Thread Drift

[uk elephant]

awwwwww......how cute!!!

Morning all! I'm feeling a little more cheerful today. The sun is shining and I've got bike pottering planned. Need to give it a good clean and attempt changing the chain. But first I'm having french toast for breakfast.

Didn't realize rice pudding was a southern thing? Very common here in UK. Didn't have any rum sauce on hand so I just stirred in some dried berries. Tasted very good.

I'd love to join you for Carnival, BMC! Sounds like fun and I'm always up for being corrupted.

[Selkie]

I don't think she's going to want her TE jersey with elastic around the hem.

LOL

She must have incredible balance. Wonder what the tummy is gonna look like in another six month. Do they veins go away?

[bmccasland]

:eek: need the eye bleach again whimper

look back to nice warm fuzzy picture of the puppies, bunnies, kittens, and mousie. breathe deep. :)

Cool and drizzly here, had to turn the heat back on.

[withm]

LOL

She must have incredible balance. Wonder what the tummy is gonna look like in another six month. Do they veins go away?

I've never been pregnant, but aren't those stretch marks? They eventually fade to white, but the stretching - well if she is actively running around chasing 14 kids, they'll go away if she becomes emaciated.

{:confused:} shaking my head. This story is the most bizarre thing I've ever heard.

[Xrayted]

As sad as the whole thing is, the most irresponsible and unethical one in the whole thing was the doctor. :mad:

Here's more redirect for those who need it... :p

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/funny-pictures-cat-talks-about-shooting-elephants.jpg

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/funny-pictures-one-cat-here-cannot-smell.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well DH and I finally got out on our bikes today....wheeee!
It was about 30F and nice and sunny, slight breeze, dry roads. We stayed nice and warm and had great fun on our short ride.

We did 12 miles on a nice route with easy rolling hills (boy am i out of shape!) and a back road with a closed/condemned bridge going over RR tracks. Its recently closed, but horseback riders (obviously;)) go over it all the time, so a couple of lightweight bikers should be ok. Since the road is blocked there, the highway Dept has not been maintaining or cleaning the road for a year now, and that section of road has become a min-wilderness, with tree limbs down, debris, leaves, ice, and horsepoop everywhere. Sort of fun to walk through the wild frontier section of road. We crossed paths with two nice teenage boys on their bikes going the other way, and we cautioned each other about ice up ahead. Fun. :) Someone long ago dumped a pair of 3 foot tall plastic xmas lawn figures there in the woods near the bridge. A santa and a snowman. People keep standing them up one at each road block on either side of the closed bridge, like sentries- strange plastic bridge trolls. When they fall over in the wind someone always puts them back at their posts. :D

[Zen]

The past two days have been great weather for riding but it's been a week since surgery and I still wake up in pain.
bleh.
I've got to do something physical tomorrow, pain or no pain.

Love those Christmas sentries :D

[Blueberry]

Our weather has been wacky. It's been really beautiful (and warm) for the better part of a week. But we have a slight chance of snow tonight:(

I miss my bike. It's at the shop being frame-saver-ed. How often should you do that anyway? This one had never been, but others have....Every few years? Even if not ridden in rain?

CA

[Selkie]

Our weather has been wacky. It's been really beautiful (and warm) for the better part of a week. But we have a slight chance of snow tonight:(

I miss my bike. It's at the shop being frame-saver-ed. How often should you do that anyway? This one had never been, but others have....Every few years? Even if not ridden in rain?

CA

CA - You need a second bike, just for times like this.

After a beautiful week, we are turning colder. I'm hopeful that any precip that hits us is liquid, not ice/snow, and short lived during the daylight (above freezing) hours.

I'm glad to hear the Bleecker got outside. You're not out of shape---you've just been working non-biking muscles.

[Blueberry]

CA - You need a second bike, just for times like this.

Hee hee. I *do* have other bikes - I should have clarified that I just miss that bike. It's my Trek 520 - I ride is most often (and it's been in the trainer in my living room, so there's a big hole where it was). But I could always argue I need *another* bike:)

CA

[Aggie_Ama]

Spent $550 putting new tires on the car, I much rather buy tires for the bike at $50/each. :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm glad to hear the Bleecker got outside. You're not out of shape---you've just been working non-biking muscles.

Thanks, but it's my heart and lungs that feel out of shape. (of course the heart 'is' a muscle) My legs were just fine on the hills, but my breathing was very labored and it felt uncomfortable. maybe part of it was the cold air, but I felt much more out of breath than I did on those same hills last Fall. ...Thank goodness my quads miraculously survived the winter in good shape. I love my quads, they are the best body feature I've gotten from biking so far! :D

[tulip]

Got my old-new wood/coal stove! It looks really nice in the livingroom in front of the fireplace, especially since the appliances are ALL OUT OF THE LIVINGROOM AND IN THE KITCHEN! (Yes, I have a kitchen, except it's kindof like an Ikea kitchen--all show, no function till the plumber comes tomorrow).

I'll have to call a woodstove/chimney person to give me an estimate of how much it will cost to hook it up. It may not happen until next fall...but it looks warm.

[crazycanuck]

YAY!!! I contacted the gent that found my wallet & the exact department it was in...

*Phew*

[Zen]

How did you discover it had been found?

[Aggie_Ama]

My mom sent me a text message saying the princess (me) had been given the Logstix by my brother and three boy cousins. :p;) My 91 year old Mammaw decided there was no time like the present to buy a new home and I wanted those quirky little toys, I cannot wait to retrieve them tomorrow.

Happy birthday to me!! I will be building towers of Logstix this weekend. :D

[Selkie]

Hee hee. I *do* have other bikes - I should have clarified that I just miss that bike. It's my Trek 520 - I ride is most often (and it's been in the trainer in my living room, so there's a big hole where it was). But I could always argue I need *another* bike:)

CA

Now yer thinkin'!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I'll have to call a woodstove/chimney person to give me an estimate of how much it will cost to hook it up. It may not happen until next fall...but it looks warm.

Maybe if you just think how warm it could be it will warm you a bit? ;)

[Crankin]

Lisa, look at the snow shoe thread. I had a message for you.

[Zen]

I used to have Huffy like this (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/02/keeping-it-reeled-in-hope-or-delusion.html).
I even rode part of the C& O Canal on it :p

[TsPoet]

I used to have Huffy like this (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/02/keeping-it-reeled-in-hope-or-delusion.htms).
I even rode part of the C& O Canal on it :p

page not found :(
But, that could be 'cause my work has filtered it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

page not found :(
But, that could be 'cause my work has filtered it.

This works:
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/02/keeping-it-reeled-in-hope-or-delusion.html

(The link should end in "html", not "htms".)

[Biciclista]

hey everyone. I went on a real bike ride yesterday, 26 miles of trying to keep up with DH and another guy on a tandem. Going wasn't bad, with a tail wind; but good grief, the return was tough, with a headwind... and they just started feeling their oats. Eventually i quit trying to keep up, and had a great ride and slept like a baby last night.

[Zen]

had a great ride and slept like a baby last night.

You were crying, fussy, and wet your pants?;)

[Biciclista]

You were crying, fussy, and wet your pants?;)

for once I wasn't! (babies don't cry or fuss while they are sleeping)

[Duck on Wheels]

I gave my love a cherry, that had no stone
I gave my love a chicken, that had no bone
I gave my love a story, that had no end
I gave my love a baby, with no cryin'

How can there be a cherry, that has no stone
How can there be a chicken, that has no bone
How can there be a story, that has no end
How can there be a baby, with no cryin'

A cherry when it's bloomin', it has no stone
A chicken when it's pippin', it has no bone
The story of our love shall have no end
A baby when it's sleepin, there's no cryin'

... but they do wet their diapers!

[solobiker]

You were crying, fussy, and wet your pants?;)

Once again Zen, thanks for the laugh.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

hey everyone. I went on a real bike ride yesterday, 26 miles of trying to keep up with DH and another guy on a tandem. Going wasn't bad, with a tail wind; but good grief, the return was tough, with a headwind... and they just started feeling their oats. Eventually i quit trying to keep up, and had a great ride and slept like a baby last night.

Hey that's great- a pretty tough ride! Who was on the tandem, the other guy by himself?

I too got out today on my bike....FELT SO GOOD!!!! :p :p :p
It was very sunny and 30F and the roads were nice and dry.
I combined a couple errands in town with an easy 12 mile loop ride. Stopped at the bank, and stopped for fresh bread at the bakery, which I bungee'd onto the top of my saddlebag.
In town, I got to feel rather proud of myself because there is a man I know who is a very avid roadie biker, he puts in major miles...anyway, he stopped me on Main St. as he was getting out of his car and told me how much he admires me for biking in the 20's and 30's temps- said he saw me last week- a lone biker rolling past farmlands on the county highway at 28F. :D Cool. (I didn't tell him I was only doing like 12 mile rides at these temps though. :cool: )

[Biciclista]

you didn't need to tell him how far you were going. most people don't go farther than their front door when it's that cold out!

the other guy is a Randonneuring buddy of Raleighdon. They are well-matched in many ways - including bad sense of humor.

[Zen]

If this bike (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1038126143.html) were mine I don't know if I could part with it. i'd have to find someone I deemed worthy :p

[crazycanuck]

I love Raleighdon's humour..:cool: He's a cracker!


Can't wait til fridayy!!!! I can't describe how I feel at the moment but I can assure you it's a wonderful/giddy/refreshing/frightening etc one. YAY!!!

[tulip]

Last year I got so into American Idol despite my better judgment. I even voted (oh, the shame of it all!) This year I don't get that channel--I only get CBS, ABC, and NBC with my rabbit ears. That's fine, because when I turn on the tube, I watch and can do nothing else. I think this comes from having no TV when I was a child. It still mesmerizes me; I can't just have it on in the background.

But this year, I have a cousin in Idol! I don't know the guy, but he's from where my family is from and he has my last name, which is quite an usual last name except in a few pockets. And he looks just like the men in my father's family. I only saw one episode last week while at my folks' house, but I might have to keep up with it again this year.

That is all.

[Bruno28]

Get help immediately before it's too late.

[divingbiker]

If this bike (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1038126143.html) were mine I don't know if I could part with it. i'd have to find someone I deemed worthy :p

If that bike were candy apple red I'd be all over it--I had a red Stingray just like the one for sale, which I used to deliver newspapers. I loved that bike.

[redrhodie]

If this bike (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1038126143.html) were mine I don't know if I could part with it. i'd have to find someone I deemed worthy :p

Oh, she should not sell that bike! You can tell she still loves it. I wonder if it's a financial decision, because that's not clutter!

