FabulousLorraine.com

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Pink and Her Ponies....

It was a riding weekend this past weekend and I did promise some Horse Photos. I didn't say anything about GOOD horse photos, but again, Miss Kitty is coming home from her tour soon and THEN we will have photos. Horses, Bengals, ME, all of it!

This is more exciting for me, as it will mean she will BE here. I think I am going into withdrawal. Long tour it was. I miss her!!!!!! Bet she will have some posts soon at Neverwear and Furrytiger too!

Above is a lovely picture of me with Lady May, a pure Arab, post riding. I think it is a good look for me. Sweat, dirt, pink. What's not to love?

I've only recently started riding Maisie, as she is called. Whole different horse. With Ana I feel like I work on my riding, and with Maisie, it's more working on the horse and the riding. I wish I could be more articulate than that. With Maisie, it's like every shift of muscle, every slightest touch of rein means something to her. We are kind of a circus as of yet, she and I.

Here's my Annamontanta (they CAME with names people) eating her saddle. Ana is half quarter horse, half arab, and lovely to ride. Both are show horses, both English and Western. I like English better. Really want to learn Dressage. I can make an 8 now, at a trot on the right diagonal.

This is the Horse equivalent of learning G, D, and A on the guitar.

Here's two young friends trying to make Maisie put her ears up for the picture, which was far more fun than shooting the horse.

The people I ride with are what makes this stable. They are all serious riders, with great horses, but they really love horses, and anyone who also loves horses is ok in their book.

I love being out there. I love the way everything else drops away when I'm there. You can't worry about work while you ride, you can't be thinking in music, you can't be wondering what you need to do next. You can't panic.

It's you and the horse.

I love the way I can hardly walk when I am done and wake up so sore I wonder how the other guy is. I love it when I get better at it. I love the way I fall asleep about 30 seconds after I get into bed at night. And stay that way until morning.

It's making me stronger. And fitter. In mind and body, if that doesn't sound too corny.

I love seeing what happens next.

When I'm riding, I'm everything I see in my mind.

And I think everyone needs that.

Love and Horses,
Lorraine

238 Comments:

At 09:39 Phiala said...: I love the first picture. And it's obvious that riding is good for you in so very many ways.

Okay, back to statistics.
At 09:45 Dan Guy said...: Those are some fine looking horses.

I love waking up sore for all the best reasons.
At 09:47 louisa said...: Well that's put a huge grin on my face! Great post, Q, I love that you're so passionate about this and so open and sharing with that passion. I believe the word I'm looking for is Inspirational.

Okay, back to books.
At 09:48 One Sock Short said...: Nope, not too corny. Perfect. And I'm glad you found it.

Lacking the riding option, I start dance class tonight. Ballroom for Barrooms, they call it. I hope the class isn't all couples who only want to dance with each other. I used to do contra dancing, lo these many years ago, which has the advantage of making everyone dance with everyone else. I've never been good at it, but I did enjoy it. I opted for this class first, however, since I think I need the extra motivation of having already paid for the classes.

I hope everyone is well. Extra hugs for our CA Fiends. Stay safe! and for Emily. Ditto!
At 09:54 vampi said...: oooh morning post and in the top 10, score! :)

riding looks like so much fun, and sounds like a great retreat for you. everyone needs that something that lets you melt away from "normal" and focus on something else.

great pictures, lovely horses, lovely quiche.
At 09:56 Wendy Withers said...: I've always wanted to ride. It looks like so much fun! And, horses always look kind of gentle and wise.

Tonight I start my Howl O Scream orientation. Howl O Scream is like a giant haunted theme park in Tampa. This is where I get my big boost in exercise every year- scaring people is a hard business. A couple years ago, I strapped a pedometer to my ankle and found out I was averaging about seven miles during a five hour shift, which is about two hours of walking.

Fun times!

I would suggest Tampa for an October Fiendom Come, since Howl O Scream is so awesome, but I'm guessing it's a little short notice. (Plus Disney, Universal, Islands of Adventure, and a bunch of other parks do haunted events, too. Howl O Scream is at Busch Gardens.) >.> I'm gearing up for the month of Halloween!!!!
At 09:58 spacedlaw said...: Good way to relax!
So you like the English better. Wonder why is that...
At 10:09 Craig Steffen said...: I agree with the meditative effects of concentration + physical work.

I'm not a horse person (haven't been on one since summer camp too many years ago for me to calculate). However, I took the same strategy for my first year of graduate school (in physics). THe first semester I took fencing. The second, I took ballroom dancing. Both were a way to completely leave the hard work and concentration of the first-year classes behind and cleanse the mental palette, as it were.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
At 10:17 fairbetty said...: How long have you been riding, Lorraine? I've just picked up your blog in the last few months. Really enjoy it.
I started riding 2 years ago, something I've wanted to do since childhood, and have really enjoyed the experience.
Here's some dressage inspiration if you get a moment to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZhtiCqBAGM
Peace and ponies,
fairbetty
At 10:25 Na said...: Zen and the joy of horse riding. ;) Beautiful.
At 10:30 Chantrelle said...: What a beautiful post! I'm so happy you've found something you love so much that also helps you mentally and physically. So many times the things we love are harmful, glad this is so beneficial.

I rode a little (western) as a kid, my stepmom had a couple of horses, but i haven't been on one since i was about 12. I still miss it. I love horses. I want to ride on the beach north of here, there's a place to rent and ride. I will sometime, maybe when ben's big enough to ride.
At 10:45 Jane said...: Finding an exercise you love - priceless. And good people to be with at the same time. It sounds like incredible fun.

Yoga takes me out of my head in that same way. Much needed in this busy world of ours.

OSS! Dance class! Can't wait to hear how it is.
At 11:01 Edain said...: Well said! :)
At 11:10 DataGoddess said...: I like your observation that riding different horses means you must change your actions based on what the horse is expecting (every action meaning something or not). Horses are so smart, and so cool.
At 11:11 Anonymous said...: If you want more on dressage, and how to do it (this is not a how to site) check out Dancinghorse. She is a well known writer who has a working Lippizan farm and talks about it. She is training a stallion she bred, as well as mares, all Lipps. Her discriptions are great.

She has a blog on a writers site and I cna't think of what it is called right now. If you are interested, write to me and I will forward the info.

sfmarty1@comcast.net
At 11:28 Laura said...: "...it's more working on the horse and the riding."

I know exactly what you mean. I learned to ride on an Arabian and boy did he teach me a thing or too.
They're tricky horses, but the rewards are so worth it.
At 11:53 Kate said...: I like horses, but have pretty much only had adult riding experience with grumpy horse people. As in, people who assume if you haven't grown up in a stable, you cannot possibly "get it" and are therefore hopeless and beneath notice.

Reading your horse-y blogs makes me want to get out and find a good place to take lessons.

