, we each share in the others' pictures, memories and day-to-day experiences (including sports events) and happenings with our families and friends.
Today is the anniversary of the day a year ago that John and I took little GD to Santa Fe on the train. It was the day John fainted under the car. I still feel traumatized by that event.
We had dinner with my oldest son, Bill and his family last night. They have 2 sons who are delightful. The oldest son is a waitperson in a restaurant here in Alb. the younger son is in his senior year at the Univ. He is studying accounting. He was the one who hit his head on the concrete a few weeks ago when his friend (a girl) jumped on his back. He has a pretty bad scar on his forehead. He recovered completely otherwise. His scar looks somewhat like a tree with limbs. the scar is just above his right eyebrow.
Now Jan, I remember when John fainted on the treadmil but I don't recall the fainting under the car story. Would you like to share that one again. If you ever find me under a car, believe me, I fainted.
Hi Carol, I do think the "nurse logs" are so cool. How interesting they named then nurse logs. I will remember this.
I may not have been "in your swamp" when John fainted this time last year. We had returned from Santa Fe on the train. When we got to our car, we had a flat. I called Terry to see if he could come change it for us. While we were waiting, John decided he needed to get it started. It was very hot and he had not been drinking much water that day b/c bathrooms were few and far between. Well, in the process of doing this he fainted. He was clammy and cool and I thought he was having a heart attack and dying. I was shaking so hard I had a hard time dialing 911. Finally I was able to. He did just faint. They did all the heart tests at the hosp and released him at 1 am the next morning.
He was sitting in the door rim of the car when he fainted - he slid half-way under the car when he fainted and I was thinking how am I going to do chest compressions with him half under the car. of course I could have pulled him over but I was so scared, I was beyond thinking.
Chloe, I was looking up rhippies because I'd never heard of that until I realized that your "r" from never just got stuck on front of the word hippies. Whew, I thought that I missed out on something.
I've known a couple of people who worked out on those oil rigs, pretty well. Both were women. Both were fearful. Both ended up going down in a helicopter crash, both survived and both ended up leaving those jobs. They were two different jobs at different times.
"I was looking up rhippies because I'd never heard of that until I realized that your "r" from never just got stuck on front of the word hippies. ."
LOL again! Maybe I was thinking of 'ripped' hippies.
"Ya know, those California people are always coming up with something new."
Ha, ain't that the truth. People here used to tell us that nothing came out of Ca. except a bunch of fruits and nuts - and they weren't saying it jokingly either.
Hubby's hair was a little long when we first moved here, and some elderly lady did ask him (disparagingly) if he was a surfer. Now we fit right in. :)
"I think one of the great things about our little group here is that we all seem to be happy where we are - geographically and in other ways too. Yet, we each share in the others' pictures, memories and day-to-day experiences (including sports events) and happenings with our families and friends."
Jan, meant to say hi to you before I left. I agree with the things you said in that post.
I still think it's the little things that matter most. nite again.
I just watched one of the most interesting movies ever, The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. It was in Swedish - with subtitles. One of the best mysteries we have seen. It has a disturbing rape scene but is a good movie. I bought the book a week ago, but had trouble getting into it. It was written by a Swedish guy who died recently. John and I both liked the movie a lot. The sequel is at the theatres now - The Girl who Played with Fire. I definitely want to see it.
Jan, I think the guy talking on that video started out laughing, very excited, then he had an orgasm and then he started crying. It must have been some dang good chit he was on.
Well, I watched that Swamp People last night and I found it pretty interesting. They were alligator hunting. They had some nice shots of the Atchafalaya Basin. To borrow from the program..
"Sprawling over a million-acre swath of southern Louisiana, the Atchafalaya River Basin is the largest swamp in the United States and one of the country's most ecologically varied regions. Its wetlands, bayous and marshes are home to 300 species of birds, 90 species of fish and shellfish and 54 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the great American alligator. It owes much of its haunting and mysterious beauty to the towering, moss-draped bald cypress trees that thrive in its swamp waters."
My Swamp is a mini version of that Swamp.
I am familiar with alligator hunting. It is well controlled. You just can't go out and shoot an alligator without getting into some serious trouble. There is a season and it's limited. I was pondering whether I should feel bad about them killing those gators. I realize they do have to control the population or they would take over and they do chop on swimmers if they get a chance.
Those Swamp People had cajun accents. Many think that all of us from down here in southern Louisiana sound like that. We don't. Actually that accent is more common in the middle of southern Louisiana and in some rural areas. In fact I very seldom even heard much of that accent when I was growing up so that when I was exposed to more people and ran across someone with a heavy accent like that, I didn't even understand what they were saying.
It seems when the news media interviews someone from our parts, they pick people with the least teeth and the heaviest accent they can find. Some of those boys on "Swamp People" would have fit that bill.
We liked the Swamp People show. I don't have the fine-tuned ear that you have, Carol, but have definitely heard their accent (or is it a dialect?) from time-to-time in the various places we've lived, at least enough to now recognize it. It can't be imitated, you have it or you don't. I love hearing it spoken nonetheless. When we met the musician Tab Benoit, he definitely has it, and I struggled a bit to keep up the conversation. On the other hand, the only vocalization required that day was the ability to laugh, and laugh we did.
By contrast, when we'd visited with another Louisiana musician, Charmaine Neville, at the same event the prior year, her powerful speaking (and singing) voice was completely discernible and very different.
I haven't "learned" all the Swamp People stars yet, but I am already especially fond of the wife...I loved it when she told her husband to make his own coffee, she was going to finish her meal first. (I think they are Junior and Theresa). lol.
Carol, glad to find something that may be of interest on TV for you, but passing on swamp people...will have to leave it to you & Ivy to keep us up on them....as you know, I'm not big on hunting gators, s....s, & certainly not nutria for its fur....(pretty sure I saw one in the preview)....do like the born on the bayou ccr song though....& I do get a bit of LA 'speak' in True Blood(along with a lot of mayhem & yes...blood)....at least when I catch up on the episodes I seem to always miss the 1st time around....
And again that 'cajun accent' that is associated with LA still reminds me of the movie 'The Big Easy' dennis quaid & ellen barkin...a really good movie....
and the other movie with a New Orleans backdrop & a great mystery/thriller is 'Storyville' with James Spader...of Boston Legal fame... (I do miss Alan Shore & Denny Crain)...what a terrific pairing..they made that series a must see...sorry it had to end....
I was looking online to see what 'Swamp People' you were talking about (before I saw your link, Carol), and these interesting pics came up (not related to the program, though).
There's even a lady quilting like you Jan, but out on her houseboat.
Some very nice shots depicting their life. These particular people look like they really work hard. A rough life, but at the same time, they're doing what they want to do - or at least what they know. http://www.cclockwood.com/stockimages/atchafalayapeople.htm
.... the photo with the lady, Gwen Carpenter out on her deck first thing in the morning sure is a beautiful shot. Looks so peaceful. She's the same one doing the quilting, I think.
Wonder if they have internet access out there on those houseboats? :)
Chloe, I have Gwen Carpenter's book about her life on a houseboat, in the Atchafalaya Basin, for 10 years. I mentioned it here before. She had a master's degee in something, I can't remember what. It's a short little book but very interesting. I saw a story about her on La Public Broadcasting and then found her book. I also have two of CC Lockwood's picture books on the ATCHAFALAYA BASIN.
Chloe, they do have generators on those houseboats and now with those wireless devices, they could have Internet out there if they wanted. I somehow think that most aren't interested.
That guy Calvin Voisin was Gwen's boyfriend for those 10 years that she lived on that houseboat. They met CC Lockwood while he was out photographing the Basin. He spent the night in some scary places getting some of his pics of the Basin.
Gwen left to go out and make some money working on a barge on the Mississippi, which they sometimes had to do to make ends meet. She fell in love with the Captain and married him. I was sad about that. I wanted her and Calvin to live happily ever after on their houseboat.
I found her book was way too short and I wanted many more details of her life out there on a houseboat for 10 years.
And I do remember that Dennis Quaid kinda slaughtered that Cajun accent in that movie, even though I did like the movie. Like Ivy said, it's an accent that is impossible to imitate. Only those familiar with it might be able to tell.
She did this in the 70s before cell phones and Internet were heard of. I can't take a walk these days without my dang cell phone, and now also my Internet on Iphony.
When I'm sitting in the camp, looking out the windows, all I see is the water below. I often pretend I live in a houseboat. I can do that...but still appreciate that I have plumbing, electricity and, most of all, air conditioning.
Too bad they can't change the plans for that Muslim Community Center in NY into a Multi-Spiritual Center where many different faiths could share the same building. It would give everyone an opportunity to learn more about faiths, other than their own. It would go well with the concept of "World Trade Center". I guess that would be too neat an idea.
Just saw on AC360 how "commercial" chickens live. Ekk! Only cage free organic eggs for me from now on. There was a reason for this egg crisis. Those chickens were trying to get the word out.
It's amazing how many warnings nature and our environment have been sending us lately.
It's saying...."we're not going to take it anymore"
Ivy, I've got the impression that your Hubs is a golf fan. If so, what is his take on Tiger's golf game? Does he think he will ever make a come back and be on top again? Golf does seem to be a game where self esteem, positive attitude and focus have a big influence on that little ball. Tiger's been challenged in all those areas but then there are a lot of good, young whippersnappers out there now.
I just ordered a new book titled "UFO". I heard about it on C2C and a few other places. Kean's on a book tour.
"Leslie Kean’s astonishing book is the finest piece of investigative journalism ever written on this subject. She has an incomparable ability to ‘give voice’ to a constituency of exceptionally qualified and unbiased first-hand observers. They are not from the fringe, not groupies, and not delusional. Rather, they are high-level military, intelligence, aerospace, and government officials who speak with authority while providing reports that document actual, physical craft. Kean’s book represents the first important step toward a new U.S. government openness about UFOs. It brings forward a reality otherwise buried for far too long inside official mystery, and elevates the discourse above that of small-minded public discussions."