[redrhodie]

I only get CBS, ABC, and NBC with my rabbit ears.

I hope you got your converter box, because those ears won't be picking up anything as of today!

[tulip]

I hope you got your converter box, because those ears won't be picking up anything as of today!

I still get my three stations. The conversion deadline was extended to June. By then I'll have decided whether to get a conversion box, cable, dish, or just ditch the whole TV thing altogether. As long as my TV is tucked in the closet, I don't watch and I don't miss it. But if I leave it out, I end up watching and wasting alot of time. Back in the closet it goes!

[Aggie_Ama]

Somebody educate me. I think it is stupid they delayed the conversion deadline. When I was in college, I took a course on technology and we discussed the analog to digital conversion that was coming. I was still living in the dorm when I took this course and I was only in the dorm until May 2001. So for at least 8 years it has been semi-public knowledge this was going to happen, why could they not get it done? Seems like poor planning and execution. I know it is a complex issue that is changing the lives of how millions get TV but it should still be done.

[Blueberry]

I think part of the reason for the delay was that the government program giving $40 vouchers for converter boxes ran out of $$ and there was a waiting list. Don't know if they're re-funded the program, but having people who can't get the boxes is a huge problem.

Some stations switched anyway (they had that option). It's much more expensive for them to keep running 2 signals.

CA

[Aggie_Ama]

Well I don't want to get too political but that seems even stupider. When I heard about the coupons early last year numerous times it was stated there was a limited number of rebates, seems like if you farted around pay full price. I realize people are hurting financially and the boxes are just one more strain but it wasn't unknown a year ago. I am impatient with catering to people's laziness and stupidity.

Of course can you imagine, would there be anarchy and riots if they flipped the switch and people couldn't see American Idol or The Bachelor? :rolleyes:

[Zen]

It's a moot point for me as Ru Paul's Drag Race is only on cable anyway.

What is up with guys calling girls "dude"?
I hope that one passes quickly.

[Aggie_Ama]

It's a moot point for me as Ru Paul's Drag Race is only on cable anyway.


Only you. :rolleyes:

[Biciclista]

What is up with guys calling girls "dude"?
I hope that one passes quickly.

doesn't seem to me as bad as gals (AND guys) calling gals bit@hes and hos.

Raleighdon has a lovely sense of humor. Especially if you like to groan. and blush!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Of course can you imagine, would there be anarchy and riots if they flipped the switch and people couldn't see American Idol or The Bachelor? :rolleyes:

Well maybe they'd get off their couches and actually do something for a change? ....Nah, probably not. :(

[TsPoet]

Somebody educate me. I think it is stupid they delayed the conversion deadline. When I was in college, I took a course on technology and we discussed the analog to digital conversion that was coming. I was still living in the dorm when I took this course and I was only in the dorm until May 2001. So for at least 8 years it has been semi-public knowledge this was going to happen, why could they not get it done? Seems like poor planning and execution. I know it is a complex issue that is changing the lives of how millions get TV but it should still be done.

My brother would shoot me - but I don't get why the Gov't decreed anything - TV is not a right, it's a luxury that we all abuse. If the TV station couldn't or didn't want to pay for HD, then why force them? Makes no sense to me that the Gov't stepped into what should have been a private industry thing.
Can you imagine if they decided some big thing like that for whatever field you work in?
I work at a Nat'l lab, so happens to me all the time, but there the Gov't has a right.
Don't get me wrong, I've got my big DLP TV and my Dish and my DVR and I'm all set for all HD all the time - excited about it, just don't understand the Gov't stepping in like that. :rolleyes:

[Blueberry]

Well I don't want to get too political but that seems even stupider. When I heard about the coupons early last year numerous times it was stated there was a limited number of rebates, seems like if you farted around pay full price. I realize people are hurting financially and the boxes are just one more strain but it wasn't unknown a year ago. I am impatient with catering to people's laziness and stupidity.

Of course can you imagine, would there be anarchy and riots if they flipped the switch and people couldn't see American Idol or The Bachelor? :rolleyes:

I think there's (at least somewhat) of a safety concern - the ability to distribute emergency information. At least that's what I heard.

I have a little TV. With rabbit ears and a box. I rarely watch it, so what do I know...

[Aggie_Ama]

TS- You hit my thought. TV is a luxury. Just like radio is essentially free but you still have to buy a radio. I just think it is dumb to delay something they have been planning for years. :rolleyes:

CA- I rely on the radio for emergencies, so does my grandma. The TV goes out too much in storms.

And I also have a huge TV (hey it was a gift) and cable so it really is annoying me for nothing! I think it is because I learned about it so long ago so it seems like we could plan better. But that isn't our MO.

[Crankin]

Am I the only person who has never seen American Idol or the bachelor? Or Lost, Survivor, etc?
I don't get it.

[Biciclista]

Am I the only person who has never seen American Idol or the bachelor? Or Lost, Survivor, etc?
I don't get it.

No, you're not. I think i would expire from the commercials alone that you'd have to sit through to watch any of these. I've never seen AMerican Idol, never HEARD of The Bachelor. I watched one Survivor (and thought it was pretty stupid) We have rented DVD's with Lost on it (don't waste your time)
I'd rather read a book. (nighttime activities)

[Aggie_Ama]

We watch American Idol. I admitted it, I am ashamed.

I watch a lot of stupid stuff that does not improve the world or my mind.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

We actually don't watch tv at all for the past 11 years. When the power goes out we have a little battery radio.
We do love good movies though, so we rent them (Netflix) and we watch films on our tv. We have a 'movie night' like once a week or so in our bedroom, with popcorn and everything.
I saw part of an episode of american idol once at a friend's house- their kids were watching. Frankly, I was appalled by it. I'd rather read or knit or write letters to friends or work on my websites in the evenings.

[Tuckervill]

The thing with the digital conversion is that the FCC sells off the rights to the frequencies. Getting the TV off the analog signals freed up those signals for other uses, and they were sold for a LOT of money. I don't understand it all that completely, but the reason that Congress can demand a digital conversion is because the feds control the rights to the airwaves.

Karen

[Blueberry]

Here's an article on the reasons:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/01/obama_reiterates_call_to_delay.html

Looks like it was 1) the problems with the rebate program, 2) emergency info and 3) winter work on antennas.

I agree it's ridiculous. But I'm just saying those are the justifications used.

And I've never watched American Idol - I've watched survivor once (because a high school classmate was on it). I thought The Bachelor (the show, not the person) had mercifully died. Most of our tv watching is either 1) news or 2) netflix.

CA

[tulip]

We watch American Idol. I admitted it, I am ashamed.

I watch a lot of stupid stuff that does not improve the world or my mind.

I'm not going to go get cable or FiOS or a dish for Idol. I'll just have to keep up with my (distant) cousin from the internet. I don't even know the guy, but it's still exciting to thing that someone related to me is having 15 minutes of fame. I'm hoping it will increase hits on my company website when people google him and maybe see my website. Who knows, who cares, idle (idol) musings.

[Biciclista]

I'm not going to go get cable or FiOS or a dish for Idol. I'll just have to keep up with my (distant) cousin from the internet. I don't even know the guy, but it's still exciting to thing that someone related to me is having 15 minutes of fame. I'm hoping it will increase hits on my company website when people google him and maybe see my website. Who knows, who cares, idle (idol) musings.

what is your company website?

[tulip]

what is your company website?

well, that'll increase the hits, huh? We're going to be upgrading it in the spring by professional webfolks, so it looks a little amateurish. I did it in 2007 when I re-joined the company. Before that, there was no website. But it is useful.

SarverHousingGroup.com

[Aggie_Ama]

I let DH keep cable for the sake of cycling. Otherwise he would lose the fight. I do like History channel and the Travel Channel. I hate ESPN, Sportscenter, VH1, E!. I record the Texas Parks and Wildlife Show off PBS it is really good. :)

[OakLeaf]

I watch MotoGP and Big Love.

Other than that they can keep the TV. DH can barely get me to come downstairs for a movie.

[Biciclista]

well, that'll increase the hits, huh? We're going to be upgrading it in the spring by professional webfolks, so it looks a little amateurish. I did it in 2007 when I re-joined the company. Before that, there was no website. But it is useful.

SarverHousingGroup.com

o, wow, what a cool business!

[Zen]

Theres always Hulu and a lot of old shows are even on Youtube

[kelownagirl]

Am I the only person who has never seen American Idol or the bachelor? Or Lost, Survivor, etc?
I don't get it.

I haven't either (although I'll admit I did watch 3 minutes of the Bachelor when someone told me they were in Kelowna meeting the girls' family :)

I do not watch ANY TV, not even the news. I cannot stand the sound of it and the l don't have a clue what anyone is talking about when they talk about TV.

I used to have my regular 'shows" like Er etc but once I got out of it, I dont' miss it one iota.

[kelownagirl]

We actually don't watch tv at all for the past 11 years. When the power goes out we have a little battery radio.
We do love good movies though, so we rent them (Netflix) and we watch films on our tv. We have a 'movie night' like once a week or so in our bedroom, with popcorn and everything.
I saw part of an episode of american idol once at a friend's house- their kids were watching. Frankly, I was appalled by it. I'd rather read or knit or write letters to friends or work on my websites in the evenings.

We're the same way - we rent movies about once every 2-3 weeks and have movie night in bed too.

[Crankin]

Well, I am a news addict. I watch about 3 hours a day (including part of the Today show), local news, and sometimes CNN. I also read 2 newspapers a day. Most of the news watching happens when I am doing something else.
I only have a couple of shows I really like to watch. Right now my favorite one is on when I am in class, so I have to watch it on the, well, the thing on Comcast that has all of the recent shows there for you to watch.
Another thing I don't know how to use!
We got rid of our DVR and HBO. We get 2 Netflix movies a month and I barely can sit to watch them.

[Crankin]

This is ah, kind of morbid. But not really. I went to a funeral today. The person was our real estate agent and I have known her since 1991. She was not that old, early 60s. She had leukemia and was supposed to have a bone marrow transplant this week, after months of trying to find a donor.
She was a wonderful person and I have never seen our synagogue so full. It got me wondering. I wonder who would show up to my funeral? I also thought about if I could stand up and give a eulogy for someone. Several people spoke today and all were composed, except for one who only broke down a bit at the end of her speech. I don't think I could do that.