Wendy- how awesome that Halloween lasts more than a month for you!
At 12:16 Anonymous said...: A real "feel good" post and very cheering. The riding sounds perfect for you and I love that first picture, so happy.
At 13:17 ariandalen said...: Oo! Ms. Fabulous, pretty in pink having ridden beautiful horses!

So. Now we have to say, "Fit Happens?" ;)
At 13:21 Marjorie said...: Love the pics. And that you are enjoying yourself, and have such great people to ride with.
At 13:30 EmilyLady said...: I love that kind of soreness. Not that I've ever ridden a horse in my entire life, but I love that kind of soreness. And you do look really pretty in pink.
At 13:43 FabulousLorraine said...: Yes, Katie, I know of whom you speak, "The Snoots" I call them. No snoots at OUR barn!

Thanks SF Marty, would love that!

I want to learn it all.

Rode Maisie this morning and really started to feel like I was doing some proper riding! Had a lot more control and a lot more confidence. I love her!

Of course, now I am dirty, sore and tired with a LOT of Assistanting to do, lol...
At 13:44 EmilyLady said...: You cram in everything you love ...
At 13:48 Ali Trotta said...: I rode for many, many years (23 out of my 26 years of life); it really is rewarding. You create a bond between you and your horse--and, like you said, everything else drops away. You have to focus, and if you panic, the horse knows!

I rode English, and I did a bit of Dressage. Jumping, too. I never competed; it was more for fun than anything else.

It sounds like May is a of more sensitive horse. You find that with certain breeds. Arabians and thoroughbreds, especially. It sounds like May will teach you how to have better control over your signals. Since she's so receptive to them, it'll show you when you're doing something. On a less sensitive horse, you might've had to signal more strong to get his/her attention. I'm trying to think of a better way of putting that, but I can't.

In any case, it's amazing to have that synergy between you and your horse. If you ever have any horse questions, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them. :-)
At 13:56 AletaMay said...: Thanks for such an uplifting post!

I think I have lost track of those things that put me in that focused transcendent place over the past few years. Right now I have a couple things that are sorta like that (although they are very different from horse riding) and I really want more.

It is very Zen as Na said. Those things that really force one to be completely present in the moment in body, mind and spirit are powerful.
At 13:59 ariandalen said...: Hi, fairbetty, Edain, and Laura June! Fiends are fun, and now you are one! Pick up one of these fine white jackets with lovely buckles, then go over there and choose supplies to personalize your jacket. Anything goes, but leave the buckles on. ;)
At 14:05 EmilyLady said...: Laura June is such a pretty name. I especially love June.
At 14:28 Ticia said...: I'm so happy that you've found such peace with the horses. I remember bow nervous you were when you started.

The pictures may not be from Cat or Nat, but they sure show a pretty picture.

Thanks for sharing. I need to find something that takes me out of myself like that.
At 14:39 Chantrelle said...: If you're aren't on twitter, you haven't seen that today is the last day to order Maple Bacon Toffee from the best chocolatier in the world (i think!). Think of this as a FoodPorn public service announcement. You're welcome :)
At 14:47 spacedlaw said...: You can also make it yourself, if you are outside the US...
At 16:13 Ani said...: Lovely blog, Q! Thank you for putting it all so beautifully.
At 16:14 Jess said...: Did someone say bacon? 8P

Wonderful that the riding's going so well. It's good to have something like that to keep you firmly focused on now, even if only for a short time.

Edinburgh tomorrow. In two days' time I shall return with photographs of bagpipes, or something. Will be doing the ghost walk, too. Very excited about that. They take you down in the vaults, and that. Fun fun fun.
At 16:19 Jess said...: o ticky
At 17:00 Dragonsally said...: This post has made me start my day in a happy way - lovely photos Quiche.

Time for breakfast. Yah.
At 18:10 Ms T said...: (drive-by comment before I go back to indexing)

Love the photos...and the post.

Thank you for sharing those with us. :)
At 18:22 EmilyLady said...: Cooly-o for you, Jess.

Quiche, I mentioned how very much you love riding today while my mom and I were out driving and passed some horses. She said, "Yeah, riding is a lot of fun." Like wow! She rode! I didn't know.
At 19:30 FabulousLorraine said...: Hot tub. That's all I'm saying.

Am going to lie on my couch now and read my lovely manuscript until I fall asleep. Which may be shortly.
At 19:32 EmilyLady said...: Hot tub is really all that needs to be said ... good-night, Quiche.
At 19:34 vampi said...: quick tip about hot tubs, do not try to ride out a raging brush fire in one.

alos, if asked to evac, EVACUATE. ffs, several people are now trapped and want rescued. idiots. this fire is serious business.

also, i wish i had a hot tub, next place need to have a hot tub.
At 20:36 Siri said...: I sent this to OSS earlier today, but think the rest of you need to know what our Wild Librarian can be:

Wild Librarian
At 20:47 Siri said...: Vampi - how are you doing? Still safe? Anyone know about Dread Val?
At 22:30 ariandalen said...: Siri, after checking her Twitter page, I think Dread Val is okay this year. Everything near her burned last year.

I still don't have a Twitter account, but I can read public tweets just like everybody else.
At 22:36 One Sock Short said...: Dance class was fun! There were, as usual, extra women, but only three of us. One couple who had taken the class before agreed to split up and both lead. So we three extra women changed partners among the two of them and the instructor. It comes as no surprise to me that the best lead was the woman. She knows what signals she looks for when following, and gives them clearly.

Much in keeping with the thoughts in this post -- When I was dancing with the man she came with, he said she keeps saying you need to stop thinking and just move. I see she's going to be at least as good a teacher as the instructor, who is himself much better than the last one I tried (lo these many years ago).

Also, I am tired. But wired, for a bit anyway. I foresee sleepy, sore, but happy Tuesdays.
At 23:57 HellZiggy said...: What? You don't get an assisting holiday when Boss goes off the map? That hardly seems fair.

I always wanted a horse when I was a little girl and my mean parents always said no. I should look into seeing if there's somewhere here in Mpls that I can finally learn to ride.

~other Sharon
At 00:59 Lysandwr said...: Ooooo, horses! And Pink! Shiny!!!

A grand time obviously had by all....cool beans.

not intending to hijack, but I do feel like an update is in order. Life has been changing hourly recently.....

On the last possible day for new student admittance, the Tech admissions people called me and said "why, yes, we'd like to offer you admission to New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, even if your grades and SAT scores are a scosh LOW by our standards " Okay, I added that last part. They are notoriously picky, tho....and their Math SAT average is like comparable to MIT.

Mind you, I JUST became a Postman. Just started delivering mail all by my lonesome a couple a weeks ago. Great salary, but not something I can continue to do and be a STUDENT full time.

But your tax dollars (ahem, those of y'all what pays such to these here Federated States of America :)) will be supporting me now, as through the Post 911 GI Bill my tuition is paid....fees...books...and a monthly living stipend.