Hi Carol, Are you getting lonesome in the swamp. We have had problems with our wifi at home. so I have not been here for a while. I am going to try and watch the swamp people tonight. I have not been watching much TV lately. We have rented some movies in the evening.
Coreen, I loved Boston Legal. James Spader is one of my favorite actors. John's favorite on there was Denny Crane. We loved their skit at the end where they sat out on their balcony and drank scotch or whatever and smoked cigars. They shared some great philosophies.
I wonder what James Spader is doing now. I think he is so sexy. Of course his character on Boston L. was obviously someone who could not commit, except to Denny Crane.
"Just saw on AC360 how "commercial" chickens live."
Carol, northwest Arkansas is where they have a bunch of those commercial chicken houses. One of John's best friends owns one of those chicken companies (Simmons). If the wind is just so when you drive past one of those big chicken houses, it smells much worse than the Amarillo Stock Yards.
I'm sure you're right, Carol. I was just joking, mostly making fun of myself because I knew I could never live without (at least, voluntarily) all the modern conveniences. I don't even like to go camping.
Sure have enjoyed all the info you've shared with us about Gwen Carpenter's life though. It's been fun pondering what it must have been like, and easy to see why some people love that way of life. I had no idea who Gwen was when I linked those pics.
Jan, I hope your wifi is fixed but I'm sure you have lots to do to keep you busy. I couldn't find a thing to watch on TV last night so I rambled on here alone and watched some of those videos on Swamp People. Pretty interesting, even for a native. Maybe it's only interesting for a native. I did find out from one of those guys why we have all those cypress knees I keep tripping over out here. They are also hell on a lawnmower.
Chloe, I listened to Gwen's little interview on NPR, on that site I linked, and learned why she wrote a short book without the detail I was craving. She wrote it later in her life, years after her experience on that houseboat, and she said that she forgot much from those years. She recreated it from some articles she wrote for magazines back then.
I wonder if she smoked a lot of dope back then? It was back in the 70s and I think pot was pretty popular back then. That would also explain how she could rough it on a houseboat, in the wilderness, for 6-10 years. Even my younger, more adventurous self couldn't have done that for more than maybe a week or two. The heat would have killed me.
Im glad that everyone is doing well.! I am also, a little sad at moving from my house to an apartment, but I made that decision while im in good shape and not forced to.
I even know my new landlord from a previouse project (room addition) that we sahred...he had an empty apartment that he wanted to remodel....
I drew up a floor plan that I wanted and am very happy how it all turned out....Im not the type to wallow in what ifs....so this is my new home.!
I am working at a home addition now that is a nice prospect...and looks like another one will be coming forth.....It is an advantage of knowing/having a friend in the mortgage business...he will find the money needed for them.....he is one of the honest ones that survived.....
Im doing fine, not pessimistic, but optomistic that working hard at what I do is the right way to look at it all....just pissed that I have to start all over again.
But there is still room for a lot of optimism...I was just given copies of quit deeds for three lots in Indiana....and shown 11 more in a south suburb of Chicago....
The first three lots....were free and clear...nothing against them...liens etc. now I will see where this goes...if it all turns out fine....it will be another whole chapter in my life as a contractor.......
There are many, many turns in life.....adaptability is the key no?
In another way, Im very, very happy.!! My son Tom just came and will have dinner with me....he just finished his firs day of classes for his new career as a physical therapist....
If I was a little younger, I would take the courses with him...I love this stuff...Im looking at one of his books while he does his work out.....
I asked him to bring his books when ever he comes over so I can read them......I have a book called "prentice hall/Biology the living science" I have only read a few chapters.....it is a great book and will give it to him...should be of some use...since phisiology is a sub of bilogy I think...
There is so much to learn...wish that I started out wanting to know these things at a much younger age......this is what makes Espinoza one of the greatest mind that ever was....
He was a contented man...simple an yet he was such a deep thinker that he knew about the mind and brain/body that is know accepted...his thinking changed the whole way the neurology is understood....
ok, thats what I have been doing, and what has/is on my mind......in addition to you all which are never out of my mind....Love and Light.............
Hello Solarman. You are a breath of fresh air. Looks like you're in for a new adventure and it does sound interesting. The attitude you have while approaching this new adventure will assure that it will be a good and successful experience. You are a role model. Your son can be proud of you.
Believe it when I tell you that im not that sad...this is like that cycle of weather that I told you about...can't stop it so I go along with it....I dress warmer when it's cold, and dress lighter when it hot.....
Im going with this as I would anything else...I understand exactly what happened...so therfore im not in any guilt trip about it.....a 100% effort in what I do...assures that I don't feel guilty about outcomes that I can't control...like the economic fall out.....not our faults that the greedy shits were just in the right places to do us harm
What does anger me, is that they are still in place to do it again....the very same people that hurt us, are the ones in charge...that is enough to make me go nuts....
Like I told people at tm....if the system was the cause of so much harm....then why is it that these same abusers are still at the helm?
IMO....it was a a ruse, a scare tactic to scam us....Im even more mad at the people that keep saying things like " if we hadn't of used all of this money to bail out the too big to fail shits......we would be in a world crisis...I have news for them....the rest of the world was in the same predicament...cept maybe for Germany.....
"100% effort in what I do...assures that I don't feel guilty about outcomes that I can't control"
Solar, your comparison to the weather is the perfect example that everything comes in cycles -- like it or not, what choice do we have but to ride it out. If everyone put the effort you do into what they're doing, it would be a better world.
As to James Spader, he appeared in a broadway play, Race, for several months this past year, but I believe the play just closed...
I too loved Denny Crain character, but the show would have not been anything w/o the wonderful chemistry between Spader & Shatner....remember when they dressed up like giant rabbits...what about the time Denny was shooting the fish.... some really great shows....& yes them sitting on the balcony at the end of each episode made each show worth it...
Did see most of the America's got talent acts...if I were voting, the 2 I liked were the magician with the fire & the guy singer with the raspy voice/hat/guitar....the dancing kid couple were excellent dancers too...
Hi folks, I watched most of AGT last night. I loved Anna and Patrick. They are amazing young dancers. I also liked the guy singer who has been sick. He was good. Those were the only acts I thought were great.
I taped some of the swamp people and watched some of it. I liked it. I actually understood the guys. I guess having lived there for 9 years helped some. I would not want to be out there when they were shooting alligators.
Coreen, thanks for the update on James Spader. We occasionally watch Boston Legal reruns. I remember the pink rabbit outfits. I also remember Denny had a blow up doll of Candice Bergen.
Solar, I bet you are someone who "lands on his feet" no matter what the circumstances. That was a saying my dad used. You have a positive outlook on life. I am glad to see you back. I don't go over to TM so some of what you are saying, I am not aware of. I am just not that into politics.
The name of the program is America's Got Talent but many times I hear the judges say that someone is very talented but their talent wouldn't make a good Vegas act. They need to change the name of the program to America's Got a Great Vegas Act since that's what they are looking for.
You shoulda voted Coreen. When people don't vote, the knuckle heads will and someone like the Chicken Catcher wins. Anyone heard from the Chicken Catcher lately? He needed a lot of polish. He hasn't done much since winning.
I just finished making a meatloaf. I wrecked the entire kitchen doing it. I don't often eat meat but I felt in the mood for some meatloaf sandwiches. It's now in the oven, outside.
There was a hint, just a hint, of a fall feeling in the air. A nice stiff breeze outta the north, less humidity and maybe a degree or two cooler.
Just got home from seeing a matinee of the movie, Eat Pray Love, after having finished the book yesterday. I am so glad I didn't pay attention to any of the so-called critics. It was a beautiful movie that complemented the book. My friend (who has not yet read the book but will, she says) also enjoyed it very much...I was concerned she might not "get it" without the book's back-stories, but apparently that wasn't necessary to her understanding and enjoyment. So I conclude that the critics' problem, more than just not having read the book which they admitted not having done, was that mostly there were men. lol
Anna & Patrick will probably end up on Dancing With The Stars, that is if they don't win AGT. The magician Antonio will probably make it through this round although he is not as talented as some of the other magicians still in the running, particularly Murray the Tiger Man. Don't count out Prince Poppycock. He is campy, for sure, but he has a great operatic voice which he did not showcase last night at all. Hubs' favorite is the Mississippi Blues Guys...The guys with the electricity-music probably need a live audience to best show off their talent.
Jan, I started watching "The Middle" after you mentioned that your sister loved it. It is a riot. If you come on before it starts, check out the first rerun they have tonight. I almost busted a gut laughing. It's about this crazy middle class family. I guess I can relate well to crazy middle class families".
It's about a middle class family who actually lives like a middle class family. Not like these days, when many middle class families live like they are stinking rich and then they end up tanking the entire economy when all the bills come due.
Carol, we have been watching it for several weeks. they are reruns but we didn't watch it during the regular season so the episodes are new to us. We like it too. Little Brick is so funny. Do you remember when we had peds they talked a "funny looking kid" syndrome? He has some real funny characteristics. I wonder how much is drama and if any of it is just him??? The daughter is also hilarious. I like that it is a regular family with regular jobs. No one is a doctor or lawyer (no offense Coreen) or has really important jobs.
Yep, I blame them also. I remember, back in the day, when we had to wait to have really nice things. I had a Master's Degree and a decent job but had to buy the cheapest house I could find and couldn't even afford a washer and dryer for several years. I don't think they had invented credit cards back then.
I taped AGT so don't know the results yet. I was busy on the quilt. We had meatloaf too Carol - but Costco made it. It came with mashed potatoes. I opened a can of black eye peas and voila - dinner. I am sure your meatloaf was better.
Good night all. John and I are both reading "To Kill a Mockingbird." A friend gave John a copy and I bought one.
I want to thank the powers that be....God, et al, for steering those tropical systems away from the US. I've been praying for that and I'm quite sure I'm getting lots of help. Thank You!