[Biciclista]

my grandmother was someone beloved by the entire family. we all knew that when she died, the church would be filled. Well, she died in February, right before one of the bigger snowstorms on the east coast (where she wanted her funeral) so only a very few people showed up.
And my dear father, who used to fantasize about the size of his funeral, his funeral was attended by about 6 people (myself not included, although I paid for it)

YA never know.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

She was a wonderful person and I have never seen our synagogue so full. It got me wondering. I wonder who would show up to my funeral? I also thought about if I could stand up and give a eulogy for someone. Several people spoke today and all were composed, except for one who only broke down a bit at the end of her speech. I don't think I could do that.

It's amazing what we can do when we have to.
DH and I befriended a local fiddler who was 92. We visited him a few times at his house and played music with him and his wife. A year later he died, and his widow asked us to play some fiddle music at his funeral.
We had to stand right in front of his open casket and play tunes and talk about how we met him. It was very surreal, but I sort of got by on auto-pilot. :rolleyes: We were happy to have been able to contribute something pleasant to the funeral.
Now, I have sat alone with and comforted 2 different people as they died, but looking at a person in a casket was somehow way more morbid to me.
It was pretty hard, but I didn't look at him! Sort of like driving by an accident and not looking. :o

[Aggie_Ama]

My family is Lutheran which believe you close the casket before beginning the funeral services. I have been completely bugged that DH's family leaves the caskets open. He asked why and I said "I dunno I keep expecting them to sit up and tell the family they don't like the song or dance a jig". :p

My Pawpaw had a huge turn out for his funeral, but his widow only wants graveside services because she is convinced anyone who loved her has died and it will be depressing to just have her one son, his wife and his two kids there.

Myself? I will be cremated. When I was little they moved a cemetary to widen a highway and showed it on the news! I have been so bugged that you are not left to rest in peace that I refuse to be buried. I saw on TV they can take ashes and make you into an artifical reef for the fishes, that looks kind of functional and cool. Plus I hate visiting graves, I have done it once for my Pawpaw and then I say hi when I go to another funeral there (popular place) but otherwise I don't go. I also want the Chicken Dance played. :p I am not normal I guess.

[Fredwina]

My most strangest one was at my dad's funeral. His pastor had me place my hand on his body to verify that he was dead. He said that he found it was easiest way to reassure folks that their loved one wasn't coming back.
one of these days i'll get around to doing a willed body donation - I'm not going to need my body, so I might as well put it to good use.:)

[Aggie_Ama]

They are collecting brains of people with essential tremors. I hope I don't die anytime soon but they can have my brain to study for ET, not like I am going to keep using it. :rolleyes:

[Crankin]

Well, Judaism doesn't do open caskets, but I have been to quite a few visitations/funerals where there was one. My poor husband almost freaked out when we went to the wake, for the mother of a colleague of mine .My colleague was standing there, holding the deceased's hand and saying, "Doesn't she look good?" It necessitated going out afterwards and having a very expensive dinner/wine at the restaurant on the top of the Valley National Bank building in Phx.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My great uncle Charlie did photography as a part time career. In those days people from 'the old country' still used to want mortuary portraits taken of their departed loved ones. They'd be all dressed up, with flowers, etc, and then Charlie would prop the coffin almost upright in order to take good photo using those old tripod cameras where the photographer gets under the 'tent' to take the picture. Just before Charlie would click the shutter, he would say cheerfully "Hold IT!" :D

[Biciclista]

My great uncle Charlie did photography as a part time career. In those days people from 'the old country' still used to want mortuary portraits taken of their departed loved ones. They'd be all dressed up, with flowers, etc, and then Charlie would prop the coffin almost upright in order to take good photo using those old tripod cameras where the photographer gets under the 'tent' to take the picture. Just before Charlie would click the shutter, he would say cheerfully "Hold IT!" :D

a sense of humor is a good thing.

[Zen]

My colleague was standing there, holding the deceased's hand and saying, "Doesn't she look good?"

Well, I've seen her look better ;)

The importance that some cultures place on the appearance of the body , the coffin and all that hoopla seem odd to me.The body is just a container.
if there's anyone left when I go I hope they have a great party.
I should start saving for that:rolleyes:

[Tuckervill]

I'll never forget. I was 11 years old. My grandmother leaned down and kissed her dead mother on the mouth at the funeral. I was creeped out and profoundly touched all at the same time.

In 2006 I stood by my grandmother's bed as she took her last breath at age 100. Her sister and daughter (my aunt) and both held her hand and touched her for a long time, while waited for my cousin the hospice nurse arrive to handle the body. I wasn't creeped out anymore.

Karen

[Tuckervill]

re: the body "looking so good"...my husband's bookkeeper died after a long battle with cancer. She DID look better in the coffin than she had in the last year of her life. People just don't know what to say in times like those.

Karen

[crazycanuck]

When I pass on, i'm donating my body to science. Let some medical school dissect me & play with my bowels or something. It would be cool!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'll never forget. I was 11 years old. My grandmother leaned down and kissed her dead mother on the mouth at the funeral. I was creeped out and profoundly touched all at the same time.

In 2006 I stood by my grandmother's bed as she took her last breath at age 100. Her sister and daughter (my aunt) and both held her hand and touched her for a long time, while waited for my cousin the hospice nurse arrive to handle the body. I wasn't creeped out anymore.
Karen

That is so touching, thank you for sharing that. I can so relate.

[Biciclista]

When I pass on, i'm donating my body to science. Let some medical school dissect me & play with my bowels or something. It would be cool!

Hey, ME TOO! That sounds so much better than just being burnt to ashes or worse, left to moulder in a casket where even the worms can't reach you!

[salsabike]

That's what both of my parents did. The folks at the program let you know when they are finished and give you the remaining ashes. In 1997 my mom, my sister, Chris and I met at Bryce Canyon, my dad's favorite place, and spread those ashes. This past Thanksgiving, I picked up my mom's ashes from the Albany Medical Center Anatomical Gift folks, and sometime in the next year, we will put her ashes at Bryce as well. Chris and I have put the same proviso in our wills.

[Selkie]

I think open caskets are pagan. But that's just my opinion. Some people find it comforting to view the body, so each to his/her own.

I would rather remember the person alive.

[Tuckervill]

Pagan. How do you mean pagan?

Karen

[bmccasland]

.... and on the front page of the "metro" section was a picture of one of my colleagues, or should I say, mug-shot, and the corresponding article describing his arrest for attempted murder. :eek: I had been out in the field most of the day, dropped stuff at my desk and left, so was completely oblivious of what had been in the morning's paper. He apparently was in the process of beating a woman and trying to drown her in the bathroom of his home, when the police arrested him. Thank goodness the neighbors dialed 911. Apparently, allegedly, he had a dark side that we didn't know about.

A new twist in our office joke of "As the Corps turns" Stay tuned for the next episode....

[Zen]

Pagan. How do you mean pagan?



good question

[redrhodie]

.... and on the front page of the "metro" section was a picture of one of my colleagues, or should I say, mug-shot, and the corresponding article describing his arrest for attempted murder. :eek: I had been out in the field most of the day, dropped stuff at my desk and left, so was completely oblivious of what had been in the morning's paper. He apparently was in the process of beating a woman and trying to drown her in the bathroom of his home, when the police arrested him. Thank goodness the neighbors dialed 911. Apparently, allegedly, he had a dark side that we didn't know about.

A new twist in our office joke of "As the Corps turns" Stay tuned for the next episode....

Wow, that's nuts. What happens if he gets out on bail, will he be allowed to return to the job?

[Aggie_Ama]

Pagan. How do you mean pagan?

Karen

Hmmm... I guess I can see that if you look up the defnition of pagan but that seems a bit broad. There are very different customs and traditions amongst religions/ethnic backgrounds for open caskets and body presentation after death. As I said in my particular type of Lutheran upbringing you close the casket PRIOR to commencing services, it is not left open for the service/sermon.

I find cemetaries a complete waste of space. We have one ride I call "The Dead People Ride". My mom asked why and I said "Well there are about 8-10 cemetaries between Andice-Mamomet-Liberty Hill, I think there are more dead people on the back half of the ride than living." I never see zombies though. :p

[Fredwina]

I remeber keeping on thinking/imagining that dad would walk through the door, so seeing the body lifeless helps. We did close the casket during the service.
I remember when I lived in PA, one of friends MIL died - she did a willed body donation, but my friend was quite torn by the fact that there was no body and no sevices whatsoever, which I've always kept in the back of my mind re: my memorial service

[Aggie_Ama]

My mom's friend died last year and was cremated so it was odd because the memorial had no pictures. I don't know. A lot of people are cremated but they still have visitation and open casket for that because I guess you need a casket to cremate? Can you specific which school gets you? I sure don't want to be stuck in the UT med school, I mean the A&M one would be alright or probably Baylor College of Medicine because they are some of the best so might as well go to the tops in Texas right? :p

My husband's college roommate's dad was/is a funeral home director. He had the duty of being the only funeral home not destroyed by Rita so he stayed eating MREs and taking in Katrina and Rita's dead for at least a month before they even had power. I can't even imagine. His son is a vet, I guess he didn't want to pursue the family business.

I still think I see my Pawpaw or hear him and I put my hand on his lapel before they lowered the casket cover. It isn't as bad since we sold his house though.

[Fredwina]

Mu understanding is that you need an agreement between a Med school and your estate. One of my friends at church is an atty , and she said she could draw something up. I'll probably talk to my MD when I see her next month.

[redrhodie]

You don't need a casket to cremate. It's probably just for the viewing.

Maybe they're rentals? If they don't do that, they should. Far better for everyone than burning them.

[Aggie_Ama]

There is something comical, practical and a bit gross about the idea of a rental casket!

I just talked to the manager of LBS and he personally recycles CO2 canisters. I don't have curbside and the bike shop kept saying no but I kept them thinking somewhere there was a way. Woohoo, the LBS is next door to work I can just take the box of them to him and he can get the 1 cent or whatever. :p

[Bruno28]

This is joyous. Well, it is thread drift after all....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyQOCJ4SUSk&feature=related

[Crankin]

I understand what you mean by pagan. It's probably not the real meaning of the word, but it just seems totally weird to me, to want to see a dead body. I know it's because in my tradition, we don't see them. Oh, there's a group of dedicated people who volunteer at Jewish funeral homes and clean/dress the body/sit with it before burial. We don't do embalming, either. That's why the funerals occur quickly.
When my mom died, the funeral director asked me if I wanted to see her before the service. I said no. I want to remember her the way she was in life.

[OakLeaf]

This is joyous. Well, it is thread drift after all....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyQOCJ4SUSk&feature=related


Very nice.

DH and I had the great privilege of hearing Jorma Kaukonen and David Bromberg play together at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch this summer. What a show! :):)

[Zen]

This is joyous. Well, it is thread drift after all....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyQOCJ4SUSk&feature=related

Now you got me spending half an hour at least on that set of videos.
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" was a very popular album amongst my group of friends in high school...