SO. Today was my first day of school. And it was totally awesome. My schedule was rather set up for me, and yet they still managed a Trifecta of English, Humanities and Technical Communication classes all around....wait for it...

Science Fiction in Film.

I was MEANT to be doing this!!

Now as long as I survive the Math, Physics, Chem et cetera classes all will be well.

And to add drama:
We close on the House tomorrow. Barring incident, and the creek don't rise. So. Um. Not meant to ignore the Fiendom. Just kinda tied up at the moment!

But all will shake down .... settle down... calm down. Really it will. And in three years or so, there will finally be a BS after my name (hey now. Resist the urge!! :))

Hugs all around...keep on dancing....Emily, tell Stalker Boy to get a life far outside your orbit, that your gravity is not an excuse for him sucking.

Love y'all!! (Can you TELL how happy/excited/TOTALLY TIRED I am after these last few weeks???)
At 02:03 Marjorie said...: Lysandwr, that's all such great news! And I am not surprised you haven't had a lot of time to chatter.

Hope today goes well:-)
At 04:25 vampi said...: fell asleep right after dinner and just woke up by boy in a panic late for work. that's what he gets for not using alarm clocks. i am not a reliable alarm.

LYS WOW!!!!!!! so excited, lots going on, and all good. i'm so happy for you.

we are still fine for now, dread val should be ok. i'm not entirely sure where she is, but based on our last meet, the fires were closer to me and Lexo and not near Val and Stacy.

It looks like the southern border of the fire near me has been defined and the fire is now spreading north and west away from me. it is still pretty hot, but winds have picked up a little spreading the fire. please continue to keep the firefighters in your thoughts, as this is a horrific and still out of control blaze and they are doing amazing things. I herd on my way home that one of the firefighters who perished is expecting a child in the next week. so heartbreaking.
At 08:20 dabbler said...: Lys, WooT! that's fantastic news... not for your local PO, but many more people have the capacity to be postmen than the ability to do chem and math and Science Fiction film.....

And, I can't think of a better use of my tax dollars.
Wind up that brain, and show 'em!
At 08:34 Arwenn said...: Yay Lys!!! I can tell you from experience how wonderful it is to finally get that degree....enjoy!!
At 09:09 Martha W. said...: Do the horses like apples? I have given up making apples into sauce and could maybe find some decent ones for horses. They haven't been sprayed or anything.
At 09:18 Phiala said...: I was all kinds of productive this morning between 6am and 9:30am. Many things crossed off the list.

Then I arrived at work.
At 09:20 Martha W. said...: I'm trying to turn my picture into a basket of apples.
At 10:14 FabulousLorraine said...: Morning all!

Such e-mail today, been at it hours now, and am feeling pretty good about things. It's sneaky now as it is all overseas, so I wake UP to a flood, which then slows o a trickle as the day goes on, and they go to sleep...

This does not surprise me about Lys at ALL. Of course. She rocks to her own rock and is amazing at it.

I think I knew for sure the Night of the Llama, out in the desert, with cati jumping at us from all sides, under the moon...

Kid you not. Lys is like that. THINGS happen for her.

Martha, yes, horses love apples! I'll take 'em!

Back to e-mail which today is called "Princess of I will figure it out"
At 11:03 Anonymous said...: Quiche, I don't have Dancinghorse's permission to post her real name online, but write to me and I will clue you in. She is a Science Fiction writer and very well known.

sfmarty1@comcast.net
At 11:11 Chantrelle said...: Lys, that's amazing! That is exactly what I want my tax dollars paying for, thank you very much :) WOOHOO!

If you ever have time to get back out here, we will have celebratory sushi :D

The fires are awful...The one up here was so small in comparison and still nightmarish so I can't even imagine. I'm waiting to see if my sister's boyfriend gets sent down there (he's a Calfire captain). There's a huge blaze just east of here as well but not as huge as down there!

I've been trying to get ben re-set up for his pre-k screening w/ his dr. They changed his appt to be w/ another doc and I was sooo mad! He's shy w/ new people (as a lot of you saw) and wouldn't talk w/ a dr. he's never met. Of course I was very very very sweet to them (The Quiche technique) and they fixed it. They moved another patient's appt to fit him in. I am learning master Q.
At 11:50 FabulousLorraine said...: HA! Morning e-mail done before noon! Brazilian interview done!

I am the power today!

Off to work then a ride.
At 12:52 Beez said...: Lys! Woo Hoo and congratulations!

Man, in only the couple of short years since I met a certain Lemur online, big big BIG moving and shaking. I LIKE my tax dollars going to this, yes indeedy.

Martha- I am looking at the 2 bushels currently occupying my kitchen. Will they ever be gone?

So Quichie, if you want a few more apples after Martha's....

You always look so happy around the horses. I used to take myself riding 2 or 3 times a week south of here- just me and a horse and the trails through the woods, it was one of the best things I ever did for myself.

Aleta, I'm in the same boat of losing track of the transcendent things. Singing always did it too- especially in a group choral setting for me.

Life just gets so -busy-!

Other Sharon- shall we put out heads together and find riding lessons? (I need a refresher). My SiL keeps her two in Corcorran, she may know someone.
At 13:18 dabbler said...: Lovely fall day, today... been scrubbing mold off kitchen cabinets, and discovering I have enough pasta/rice/beans/non-gluten pasta to last for a very long time. Note to self: Do not buy anything except vegetables for the next two months. And books, of course.

DD signed up for first driving lesson... she's had her permit for months, is scared to drive. Any advice? I love driving. but am a terrible passenger, probably one of the causes of her fear.
At 13:20 dabbler said...: Oh YES. Singing... thanks for the reminder, Beez. haven't sung now for a couple of years, and can feel the missing bits of my soul. Hm. Time to find a way to fix that. Never fails to make me feel better.
At 15:02 ariandalen said...: Lys,

YES!

You've earned those tax dollars, and I have no problem with my tax dollars being spent on you, and other veterans. Especially to provide you with a living while going to school.

Here's to everything going smoothly at the house closing tomorrow!
At 15:26 EmilyLady said...: First day of school. I may be home schooled but school is school, and chem research is chem research. And chemistry is, I think, pretty awesome. Was it home schooling that turned me into a nerd?

Oh wait, no it wasn't. I think I was like this when I was in elementary school. PUBLIC elementary school.
At 16:26 EmilyLady said...: Chem research done; now to find a book we can soehow force Jack into reading. Neither Ben, Jack, or Will are into books. Jack has this secret love for them, though; don't tell his friends.
At 16:27 EmilyLady said...: He won't even really read them in the privacy of home (as far as I know) ... he pretends he doesn't like books.
At 16:31 Marjorie said...: Everyone doing lots of exciting new stuff :-)

Dabbler - only advice I can think of is to have somone not-you to ride with her to start with so nervous passenger doesn't rub off - maybe professional driving instructor only, to begin with?

Quiche, did you get to ride again today?