Oh, before I forget....90 years ago....19th amendment....happy anniversary....
all of us here have those brave women (& some guys) from so long ago to thank for our right to vote & as far as I'm concerned our obligation to vote each & every time there is an election, locally as well as state & federal...but that's just me....I could not wait to go to the town hall & register to vote when I was old enough, quite a few years ago....
Carol, We will have meatloaf sandwiches for dinner today. This will be a first for me. I will let you know what I think.
It is hard to believe that it has only been 90 years that women have had the right to vote. You inspire me Carol with your commitment to your civic responsibilities.
Jan, I can't believe you have never eaten a meatloaf sandwich. Is that just something we down here in the south do?? Everyone I know likes them, even better than just eating the meatloaf. Anyone else here like meatloaf sandwiches? Mayo, mustard and pickles, sweet or dill. I could hardly wait to get home for lunch to get that sandwich. It was as good as I was expecting. And meatloaf is always better the second day after all the flavors have had time to marry.
".I could not wait to go to the town hall & register to vote when I was old enough, quite a few years ago...."
Coreen, YOU inspire me. I attributed this and previous comments about voting to Carol earlier. She is right - there are 3 of you whose names begin with C. I tend to be a scanner when I read - and got the wrong gal. LOL
Well, did you ever watch the AGT results? What did y'all think. I was OK with them. I haven't been watching much of AGT this year since I had that problem with it last year. Whatever happened to the young girl with that huge opera voice??
You know I have not eaten any red meat in many years....but my grandmother made meatloaf mixed with italian tomato sauce, some used ketchup to mix with it....& then cold sliced meatloaf on bread, with ketchup....
for me its veggieburgers on a roll with lots of ketchup & pickle slices...only use mayo to make tuna salad (not real big on mayo...& only Hellman's mayo...no substitutes)
I watched AGT that I had taped - The little girl with the big voice will be on next week. I think her first name is Jackie. Otherwise, I am not too impressed either. I will watch next week.
The act that I was the most impressed with was the young ballroom dancers. I think that they danced as well as the best on DWTS and to be so young. Yep, I can see them as the pros on DWTS if that show is still around. Probably not.
I didn't catch the dude with the makeup so I can't speak to that act. Even though it's not a winning act, I was impressed with the kite flying act. It was unique and interesting. Hat singer guy was good but I've seen too many of them.
It's interesting what different people around the country put on their sandwiches. Some mustard only, some mayo only, some both.. I can eat either Kraft or Hellman's mayo. If there's someone around who prefers one or the other, I use that one.
I have to have dill pickles on my sandwiches. No pickles, no sandwich. I used to put sweet on turkey and definitely sweet in tuna salad. There are some condiments that are required for me to eat certain things. I need a list when fixing and eating a salad.
My boatman, pool man, pontoon boat captain, has been over working on my bass boat. The carb bowl fell off the other day. It's been having trouble getting started for a while and that was not usual. I could leave it out of the water for a year and start it up first time. He has it fixed now and is out running it. I need to be ready for fishing soon. I've been watching something tear up the water across the river. It's gotta be a big bass.
I read in our local paper how good the bass fishing is out in the river now. The guy who wrote the article said he caught about 50, catch and release, the other day, most of them one to two pounds and some much bigger. Hey one to two pounds would excite me plenty. I'm really ready for some perch jerking also. There's no better way to meditate than when you're out fishing.
Carol, glad you are getting your boat up and running. I look forward to seeing pictures of your future catch either in the raw or cooked and on a plate.
John and I watched the guys on "The Swamp" catching alligators. It is sad to see them killed, but like the one guy said, Troy (he is my fav). Got a cute son too. Anyway Troy said if they don't kill some of them, the swamp becomes overrun and they will eat people. He actually said that. I see what you mean about some of these guys and missing teeth and these are young guys too - probably got them knocked out in fights. I love to hear them talk. I can shut my eyes and put myself back in LA.
Coreen, I don't eat much red meat. I like a hamburger once in a while. It really does not agree with my stomach - can only eat a few bites. I can never finish a hamburger any longer. My dad died of stomach cancer. He loved red meat and ate it at every opportunity - lots of it grilled too. I have never cared much for the taste of red meat - either steak or roast. I eat chicken but lose my appetite for it if I cook it. There is something about the smell of meat that is not appealing to me.
Jan, same with me about meat. I don't eat much anymore. Maggie eats lots of it and I buy most of my meat for Maggie or to BBQ for friends. I got a freezer full right now and some of my friends have been asking for a BBQ but I'm just waiting for some decent weather when I won't mind spending time outside.
And Jan, Troy's my favorite also. I watched a couple of short clips with him talking on the website. He's pretty knowledgable about the swamp. There's another guy who will be on maybe next week. He looks kinda interesting. He has an alligator farm. Now that Junior, I think his name is, who was on this week, I didn't much care for his attitude. He's the one who told his wife to make him some coffee. I'm surprised she hasn't used the frying pan on his head yet. I woulda. Maybe she will and we can watch.
Troy reminds me of one of my good friend/neighbors who died the year after mom died. He spent a good bit of his life on the river and knew everything about it. I really miss him. He never got to see my camp cuz I didn't have it then but he would have loved it and would have been out here visiting all the time. I do feel his presence out here.
Years back, when his kids were young, he had a camp on this little island out in the river. It was very rustic, no pumbing or electricity.
Anderson Cooper's in New Orleans this week for the anniversary of Katrina. He's been a good friend to NO.
I do remember watching all the news on Katrina and crying with those poor people trapped in that city. Then a short month later, going thru our own hell with Rita. Thank God we didn't have that flooding. Rita was a more intense storm. Katrina was #6 in intensity and Rita was # 4. It wasn't the hurricane but the flooding that got NO.
Driving down my road here, there are still reminders of Rita. She completely wiped out several of the trees in this yard and she left her mark on the others, all except the Bald Cypress trees. They stood strong and tall.
I am just checking in to say "good night" I have been working on the quilt but listening to Anderson Cooper in NO talking to some of the people there and also Michael Brown. My dad was dying 5 years ago at this time too. It all brings back so many memories.
Carol, I really like that Troy. He seems like he and his son have it together. It is an interesting show. I will watch it again.
Your friend that Troy reminds you of sounds like he was a good guy.
LOL Tiger and his balls. What he did was stupid - but he is one heck of a golfer. I do hope he gets his game back.
I work tomorrow. I will be working more next week as this week was really slow. Makes me appreciate weekends and days I don't work. I think John is happier that I am not home all the time. He is a house-husband.
In reading that article I can see why men like golf so much.... trying for easy birdies, pulling out your wood and putting it in the hole....I felt like I was reading porn. Hmmmm.
200 comments:
Good morning Carol. Great pics for a sat morning.
As you can see my squirrel and other critter baffle on my birdfeeder is pretty embattled. Those critters take their best shot and I attempt a repair. If you look close, there's lots of duck tape involved. Love that duck tape or duct tape, whatever you want to call it.
Carol, it sounds like you are really in your element out "fishin on the river." I wish I liked to fish. It just never appealed to me. I am somewhat of a "hothouse" flower. I love walking outside if it is not too hot. I don't like the heat and sun. Actually the sun has always given me a headache. I wear very dark sunglasses out when I walk.
I also loved hearing about all the work you did on your SF's farm working the soil and putting in a garden. We have a great area for a garden in our back yard - and yes- it is now just weeds. I don't care for gardening. I did a bunch of weeding a few weeks ago - and wound up with bad back pain. John has asthma so he can't garden either. I think we will keep the house a few more years and then get a condo. I love flowers so will probably just have a few pots of flowers.
Hi Chloe, I did have 2 home visits this week to do health screenings with families in Head Start. A home visit takes me about 3 hours from start to finish - driving there, doing the assessment and then the write-up. I will do about 3 of those a week. This is my primary responsibility. I am expected to put in 10 hours a week. Some weeks may be a little longer and some a little shorter. I do enjoy this type of work. So it does not seem like work. This fall, I won't have students with me, but will in the spring. I love this type of work because it is working with young families.
I brought over the last 2 comments from the last post.
It's difficult to take pic in that direction in the morning. That's where the sun rises.
When I was growing up, our plumbing was held together with Duck/duct tape. My dad was not a handyman but he was a whiz with duck tape.
Carol, you have a "show" right there at your place. What amazing pictures. what I miss about Louisiana is that things grow without any watering. You have to water everything here or all you get is dirt, sand, thorny plants or scrub bushes. I love all your beautiful birds.
That tug boat had two barges, side by side, strapped to it. Don't often see that. They just about take up the entire width of the river. It's fun to watch them try to negotiate that 90 degree left hand turn they have to make. They pay those tug captains quite a bit of money to guide those huge barges down the river.
Doesn't one of the guys on TM do that kind of work?
Jan, in this heat, I have to come home and water at noon or I will lose some of my potted plants. That's why I come home for lunch, well, besides needing to get away from the insanity.
Good going Carol...glad to see you have that
camera going again...
surprised to see the tugboat though...never thought of your river as a main route to ports...
Coreen, if there's water around, there's some industry that's going to take advantage of it. We have a very busy port in the city here. There are two small industries, not far, up river here. Those barges go up and down the river every so often. Not sure if it is at least once a day and sometimes even more often. It's kinda neat seeing them, especially at night when they shine this huge light down the river.
I'll see that bright light before I see the barge that is shining it. The river and the trees will light up, right outta the dark. It will startle me at times. They even shoot lights off to the side. I try to make sure I have my clothes on because they can see right thru all my windows if I don't. But I don't think they would want to look twice if they ever did.
Ya know that Giant Turk's Cap we had a heck of a time identifying last year? The one that froze down during our dreadful freeze? It did come back and I found and planted another one. I've had just one bloom one of them so far. I thought that it bloomed all summer last year but I read that it blooms in the Fall, most of the Winter and in the Spring.
I'm watering, feeding and waiting. Yesterday, my neighbor guy brought me a plant he uprooted from somewhere that looks like a minature version of my Giant Turk's Cap. It must be the regular size Turk's Cap. I planted it in a pot and will nurse it along to see if I can keep it alive. This is not a good time of year to transplant anything.