[Bruno28]

my group of friends

Now, now - don't exaggerate :p

[Zen]

Alright Bruno, here's where I break the neck off the beer bottle and you pick up a pool cue...:eek:

[Selkie]

I understand what you mean by pagan. It's probably not the real meaning of the word, but it just seems totally weird to me, to want to see a dead body. I know it's because in my tradition, we don't see them. Oh, there's a group of dedicated people who volunteer at Jewish funeral homes and clean/dress the body/sit with it before burial. We don't do embalming, either. That's why the funerals occur quickly.
When my mom died, the funeral director asked me if I wanted to see her before the service. I said no. I want to remember her the way she was in life.

Exactly. I'm a Catholic and feel the same way. I saw neither of my parents dead bodies but I experienced a very intense spiritual connection with my mom when she died. As a result, I'm no longer afraid of death.

[Tuckervill]

I understand what you mean by pagan. It's probably not the real meaning of the word, but it just seems totally weird to me, to want to see a dead body.

You really want to use the name of someone's religion as an adjective to describe something you find "weird"?

Not picking on you Crankin. I just don't think you'd want anyone using Jew as an adjective like that, as in, "A closed casket is so jewish."

I would like to hear what the OP means by using pagan in such a manner.

Karen, not a Pagan

[tulip]

Exactly. I'm a Catholic and feel the same way. I saw neither of my parents dead bodies but I experienced a very intense spiritual connection with my mom when she died. As a result, I'm no longer afraid of death.

When my grandmother died, I felt very close to her even though I was 700 miles away. I was traveling from a meeting while she was dying, and felt so clear and calm. I was thinking of her. When I got back to the office, I asked a few colleagues if they wanted to go get some ice cream. Four of us went down to the ice cream shop, and I ordered a rootbeer float. For some reason, everyone ordered a rootbeer float. When we all had our rootbeer floats, I made a toast to my grandmother, whose favorite treat was a rootbeer float. We moseyed back to the office, and when I got back, I had a message on my phone that my grandmother had just died, while we were all enjoying our rootbeer floats in her honor. It was strange but calm, and I, too, am no longer afraid of death.

[Selkie]

You really want to use the name of someone's religion as an adjective to describe something you find "weird"?

Not picking on you Crankin. I just don't think you'd want anyone using Jew as an adjective like that, as in, "A closed casket is so jewish."

I would like to hear what the OP means by using pagan in such a manner.

Karen, not a Pagan

Karen, see my answer to Robin's post. I apologize if I was imprecise in my language and unwittingly offended you. As I said, this is my PERSONAL feeling and is not a criticism of anyone's preferences.

And, to be perfectly clear, I have nothing against Pagans and any other religion/belief. I don't appreciate your comments and presumptions.

I also could care less if people want open caskets - it's their preference, their money, and if it helps their family/friends find comfort, more power to them.

[Crankin]

Yes, I don't care about anyone's preference, either. And when I said it seemed weird to me, it wasn't in a "Pagans have open caskets and that is weird" way.
Not intending to offend anyone. I know why I think it's weird; it makes me uncomfortable and it's hard for me to understand how people can find comfort in the practice. But, I know people do, in fact most people, I think.
I don't like anything to do with death, quite frankly. Some people find spiritual comfort in thinking about where they will be when they are gone, but in my mind, you're just dead, buried in the ground.
OK, no more talk of this subject. I'm sorry I brought it up, even though the funeral I went to was "uplifting."

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, for what it's worth, the umbrella term 'pagan' covers a very wide variety of religions, each one of which has different funeral customs. Plus, Catholics often have wakes where one views the body to say their goodbyes.
Burial customs vary all over the place. :)

[lph]

Well, as usual I'm butting in way too late in a discussion, but this is a really interesting topic so here goes anyway :rolleyes:. I have no opinion on the religious side of it, but I think what one finds acceptable probably has more to do with the customs you're raised with than the religion that may or may not surround it. I've never been to a funeral with an open casket, but I've "viewed" the body at a sitting in advance twice, and they were strong experiences. It brought home very strongly the fact that they were dead. I was a little freaked out by how unnatural they looked and unlike themselves, there is something very very different about a dead body that doesn't have only to do with skin tone. I think for me it was a good thing, though, because this was obviously the last time I could see them - and I left with no wish to see them again. Not that they looked horrible, they just weren't there anymore.

What did upset me later was being handed an urn with my brother's ashes. I've been raised thinking this is a perfectly normal funeral practice, but when I actually held a small container with the only physical remains of him it felt quite traumatic. So you never know how you're going to react until you're there, I guess.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What did upset me later was being handed an urn with my brother's ashes. I've been raised thinking this is a perfectly normal funeral practice, but when I actually held a small container with the only physical remains of him it felt quite traumatic. So you never know how you're going to react until you're there, I guess.

Yes, I know just what you mean! I was with my mother through her death, and managed to hold myself together ok until the fellow arrived at my door and kindly handed me the box of ashes. I thanked him and closed the door. That's when I lost it. A year later we were all able to have a nice gathering to release her ashes into the sea, and by that time I was more at peace with it.

[Tuckervill]

Karen, see my answer to Robin's post. I apologize if I was imprecise in my language and unwittingly offended you. As I said, this is my PERSONAL feeling and is not a criticism of anyone's preferences.

And, to be perfectly clear, I have nothing against Pagans and any other religion/belief. I don't appreciate your comments and presumptions.

I also could care less if people want open caskets - it's their preference, their money, and if it helps their family/friends find comfort, more power to them.

No, I asked for clarification to give you a chance to avoid offending anyone. I'm not offended. I read and re-read your post and I still don't understand why you used that word that way, especially followed by "But that's just my opinion." My choices were to assume you used "imprecise language" or you used the term in a derogatory manner. I gave you a chance to clarify. I'm still not clear, but that's okay. I don't have to be.

Karen

[salsabike]

Actually, I have heard other people say that over the years where I grew up, which was an East Coast Irish Catholic town. When they said it, it was clearly not intended to be an insult and the word "pagan" was not loaded with any negative connotation in particular. Perhaps it has a meaning or usage in some parts of the country that you are not accustomed to hearing, but that does not automatically make it derogatory.

[Tuckervill]

I come from a semi-fundamentalist background. It does hold a derogatory connotation in those circles.

Still, I concede your point that the OP may not have been using it that way. (I can't remember exactly who it was now, and I don't want to use the wrong name.)

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

Yes for the most part I would believe in the Bible Belt (which I live in) Pagan is a negative term but I looked up the definition and would not be offended to be lumped as one.

As a non-practicing Lutheran I still think my husband's mostly Catholic/Baptist/Church of Christ family with their open caskets for the whole funeral is weird. My husband was a little offended when I said so but to me it just isn't how it is done and quite frankly makes me a bit uncomfortable even though I have been to I think five services now where it was done like that.

My husband's grandma's second husband was a Mason. They had Masonic graveside services- those were very interesting.

[SadieKate]

I find all this talk of open caskets interesting. In my early 20s, seeing my grandfather's body profoundly affected me and not in a good way. The funeral home made him look 70 rather than the 92 yr old grandfather with age spots. I didn't know him at 70 so it was a stranger in the casket. I only viewed his body because my mother and the funeral director wouldn't shut up. I'm older and wiser now.

But open caskets are not uncommon. Many religions embalm, which goes along with open caskets, and became popular in the US during the civil war. Families paid for their family members to be embalmed and transported home so they could see the body again. Think about the incredible lengthy funeral train (and stops) for Lincoln's body to be put on view - as are many heads of state. You'd be interested to know the number of bodies which can still be viewed -- or maybe not.:rolleyes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embalming

[Biciclista]

my grandmother never wore makeup a single day in her life. Well, the funeral director got the last word - She had my grandmother wearing lipstick and everything else. The family was horrified.
I think it's kind of silly.

[redrhodie]

I don't know if this has happened to anyone else, but it's the most embarrassing thing ever. Remember the episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" where Mary starts laughing at Chuckles the Clown's funeral? Well, that has happened to me at an open casket wake. I managed to run into the bathroom and pull myself together, but yeah, a little too late. The fact that it was wrong made it that much funnier. Open casket wakes are way too surreal for me. It's totally because of nerves and not that I find death funny. I am always afraid it will happen again, adding an extra layer of stress to the situation.

[Crankin]

It's never happened to me at a funeral/wake/etc, but it has happened in other situations where laughing is totally inappropriate. I think I transmitted this gene to my older son, because there have been a few times when I have been someplace with him and if we happen to glance at each other, I have to squelch the laughter and so does he.

[Aggie_Ama]

That happened to my husband's cousin. He is one who cannot stop laughing, a bellowing, infectious laugh. DH said it was really funny but embarrassing.

You know the other thing about Lutheran services, if they are in the church you have to close the casket before moving it into the church. When my Uncle Bocky died his services were at a very old church, the only place to display the body was in the entry way. I was a little taken back that the body was RIGHT THERE, you could not go in without seeing it. I don't like a forced viewing!

[redrhodie]

It's never happened to me at a funeral/wake/etc, but it has happened in other situations where laughing is totally inappropriate. I think I transmitted this gene to my older son, because there have been a few times when I have been someplace with him and if we happen to glance at each other, I have to squelch the laughter and so does he.

In retrospect, it has happened to me in other inappropriate situations, too. At a wedding, in a very quiet drawing class. I'll buy that there's a genetic link. My cousin got to laughing so hard at her father's wake that she couldn't attend his funeral. My mother also had laughing fits.

[Tuckervill]

I cracked up in about my third session at Boot Camp. The instructor is the perfect specimen of a man--I swear he looks like a prototype of some robotic thing. Like a GI Joe, with muscles, v-shaped torso, stoked up forearms. So he's up there doing upper cuts in rhythm, left, right, left, right, and I can see him in the mirror. All of a sudden a vision of Popeye the Sailor Man (http://themanfromhyrule.deviantart.com/art/Popeye-The-Sailor-man-80855969?offset=0) flexing his anchor tattoo comes into my head. Being nervous and not knowing the instructor very well, I'm just cracking up in the corner, almost crying. I had to go into the restroom and compose myself.

I never can get through the class without thinking "toot-toot" during the upper-cuts.

Karen

[Zen]

My husband's grandma's second husband was a Mason. They had Masonic graveside services- those were very interesting.

That's intriguing. I may have to do some quicky Wiki research.

[Duck on Wheels]

That's intriguing. I may have to do some quicky Wiki research.