Lys, hope the house goes through OK - my little sis is hoping to exchange contracts on her first house tomorrow - there have been a few hitches so we're all keeping everything crossed for it to go smoothly now..

Would loveto add lots of witty comments but it's 10.30 and I'm asleep on my feet. See you all in the morning.
At 16:35 Marjorie said...: Emily - how about Manga or graphic novels? Also non-fiction rather than fiction.

I don't think you can force any of them to read. Just have a range of options there to try if he wants.

My brother doesn't read a whole lot but used to like being read to Stuff like Hitchhikers Guide and LOTR, so maybe talking books would be another possibility. Is there any cahnce he is dyslexic? Makes reading so much more effort and less fun. ..

My random, late-night-sleepy suggestionsfor you :-)
At 17:34 EmilyLady said...: No, no, it's only that none of them are very invested in reading. It's true that sometimes I read to them. We don't exactly force them to read - but they do have to read for school!
At 19:56 Lysandwr said...: And then there was House.

or IS house.

Cause, yes, things happen!! (Though, mind you, LLama nights in the Desert are impossible without a Fabulous Fiddle player......
At 20:05 Siri said...: Lys - I am happy beyond happy for you. Does this mean that you will not be a postperson, and I can go back to badmouthing the delivery system? OK, I won't.

School and a home to come back to. It is a dream for some.

Me, I bought a hot lotto ticket - 1.4 million. That would be my dream right now.
At 20:06 Siri said...: OSS - I hope there will be pictures, or even videos of the dancing. Another place you can turn off the bad parts of the brain and just live.
At 20:26 Martha W. said...: Did you find the small bag of apples at your front door? They're Duchess, although they look like something out of Snow White. I shook most of them out of the tree just a little while ago.

Poor Beez, I know what it's like to have two bushels of apples staring at you. I gave up about ten days ago - Duchess come early. There were just a few left in the tree when I was out mowing the grass tonight..

What is a cliff doing in the middle of town?
At 02:23 kali_licious said...: Quicky drive by post. *wave*

School is keeping me busy and I'm having a hard time keeping up.

Sad I missed Miss Maddie's Birthday:(
And that Emily's had to put up with such a Major Creep.

Lys! You're a student too? Wheee!

Lorraine, your riding posts are making me wistful. I miss riding.

Back to the books..Miss you Fiends!
At 04:06 louisa said...: Morning all. Hi kali ::waves frantically as she drives by::

Big congrats on house and school Lys, nothing like having those big life transitions all happen at once!

Love the basket-of-apples pic Martha. Mine are ready to drop any day now, I shouldn't really have let the tree fruit as it's a young 'un, only in the ground two years, but I'm going to trust that Nature Knows Best (and it's only three apples)
At 07:30 EmilyLady said...: Hi, Kali.
At 08:03 One Sock Short said...: More happy dancing for Lys! I'm so glad all these good things are lining up for you.

Mmmm, apples. If I were near enough, I'd be happy to take some off Fiends' hands. Instead I'll just have to see if any have arrived at the farmers market this weekend (which will be a 3-day one!!!!)

Siri, I can't imagine anyone there wants documentary evidence ;-)
At 08:34 louisa said...: Going back a post or two, I was just reading a review of a book written by a guy who runs a tattoo parlour and one of his lines about how he treats his employees brought to mind the sauna incident and resulting kid-raising comments:

"make them feel safe enough to be brave"
At 08:42 One Sock Short said...: Louisa, that's perfect! I haven't ever put it that way, but it's how I try to manage. What's the book?
At 08:53 Marjorie said...: Just a passing comment - I know lots of you here follow Dave McKean on Twitter and like his work. He has an exhibition coming up in Rye, Sussex and there will be a limited edition book to go with it. It's initially only for sale via the gallery at £32-£50 (higher price for fisrt 50 numbered copies, but I think they will all be signed)

Can be orderd (with 50% deposit) from ryeartgallery@googlemail.com for anyone who is interested...
At 08:54 louisa said...: Tattoo Machine, sounds like an excellent read for those with ink obsessions/curiosity and/or a business.

Any news on getting your tat, Q?
At 08:58 louisa said...: OSS, I think if you click here you'll be able to read the review
At 10:15 One Sock Short said...: Thanks Louisa! It does sound like a good read, on lots of levels.
At 10:28 vampi said...: fire update, i is still wild and uncontained, but seems to have moved away from where Lexo and i live. i drove up into the hills where i took the pictures on saturday, and e couldn't see any fire or smoke. the hills were all charred. it's very sad, not only did people lose lives, get burnt, lose homes, but so did many animals.
Thanks for everyone's concerns and well wishes. please continue to keep the firefighters in your thoughts, they are doing amazing things fighting this fire. so far they have saved several communities and the historic mt wilson observatory.

Fiends are the best!
At 10:37 Phiala said...: Argh. If the window washers show up unannounced, they shouldn't be surprised when I tell them they can't wash my window.

Getting to it would require: turning off and moving my computer (thus losing 16 hours of simulation runs); moving two shelves of books off my desk; moving all of my piles of papers; moving the dangerous sprawly cactus, and another big one. The only way to get to the window is to stand on my desk.

I can do this, but not with no warning beyond the guy appearing in my doorway.

Every year this happens. Every year I ask that we be notified in advance. SOMEBODY's got to know, at least to within a couple of days. Every year someone agrees that would be nice. Every year it doesn't happen.
At 10:52 ariandalen said...: Good to know you and Lexo are now out of the fire's path, Vampi!

Hopefully the weather will continue to aid the firefighters so they can get the fires out and go home.
At 11:42 Na said...: Lys! Congrats on all counts. Never a dull nanosecond with you!

Asked Lexa on fb, she said they weren't in an evac-adjacent area, just had all the smoke to contend with. Hearing lots of great stories about the job the firefighters are doing, from various friends in the area in addition to vampi. I do know a few people who had to evac their homes and aren't back in them yet (in one of the canyons). Ack.

First day of school for my monsters. The new Kindergartener was elated, the third-grader just looked totally miserable and broke his mama's heart (it's a new school for him). We needed a better school for him, plus we had to move, I think this one will do, and I believe he'll be right as rain in a week or so. Doesn't make it easier for any of us, though.

But, while I can, work work work...
At 11:57 EmilyLady said...: I was worried about you, Donielle, no matter how safe you said you might be.

So. Today. Geometry, chemistry, library shelving, teaching William multiplication and reading (he's quite behind, unfortunately - last year was too crazy to help him much with schoolwork, what with my ex-father moving out and everything) ... now I think it MIGHT just POSSIBLY be time for a walk through the village.
At 13:30 EmilyLady said...: Could not walk in the village because my blood sugar decided, once again, that it didn't like me anymore. I have bi-polar blood sugar! It was in the three hundreds earlier this morning and now it's too low to walk! Man, that knocks a person out.