I also finally repotted this plant I bought at that garden show called a Indigo Iochroma. It has these long little purple flowers and the hummers and butterflies are suppose to love it. I almost let that poor little fellow die. I just got around to transplanting it into a bigger pot last week. It's the first little plant just to the right of those impatiens in the last pic I posted. It would have probably been huge and gorgeous if I would have transplanted it right after I got it in March. Lazy me.
Jan, it's too hot to fish, too hot for golf and not cold enough at home.....I think you missed my point.
I have my speech prepared for SF. If anyone is available and would like to give me any advice, I'm open.
SF, when I decided to jump on board here, preparation was already completed to put you away in a place where your safety could be assured. I jumped in because I felt like it was too soon for that to happen to you.
I do enjoy spending time with you. I hadn't spent that much time here before because I didn't have it to spend. I'm now having to work much harder to squeeze this in but I will gladly do it if I can assure to your safety and do it without torture. I love you.
From what I have learned there were a significant number of people taking advantage of you. It mounted up to a considerable amount of money, money you needed to take care of your business and yourself. It is your money to do with what you want but you still have those obligations.
There are many good people involved in your care. We were never able to find that kind of help with mom. That help also costs money but it has been some very good help for a very reasonable cost.
If you are going to fight me on this, I can't continue to try to keep things going as they are. That doesn't mean I can just bow out either. When I rescued you, I took on an obligation to keep you safe. I am committed to that obligation even if it means that you will need to go somewhere where your safety can be assured. That is not only a good thing, it is the law. They have laws for elderly protection and they were on the case before I re-entered the picture. They are still watching and we don't have any choice.
Well, off I go into the wild blue yonder.....Wish me luck!
Nite nite.
Sleep tight,
and don't let the bed bugs bite.
I use to hear that all the time when I was a kid. I thought that bed bugs were just those regular old bugs that sometimes chose to also share the bed. I later learned the truth.
I checked and I don't have any bed bugs, thank God, but I do have my share of other bugs. If I open the door too often at night, many bugs will fly in. Some find other ports of entry. They want some cool air.
Oh, I did give the speech, not exactly like it was written. We were in the truck and I had to ad lib. I added a bit more lib than either of us wanted but I noted lots of resistance. We'll see what comes of it. He's an old codger but totally in control and smart as a whip.
Last one here is a rotten egg....and you will be in plenty of good company. How in the heck can there be a billion rotten eggs? If you like eggs, better get your own chicken. I, personally, can do without. I noticed there were very few eggs at my Walmart even though Louisiana wasn't suppose to be in that recall. Maybe people are coming over from Texas.
Chloe, don't eat the eggs.
Before I left for my mission today, I took out some ground chuck and chicken to thaw out to cook up a batch of Maggie food. When I got home, I threw it into her electric stew pot and low and behold, what I thought was ground chuck was actually my coveted Angus beef cutlets that I like to coat with seasoned flour and fry up for a special treat.
Drats, now instead of Maggie begging for my food, I'll be beggin for her's. Snif, snif.
A good speech for your SF.
Sorry to hear about the meat you cooked for Maggie. She is dining well today. I hope you are also.
I added another pic. Find the baby Anole.
Jan, Maggie just ate some of her, (my) special treat, Angus cutlet dinner. She was really licking her chops after that dinner. She may not ever settle for just Angus ground Chuck again.
Here's one for you Coreen.
"Angelina Jolie is an adventurous eater. She has sampled bar larvae and a corn stalk. Jolie tasted a Cambodian cockroach and called it a “high-protein snack food.”
UPEI website
I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have found this story on your own. Your welcome.
Oops, I forgot insert the title into that hyperlink. It's:
"Angelina Jolie's Cockroach, Clinton's Cupcakes ... 'What The Great Ate' Reveals Famous Eating Habits (PHOTOS)"
I just added another pic. It's not very clear but it was the best I could do walking down the road.
I went out to walk Maggie and an owl flew up into a tree. I have seen something large fly past my window several times lately but couldn't catch a good look at it. Tonight I saw an owl. Even though I hear them hooting up a storm at night, I haven't seen one since little Vertigo left. Maybe it is little Vertigo, coming to say hi to me.
My Saints are playing the Texans tonight in preseason and they do sound pretty good. I think it is 21-10 right now.
"But I don't think they would want to look twice if they ever did."
ROFLMAO!!!
.... you kill me when you come up with this stuff!
"Angelina Jolie is an adventurous eater. She has sampled bar larvae and a corn stalk. Jolie tasted a Cambodian cockroach and called it a “high-protein snack food.”
... well then, that explains a lot. :)
28-10 NO, half time.....
Explains why she stays thin huh, Chloe. If I had to eat cockroaches, I'd be real thin.
Do you think that owl looks like little Vertigo? See, he has that same birthmark on his knee.
http://ct-carolssouthernspice.blogspot.com/2010/08/finance-your-mosque-with-people-who.html?showComment=1282395755156#c7259009966699731272
Jan, I'm so glad to hear that you're doing what you love to do. Thanks for filling us in, and hope you keep letting us know how things are going. I also enjoyed reading about how much you and John enjoyed having your 9yr old GGD over the other night. You two sure have a full life.
Yep, and she keeps getting thinner. She is a very strange person.
Carol, I love the pictures you took. I enlarged them all, and it reminded me again why you love it so much there on the river. I'm sure you know that a lot of the things that grow there are the same as we have here - very similar. We don't have moss on the tree's close to the house, but a few of the ones out further do.
Yes, I agree, I too think it's little Vertigo.
A few days ago, after I mentioned that I miss our owls out back, I actually heard one coming from the front part of our property - I can't remember if it was early morning or evening, but I just loved hearing that sound. Haven't heard it since though.
... I also loved the way you describe the tug boat and the lights shining on your river at night.
I love my house in the same way as you love your camp. I don't think I could ever give it up - I plan on spending the rest of my life here. Can't think of any place else I'd rather be.
You're lucky, you have two places to choose from.
With all your folliage Chloe, it would be difficult to ever spot an owl there. I hear lots of them but can't see any of them this time of year but I think they are watching me.
I think Roomie likes her place also. I'm still happy with our arrangement. Don't have to worry about the place.
Isn't it amazing how the weekends get things back on track. Reminds us of what's really important among I the ____ we have to wade through so much of the time.
Glad you got through the first serious talk with your SD. Always good to keep the lines of communication open.
I know what I had to say to SF got into one ear but I'm not sure if it stuck or just went out the other one.
"This fall, I won't have students with me, but will in the spring. I love this type of work because it is working with young families."
... are you looking forward to have students with you again, Jan?
The important thing is that you said it Carol. You know they hear what they want to hear, but I'm sure he got the basic idea. That's important for you two to be on the same page.
I'm going to check in again in the morning, and enjoy your pics some more. Thanks for sharing your river, and all the little 'beings' with us. It was so refreshing to tune in and find all that here tonight.
Bet little Maggie will sleep well tonight, with her little belly full of those prime cuts of meat.
Nite nite.
Sleep tight,
and don't let the bed bugs bite.
... won't let hubby say those things to Emma at night - I mean the part about bed bugs. Kids take things so literally. I'm always monitoring the things I say repeatedly, to make sure I'm teaching her the right things. I'm a strong believer in the power of suggestion.
Nite.
Carol, came back because I forgot to tell you!
The guy from TM that captains a barge is MSQ (I think I have the letters right, but you know who I mean). I always liked him a lot - I mean, still do, just haven't been over there in a long time. I think he's one of the smartest, most reasonable people there.
- - nite again
Nite
I remember it started with a M and had three letters but don't remember what the others are. I thought that the Q might be in the middle.
Just found it in TM archives. It's mqw.
Jan, I'm also glad you are back to doing what you love so much. And to be able to do just the things you like is really great.
Carol, I too think the little owl is "vertigo" It sure looks like him to me. He is so cute.
Carol, I love your pictures. I can't believe how much foliage you have and everything is such a beautiful color of green.
Chloe, I am enjoying being back seeing families - I am not missing students now. I don't know if I am looking forward to seeing them in the spring or not. I am just taking it one day at a time right now. If I start thinking about spring, I get nervous LOL>
Jan,these pics weren't really that good because most were taken with low light, either at dawn or dusk. The colors are so much better when there is better lighting. The pic of the Anole was taken in the middle of the day, with good light.
I really do enjoy my 9 year old GD. She is very interesting. She is the baby of 6 children - all are her 1/2 sisters and brothers. So of course she has had a lot of attention. They are all grown now and doing other things. Her mom and dad both dote on her of course and her grandparents. She is quite good company as she is dramatic when telling me about events in her life. She has had some drama training and been an extra in several movies. She was telling me last night she wants to be a singer when she grows up and has already started making up her own songs.
Carol, I think you are being too critical of your pictures. I think they are great. I am enjoying them so much. and sounds like Chloe is too.
I see the little anole in the top picture. I didn't see him until I blew up the picture. He blends in so well with the leaves.
How interesting what people eat - from the link you posted Chloe.
The only strange thing I have eaten was in Argentina. One time someone served grilled cow pancreas. I loved it. It was a common dish there and every time I got a chance, I ate it. It was very tender and tasty.
We ate at outdoor places there pretty often and the common fare was ensalada and bife with papas fritas. I would often find a little bug or worm on my salad - i would just take it off and toss it and finish the salad. My favorite thing there was their bread and butter. Their little dinner rolls were crusty with very soft and flavorful bread and with butter it was heaven.
Good nite and all the rest.
I didn't notice the little anole until this morning either (and I had enlarged the pic, guess I was tired). How cute is that!
"I am just taking it one day at a time right now."
Way to go Jan - - I'm always working on that myself.
"She was telling me last night she wants to be a singer when she grows up and has already started making up her own songs. "
That is so adorable Jan. That drama training is probably one of the most influential things in her life - actors and performers learn to express themselves in so many ways, and from so many different points of view.