Hmmm. Yeah. Since they reputedly have some kind of casket ceremony when new members join, I bet it's pretty interesting what they do when a member dies. Oh well. As far as I know I don't know any Masons, so it'll just have to remain a mystery to me.

The only funerals I've been to here have been Lutheran. I find the organ music initially consoling and releasing. If the minister has known the deceased well, or done his homework, he can say some relevant remarks. The rest I don't connect to much until the meal after. After a bit people start sharing good memories of the deceased and I find that a very comforting and meaningful tradition.

[Zen]

At my mom's funeral they had to jump start the hearse. We thought they were going to have to haul her to the cemetery in the back of a pick-up. And the preacher was late.

When he arrived at the cemetery, it was in a car with a license plate frame that said "I feel the need for speed"

Classy.
.................................http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/BeverlyHillbillies.jpg

[crazycanuck]

I've never been to a funeral & don't really want to go to one! All the loved ones that have passed away did so when i moved overseas & was too expensive to travel home.

Memorial services yes..funerals no..

[Aggie_Ama]

That's intriguing. I may have to do some quicky Wiki research.

Well it was at the graveside they had like some secret thing they were saying. I mean it was all normal English but none of it really made sense. Some of it did but then some didn't. And the men all wore aprons, had swords and kept calling him "BROTHER BILL".


Hmmm. Yeah. Since they reputedly have some kind of casket ceremony when new members join, I bet it's pretty interesting what they do when a member dies. Oh well. As far as I know I don't know any Masons, so it'll just have to remain a mystery to me.

The only funerals I've been to here have been Lutheran. I find the organ music initially consoling and releasing. If the minister has known the deceased well, or done his homework, he can say some relevant remarks. The rest I don't connect to much until the meal after. After a bit people start sharing good memories of the deceased and I find that a very comforting and meaningful tradition.

My Pawpaw's funeral was conducted by a dear friend that was a Lutheran Pastor (or do we call them ministers), it was funny and sweet. Everyone came back to my Nanny's house for beer and sharing funny stories. I don't remember organ music but I know they played Amazing Grace. Pawpaw wanted Bagpipes but my Nanny found them too depressing, I always was disappointed she didn't get them for him.

[crazycanuck]

Whoops...I was backing up into our driveway after picking up Ian's mtb from the shop & hit the back light..:o It's been raining & couldn't see through the back window very well..

I'm patiently waiting for a call from leaseplan's insurance folks..hopefully we can get this fixed in the next day or two..

oops..

[Zen]

I was rooting through my bag at the gym and I found a pair of brake levers.
In my gym bag.
Is this rock bottom? Should I seek help?

[OakLeaf]

You never know when you might need to stop quickly. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, this winter is STILL keeping us off our bikes. Despite having crammed in about three puny 11 mile rides over the past 3 months, it's just about impossible to ride. Either it's nice and sunny but 25F degrees and windy (like today)....or it's 35 and raining sleet all day.... or there is a snow/ice/mud mess on the roads.
I tell you I am really really ready for Spring. :(
Good thing I at least am still able to do several miles of fitness walks a couple times a week...or else I'd have become a gelatinous blob by now.

I guess the bright side is that I've had a little more time to focus on non-biking things this winter, projects that I've been putting off for too long. :o

[Tuckervill]

It's the last day of February and we usually have baseball tryouts on this weekend every year. We woke up to SNOW and it still hasn't stopped snowing. sheesh Am I still in Arkansas?

Karen

[Selkie]

Well, this winter is STILL keeping us off our bikes. Despite having crammed in about three puny 11 mile rides over the past 3 months, it's just about impossible to ride. Either it's nice and sunny but 25F degrees and windy (like today)....or it's 35 and raining sleet all day.... or there is a snow/ice/mud mess on the roads.
I tell you I am really really ready for Spring. :(
Good thing I at least am still able to do several miles of fitness walks a couple times a week...or else I'd have become a gelatinous blob by now.

I guess the bright side is that I've had a little more time to focus on non-biking things this winter, projects that I've been putting off for too long. :o

Unfortunately, more is on the way. I think those north of us (PA, NY, New England, are supposed to get it worse) Peeked out the window and there is a coating of snow/sleet on the ground. Checked weather.com---5-8 inches expected tonight into Monday. :(:(:(:(:( Supposed to be our most significant snow since 2006.

And to think, yesterday I saw daffodils poking through the ground....

Hopefully, it will RAIN, as predicted, later this week and melt the inevitable mess.

I'm warming up the sunroom now and will reacquaint myself with Coach Troy.

This has one endless, unrelenting winter.

[redrhodie]

Snowing here already. We're not supposed to get real accumulation until after midnight, but it's already sticking. I'm going to walk to the store in a bit. I love falling snow!

That said, I hope it melts fast!

[Crankin]

Well, the snow hasn't reached here yet, but tonight... they are predicting 6-15 inches in our area! I am happy because I am going up to Vermont Friday for last weekend of x country skiing. So, I might get to practice locally before we leave.
But, I am ready to get on my bike. It seems like every time we had a warm day, it was windy. I mean like 20-40 mph gusts windy. This is the first time in 4 years I haven't ridden at least once in January and February. I've been going to spin classes 1-3 times a week and using my trainer and "learning" how to run.

[Tuckervill]

Crankin, where do you stay when you go to Vermont?

I'll be there for almost 3 weeks in September, and I usually camp while I'm there. But this time, since my stay is a lot longer, I'm thinking of a condo or something smaller, but bigger than a tent. Everything I checked online seems to have in-season rates, not less than $900 a week. Yikes. I'll be there before peeping and skiing season.

If you have any insight about cheap, non-touristy lodging, I'd love to hear it. I don't care what part of Vermont, though my son will be staying in the middle of the state.

Karen

[Crankin]

We are staying at an inn in Stowe; I can't remember the name. You might want to consider a B and B. Some are very reasonable.
That said, you also might want to think about Craftsbury Outdoor Center. It is way up there in the Northeast Kingdom. They have rooms for 2 and a communal bath (I didn't really like that part of it, truthfully), like a dorm. But, they also have cabins you can rent and September is definitely in between season. The best part of Craftsbury is the food. They have a communal dining room and the meals are included in the price. The food is good, healthy, etc.
I went there for the out the door x country skiing. They also have a lake where rowers train and you can mountain bike on the trails in the summer/fall. Very hilly road riding around there.
Here is the link: http://www.craftsbury.com/index.php?flash=yes

[mudmucker]

Tuckerville, I've stayed at The Sterling Ridge Resort (http://www.sterlingridgeresort.com/index.htm) before for winter time fun which is near Smuggler's Notch in Jeffersonville, VT. I wouldn't call it cheap non-touristy but it is bigger than a tent and very comfortable. I just looked at weekly rates for log cabins. Their off season rates are very reasonable but it is defined as March 29 -May 24 2009; Oct. 25 - Nov. 24, 2009 and you said September. Up there, their foliage season rates begin September 25. So if you are there before then you would be under summertime rates. It looks like you could get a Studio cabin for $880/week or a Standard cabin for $950/week. The cabins are very clean and comfortable, all have full kitchens with microwaves and dishes etc. All have bathtubs and shower, and either a wood stove or gas fireplace for heat, queen-sized beds and all have porches with Adirondack chairs. I stayed in the Studio cabin and it was very cute, quiet, and romantic. There is a lodge on the premises but the cabins I think they are far enough away to keep you away from all the hullaballoo if that's what you want. Don't know your finances but maybe camp for one week and cabin-it for two if you can't find much cheaper.

[Tuckervill]

Oooh, Craftsbury sounds lovely. I shall investigate. Thank you!

Karen

[Tuckervill]

That's a good idea, Mudmucker. I just get tired of cooking all my food outside--I can handle it for a week or 10 days, but after that, I need some cable TV and running water at my fingertips! Hubby is thinking of joining me for a little while, and I could get a cabin for then. Thanks! :)

Karen

[Fredwina]

Must... drift.. thread....
Sunny as usual here. hope it's the same with you all.
The only unusual thing was that I read my hometown paper. It said an 82 year old widow had died in an apartment fire. name withheld.
Mom gave me a scare, as she was in the garage.

[Zen]

I miss Starfish

[tulip]

Got me an iphone today. Kinda intimidating. Now everyone (all three of us!) at my very small company has iphones. I don't know if that will make us work more efficiently, but we can geek out together over apps. Or something.

[Biciclista]

my son came over for dinner! we had razor clams. then for dessert i made shakes with my bike powered blender.

[Tuckervill]

I'm in the living room of my son's house, waiting for his son to be born! :) Happy happy joy joy!

Karen

[Biciclista]

I'm in the living room of my son's house, waiting for his son to be born! :) Happy happy joy joy!

Karen

wow THAT is cool. keep us posted.

[kelownagirl]

I'm in the living room of my son's house, waiting for his son to be born! :) Happy happy joy joy!

Karen

any news????

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm in the living room of my son's house, waiting for his son to be born! :) Happy happy joy joy!

Karen


Wow, that beats what we're doing! :D Congrats!! Is this your first grandchild?

[Aggie_Ama]

Is it a home birth or you were just at the home? My husband's cousin wanted to home birth but her doctor husband nixed the idea because he was too concerned on what could go wrong. I thought that was funny since he is trained to deal with such things. Of course he is a neurologist resident and I guess it is pretty daunting if it is your baby.

[Tuckervill]

No baby yet! It's our second. I'm in a hotel with his 3 yo big brother right now, giving mom a rest, because yes it is a home birth. Her first child was born at 30 weeks (said 3 yo), and it was an emergency c-section, so she's never actually been in labor before. SOOOO, it's like having a first child. It's taking a LONG time. :) But she's not laboring too hard. I expect to hear about the door having opened a little more very soon. Probably speed up as the afternoon wears on. Labor started yesterday around 10.

Karen

[katluvr]

Haven't been here for a while...actually been working at work!

Have spring fever. We have had some chilly weather (yep, here in Florida)--it is perfect out today....I need to get out....

[Selkie]

It's absolutely lovely here, despite the snow. Had a dr's appt, so I got an early escape from work. When I got home, I took Fiona for a nice long walk in the sunshine and warm air. Both of us were loathe to come back inside.

Now if the snow would go ahead and melt already.

[kelownagirl]

No baby yet! It's our second. I'm in a hotel with his 3 yo big brother right now, giving mom a rest, because yes it is a home birth. Her first child was born at 30 weeks (said 3 yo), and it was an emergency c-section, so she's never actually been in labor before. SOOOO, it's like having a first child. It's taking a LONG time. :) But she's not laboring too hard. I expect to hear about the door having opened a little more very soon. Probably speed up as the afternoon wears on. Labor started yesterday around 10.