I mean, not literally. I suppose it could, but as you all know, I am Super Emily when it comes to blood sugar. I can go under twenty and still stand up. Oh yeeeeaaaahhh.
At 13:54 Ani said...: Hey, Super Emily--try the boys out on the graphic novel(s) Bone (by Jeff Smith) for reading to themselves. Great Stuff! My Kid and I read it together when he was 5, and now he reads it to himself, and argues over whether I should consider *my* copy to be *his* copy. (Nope, it's mine.)
At 14:11 AletaMay said...: So much going on in the world of fiends! Lys -- such cool stuff happening all at once. Llamas and fiddlers in the desert? Sounds like a story to be told.

SoCal folks. I've been looking at photos and it seems very scary. I've been sending good thoughts out to you and of course to the people working hard to protect you.

Emily -- Glad you are "super" but hope you need to call on your powers less!

Q, these photos make me smile every time I see them.

I am settled into the new office, pretty much. Made one kinda big mistake with someone my first time working with them. Don't really like to start out that way but OTOH I do like to make sure people know I am not perfect... manage those expectations, you know.
At 15:05 EmilyLady said...: Thanks for the suggestion, Ani. I've never read those books myself but it seems to me Quiche mentioned liking them ... am I wrong?
At 15:05 EmilyLady said...: And I DID get to walk in the village after all. Yay.
At 15:14 HellZiggy said...: Hey Q,
JoCo and Paul & Storm have a Minneapolis show date set. October 26th at the Guthrie. Be sure to mark it on your calendar. (And Boss's too, if he's in town then.)
~other Sharon
At 15:28 FabulousLorraine said...: Hi All!

Not much here today. Work, and not very exciting.

Thanks Sharon, I do believe I knew they were coming, going to be a fun couple of days I am thinking.

Mistress, window washers are like that. Be firm with them, it's really the only way.

Glad the LA folks are all good so far, very scary it is.
At 15:34 Marjorie said...: All work and no play is no good - did you get to ride today?
At 15:36 HellZiggy said...: I'm looking forward to it. They're just an awesome bunch of guys and fun to hang out with!

~other Sharon
At 15:37 Phiala said...: Firm, yes.

Then I tracked down the person in our office responsible for scheduling.

"We'd really like some advance notice on when the windows washers are coming, even if it's a range of a few days because of weather constraints."

*blank look*

"Why would you want that?"

*sounds of me banging my head against the wall*

Eventually discovered that she'd assumed that they only did the outsides, so it wouldn't matter. Um, no, and they need to remove the screens from inside.

I have asked for advance notice each and every summer, bar one, for the past seven years.
At 21:01 EmilyLady said...: Went to McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket tonight to watch a minor league baseball game. I haven't been there in almost seven years. And I forgot how much I LOVE baseball. AND I got to speak Dutch! There were people from the Netherlands chatting behind us the whole time! How darn lucky can you get?!
At 05:03 Marjorie said...: I feel for you in your window-cleaning pain, Phiala. Is it the same person respobsible for scheduling it every year? (And does it happen in the same month or so every year? - if so maybe a reminder that you need to be warned, sent in early August, would do the trick....)

Why yes, I *am* at work and surfing the net as displacement activity instead of actually working, how did you guess?

I do not think that sending a letter saying "Please consider reading the last 3 letters I sent you, which anwered all of the questions you have just asked me, and which made it clear that my advice has not changed, because I do not have the power to change the law of England for your benefit, Moron. PS you haven't paid my bill yet, pelase do so" would be considered very professional, however true it may be.
At 05:48 Phiala said...: Marjorie, but it might be very satisfying. Especially if this person is unlikely to actually pay your bill even if you're polite.

The window washing thing has happened in just this fashion 6 out of the last 8 years. One year we didn't get washed. One year they did it right and actually gave us advance notice, and did it in the evening.

I'm mostly just baffled that neither the window washers nor the admin person saw any problems at all.

Why yes, I am at work ridiculously early. And also not exactly working, though despite appearances I'm thinking about some misbehaving data while I check the internet.

And then I have the new TMBG album to listen to: Here Comes Science. Is that not a lovely title?
At 08:22 dabbler said...: Quiet here! Morning/evening to all. A FB friend posted this link: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/31/iron-age-butter.html?smid=FBDSC-FWP-NWS about butter found in a bog...from 3000 years ago. Fascinating..and apparently butter turns to wax over time....

Trivia to start the day. Have a lovely one, all.
At 08:24 dabbler said...: 100! Hee hee.
At 10:15 Na said...: Phiala, my guy 'discovered' the video for I Am a Paleontologist (a couple of days after I mentioned your link), and now walks around singing it. Frequently. It will be a huge hit at the next meeting for the Society of Vertebrate Paleontologists, to be sure.
At 10:18 Phiala said...: That sort of "discovery" happens frequently in my house too. :)

The whole album is great fun! It's only on iTunes right now, but will be out on DVD toward the end of the month.

"Elephants are made of elements" la-la-la *bop*boppity*
At 10:20 Na said...: Now I am headed into downtown Edmonton, to pick up another editorial assignment. They liked the work I did last time, yay! Please send me fiendish navigation and parking juju...
At 10:21 Adri said...: I miss you, Fiends! Chaos in my life over the past week, but I hate not having chatter popping up in my email box.

Q- You make me ACHE with missing riding.
At 10:58 Chantrelle said...: We are LOVING the new TMBG album. Ben runs around singing "I am a PaleO-tologist...that's what i am, that's what Iiiiii am."
IT's the cutest thing!

We are heading off to my dad's cabin for the long weekend. No internet, no cell phone, no phone, no power outside of propane-powered lights and we turn on the generator if we need to plug in, say, the toaster! LOVE it! We were there earlier in the summer, it's the last hurrah before school on tuesday!
At 12:23 Na said...: Yep, I'm sure we'll be getting the CD/DVD.
At 13:53 EmilyLady said...: That sounds really lovely, Chantrelle ...

Adri, speaking of aches, I am sore from shelving books. There was so much rearranging to do today in the romance paperbacks that my muscles hurt. Gosh. I knew shelving was a workout, but not this much of a workout.
At 14:46 Adri said...: All sorts of nostalgia today. Horseback riding and libraries.

Emily, I spent many, many hours shelving books in my school libraries. It's just unfortunate that you have to go to so much school to become a librarian. (8 years of school for poor pay and limited job opportunities is not a value proposition that works for me)

Instead, I went into tech, and for the first time in years, I'm thinking of going to work for someone else, because the perfect opportunity landed in my lap.

Think good thoughts for me, Fiends, I have my first job interview in four years on Tuesday!
At 15:13 EmilyLady said...: We'll be thinking good thoughts for you, Adri.
At 16:39 One Sock Short said...: Adri, great news! Looking forward to hearing more about it. Meanwhile, all kinds of good wishes for your interview.