I think kids are more capable than we give them credit for. It's hard to remember to not set our own limitations on them. It's so great that your GD is optimistic (and confident) - looking forward to the future, doing what she loves to do (like her grandma :).
Chloe, this morning I was pondering what you said about how much you love where you live. That's so wonderful. Before moving to your place in Texas, did you ever live out in a rural area, surrounded by nature?
I do feel the same way that you do. It was so special when I got this place. Mag and I would get off work for the weekend and/or holidays and get to come out here. It was like I was going on vacation. I'd tell her to get her bags packed we're going to the camp. She'd dance around. There was excitement in the air. Since I don't get to really go on vacation, this is a pretty good substitute.
When I finally decided I didn't want to go home from vacation, I thought that maybe after a while, being here may not be as special. It hasn't happened yet. Everyday when I get off work, I'm on vacation.
My days off are really special. The most special part are the mornings. Sitting outside when the sun comes up, watching the birds and squirrels feed and play and the fish jump. Listening to the symphony of nature without any distractions. Oh soooo special.
Carol, Jan is right about your pictures - they're just right.
I personally enjoy those times of the day, and think your pictures reflect it all so well. The times I like most I like most, are changes in clouds and sky, the shadows on the ground from trees, etc (and the little creatures). You caught it all, and that's what makes your shots so interesting and beautiful.
Last night it was bright enough outside, that I saw moon shadows from my window - one of my favorite sights. It was shining beautifully into the house from other windows.
"Before moving to your place in Texas, did you ever live out in a rural area, surrounded by nature?"
Never. Land was way too expensive in California, and it's so overcrowded, you couldn't own a house a decent size piece of land unless you were rich. That's one of the reasons I love it here so much. We would never have had this opportunity in many other places, while at the same time living where it's populated and growing, allowing us to make a decent living.
"My days off are really special. The most special part are the mornings. Sitting outside when the sun comes up, watching the birds and squirrels feed and play and the fish jump. Listening to the symphony of nature without any distractions. Oh soooo special."
Really beautifully said Carol. I dare not add anything, because there's no way to improve on the way you put it.
I remember when you were making that decision to move out to your camp Carol. You included the rest of us in that move too, and have shared it with us ever since.
There's been a drastic change from when you first came onto TM. You had just had your heart broken by losing all that money, and were trying to deal with what that meant. I remember well.
I did have one house in California (Simi Valley) that I really loved though (the one I brought my son up in - we lived there 17 yrs.). It was at the end of a cul-de-sac, and so the way the street was divided, we had a larger lot than usual - and whoever originally landscaped it, did a great job. It was done in such a way that created a lot of privacy. I really loved that house too (a lot bigger than the one we live in now) and was able to do the same thing you do now - sit out on the step of my front porch in the mornings and evenings, surrounded by thick greenery and tree's (nothing like the huge old tree's we have here though), and it was so quiet and beautiful. I used to get the sprinkler system going that time of the evening (we had to water there - not like here - and I used to love the sound of that too. Even better though, was the times it was actually raining. I have very good memories of that time of my life. The weather is wonderful there too - very dry.
We had so much freedom back then. Could take off any time we got the whim, and go to Vegas (which we did often). Hubby did triathlons and sail boarding, so we often traveled to those events. I was free as a bird, and a lot younger and energetic. Ha - less content though too. That comes with age. But still, beautiful memories. It is quite refreshing spending some time thinking about it this morning.
Thanks for the good conversation. Got to get breakfast going now. Will check in later.
Wow, were you guys ever hippy freaks also?
Chloe, after 911, I became obsessed with what was going on in the world. 911 got my attention. Some, and I do understand why, think that because we are so removed from that tragedy that we didn't feel it as much as those who lived nearby or those who lost family and friends. And that might be the case for many.
From the moment my nurse called me at the prison, where I worked at the time, to tell me about that first plane that hit the World Trade Center, I haven’t been the same person. Everything in my life has been different. I can honestly say that I didn’t even know what the World Trade Center was. It had no meaning for me. Terrorism didn’t either. But that all changed on 911. I turned on the news that day and didn’t turn it off, until I moved out to the camp. I watched it 24/7/365 and felt anxious when I couldn’t. TM was the end of that new’s/politics obsessed era.
I watched every minute of the coverage of 911 on TV. I forced myself to even listen to those idiots on talk radio in hopes of getting a little more news. I cried with every family. I tried to imagine how it would feel to be on the top floors of those buildings, having to make the decision about whether to burn to death or jump to my death. I did share their pain. I did much of the same with Katrina and other crises around our country.
All that suffering was taking its toll on me and I couldn’t give up my addiction to watching and sharing it. Moving out to the camp and leaving my satellite dish behind was how I finally cured that addiction. But I can’t give all of it up. I still do feel like it is my responsibility to know what is going on in our country and our world and care about those who are suffering.
I added another pic, looking up at my huge Bald Cypress tree. The pic doesn't really do justice to the experience. They are magnificent trees. You can see the trunk of that tree in pic #7. If that tree would come down this way, my camp would be history. I do see some along the river that are dead but they are still interesting when they are dead and they don't seem to fall down even then. Even dead cypress trees create such interesting shapes along the river. They are as cool dead as they are alive. They also provide nice homes for the owls. My tree is where my owls have their babies each year.
"I do see some along the river that are dead but they are still interesting when they are dead and they don't seem to fall down even then."
I think the dying/dead tree's are still beautiful too. They usually fall apart a little at a time (ha... like us!). First they lose their branches, then the top of the tree eventually falls, then piece by piece, unless you take them down first - we often don't. The pines are a lot more fragile than the oaks though, and it's the oaks I like most. They're huge, and they have so much personality. I know some of ours have to be over a hundred years old, and it's those that I like the best. When one does die, I actually get a little sentimental about it.
We were neve rhippies (I mean, I guess you could say that just about everyone in Ca. was a little bit of a hippy during the 60s and 70s - the culture there was so different than here), and we always had good jobs and strong work ethics. We needed to to have the money we needed to take our trips and do the things we wanted to do. It was easy to make money of of Real Estate in Ca. back then, property went up so fast. We managed to spend just about everything we made though. Then the economy went south. It just got to be too much of a struggle there. When we got here, things hadn't recovered yet, but it it started to not long after we arrived - a couple of years or so after. This place has grown so huge so fast, and that's been good for the economy here. Lot's of changes.
Carol, That pic of the Cypress you added is beautiful. See what I mean about them all having their own personality. That one looks wise, and has the battle scars and all to prove how long it's been around. And, could that sky be any bluer! The sky was never that blue on the west coast - too much smog there, I think (at least down in southern Ca. where we lived). Northern Ca. is a lot colder, so the conditions their vary greatly from southern.
Hi Carol & Chloe, I have enjoyed the picture of your Cyprus Carol. I too have a special feeling for trees - like Chloe. We have a dead tree in the back and I refuse to take it down because it provides a place to rest for the birds. It isn't causing any problems.
I have enjoyed reading your conversation earlier. I think one of the great things about our little group here is that we all seem to be happy where we are - geographically and in other ways too. Yet, we each share in the others' pictures, memories and day-to-day experiences (including sports events) and happenings with our families and friends.
Today is the anniversary of the day a year ago that John and I took little GD to Santa Fe on the train. It was the day John fainted under the car. I still feel traumatized by that event.
We had dinner with my oldest son, Bill and his family last night. They have 2 sons who are delightful. The oldest son is a waitperson in a restaurant here in Alb. the younger son is in his senior year at the Univ. He is studying accounting. He was the one who hit his head on the concrete a few weeks ago when his friend (a girl) jumped on his back. He has a pretty bad scar on his forehead. He recovered completely otherwise. His scar looks somewhat like a tree with limbs. the scar is just above his right eyebrow.
In the rainforest, they call those dead trees on the forest floor, nurse logs.
"A nurse log is a fallen tree which, as it decays, provides ecological facilitation to seedlings."
I learned that hiking thru the rainforest in the PNW.
Nurse log
Don't you think that is cool Jan? When I passed those "nurse logs" when I was hiking, I remember thinking, yep, it ain't always an easy job is it?
Now Jan, I remember when John fainted on the treadmil but I don't recall the fainting under the car story. Would you like to share that one again. If you ever find me under a car, believe me, I fainted.
Hi Carol, I do think the "nurse logs" are so cool. How interesting they named then nurse logs. I will remember this.
I may not have been "in your swamp" when John fainted this time last year. We had returned from Santa Fe on the train. When we got to our car, we had a flat. I called Terry to see if he could come change it for us. While we were waiting, John decided he needed to get it started. It was very hot and he had not been drinking much water that day b/c bathrooms were few and far between. Well, in the process of doing this he fainted. He was clammy and cool and I thought he was having a heart attack and dying. I was shaking so hard I had a hard time dialing 911. Finally I was able to. He did just faint. They did all the heart tests at the hosp and released him at 1 am the next morning.
He was sitting in the door rim of the car when he fainted - he slid half-way under the car when he fainted and I was thinking how am I going to do chest compressions with him half under the car. of course I could have pulled him over but I was so scared, I was beyond thinking.
Yosemitebear Mountain Giant Double Rainbow 1-8-10
The link above is a video of a man filming a full double rainbow at Yosemite. It is worth checking out.
You forgot the link Jan but I found it. I think those guys were smoking some dope and it sounds like they were really enjoying the experience.
Yosemitebear Mountain Giant Double Rainbow 1-8-10
On second thought, I don't think I want to try any of that stuff.
Chloe, I was looking up rhippies because I'd never heard of that until I realized that your "r" from never just got stuck on front of the word hippies. Whew, I thought that I missed out on something.
Ya know, those California people are always coming up with something new.
Hope you're watching 60 minutes. It's hair raising.
I've known a couple of people who worked out on those oil rigs, pretty well. Both were women. Both were fearful. Both ended up going down in a helicopter crash, both survived and both ended up leaving those jobs. They were two different jobs at different times.