Karen

Well keep us posted when you can!!!!

[bmccasland]

We are so overwhelmed at work that the *Powers that Be* decided we needed to have a "workload summit" - please fill out the attached forms... I kid you not! :eek::rolleyes:

How about I just work on my projects than fill out briefing forms on all my projects, including the long dormant ones where I'd have to hunt down the info? Oh, and did I mention that since someone has left, and her work load has been distributed amoung 3 of us, I'm currently filling 1.3 FTEs? (full time equivalents)

ARRRGGG. :mad:

yes, in this economy, I should be thankful I have a job. I just happen to think it is absolutely ludicrous to spend hours filling out briefing forms about my heavy work load for a "work load summit." :eek:

[Tuckervill]

Still no baby, but things are finally moving along...I've been banished to the hotel, since the 3 yo is asleep in his own bed. I think there will be a birth by midnight! :)

Karen

[Zen]

I just happen to think it is absolutely ludicrous to spend hours filling out briefing forms about my heavy work load for a "work load summit." :eek:

Government efficiency:rolleyes:

[Tuckervill]

Baby is here! YAY! Now for a rest!

Karen

[Biciclista]

Baby is here! YAY! Now for a rest!

Karen

is that ALL you are going to tell us?? (you must really be tired!)

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo! Congratulations Grandma! Give us an update AFTER you've had your rest! :D

[Crankin]

I don't think I'll ever be a grandma....
Of course, the thought that I am even saying this kind of is weird.
I still feel 16.

[Tuckervill]

Well, here's a blurry cell phone pic. He was born at home, with no complications. 9 lbs! :) (What a woman!) She kept the placenta in a little longer than usual (about 4 hours), so we went to the hospital for about an hour, where it decided to make its appearance before they could stick her with a needle, or even get her admitted. We left then AMA because she didn't want any part of the hospital!

Baby Jack, and his mama! :)

Karen

[Zen]

She kept the placenta in a....

that came at the end of a line. When I read the next line I was so glad the next word wasn't 'jar':eek:

[Tuckervill]

ROFL.

Many women who home birth do freeze the placenta, to be "recycled". A group of my friends wanted to bless my new house by planting a tree, and one of them donated the placenta from her last child, which had been in her freezer too long. We put it in the bottom of the hole and it fed the tree.

Some women consume the placenta, but we don't need to get into that!

Karen

[chicago]

Well, here's a blurry cell phone pic. He was born at home, with no complications. 9 lbs! :) (What a woman!) She kept the placenta in a little longer than usual (about 4 hours), so we went to the hospital for about an hour, where it decided to make its appearance before they could stick her with a needle, or even get her admitted. We left then AMA because she didn't want any part of the hospital!

Baby Jack, and his mama! :)

Karen

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww congrats!!!!

[redrhodie]

That's a BIG baby! Congratulations! He's very cute!

[Biciclista]

ROFL.

Many women who home birth do freeze the placenta, to be "recycled". A group of my friends wanted to bless my new house by planting a tree, and one of them donated the placenta from her last child, which had been in her freezer too long.

Karen

too long for WHAT?

congrats on a big healthy baby. I'm glad she was able to expel the placenta without drugs! I had my second baby without any drugs at all.

[divingbiker]

OK, I'm going to tell a really gross story. You've been warned.

About 17 years ago, one of my coworkers had a miscarriage. She caught it in a salsa jar, so she could take it to her doctor (for some reason she thought he'd be interested in seeing it.) To this day, no one in my office can mention salsa without someone else remembering this story and everyone getting grossed out all over again.

[sgtiger]

divingbiker - Ewww....

Karen, congrats on the new grandbaby. Jack is adorable. His mom looks so happy and proud in the pic. 9lbs - wow! DD was 8 lb 13 oz and I can't imagine what it would of been like delivering her naturally.

I just got back from the mall, which is one of my least favorite places, and I have a pounding headache now. But the kids are happy. They have been saving their money for a while and wanted to visit the Lego and Hello Kitty stores. DS even helped his little sis with her purchase. I'm very proud of him. Sharing is not always one of his strong suits.:o

[Zen]

Oh my.
How is it that her coworkers are privy to that bit of TMI?

[Aggie_Ama]

Divingbiker- I have a coworker that overshares but never to that extent. And I have a problem of being too blunt for my own good at times, I can only imagine what I would say!

tucker- That is a big baby, what a champ mama is. Wow. I cringed when I heard my nieces were both 9 lbs, sounded painful but what do I know? He is cute, congrats on another grandson!

[salsabike]

Amanda, how's Maggie doing?

[bmccasland]

in reference to Divingbiker's co-worker's TMI. After living on an Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona for a few years, and discovering their very very dry sense of humor.... there is a certain food item I can't quite face thanks to my Apache co-worker.

Burritos.



(used baby diaper)


This same man taught a naive chick in our office a greeting in Apache. She wanted to greet the Tribal Council properly.... Daniel taught her the Apache version of a Beetle's song - "voulez vous couche avec moi, se soir? Fortunately she tried this out on one person first, who snickered at her, and bellowed "Daniel!!!" Chickie had no idea what she said. Once she found out, she was out for blood.

[Biciclista]

Daniel taught her the Apache version of a Beetle's song - "voulez vous couche avec moi, se soir? Fortunately she tried this out on one person first, who snickered at her, and bellowed "Daniel!!!" Chickie had no idea what she said. Once she found out, she was out for blood.

that's french, what does it mean?

[lph]

"Would you like to uh, "lie down" with me, tonight" :rolleyes:

I tried something similar once on Svalbard with an fellow student who spoke only English, taught him to say "Vil du være med meg hjem?" to any girl who caught his fancy. It means "Would you go home with me?" :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It means "Would you like to sleep with me tonight?" and it's not the Beatles, it was the disco group Labelle.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

.... there is a certain food item I can't quite face thanks to my Apache co-worker.
Burritos.
(used baby diaper)



http://clipt.net/blog/2009/02/01/snl-edible-pampers/



.

[Tuckervill]

You guys are cracking me up!

The placenta thing...some people consume the placenta--either dry it and make it into a powder and take it in capsules, or they make a soup out of it (seriously). I think if I remember right, her baby was about 18 mos old when we planted the tree. So, it had been in the freezer that long, which is a long time to keep organ meat (lol). I don't know what she had planned to do with it originally.

Karen

[Zen]

taught him to say "Vil du være med meg hjem?" to any girl who caught his fancy. It means "Would you go home with me?" :p

it's bound to work eventually :)
was he cute? ;)

[lph]

it's bound to work eventually :)
was he cute? ;)

Cute enough :p He knew he was being conned, but I think he drew a few laughs at least.

[bmccasland]

It means "Would you like to sleep with me tonight?" and it's not the Beatles, it was the disco group Labelle.

You're right, I could hear the song in my head, just couldn't remember how far back it went. This is what I get for missing the Beatle's Invasion (lived in France '63-66). I learned Yellow Submarine in French first, from some record of a French Pop singer Mom had.

[Fredwina]

Reminds me of a time when I had a new co-worker from the Soviet Union. He used up his pencil eraser, and aksed me where he could get a new rubber:eek:
Once I told the slang meaning , we had a good laugh.

[OakLeaf]

I remember plenty of Latin grammar, root words, etc., but very few phrases or sentences. One of the phrases our peer instructor taught us that I remember very clearly was:

Ave, nauta! Esne in urbe novus?

(Hey, sailor. New in town?)

[Duck on Wheels]

I just got an IM from my husband, who's off traveling.
"I have seen her."
"Seen who?" I replied.
"Beijing's only cyclist wearing a helmet."
Well, ladies, we knew the wisest cyclist in Beijing had to be a woman, didn't we?

[Tuckervill]

What a droll sense of humor he has!

lol.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

Amanda, how's Maggie doing?

Just saw this, haven't been drifting. She is doing well. The vet wanted to keep pulling blood work every three weeks to catch problems early. Unfortunately, due to money we cannot keep doing this all the time. The test is $48-70 depending on the number of values checked (they don't check all everytime) and her bills were well over $1,000 plus the subcu is about $40/week and her food is about $35 a case (12 cans, she eats a can a day), her pills are $44/month.

She is eating and we are staying the course with subcu. DH and I had a heart to heart that we cannot afford to keep hospitalizing so the vet's reason for pulling blood so often isn't really necessary. It was a tough thing to come out and say but we did right both times we know that and look it is March! He was adamant about not backing down the subcu levels when we looked at the blood numbers 3 weeks ago so we are just plugging along and she was being a brat this morning, always a nice sign.

[uk elephant]

I just got an IM from my husband, who's off traveling.
"I have seen her."
"Seen who?" I replied.
"Beijing's only cyclist wearing a helmet."
Well, ladies, we knew the wisest cyclist in Beijing had to be a woman, didn't we?

He is in China again?! I thought he was going to Khazakstan or some such place next? I know Wales can't quite compete in exoticness but I was hoping for a visit here too....

[Biciclista]

I just got an IM from my husband, who's off traveling.
"I have seen her."
"Seen who?" I replied.
"Beijing's only cyclist wearing a helmet."
Well, ladies, we knew the wisest cyclist in Beijing had to be a woman, didn't we?

funny!

and Salsa, how's your furbaby?

[Duck on Wheels]

He is in China again?! I thought he was going to Khazakstan or some such place next? I know Wales can't quite compete in exoticness but I was hoping for a visit here too....

China and North Korea this trip. He figures these are places that are in for big changes soon, so he wants a "before" impression in case he can also get there "after". Kyrgizistan in the Fall. Scotland and Wales in between.

[salsabike]

Duck, what is he doing?? Sounds interesting.

Amanda, I'm glad Maggie is holding her own. Subcu can really keep animals happy and relatively well for a long time.

And Biciclista, Nina is really doing pretty well right now, considering that: she is 17 1/2 years old; has diabetes, IBS, and herpes in her R eye (not currently active, the animal eye doc said today). She is sweet and happy and purring. We really love her. We still really miss the Beeper.

I would like it to warm up just a little, soon. I've been freezing my butt all winter, seems like.

I cannot believe I have taken to running around Greenlake. Who would ever have thought I would do such a thing?

The forsythia that spills down the bank behind our house is starting to bloom. Spring!

[Tuckervill]

We had a chance of snow overnight, so when I woke up, I peeked out the bedroom window and had a shock! It was all white out there! but hmmmm what's that little bit of pink mixed in?