I sure can't argue about the pay and job market for librarians. We get much less than other professions requiring a master's degree. And no matter what the library schools say, there's not going to be a flood of job openings anytime soon. That said, I can't imagine doing anything else. I *can* imagine not doing it in a library though. That day may come in my career.

I'm glad you feel so at home in libraries, Emily. Like Boss, I was one of those children hanging out in mine on days off school. Fate?
At 17:00 Ani said...: Luck with your interview, Adri!

And continuing wishes for safety for all in So Cal.
At 17:48 Adri said...: OSS-- It's more the amount of school that's a problem for me. I haaaaate school.

In honor of all our awesome librarian friends (and I have nothing but respect and <3 for people who ARE librarians), 11 Librarians Not to Mess With
At 18:05 EmilyLady said...: I'm only a volunteer, but since I work at the desk as well as shelve I do consider myself a librarian; and I loved that link, Adri!

OSS, I will spend the whole day in the library on days off from school, or if there is nothing on my schedule.
At 03:44 Erin Underwood said...: Good luck, Adri!!! That's awesome. I hope you get it.
At 08:38 Beez said...: Ooh yes! ((((job vibes))) for Adri.
At 08:40 louisa said...: This is what you're organizing, Q???

Wow.
At 09:29 dabbler said...: Luck, Adri!

And I am deep deep forest green with envy over all those bookshelves. Though, if I'm not mistaken, some of the close-ups show books shelved two rows deep (One behind the other) so I guess the adage that books expand faster than bookshelves remains true.

And not envious at all of the work involved.
At 09:35 EmilyLady said...: Sometimes books are sort of shelved two rows deep, but most of the time it's not deliberate. People get messy with library books.

Today may call for more shelving. My regular supervisor is off but it's not like they aren't overjoyed to have someone shelving all those carts. It gives them a lot of time to get other stuff done. Or to just take a break from library work. Just one less thing to do, which is nic for them. This morning I'm working at one library, so maybe later I'll go to the other local library and shelve.

Still thinking good thoughts for you, Adri.
At 09:35 EmilyLady said...: Meant "nice" for them; it is not "nic" for them. Not "nic" at all.
At 10:44 Hellie said...: Lots of good luck vibes Adri!

TMBG have a song about a Palaentologist?!! So getting that album! (I'm not really a palaeontologist but I did study it at uni!)...(trots off to find it on you tube. Eeeeheeeeheee it's brilliant!)

Giving up on work now and giving in to being excited about a weekend chock-ful of great music, and meeting Marjorie on Sunday!!
At 10:50 Marjorie said...: Me Too!!

(Well, I'm getting excited about meeting Hellie. I've met me before)
At 11:03 Na said...: Luck, Adri!

It may sound crazy, but I find reorganizing loads of books, or just about anything, deeply satisfying. Must be the editorial/OCD tendencies.

Speaking of which, I was offered a new assignment with an academic press here. I decided to wear my "office clothes" when I went in to meet a person I assumed was a colleague of the editor I worked with before (who's on vacation). We met, they explained the assignment, we chatted, I took it home. Hours later I read the catalog I'd picked up, and learned I'd met with the Director of the press! In retrospect, I was so so glad I'd dressed up, and doubly pleased that he'd commented they liked the work I did before. Yay! But, eep! too.

Not sure whether it's better or worse to not know when you're talking to someone Important/Well Known/etc.
At 11:24 Ani said...: Yay for you, Na! Knock 'em dead!
At 11:40 Na said...: Thanks, Ani! I feel I need to on this assignment. No pressure, right?
At 11:57 spacedlaw said...: Go for it, Adri!
And well done, Ani.
At 12:14 EmilyLady said...: Marjorie, do you remember how exciting it was to be in the lobby of the inn with all the new faces going, "This is Fiend X ..."?
At 13:28 vampi said...: amazing library *swoon*

fiendish luck wished for new job opportunities:)

have fun hellie and marjorie :)
At 14:31 EmilyLady said...: No shelving for me at the big library today. They have someone coming in to get paid to shelve tomorrow, I believe, so they don't need me. Sigh. I want to shelve. No, it's okay, I have my chemistry book. And then I have nerd things I can do because I have some free time. Whee.
At 15:14 ariandalen said...: Go Adri!
Go Na!

I once filled an entire 8' bookshelf with non-fiction books at my school library, then woke up. We were moving the library. Apparently all the books were in the proper order because no one complained.
At 15:19 Phiala said...: And... I'm off!

No, not like that. Well, okay, that too.

Leaving for Amsterdam insanely early tomorrow morning. I'm not sure what my internet access will be, so if you don't see me for a week or two, don't panic!

Have fun without me!
At 15:24 Na said...: Goede reis, Phiala!
At 15:33 One Sock Short said...: We'll try, Phiala, but it won't be quite the same. Have safe and trouble-free travels. And a wonderful time!
At 15:42 EmilyLady said...: \OSS is right, it WON'T be the same! But have a wonderful time all the same, Phiala!

Can you speak any Dutch? I know a lot of Dutch speak English but it's one of my favorite languages, so I'm curious.
At 16:32 ariandalen said...: Have fun, Phiala!
At 18:45 Siri said...: Safe travels, Phi. Still so impressed at your skills and knowledge. I know lots of stuff, but no one wants asks me to travel and talk about it!
At 20:02 EmilyLady said...: Man, blood glucose is thirty six. Sigh.
At 20:25 Beez said...: I just saw the Boss's reference library pictures.

I -wondered- where my childhood set of World Books went to! Nice to know they have a good home.

Na- cool beans! I always think it's better not to know. For me it helps me stay focused and centered- doing/acting the way I know is right instead of playing to who I think my audience is.

Phiala, I can't wait to hear about it. Have a safe and fun trip and take LOTS of pictures!
At 21:00 ariandalen said...: Emily, is it possible that your insulin pump is acting up?

Granted, the stress-mess at home you've had doesn't help keep your insulin levels steady.
At 21:23 EmilyLady said...: No, no, it doesn't. But the insulin pump is fine. It's much more likely, in fact, to raise my sugar level than lower it. Which is of course ALSO a massive pain in the neck.

I'm fine now. Still got a walk in with Benjamin. I hate when it keeps me from doing the little things - just little things I would be able to do without diabetes. Sometimes I want to take a walk on the first really beautiful day of the season and my sugar goes to low. And the like.
At 21:42 EmilyLady said...: Well, I guess it is time to go to bed on this cold Rhode Island night ... after a long day of blood sugars plunging from the three hundreds to the thirties. Makes one's head hurt. Must. Get. Under. Control. Before I start manifesting those darn SYMPTOMS, you know, the heart attacks, kidney failures, strokes, blindness, and the like. You know. Not until I'm a bit older, but it's never too early to prevent, eh?
At 21:53 ariandalen said...: I realize that stress is more likely to raise blood glucose, but you can have an adrenaline pop/drop similar to a sugar induced pop/drop. Seems to me an adrenaline pop/drop, or even a sustained level of stress would be followed by a drop. Not that I have anything near a medical degree.