"I was looking up rhippies because I'd never heard of that until I realized that your "r" from never just got stuck on front of the word hippies. ."
LOL again! Maybe I was thinking of 'ripped' hippies.
"Ya know, those California people are always coming up with something new."
Ha, ain't that the truth. People here used to tell us that nothing came out of Ca. except a bunch of fruits and nuts - and they weren't saying it jokingly either.
Hubby's hair was a little long when we first moved here, and some elderly lady did ask him (disparagingly) if he was a surfer. Now we fit right in. :)
See you tomorrow. (The weekend flew by!)
"I think one of the great things about our little group here is that we all seem to be happy where we are - geographically and in other ways too. Yet, we each share in the others' pictures, memories and day-to-day experiences (including sports events) and happenings with our families and friends."
Jan, meant to say hi to you before I left. I agree with the things you said in that post.
I still think it's the little things that matter most. nite again.
I just watched one of the most interesting movies ever, The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. It was in Swedish - with subtitles. One of the best mysteries we have seen. It has a disturbing rape scene but is a good movie. I bought the book a week ago, but had trouble getting into it. It was written by a Swedish guy who died recently. John and I both liked the movie a lot. The sequel is at the theatres now - The Girl who Played with Fire. I definitely want to see it.
Carol, I could not tell if the guy(s) were laughing or crying, I am sure you are right about them smoking something LOL>
Nite Chloe. Sorry I have missed your chats but I have enjoyed reading them.
Jan, I think the guy talking on that video started out laughing, very excited, then he had an orgasm and then he started crying. It must have been some dang good chit he was on.
Coreen, Swamp People premieres tonight on History Channel at 10p/9p central. I'm gonna check um out for mistakes.
Carol, I am sitting here dying laughing. I thought the same thing when I heard him too.
He sure likes rainbows.
We are watching "South Pacific" from Lincoln Center. Its been a long time since I saw that movie. Its on public TV.
Well, I watched that Swamp People last night and I found it pretty interesting. They were alligator hunting. They had some nice shots of the Atchafalaya Basin. To borrow from the program..
"Sprawling over a million-acre swath of southern Louisiana, the Atchafalaya River Basin is the largest swamp in the United States and one of the country's most ecologically varied regions. Its wetlands, bayous and marshes are home to 300 species of birds, 90 species of fish and shellfish and 54 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the great American alligator. It owes much of its haunting and mysterious beauty to the towering, moss-draped bald cypress trees that thrive in its swamp waters."
My Swamp is a mini version of that Swamp.
I am familiar with alligator hunting. It is well controlled. You just can't go out and shoot an alligator without getting into some serious trouble. There is a season and it's limited. I was pondering whether I should feel bad about them killing those gators. I realize they do have to control the population or they would take over and they do chop on swimmers if they get a chance.
Those Swamp People had cajun accents. Many think that all of us from down here in southern Louisiana sound like that. We don't. Actually that accent is more common in the middle of southern Louisiana and in some rural areas. In fact I very seldom even heard much of that accent when I was growing up so that when I was exposed to more people and ran across someone with a heavy accent like that, I didn't even understand what they were saying.
It seems when the news media interviews someone from our parts, they pick people with the least teeth and the heaviest accent they can find. Some of those boys on "Swamp People" would have fit that bill.
I am looking forward to seeing more of that series and I hope they do explore some of the people who live out in the Basin on houseboats.
If you missed that episode of "Swamp People" and do want to see it, it airs again Tuesday and Saturday night at 9p central time on History Channel.
We liked the Swamp People show. I don't have the fine-tuned ear that you have, Carol, but have definitely heard their accent (or is it a dialect?) from time-to-time in the various places we've lived, at least enough to now recognize it. It can't be imitated, you have it or you don't. I love hearing it spoken nonetheless. When we met the musician Tab Benoit, he definitely has it, and I struggled a bit to keep up the conversation. On the other hand, the only vocalization required that day was the ability to laugh, and laugh we did.
By contrast, when we'd visited with another Louisiana musician, Charmaine Neville, at the same event the prior year, her powerful speaking (and singing) voice was completely discernible and very different.
I haven't "learned" all the Swamp People stars yet, but I am already especially fond of the wife...I loved it when she told her husband to make his own coffee, she was going to finish her meal first. (I think they are Junior and Theresa). lol.
Ivy, dem swamp womens can be mo
dangrus dan dem gators.
Coreen, thanks girl for turning us on to that "Swamp People" program.
If y'all want to meet the people:
Meet the Swamp People
Carol, glad to find something that may be of interest on TV for you, but passing on swamp people...will have to leave it to you & Ivy to keep us up on them....as you know, I'm not big on hunting gators, s....s, & certainly not nutria for its fur....(pretty sure I saw one in the preview)....do like the born on the bayou ccr song though....& I do get a bit of LA 'speak' in True Blood(along with a lot of mayhem & yes...blood)....at least when I
catch up on the episodes I seem to always miss the 1st time around....
And again that 'cajun accent' that is associated with LA still reminds me of the movie 'The Big Easy' dennis quaid & ellen barkin...a really good movie....
and the other movie with a New Orleans backdrop & a great mystery/thriller is 'Storyville'
with James Spader...of Boston Legal fame...
(I do miss Alan Shore & Denny Crain)...what a
terrific pairing..they made that series a must
see...sorry it had to end....
First time I saw James Spader was way back in '89 on that movie 'Sex, Lies and Videotape'. A really unusual and original movie, at the time anyway.
That was quick! BREAKING NEWS! Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren Divorce Finalized, Couple Finally Speaks To Public!
I was looking online to see what 'Swamp People' you were talking about (before I saw your link, Carol), and these interesting pics came up (not related to the program, though).
There's even a lady quilting like you Jan, but out on her houseboat.
Some very nice shots depicting their life. These particular people look like they really work hard. A rough life, but at the same time, they're doing what they want to do - or at least what they know. http://www.cclockwood.com/stockimages/atchafalayapeople.htm
.... the photo with the lady, Gwen Carpenter out on her deck first thing in the morning sure is a beautiful shot. Looks so peaceful. She's the same one doing the quilting, I think.
Wonder if they have internet access out there on those houseboats? :)
Chloe, I have Gwen Carpenter's book about her life on a houseboat, in the Atchafalaya Basin, for 10 years. I mentioned it here before. She had a master's degee in something, I can't remember what. It's a short little book but very interesting. I saw a story about her on La Public Broadcasting and then found her book. I also have two of CC Lockwood's picture books on the ATCHAFALAYA BASIN.
Thanks for linking those pics.
Chloe, they do have generators on those houseboats and now with those wireless devices, they could have Internet out there if they wanted. I somehow think that most aren't interested.
That guy Calvin Voisin was Gwen's boyfriend for those 10 years that she lived on that houseboat. They met CC Lockwood while he was out photographing the Basin. He spent the night in some scary places getting some of his pics of the Basin.
Gwen left to go out and make some money working on a barge on the Mississippi, which they sometimes had to do to make ends meet. She fell in love with the Captain and married him. I was sad about that. I wanted her and Calvin to live happily ever after on their houseboat.
I found her book was way too short and I wanted many more details of her life out there on a houseboat for 10 years.
And I do remember that Dennis Quaid kinda slaughtered that Cajun accent in that movie, even though I did like the movie. Like Ivy said, it's an accent that is impossible to imitate. Only those familiar with it might be able to tell.
If you are interested in reading a little more about Gwen's experience on her houseboat....
Memories of Life on an 'Atchafalaya Houseboat'
She did this in the 70s before cell phones and Internet were heard of. I can't take a walk these days without my dang cell phone, and now also my Internet on Iphony.
There actually are some people who aren't addicted to their cell phones. You might even know one....
Because of your suggestion Ivy, I'm linking Tab Benoit.
Tab Benoit: When a Cajun Man Gets the Blues
This turned out to be a great little "Swamp" anniversary celebration. Thanks to you all for your links and suggestions.
I love listening to someone with a heavy Cajun accent. And you won't find many Cajun people who...don know how to pass a good time.
Laissez les bon temps rouler
When I'm sitting in the camp, looking out the windows, all I see is the water below. I often pretend I live in a houseboat. I can do that...but still appreciate that I have plumbing, electricity and, most of all, air conditioning.
And I think about how much I would have loved this place when I was a kid. But then, being here, I feel like I am a kid again.
Too bad they can't change the plans for that Muslim Community Center in NY into a Multi-Spiritual Center where many different faiths could share the same building. It would give everyone an opportunity to learn more about faiths, other than their own. It would go well with the concept of "World Trade Center". I guess that would be too neat an idea.
Just saw on AC360 how "commercial" chickens live. Ekk! Only cage free organic eggs for me from now on. There was a reason for this egg crisis. Those chickens were trying to get the word out.
It's amazing how many warnings nature and our environment have been sending us lately.
It's saying...."we're not going to take it anymore"
Ivy, I've got the impression that your Hubs is a golf fan. If so, what is his take on Tiger's golf game? Does he think he will ever make a come back and be on top again? Golf does seem to be a game where self esteem, positive attitude and focus have a big influence on that little ball. Tiger's been challenged in all those areas but then there are a lot of good, young whippersnappers out there now.
I just ordered a new book titled "UFO". I heard about it on C2C and a few other places. Kean's on a book tour.
"Leslie Kean’s astonishing book is the finest piece of investigative journalism ever written on this subject. She has an incomparable ability to ‘give voice’ to a constituency of exceptionally qualified and unbiased first-hand observers. They are not from the fringe, not groupies, and not delusional. Rather, they are high-level military, intelligence, aerospace, and government officials who speak with authority while providing reports that document actual, physical craft. Kean’s book represents the first important step toward a new U.S. government openness about UFOs. It brings forward a reality otherwise buried for far too long inside official mystery, and elevates the discourse above that of small-minded public discussions."
UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go On the Record
Hi Carol, Are you getting lonesome in the swamp. We have had problems with our wifi at home. so I have not been here for a while. I am going to try and watch the swamp people tonight. I have not been watching much TV lately. We have rented some movies in the evening.