OOOOH! It's the plum tree right outside the window, all bloomed out! lol. Not a flake of snow anywhere. I'm glad. :)

Karen

[Biciclista]

I despair that i will ever ride my bike again. It's either below freezing or it's raining/snowing.

[redrhodie]

I despair that i will ever ride my bike again. It's either below freezing or it's raining/snowing.

Oh, I have the cure for you! Buy a trainer. You won't even have to ride it. As soon as you set it up, winter will end.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh, I have the cure for you! Buy a trainer. You won't even have to ride it. As soon as you set it up, winter will end.

Mimi has a 'trainer' that makes fruit smoothies....but how many can you drink?

[Aggie_Ama]

We have had tons of rain, over an 1" when I peeked at the rain guage yesterday afternoon then it started again. It has been magical for me to wake up the last two mornings to hear it coming down. Thankfully we carpool because I hate driving in the stuff. Heidi and Maggie have not shared my enthusiam but I think the big landscaping we did last year is happy. My Society Garlic almost looks to have perked up into song. Maybe it is just my imagination. :)

[Crankin]

Congratulations on the rain, AA. I remember that feeling when I lived in AZ, where rain was so infrequent. One of the weirdest videos we have is when my husband actually taped a monsoon downpour one summer. Like rain was something so unusual, we had to video tape it.
I *think* I might actually ride outside Saturday. Predicted temp. of 46 and sun. I have a ride to lead in a month and I have to get my butt in gear. Not that I haven't been active, but still. It's the first winter i haven't ridden outside at all. At least the snow shoeing and skiing was good.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

FINALLY we will get some decent bike riding in- look at our forecast, I'm so excited!!!!! :D :D :D :D

woo-HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

[Biciclista]

FINALLY we will get some decent bike riding in- look at our forecast, I'm so excited!!!!! :D :D :D :D

woo-HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

yes, that IS better. We've got a great ride planned tomorrow, but the weather is NOT GREAT.
Rain 80% chance of precipitation 40-48 degrees. :confused::confused:

[wnyrider]

I saw my first Robin of the season this morning and it was snowing lightly. The poor little bugger was all fluffed up and looked to be trying to pluck a worm out of the frozen soil.

[Pax]

We're having beautiful weather this weekend, sunshine and blue skies with highs in the 50's! It's my honey's 50th birthday today so I think we're heading out for a hike and then out for a fancy dinner tonight.

[Biciclista]

us too, if you're a duck.
fortunately my husband IS a duck. I am ducking out of our ride and he's going alone. It's pouring here and the forecast for where we're supposed to be riding is worse than here.

[Crankin]

I feel liberated. I just deleted my Bike Journal bookmark. No more feeling the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses.

[redrhodie]

I feel liberated. I just deleted my Bike Journal bookmark. No more feeling the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses.

Good for you! I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way when I removed my bike computer. Free!

[Pax]

I feel liberated. I just deleted my Bike Journal bookmark. No more feeling the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses.

I felt the same way on Thursday when I deactivated my facebook account!!

[Duck on Wheels]

us too, if you're a duck.
fortunately my husband IS a duck. I am ducking out of our ride and he's going alone. It's pouring here and the forecast for where we're supposed to be riding is worse than here.

I'm a duck too, but I enjoyed finally having a day of cloudless sunshine and above-freezing temperatures. :D Spring is definitely on its way. Another week and days will be longer than nights. Which is true for anybody in the Northern Hemisphere, but here they'll also be longer than days anywhere in the States south of Nome, Alaska. :cool:

[Biciclista]

well, they canceled the ride but my ducky husband is riding anyway. YUCK!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Here's to knowing when to cut something out of your life! :D

Mimi, I'm so glad you are not riding in the pouring rain. D is nuts!

[salsabike]

It is now dropping great big gloopy snowflakes, the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen. MY spouse just headed off to do a 100K. HE is ALSO nuts. Me, I have an hour-long track workout that I have to do soon, but that's only an hour and I'm not likely to fall over and hurt myself during it. Gah. These randonneurs.

[Biciclista]

Yes, they are the biggest flakes I've ever seen also! and they keep falling! but not sticking yet.
I wonder if i should tell DH that your DH is riding. hmmph.

[salsabike]

Hmmph is right. Bleah. It's pretty much turned into rain now. I will be heading off for my track workout soon. The nice thing about sprint triathlon training, at least as I am doing it, is that my run and swim workouts are typically about an hour long. I can do ANYTHING for an hour. Then I plan to come back home and pursue some long neglected weaving.

[Biciclista]

we're going to Bike Expo in a few minutes. We will be in the Redmond Cycling club booth until noon, and then from noon until 3 we'll be in the Seattle Randonneuring booth (sigh)

I hear the weather in the pavillion is pretty bad. Massive water on the floor and cold.

[Zen]

i just want to go back to bed. I had no idea poker was that much fun :o

[Tuckervill]

ha! I don't think it was the poker putting you back in bed!

Karen

[Crankin]

My liberated feeling from dropping BJ continued after my ride. I was only concerned with miles, not speed, and how good/bad I felt for my first outdoor ride. This is how I felt when I first started.
Getting ready to go out and ride again now. It's 50 degrees! And sunny.

[Selkie]

Enjoy, Crankin!

It's gloomy and raining here in the DC area. I ended up slogging out 43 miles in mist/drizzle this morning (it was about 40 degrees). Luckily, it was light enough that I didn't end up too wet or cold, and I was thankful that it wasn't snow or cold enough to freeze.

My magnolia trees are just starting to bloom and my camelias are looking gorgeous. All the bulbs are popping up and daffodils are in bloom. Trees are starting to get that first blush of green, right before the leaves pop. Now if we can get some consistent nice, warm spring weather with sunshine!

[Zen]

ha! I don't think it was the poker putting you back in bed!

Karen

I had one and a half beers.
Three bowls of chili and two slices of cake:eek:

[Blueberry]

We're on day 3 of heavy (for us) rain and 40-ish degrees. I haven't even been on the trainer. In 2 weeks, we've gone from snow to 80 degrees to 40 degrees and rain. I'm ready for spring to come and stay (but not summer - that can stay away thankyouverymuch).

CA

[Selkie]

I log my miles in BikeJournal primarily so I can keep track of bike maintenance stuff, particularly, how many miles I have on my tires.

[Crankin]

I have nothing against Bike Journal. It's just that it made me feel bad when my average was not as high as others, or what I wanted it to be. This way, I only look at my trusty computer.
As far as maintenance, I use the visual method. My husband is my mechanic, he is very good and so far, after almost 9 years, I have been very lucky. I am easy on parts! Only 2 flats on the road, one broken deurailler cable, about half a mile from my house, and one time on a commute home, something happened with my gears, so I couldn't get out of the little ring after going up a hill (also close to my house).
I just decided I needed to make cycling more fun again. At the end of last year, I was starting to hate my road bike. I'm also changing the way I train a bit and am mixing up some running, too. Last summer, I used my commuter to do errands a lot and I was starting to enjoy that more than anything else, so I knew things needed to change.

[Zen]

Yay, Crankin!

I dread the first graph posting of the season :(

[divingbiker]

I've given up Bike Journal this year, too. I don't care how many times I commute, or how many miles I ride, and I don't care to compare myself to others. It's just one more thing to keep track of, and I'm not going to do it any more, darnit. Feels so good!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just decided I needed to make cycling more fun again. At the end of last year, I was starting to hate my road bike. I'm also changing the way I train a bit and am mixing up some running, too. Last summer, I used my commuter to do errands a lot and I was starting to enjoy that more than anything else, so I knew things needed to change.


I don't care how many times I commute, or how many miles I ride, and I don't care to compare myself to others. It's just one more thing to keep track of, and I'm not going to do it any more, darnit. Feels so good!

You ladies rock!

Crankin- I too began really enjoying using my bike for errands a lot more last year. I'm ready for errand biking bigtime this year!

[salsabike]

I am such a geek sometimes. I think this is fascinating; it's by my favorite weather guy on KOMO4's website:


How do snowflakes get so large?


Story Updated: Mar 15, 2009 at 12:03 PM PDT
By Scott Sistek

One of the most remarkable facets from Sunday morning's snow was the unusually large size of the snowflakes. In fact, a reader from Shoreline described it as "it looked like someone was plucking chickens in the sky."

As to why they're so large, it's a factor of both temperature and intensity of the precipitation.

First, let's tie it to rain. You've noticed most of the time around here, the rain is generally light and the raindrops are small enough that you won't get too wet if you're caught outside. But then there are sometimes when the raindrops seem considerably larger and can leave you soaked in seconds.

Large raindrops mean that there are strong updrafts inside the clouds above your head. These upward blowing winds can hold raindrops inside the clouds for a longer period, allowing them to continue to grow in size until they finally become heavy enough for gravity to finally win the battle over the updraft, allowing the raindrop to fall to the ground.

That's why thunderstorms tend to have large raindrops, as they tend to also have strong updrafts. It's also why rain in the Midwest and East Coast can quickly leave you drenched.

Now, it works for snow too, and it helps to have warm temperatures as warmer air can hold more moisture than colder air. So when you've got temperatures on the fringe of freezing, as we did Sunday, *and* a heavy precipitation event, that can lead to big snowflakes. Had it been, say, 40 degrees Sunday it would have been like a tropical downpour.

[Zen]

Hmm. How about that.
I thought it was going to be something about hydrogen bonding.
Now who's a geek?

[salsabike]

Geeks have more fun. :)

[OakLeaf]

Okay, well here's geeky :D

Are the individual snowflakes really larger? Or is it just that there are a lot of them stuck together? (I know it's at least partially the latter. But in addition to wet snowflakes getting stuck together in updrafts, do larger raindrops then crystallize into larger snowflakes as well?)

[Crankin]

One geek in my family is enough.
But, he doesn't do Bike Journal and he doesn't even wear his Garmin half the time. But we do have a home filled with every technological thing you can imagine. I can't use half the stuff we have and the rest I don't care to or need to use. As long as I can use the expresso machine and put air in my tires, I am good.

The snowflake thing would be mildly interesting to me, though. But only after I finish reading my research article about (please, no one get offended, this is real) how Asian American Gay people identify themselves (i.e. as Gay or Asian).

[Tuckervill]

I've just got to post this--I got a book called Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day. This week we have eaten fresh bread with every meal, and literally only 5 minutes of prep time before each meal. mmmmmm....

Karen

[Zen]

Are the individual snowflakes really larger? Or is it just that there are a lot of them stuck together?