I don't know how you do it. The lowest my bg ever got, that I had proof of, was 60. That was only once and I was pregnant with Ariane. It was not fun, but I was also sitting down to eat lunch.
At 22:17 Dragonsally said...: I wonder if its the insulin you're on Emily? Maybe your body doesn't like it anymore?

I hate hearing that you're having such ups and downs with you BGL's, it must make you feel like hell. ((((Emily))))))
At 22:33 AletaMay said...: Hi Fiends and friend.

Best wishes on job interviews and blood glucose levels and trips to Amsterdam fiends meeting up.

I am feeling very behind here and elsewhere this busy week. You all rock and I am reading and thinking of you all even when I do not comment.

Good Night!
At 05:11 louisa said...: Morning. Not much more than that, just checkin' in on this blustery Saturday. Oh actually one nice thing to share - went walking down the pier yesterday evening and saw porpoise swimming under the rising full moon, two adults and a lil 'un. Magical.
At 07:45 EmilyLady said...: Wow Louisa, that sounds amazing!

Thanks for the support, Fiends. I'm trying.
At 11:11 Jess said...: Safe travels, Phiala. We'll wave to your plane on our way back.

Na - WOOT!

Emily, brace for newspaper avalanche. And feel better.

Ani: got your email. Stand by for reciprocation.

Everyone else: Prepare for my arrival. Maintain equilibrium. Tie down all breakables. NO COUPS. Watched Quantum of Solace again last night, so I'm feeling a little vulnerable there, with the coups and juntas. Dan, I mean it. Put down the laser.

That is all.
At 11:19 HellZiggy said...: I was just catching up on the comments here. So much going on!

Good luck with the jobs Adri & Na! And have a wonderful trip Phiala!

My plans for today consist of 1) Going to the State Fair and 2) Eating lots of deep-fried food on a stick.

~Other Sharon
At 11:21 spacedlaw said...: Saw a noble beast yesterday, Jess, and thought you would have loved the sight muchly.
At 11:32 Jess said...: That is an extraordinarily fine and noble beast, and I salute it!

Mmm, fried stuff on a stick.
At 11:54 EmilyLady said...: Cool noble beast! We look forward to the avalanche, Jess.
At 15:12 dabbler said...: Tis a noble beast indeed. But to me it appears to have two heads...anyone else see that? Sort of a figure/ground thing?
At 15:43 EmilyLady said...: I don't think it has two heads, but I DO see that.
At 16:14 dabbler said...: I should, perhaps, have said two faces....so yes, that's what I mean, Emily. Tres cool!
At 16:32 vampi said...: everything tastes better on a stick.

that is a fantastic beastly find :)
At 16:38 EmilyLady said...: It is perfect. So Fiendish and cool.
At 17:48 Dragonsally said...: Morning/evening all

have you seen this?

Nathalie, that was a fine beast indeedy. You see the best things.

Emily, how are the BGL's now?

Other Sharon - can you send some food on a stick please?

Oh, and BTW, where IS the Mistress of No?
At 18:42 Jenn said...: Live and horses, indeed!
At 19:28 Siri said...: I've been wondering about the MofN, too, Sally, and decided that since her boss is back in the world, she's overworked.

I could be wrong.
At 19:38 EmilyLady said...: Thanks for asking about the blood glucose, Sally. THe levels today were just about perfect! Maybe I'm getting somewhere good.
At 21:22 ariandalen said...: Glad to hear you're doing better today, Emily!

Cool photo, Nathalie!

Sally... ::snort::

Louisa, all I can say is "Wow!" :)

I've gotten to where I can resist deep fried foods on sticks. :)
At 21:38 HellZiggy said...: Spaced Law - That is indeed a noble beast, and quite fabulous as well!

Home from the Fair. I had deep-fried pickles, and deep-fried cheese on a stick, and all-you-can-drink milk, and fresh chocolate chip cookies, and some of husband's pronto pup. Stuffed. I'm not diabetic, but I feel like I should check my glucose levels! Definitely going to make sure diabetic hubby checks his.

Then on the way home we stopped to see our "niece" for her 16th birthday. Does it mean I'm old when my friends now have 16 year olds? LOL.

~other Sharon
At 22:02 ariandalen said...: I've got you beat, Other Sharon. I have friends who are grandparents, and they're only three years older than me. I also have a grandniece who is 18 and a grand nephew who will be 17 in October. Did I mention that my daughters will soon be 8 and 6?

So, no, you're not old. :)
At 22:09 HellZiggy said...: Well 16 yr old niece's 22 yr old half sister is pregnant, ariandalen, so my friends will be grandparents soon enough!

~Other Sharon
At 22:27 HellZiggy said...: Hey fiends! Want to help me try to win a trip to Antarctica?

It's a contest through Quark Expeditions and the winner is picked based on the number of votes. You have to register on the site, and it is only one vote per email address (not one per person)

My entry for the Blog Your Way to Antarctica contest is here: http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/548

I'm in 25th place right now but I've got a ways to go before I have a chance. I've never been able to afford international travel so this is probably the only way I could get to do something like this!

Thanks,

~other Sharon, busy sending "vote for me" emails to everyone she knows. :)
At 15:07 HellZiggy said...: Why I shouldn't be allowed on the computer late at night... My link in the last comment didn't copy correctly & two numbers were left off.

http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/548 is the address to vote to send me to Antarctica. And I've moved up to 24th place. woo hoo!!!

~Other Sharon
At 19:17 EmilyLady said...: Good luck, Sharon!!
At 22:03 ariandalen said...: My, but we're a quite bunch today.

Fiendish things must be happening. ;)
At 01:14 Dragonsally said...: Indeedy...I watched a Zombie movie.

And laughed, as you do.

Still no Quiche?
At 02:49 spacedlaw said...: Well, it's that time of the month again so possibly our dear Lorraine is succumbing under the combined pressure of work and cramps.
Hugs and hot water bottle, Lorraine.

I shall be going away for work as from tomorrow lunch time until Friday evening and without a computer! (Gasp. Having withdrawal symptoms already)
At 03:13 Dragonsally said...: Have a great few days off the grid Nathalie
At 09:39 EmilyLady said...: Tot ziens, Nathalie.

Poor Lorraine. Hope you're feeling okay.
At 09:42 spacedlaw said...: More like "auf wiedersehen", Emily, as I am going to Frieburg im Breisgau.
Wonder what they will make of my German speaking skills (a little rusty to say the least)...
At 10:04 EmilyLady said...: I just wanted to choose a language you knew and since Dutch is my favorite ...
At 13:08 Fluffy said...: Popping in from the Pratchett convention with a photo link of a lineup of Seamstresses:

Not a Needle Among 'Em
At 13:11 Na said...: Guete Reise, Natalie!