Coreen, I loved Boston Legal. James Spader is one of my favorite actors. John's favorite on there was Denny Crane. We loved their skit at the end where they sat out on their balcony and drank scotch or whatever and smoked cigars. They shared some great philosophies.
I wonder what James Spader is doing now. I think he is so sexy. Of course his character on Boston L. was obviously someone who could not commit, except to Denny Crane.
"Just saw on AC360 how "commercial" chickens live."
Carol, northwest Arkansas is where they have a bunch of those commercial chicken houses. One of John's best friends owns one of those chicken companies (Simmons). If the wind is just so when you drive past one of those big chicken houses, it smells much worse than the Amarillo Stock Yards.
http://ct-carolssouthernspice.blogspot.com/2010/08/early-saturday-morning-cant-take-that.html?showComment=1282600429660#c8428622614028356853 "I somehow think that most aren't interested."
I'm sure you're right, Carol. I was just joking, mostly making fun of myself because I knew I could never live without (at least, voluntarily) all the modern conveniences. I don't even like to go camping.
Sure have enjoyed all the info you've shared with us about Gwen Carpenter's life though. It's been fun pondering what it must have been like, and easy to see why some people love that way of life. I had no idea who Gwen was when I linked those pics.
Jan, Glad to see you back - we've missed you.
Jan, I hope your wifi is fixed but I'm sure you have lots to do to keep you busy. I couldn't find a thing to watch on TV last night so I rambled on here alone and watched some of those videos on Swamp People. Pretty interesting, even for a native. Maybe it's only interesting for a native. I did find out from one of those guys why we have all those cypress knees I keep tripping over out here. They are also hell on a lawnmower.
Chloe, I listened to Gwen's little interview on NPR, on that site I linked, and learned why she wrote a short book without the detail I was craving. She wrote it later in her life, years after her experience on that houseboat, and she said that she forgot much from those years. She recreated it from some articles she wrote for magazines back then.
I wonder if she smoked a lot of dope back then? It was back in the 70s and I think pot was pretty popular back then. That would also explain how she could rough it on a houseboat, in the wilderness, for 6-10 years. Even my younger, more adventurous self couldn't have done that for more than maybe a week or two. The heat would have killed me.
Hello,
Im glad that everyone is doing well.! I am also, a little sad at moving from my house to an apartment, but I made that decision while im in good shape and not forced to.
I even know my new landlord from a previouse project (room addition) that we sahred...he had an empty apartment that he wanted to remodel....
I drew up a floor plan that I wanted and am very happy how it all turned out....Im not the type to wallow in what ifs....so this is my new home.!
I am working at a home addition now that is a nice prospect...and looks like another one will be coming forth.....It is an advantage of knowing/having a friend in the mortgage business...he will find the money needed for them.....he is one of the honest ones that survived.....
Im doing fine, not pessimistic, but optomistic that working hard at what I do is the right way to look at it all....just pissed that I have to start all over again.
But there is still room for a lot of optimism...I was just given copies of quit deeds for three lots in Indiana....and shown 11 more in a south suburb of Chicago....
The first three lots....were free and clear...nothing against them...liens etc. now I will see where this goes...if it all turns out fine....it will be another whole chapter in my life as a contractor.......
There are many, many turns in life.....adaptability is the key no?
In another way, Im very, very happy.!! My son Tom just came and will have dinner with me....he just finished his firs day of classes for his new career as a physical therapist....
If I was a little younger, I would take the courses with him...I love this stuff...Im looking at one of his books while he does his work out.....
I asked him to bring his books when ever he comes over so I can read them......I have a book called "prentice hall/Biology the living science" I have only read a few chapters.....it is a great book and will give it to him...should be of some use...since phisiology is a sub of bilogy I think...
There is so much to learn...wish that I started out wanting to know these things at a much younger age......this is what makes Espinoza one of the greatest mind that ever was....
He was a contented man...simple an yet he was such a deep thinker that he knew about the mind and brain/body that is know accepted...his thinking changed the whole way the neurology is understood....
ok, thats what I have been doing, and what has/is on my mind......in addition to you all which are never out of my mind....Love and Light.............
know=now....now U know.!
Hello Solarman. You are a breath of fresh air. Looks like you're in for a new adventure and it does sound interesting. The attitude you have while approaching this new adventure will assure that it will be a good and successful experience. You are a role model. Your son can be proud of you.
Hi Solar,
You're never out of our minds either. It's so good to hear from you, and that you've worked things out, and are moving toward the future.
.... still, I'm sorry for your hardships.
Chloe,
Hi honey,
Believe it when I tell you that im not that sad...this is like that cycle of weather that I told you about...can't stop it so I go along with it....I dress warmer when it's cold, and dress lighter when it hot.....
Im going with this as I would anything else...I understand exactly what happened...so therfore im not in any guilt trip about it.....a 100% effort in what I do...assures that I don't feel guilty about outcomes that I can't control...like the economic fall out.....not our faults that the greedy shits were just in the right places to do us harm
What does anger me, is that they are still in place to do it again....the very same people that hurt us, are the ones in charge...that is enough to make me go nuts....
Like I told people at tm....if the system was the cause of so much harm....then why is it that these same abusers are still at the helm?
IMO....it was a a ruse, a scare tactic to scam us....Im even more mad at the people that keep saying things like " if we hadn't of used all of this money to bail out the too big to fail shits......we would be in a world crisis...I have news for them....the rest of the world was in the same predicament...cept maybe for Germany.....
That Anna and Patrick on AGT are as good a dancers as any on Dancing with the Stars.
They are two kids! Amazing kids!
"100% effort in what I do...assures that I don't feel guilty about outcomes that I can't control"
Solar, your comparison to the weather is the perfect example that everything comes in cycles -- like it or not, what choice do we have but to ride it out. If everyone put the effort you do into what they're doing, it would be a better world.
Catch up time...
Solar, my best to you as you move forward...
hoping there is a 'turnaround' for you & many others in the not so distant future...
Jan,
As to James Spader, he appeared in a broadway
play, Race, for several months this past year, but I believe the play just closed...
I too loved Denny Crain character, but the show
would have not been anything w/o the wonderful
chemistry between Spader & Shatner....remember
when they dressed up like giant rabbits...what
about the time Denny was shooting the fish....
some really great shows....& yes them sitting
on the balcony at the end of each episode made
each show worth it...
Did see most of the America's got talent acts...if I were voting, the 2 I liked were
the magician with the fire & the guy singer
with the raspy voice/hat/guitar....the dancing
kid couple were excellent dancers too...
Hi folks, I watched most of AGT last night. I loved Anna and Patrick. They are amazing young dancers. I also liked the guy singer who has been sick. He was good. Those were the only acts I thought were great.
I taped some of the swamp people and watched some of it. I liked it. I actually understood the guys. I guess having lived there for 9 years helped some. I would not want to be out there when they were shooting alligators.
Coreen, thanks for the update on James Spader. We occasionally watch Boston Legal reruns. I remember the pink rabbit outfits. I also remember Denny had a blow up doll of Candice Bergen.
Solar, I bet you are someone who "lands on his feet" no matter what the circumstances. That was a saying my dad used. You have a positive outlook on life. I am glad to see you back. I don't go over to TM so some of what you are saying, I am not aware of. I am just not that into politics.
Carol, I look forward to hearing more about the book, UFO, by Kean. She was being interviewed on a TV show I was watching. Sounds very interesting.
The name of the program is America's Got Talent but many times I hear the judges say that someone is very talented but their talent wouldn't make a good Vegas act. They need to change the name of the program to America's Got a Great Vegas Act since that's what they are looking for.
You shoulda voted Coreen. When people don't vote, the knuckle heads will and someone like the Chicken Catcher wins. Anyone heard from the Chicken Catcher lately? He needed a lot of polish. He hasn't done much since winning.
I just finished making a meatloaf. I wrecked the entire kitchen doing it. I don't often eat meat but I felt in the mood for some meatloaf sandwiches. It's now in the oven, outside.
There was a hint, just a hint, of a fall feeling in the air. A nice stiff breeze outta the north, less humidity and maybe a degree or two cooler.
Humidity 38% with a dew point of 63. Whoopee.
Just got home from seeing a matinee of the movie, Eat Pray Love, after having finished the book yesterday. I am so glad I didn't pay attention to any of the so-called critics. It was a beautiful movie that complemented the book. My friend (who has not yet read the book but will, she says) also enjoyed it very much...I was concerned she might not "get it" without the book's back-stories, but apparently that wasn't necessary to her understanding and enjoyment. So I conclude that the critics' problem, more than just not having read the book which they admitted not having done, was that mostly there were men. lol
Anna & Patrick will probably end up on Dancing With The Stars, that is if they don't win AGT. The magician Antonio will probably make it through this round although he is not as talented as some of the other magicians still in the running, particularly Murray the Tiger Man. Don't count out Prince Poppycock. He is campy, for sure, but he has a great operatic voice which he did not showcase last night at all. Hubs' favorite is the Mississippi Blues Guys...The guys with the electricity-music probably need a live audience to best show off their talent.
Ivy, I just looked on Rotten Tomatoes again and only 1 of 5 of the women critics liked it. As of now 38% of those who reviewed it liked it.
I find that I often like movies that didn't get good reviews and don't like some that got really good ones.
Rotten Tomatoes Review of Eat, Pray Love
Carol,
I'm done reading reviews...glad I don't have to go by any of the so-called critics.
You might want to check out all the EPL merchandise also:
We Rate the Best (and Worst) of the 'Eat, Pray, Love' Merchandise Mania
Actually I didn't count all the women critics. There were more pages that I didn't see. Too many to go thru.
Jan, I started watching "The Middle" after you mentioned that your sister loved it. It is a riot. If you come on before it starts, check out the first rerun they have tonight. I almost busted a gut laughing. It's about this crazy middle class family. I guess I can relate well to crazy middle class families".