That's where I was headed with the hydrogen bonding :confused:

[Biciclista]

Okay, well here's geeky :D

Are the individual snowflakes really larger? Or is it just that there are a lot of them stuck together? (I know it's at least partially the latter. But in addition to wet snowflakes getting stuck together in updrafts, do larger raindrops then crystallize into larger snowflakes as well?)

they were like little blankets of snow flakes all smunched together.

[sgtiger]

Oh, Karen, fresh baked bread! I'm jealous and the thought of it is making my mouth water. I've heard about that book on the coffee forums and keep meaning to look for it at the local book stores, but forget. I'm going to have to just order it online today so I won't forget again.:rolleyes::D

Today I purchased this bike.:)
http://images.craigslist.org/3kc3m33p0ZZZZZZZZZ93ec3135379ee3f1857.jpg
It's to stomp around on with the kids. It's a early '80's Sears cruiser with internal 3 speed hub and coaster brakes. I don't think I've ridden a bike with coaster brakes since I was a wee lass. It's kind of fun. Admittedly it is ugly in person: original paint with touch-ups upon touch-ups, so the effect is like worty skin. But it's functional, meets my needs, and oh so fun; so I love it!:D

[salsabike]

The last word on big snowflakes, also from Scott Sistek's Weather Blog--

What's more -- when snowflakes are on the fringe of freezing, or just above freezing and they begin to melt, they become a bit more slushy. When that ocurrs, they can stick to other snowflakes, much in the same way that wet snow is good for making snowballs and snowmen. So you can get a aggregate effect of snowfalkes sticking together to make them even larger. But it's got to be the combination of a heavy snow shower and temperatuers at or a touch above freezing. Most of the snow on Sunday was around 33-34 degrees -- good conditions for big snowflakes with the heavy squall moving through.

[Aggie_Ama]

The great thing for me on BJ is I mountain bike, so I am always going to have wonky averages and I don't give a dang. :p But I did not set mileage goals the last two years which was completely liberating. Those stupid bar lines just stressed me out.

[OakLeaf]

The great thing for me on BJ is I mountain bike, so I am always going to have wonky averages and I don't give a dang. :p But I did not set mileage goals the last two years which was completely liberating. Those stupid bar lines just stressed me out.

Similar thing here. I log my commuter miles and the miles I just tool around with DH. Hill rides, solo rides in wind, pacelines with eight strong riders, all go into the same bucket. I could care less about the average speed on BikeJ. If someone looks at my journal and thinks I'm even more of a slug than I actually am, that's their problem, not mine. It's just nice to go there and contribute to the TE effort. I've joked about competing with CC and SiouxG, but I always knew I wasn't going to keep up with them all year - I've already started falling behind just from a couple of slow weeks, and I'm like, "oh, well."

My real training log is in SportTracks, where I do care about speed over particular splits, can see the terrain if I don't remember it, and make a note of whom (if anyone) I was riding with that day.

Also Crankin, I don't remember if it was in this thread when you worried about your running now that cycling season is returning, but I've been doing fine with alternate days, maintaining cycling while increasing running, and I don't have any reason to think I won't be able to switch that around when it's time to increase the cycling and maintain the running. I think as long as you're keeping up with cardio, you'll be fine - it's only when a multisport athlete is building up more than one sport at the same time that it has to get really intense with bricks &c.

[Crankin]

It wasn't on this thread, but I did bring it up on the running forum.
Yes, I am trying to build both, but in different ways. The running is entirely new. I am not that concerned with speed goals, in fact, I am almost there. I would like to increase my mileage a bit, i.e. be able to run 4-5 miles by the beginning of May. The cycling is just building up in the normal way of the beginning of the season. I know that will progress much more quickly, barring injury. I just don't want my legs hurting from running when I go to ride. Eventually, by June, I think I will only be running twice a week.
On the other hand, I might be doing a century in June, so I might have to drop the running for a bit...
I don't know why I feel so liberated from BJ.

[OakLeaf]

I just don't want my legs hurting from running when I go to ride.

FWIW, there's that whole peaking thing, and actually some of my strongest runs have been when I was sore from riding the previous day, and vice versa. It happens too often to be a coincidence. Bricks are tough though.

I do have to make sure to get rest days in, pretty much 4 days every 3 weeks is my minimum before I'll start feeling it.

[Crankin]

Don't worry, no bricks here. I can barely swim and a tri is not in my future...

[salsabike]

Wow. The birds are singing their heads off here. It's springtime! I can tell by the songs. Even though it snowed yesterday, the birds know it's March 16 and they are really worked up about it. I love it.

[Biciclista]

Wow. The birds are singing their heads off here. It's springtime! I can tell by the songs. Even though it snowed yesterday, the birds know it's March 16 and they are really worked up about it. I love it.

they were singing yesterday while it was snowing too. I think they're desperately trying to BELIEVE!

[Zen]

Last night I dreamed I saw someone stealing my bike so I called 911 :o

[malkin]

Was the 911 call part of the dream?

I love delightful bits of ambiguity.

[Zen]

Yes.
I was using a cell phone and couldn't find anywhere that got a good signal. It was very frustrating :mad:

[Crankin]

I am having to write a midterm paper based on a case that was one of Freud's patient's! It is so frustrating. There's not enough information to say what i want to say. It doesn't really matter what diagnosis we make,; he wants to see our thinking process and the justification. It's a good task, but I have had to work with a group (it's a take home thing) just to get the first part done.
Oh well. My brain hurts.

[Aggie_Ama]

The stupid tabby was stalking Clem (my house finch friend) this morning. I really like cats but I like my little bird visitors and don't want the kitties eating them. :( What is worse the other day three cats were sitting under the bird bath, now the birdies won't want to use it if the cats are there.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

YAY!....my two grown daughters are both visiting me right now at the same time! A rare occurrence due to conflicting schedules. I'm taking lots of pictures, and we are walking down to town now for breakfast. :p :p

[Tuckervill]

It so rare to have them all home at once, and that makes it all the more precious.

Ama, put a sprinkler near the bird bath and walk out in the back and turn it on when the cats are nearby.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

It so rare to have them all home at once, and that makes it all the more precious.

Ama, put a sprinkler near the bird bath and walk out in the back and turn it on when the cats are nearby.

Karen

DH suggested a BB gun which I am pretty sure: 1. might hurt 2. is possibly illegal and 3. would be frowned upon. But while I love cats your method sounds fun in a slightly evil way. Sorry, but I like my little bird visitors and I don't want kitties having a buffet in my yard when the chicks hatch. :p

[TsPoet]

DH suggested a BB gun which I am pretty sure: 1. might hurt 2. is possibly illegal and 3. would be frowned upon. But while I love cats your method sounds fun in a slightly evil way. Sorry, but I like my little bird visitors and I don't want kitties having a buffet in my yard when the chicks hatch. :p

This time of year is a farce at my house. The birds are swarming my feeder/bath, the neighbor's cat comes over to check the birds out. My little mutt (in my avatar) goes out to bark at the cat. My other dog goes out to chase the cat now that the barking dog has told her there's something to chase. The cat starts to run around my yard with both dogs chasing its tail. The birds flitter up into a high tree to watch. When the dogs and cat go away, the birds come back.

[salsabike]

Ts, that sounds downright Looney Tunes--I can practically hear the cartoon theme music.

Amanda, if you put the bird bath far away from any shrubs cats can hide it, and have it high up, the birds should be okay. I have one from Wild Birds Unlimited that is on a tall iron stake, with a shallow plastic bowl. It's too high for the cats and away from shrubbery. Because I have a lot of bird feeders, all the 'hood cats hang out here--it's like going to the movies for them, I think. But they never get any of the birds.

[Crankin]

Lisa, have fun with your daughters. When both of my sons are home, or we are all together anywhere (very rare), I try to remember every single second.
My oldest son's gf just moved back here from NYC, so we have been seeing him less frequently... in fact, I think I talk to Scott, who is back in Iraq, more frequently.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks Salsa. The bath is pretty tall and surrounded by stinky society garlic, not shrubs. The birds seem pretty onto the cats antics so maybe it is game for them.

I once had a cat, Spider, that was a stealthy hunter. She was a petite and beautiful white and grey siamese mix. Our neighbors had a purple marten house and those birds dived and attacked her. She silently took it until one day she brought one to the back door. She also caught a hummingbird (that was sad), snake, cardinal, many mice and quite a few lizards that we knew of. And she was only 7-8 lbs when she died in a garage door accident at 13. I do love cats but I just like my seasonal visitors too. I am lobbying for a bird feeder.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Two nice pictures from my two grown daughters' visit to me over the past two days! What a treat to have them both together at once! :p :p
Robyn...remember Ralph's Cafe? :D

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/ScGyvx1IfRI/AAAAAAAABy4/svHlcfIWHV4/s720/Dsc02952.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9fPBEJTqGzw/ScGycTn1-BI/AAAAAAAABxw/_D-2525ONjI/s720/Dsc02935.jpg

[TsPoet]

Lisa,
you look familiar.
one of your daughters looks just like you.
your daughters look just like each other.
one of your daughters doesn't look like you.
you are all three beautiful
I'm amazed at how that works sometimes.

[Selkie]

Lisa, you and your girls are beauties. You must be close---you look so happy!

Our next door neighbors have a bird sanctuary of sorts (multiple feeders, bird bath, etc) but no place for the birds to roost. Unfortunately, they fly into our yard and hang out in our azaleas and big old oak trees. My two golden retrievers are very "birdy" so they catch the birds and kill them. It's pretty upsetting, but when you have bird dogs, you have to expect it.

We've ordered a "bird deterrent" kit -- basically "fake" owl eyes that you hang in your shrubs/trees to discourage the birds for roosting.

[Crankin]

Great pictures, Lisa! You looked so happy. Hope Ralph behaved during your meal!
One of my kids looks just like me and the other looks so much like my husband, it is scary. Yet, if you look at them, you would know they are brothers.

[Pax]

Wonderful pictures Lisa, you all look so happy and loved.

[Trek420]

Amanda, if you put the bird bath far away from any shrubs cats can hide it, and have it high up, the birds should be okay. I have one from Wild Birds Unlimited that is on a tall iron stake, with a shallow plastic bowl. It's too high for the cats and away from shrubbery. Because I have a lot of bird feeders, all the 'hood cats hang out here--it's like going to the movies for them, I think. But they never get any of the birds.

Like this? Tiny postage-stamp sized patio with large dog. Birds seem to know the dog really can't get them. I'll try to get a picture complete with birds before I move.

[Biciclista]

Trek, you keep those geraniums alive year round, don't you?!

I Love seeing how people resemble their families. A fascinating study.