(my keyboard can't do umlauts)

I am thinking that when the Wicked Fairy came and said, "Everyone shall need to work long weeks in the modern world!", it was the third Good Fairy, the one who had yet to bestow her gift, who came in with her Mitigating Wish and granted the 9-to-5ers the occasional Three-day Weekend or Holiday, and for PAs and freelancers and such, Very Flexible Hours.

I have had three nights of Reasonable Amounts of Sleep. And I'm making an effort to Eat More Vegetables. Amazing how restorative such things are.

*waves at everyone*
At 13:13 Na said...: Fluffy! Your convention pics have all been much fun.
At 13:47 spacedlaw said...: Somehow I had expected the seamstresses to be a little less clothed. But I suppose one has to keep the appearances...
At 13:54 spacedlaw said...: Not that you don't look dashing, Fluffy...
At 14:09 Marjorie said...: Hello Fiends!!
&
Back from Manchester - meeting Hellie & seeing Tori were both great! And today, on my way home I got to see my sister & her new house (the purchasr completed today!)

Hope Jess is now safely home, Phiala safely arrived in Amsterdam and everyone else has had a pleasany weekend
At 14:20 spacedlaw said...: Just discovered a wonderful Chinese song (from a movie apparently)...
At 15:43 EmilyLady said...: How much fun, Fluffy, and you look truly fantastic!

Yay for Chinese songs, Nathalie!
At 17:46 Dragonsally said...: Fluffy - you are positively glowing in the photo...love the dresses.

Hi everyone else *waves*
At 18:08 Hera said...: Wow that's a lot of comments! I just wanted to say hello and xoxox - it's been a while :) got a bit lost in twitterlands .. beautiful horses! xo!
At 18:12 Hera said...: ooh and Icelandic horses.. are just magical! any of you met some? they are different.. and a bit smaller.. there must be some in your area Lorraine :) xox
At 19:00 Chantrelle said...: Back from the mtns. Had a great time. Totally exhausted and getting ben ready for his first day at kindergarten tomorrow! I had to go buy turkey so i could make him a sandwich to go in his Star Wars lunch bag :)

Soooo exciting! Must get him in the bath tonight, he's got 4 days of cabin dirt covering him.
At 19:27 EmilyLady said...: Chantrelle! Hi!

And hi back, Sally.
At 22:05 ariandalen said...: Lots of lovely Seamstresses, including our happy Fluffy! :) Looks like you're having fun, Fluffy!

Ben caught a fish! Way to go, Ben! :) I'll bet he has a great first day at kindergarten. Seren's was two weeks ago, and she's lost two teeth since then. Both naturally, no fights, the second just in time for school pictures last Thursday.

Have a good time even if you are working, Nathalie!
At 01:36 Marjorie said...: Glad you had a good weekend, Chantrelle.

Hera, I've not met Icelandic horses, but I've seen pictures - they're smaller & togher, aren't they?
At 04:58 louisa said...: Morning. Welcome back Chantrelle, hope Ben's first day is tear-free for all concerned.

Hera, I LOVE Icelandic horses, rode through the Green Mountains in Vermont for a week on them. Best. Ever. Even managed to tolt which was like flying, such an amazing experience.
At 08:43 One Sock Short said...: Best wishes to everyone headed back to school, be they students or teachers, and to those sending off little fiendletts for the first time.

Today is going to be a very long day. Insomnia most of the night, then actual wake-up-sweating nightmares when I did finally sleep. Very inconsiderate people not taking other people's phobias seriously, but insisting that I would like their enormous pet bugs if only I got close enough to them. Shudder. But while trying hard to think about something else and get back to sleep, I did think of a possibly good story idea.

To work now, perchance to fall asleep at my desk and wake with keyboard impressions on my forehead.
At 08:55 Jess said...: I hope these were inconsiderate dream people, Sock, and not real people? If this was the after-effect of real people's behaviour, they deserve no less than a roundhouse kick to the head.
Given that I've got a spider-phobe round here, I can understand how definitely unfunny it is. (Though I don't quite understand what makes him go over and stare at the spiders he encounters, as opposed to leaving the room.)

Did survive the flight, Marjorie, thank you. And so I live to comment on blogs another day. Huzzahs. \o/
At 09:04 One Sock Short said...: Oh yes, dream people, Jess. No real incidents in the recent past, so I've no idea where this dream came from.

Going closer to stare at the dreaded object?! That is different. I'd be the one backing out of the room, pointing and saying "bugbugbug!" (I apply this term to anything with more than four legs, as they are all dreaded.)
At 09:16 dabbler said...: Sock, your last bit reminds me of a favorite Peanuts cartoon. Marci is falling asleep at her desk at school. Her head droops farther and farther forward until...SNAP! her nose is caught in her three ring binder. May your keyboard be more gentle!

And, for the first time in 19 years, noone in this house is starting back to school.... very odd. Blessings to all those who are!
At 09:20 Jess said...: He told me it's a horrified fascination thing. If I say, "Uh oh, there's a bigass spider in here-- don't look," he'll come over and look. And if I say, "I said don't look," he'll go, "Yeah, I know," and keep looking. It's weird.
At 10:03 vampi said...: jess,i will scream and carry on all while pointing. at least then i know where it is. if i run from the room, it can hide and then whomever comes to defend my honor can't find it ad thinks i'm crazy when i say it's a big bug.
At 10:14 Jess said...: I believe in big bugs.
At 10:14 Na said...: I'd stare and stare at the huge Palmetto bugs aka tree roaches, when they got into our home in Texas. Like vampi said, I think -- I didn't want to let it out of my sight until I could figure out what to do. Which takes a while when your mind goes gibber gibber gibber.

Just dropped off both monsters at school. Last week was short and rather introductory. Now it's all for real, it seems, and so now I feel... wobbly.

And on my way back to the house, heard then saw a V of Canada geese, first I've seen this season, heading south and east.

Melancholy me!

But last night the guy and I started watching True Blood and wow! That's fun.
At 10:44 Jane said...: Na - Hope you're enjoying True Blood. I saw your question on Twitter about reading the books now. I've read them all and am a little disappointed in the series (I think I'm the only one who is, though). So maybe just read the books after you watch, IMO.

Fluffy - love the photos. Wish I were there.

OSS - poor baby. Nightmares can really be horrid. I hope you have a good night tonight.

And insects? ARGH is the only thing to say. Keeping them in sight is a good thing, but my favorite is to throw something (big and heavy, for preference) over them and wait for help.
At 10:53 Marjorie said...: I can understand the horrified fascination thing. Plus, if you're looking at it, at least you know it isn't sneaking up behind you!

(I find big spiders un-nerving but I'm not terrified - ants en masse, however, totally and irrationally freak me out)
At 10:53 EmilyLady said...: Feeling awful today. About to rest for a while. I think I haven't really done enough of that lately. Fods, everyone probably thinks I have H1N1 ...

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Pink and Her Ponies....

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