It's about a middle class family who actually lives like a middle class family. Not like these days, when many middle class families live like they are stinking rich and then they end up tanking the entire economy when all the bills come due.
Carol, we have been watching it for several weeks. they are reruns but we didn't watch it during the regular season so the episodes are new to us. We like it too. Little Brick is so funny. Do you remember when we had peds they talked a "funny looking kid" syndrome? He has some real funny characteristics. I wonder how much is drama and if any of it is just him??? The daughter is also hilarious. I like that it is a regular family with regular jobs. No one is a doctor or lawyer (no offense Coreen) or has really important jobs.
Hi Carol
My stomach is calling. Back later.
Yep, I blame them also. I remember, back in the day, when we had to wait to have really nice things. I had a Master's Degree and a decent job but had to buy the cheapest house I could find and couldn't even afford a washer and dryer for several years. I don't think they had invented credit cards back then.
It's easy to blame the rich Banksters and those shyster Wallstreet guys but it takes two to tango. It's supply and demand.
Well, America's got one right!
You'll be happy Jan.
I liked that second decision also.
That last decision coulda gone any which way and it woulda been OK with me.
I'll have to say that that meatloaf was the best meatloaf I've ever had/made. I ate half of it. There is some left for those sandwiches I was craving.
I taped AGT so don't know the results yet. I was busy on the quilt. We had meatloaf too Carol - but Costco made it. It came with mashed potatoes. I opened a can of black eye peas and voila - dinner. I am sure your meatloaf was better.
Good night all. John and I are both reading "To Kill a Mockingbird." A friend gave John a copy and I bought one.
I want to thank the powers that be....God, et al, for steering those tropical systems away from the US. I've been praying for that and I'm quite sure I'm getting lots of help. Thank You!
Jan, do y'all like meatloaf sandwiches too?
If you arent' feeling old yet....try this....
Rolling Stone has rated the Top 100 Beatles'
songs....Their final studio album was released
40 years ago in 1970....
Will have to think about what would be my favorites...
Here's the Top 10 Beatles' songs from the Rolling Stone's list...
Beatles Top 10 Songs
Oh, before I forget....90 years ago....19th
amendment....happy anniversary....
all of us here have those brave women (& some guys) from so long ago to thank for our right to vote & as far as I'm concerned our obligation to vote each & every time there is an election, locally as well as state & federal...but that's just me....I could not wait to go to the town hall & register to vote when I was old enough, quite a few years ago....
Carol, We will have meatloaf sandwiches for dinner today. This will be a first for me. I will let you know what I think.
It is hard to believe that it has only been 90 years that women have had the right to vote. You inspire me Carol with your commitment to your civic responsibilities.
Jan, that was Coreen who wrote that about women's voting rights but I do take my responsibility to vote seriously.
We have a lot of "C"s here and easy to mistake one for the other.
Jan, I can't believe you have never eaten a meatloaf sandwich. Is that just something we down here in the south do?? Everyone I know likes them, even better than just eating the meatloaf. Anyone else here like meatloaf sandwiches? Mayo, mustard and pickles, sweet or dill. I could hardly wait to get home for lunch to get that sandwich. It was as good as I was expecting. And meatloaf is always better the second day after all the flavors have had time to marry.
".I could not wait to go to the town hall & register to vote when I was old enough, quite a few years ago...."
Coreen, YOU inspire me. I attributed this and previous comments about voting to Carol earlier. She is right - there are 3 of you whose names begin with C. I tend to be a scanner when I read - and got the wrong gal. LOL
Carol, I have all the stuff you mention for my meatloaf sandwich tonight. Do you heat your meatloaf or eat it cold?
Jan, I prefer it cold.
On a sandwich, that is.
Well, did you ever watch the AGT results? What did y'all think. I was OK with them. I haven't been watching much of AGT this year since I had that problem with it last year. Whatever happened to the young girl with that huge opera voice??
You know I have not eaten any red meat in many
years....but my grandmother made meatloaf mixed
with italian tomato sauce, some used ketchup
to mix with it....& then cold sliced meatloaf
on bread, with ketchup....
for me its veggieburgers on a roll with lots
of ketchup & pickle slices...only use mayo
to make tuna salad (not real big on mayo...& only Hellman's mayo...no substitutes)
As far as the America's got talent group...no
real standout, maybe the next group will have
a really special talent....
some of the acts likely could be part of a vegas show....like the magician that was sent home...some maybe are really circus
acts....
I watched AGT that I had taped - The little girl with the big voice will be on next week. I think her first name is Jackie. Otherwise, I am not too impressed either. I will watch next week.
The act that I was the most impressed with was the young ballroom dancers. I think that they danced as well as the best on DWTS and to be so young. Yep, I can see them as the pros on DWTS if that show is still around. Probably not.
I didn't catch the dude with the makeup so I can't speak to that act. Even though it's not a winning act, I was impressed with the kite flying act. It was unique and interesting. Hat singer guy was good but I've seen too many of them.
It's interesting what different people around the country put on their sandwiches. Some mustard only, some mayo only, some both.. I can eat either Kraft or Hellman's mayo. If there's someone around who prefers one or the other, I use that one.
I have to have dill pickles on my sandwiches. No pickles, no sandwich. I used to put sweet on turkey and definitely sweet in tuna salad. There are some condiments that are required for me to eat certain things. I need a list when fixing and eating a salad.
My boatman, pool man, pontoon boat captain, has been over working on my bass boat. The carb bowl fell off the other day. It's been having trouble getting started for a while and that was not usual. I could leave it out of the water for a year and start it up first time. He has it fixed now and is out running it. I need to be ready for fishing soon. I've been watching something tear up the water across the river. It's gotta be a big bass.
I read in our local paper how good the bass fishing is out in the river now. The guy who wrote the article said he caught about 50, catch and release, the other day, most of them one to two pounds and some much bigger. Hey one to two pounds would excite me plenty. I'm really ready for some perch jerking also. There's no better way to meditate than when you're out fishing.
Carol, glad you are getting your boat up and running. I look forward to seeing pictures of your future catch either in the raw or cooked and on a plate.
John and I watched the guys on "The Swamp" catching alligators. It is sad to see them killed, but like the one guy said, Troy (he is my fav). Got a cute son too. Anyway Troy said if they don't kill some of them, the swamp becomes overrun and they will eat people. He actually said that. I see what you mean about some of these guys and missing teeth and these are young guys too - probably got them knocked out in fights. I love to hear them talk. I can shut my eyes and put myself back in LA.
Coreen, I don't eat much red meat. I like a hamburger once in a while. It really does not agree with my stomach - can only eat a few bites. I can never finish a hamburger any longer. My dad died of stomach cancer. He loved red meat and ate it at every opportunity - lots of it grilled too. I have never cared much for the taste of red meat - either steak or roast. I eat chicken but lose my appetite for it if I cook it. There is something about the smell of meat that is not appealing to me.
Jan, same with me about meat. I don't eat much anymore. Maggie eats lots of it and I buy most of my meat for Maggie or to BBQ for friends. I got a freezer full right now and some of my friends have been asking for a BBQ but I'm just waiting for some decent weather when I won't mind spending time outside.
And Jan, Troy's my favorite also. I watched a couple of short clips with him talking on the website. He's pretty knowledgable about the swamp. There's another guy who will be on maybe next week. He looks kinda interesting. He has an alligator farm. Now that Junior, I think his name is, who was on this week, I didn't much care for his attitude. He's the one who told his wife to make him some coffee. I'm surprised she hasn't used the frying pan on his head yet. I woulda. Maybe she will and we can watch.
Yep, I just looked and his name is Junior. He definitely needs an attitude adjustment. Maybe we can pull for the gator when he's out hunting.
Troy reminds me of one of my good friend/neighbors who died the year after mom died. He spent a good bit of his life on the river and knew everything about it. I really miss him. He never got to see my camp cuz I didn't have it then but he would have loved it and would have been out here visiting all the time. I do feel his presence out here.
Years back, when his kids were young, he had a camp on this little island out in the river. It was very rustic, no pumbing or electricity.
Anderson Cooper's in New Orleans this week for the anniversary of Katrina. He's been a good friend to NO.
I do remember watching all the news on Katrina and crying with those poor people trapped in that city. Then a short month later, going thru our own hell with Rita. Thank God we didn't have that flooding. Rita was a more intense storm. Katrina was #6 in intensity and Rita was # 4. It wasn't the hurricane but the flooding that got NO.
Driving down my road here, there are still reminders of Rita. She completely wiped out several of the trees in this yard and she left her mark on the others, all except the Bald Cypress trees. They stood strong and tall.
Just read this quote from Tiger Woods. Really, no kiddin.
"It feels good to be able to control my ball all day like this," Woods said.
Do you think he left out an "s" on ball?
Tiger Woods Plays Best Round Of The Year At The Barclays
I figured his game would improve as soon as he got control of his balls.
I am just checking in to say "good night" I have been working on the quilt but listening to Anderson Cooper in NO talking to some of the people there and also Michael Brown. My dad was dying 5 years ago at this time too. It all brings back so many memories.
Carol, I really like that Troy. He seems like he and his son have it together. It is an interesting show. I will watch it again.
Your friend that Troy reminds you of sounds like he was a good guy.
LOL Tiger and his balls. What he did was stupid - but he is one heck of a golfer. I do hope he gets his game back.
Meatloaf sandwich was good. A new dish!
I work tomorrow. I will be working more next week as this week was really slow. Makes me appreciate weekends and days I don't work. I think John is happier that I am not home all the time. He is a house-husband.
In reading that article I can see why men like golf so much.... trying for easy birdies, pulling out your wood and putting it in the hole....I felt like I was reading porn. Hmmmm.
Never thought of golf that way. hmmmm. The word they yell when a ball is in flight - FORE - Golf may be foreplay for guys.
Good night Carol.
I think she's got it.
I'm kinda pulling for Tiger to get it back together also. He'll just need to pick up a few new sponsers like maybe...beer, condoms and Ambien.
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