Category Archives: Uncategorized

Proof of the Efficacy of Masks

Weather in the Tries: Disgusting. It’s cold. It’s damp. It’s June for crying out loud! I think we need to bring the weatherman/woman up from Tucson, and get some decent weather on order.

Proof of the Efficacy of Masks.

Auntie Lenora and the Brave Dog missed y’all. Bunches. But we are back for a while. There will undoubtedly be a few more trips across the hump (known as Snoqualmie Pass) in the summer months.

I had planned on a two week stay, but the day before I was leaving, one of my friend’s care givers sent a text. She had been to see him Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday, she let us know she was down with fever, shakes, aches, pains—Covid. Yes, she’d been vaxxed to the max, and had always worn her mask when caring for my friend. The major concern was not one of us getting it, but his wife was due home Wednesday night, and Covid could do a number on her (she, too, is vaxxed to the max, but also a serious asthmatic).

She came home, and stayed upstairs, with the door closed, much to the Brave Dog’s chagrin. He wanted to go up, give her pupkisses, welcome her home, and inspect her floor. Someone might have dropped something good to eat. She cooked us wonderful meals, and on Friday my friend and I tested. Negative. We tested again on Saturday. Again, negative. So, we decided I could go home, and she would wear her mask when caring for him. That was a good deal/bad deal kinda situation. She’s a marvelous cook, and I could have stretched it out a few days, I’m sure.

Alas, I had some projects, with deadlines, and I wanted to come home and get them met. I succeeded and have submitted one chapbook to a contest in Seattle, and have the second book ready to go, and will submit it sometime this week. That deadline is a little farther out. Plus I have another chapbook ready to go, as soon as I find the right market.

One thing I noticed while over on the dark side, most people wore their masks. Many wore them around their chins when walking outside, but put them over nose and mouth when in stores, etc. Unlike where I live, and no one wears mask. I think I’ve just received a booster in the mask wearing department. This new variant is nothing to sneeze at. The vax helps, keeps it down to a manageable roar, but we need to do our part to not get it, too. And what happened is a prime example. SHE wore the mask; WE did not get it!

Please read the following link. Wearing a mask is not about you, it’s about those around you. https://www.bryanhealth.com/coronavirus-clp/wearing-a-mask-is-not-only-important-its-life-saving/

I have finished a couple of books but did not have access to a computer while gone, so I need to write the reviews and get them posted. Check in a couple days, there should be some new reviews.

Alas, no photos, no earworms, no nuthin’ But we are glad to be home, and hope you’re glad we’re back, too.

Have a grand week, and by next time, I should be back to normal. Whatever that is in this day and age.

Hey There! Some Good News!!!

Happy May Day

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Weather in the Tries: Looks like we’re going to have temps starting at 56 on Monday and going up to 71 with most days all over the 60s, in no apparent pattern. Lows will be mostly in upper 40s. And several days of clouds, partly cloudy and showers maybe. What’s going on? I live in a desert. What’s all the wet stuff falling from the sky? It should do it between 10pm and 6am so it doesn’t bother my wee dog!

Happy May Day a day late! Yesterday, Sunday, was May Day. It’s a very European day of celebrating the beginning of summer. Flowers are given to people you like or would like to like. We used to celebrate it in this country, too. Some of you may be old enough to remember making ‘posies’ out of paper doilies, and flowers and ribbons to give to friends or take home from school for Mom. And then it became a big celebration in the godless heathen communist country of Russia, and they celebrated with big parades of martial weapons, etc. So President Eisenhower (I think) said we could no longer celebrate May Day. And we stopped on of the nicest celebrations of the school year.

Naomi Judd died this past week. Not being a devoted follower of the Country Western Music channels, I thought I was doing pretty well to recognize the name. I did, actually, know who the Judds were. Two sisters, Naomi and Wynonna. Uh, no. Not. No way! Naomi was the mother, Wynona the daughter in the duo. So, of course, I had to do a wee bit of research (on the web, of course) and found one of their recordings I actually remember hearing. It was a video, so I watched. I haven’t a clue who is which! I’m assuming Naomi wore the pant suit and Wynonna the dress. But I could be wrong (I was once before. Wrong, I mean.)

Actually, with the exception of “Rock-a-Billy” I pretty much avoided CW music. Favorite Son had a good friend who was a DJ who became my Favorite Adopted Son. Anyhow FAS and I were talking one day about music, and I mentioned I didn’t care a lot for CW or Opera and he proceeded to educate me. Come to find out, I like music. Music is music is music whether sung with voice as instrument or just percussion. I love Taiko drums. Don’t get to listen to them often now as I live in a multi-family building and it must, absitively posolutely MUST be played at high volume!

As most of you know if you’ve ever met me, or followed my blogs, especially my book review blog, I read a variety of genres, with poetry and fantasy and non-fiction rotating for first place. Well, I started reading the latest in the Alpha Omega series by Patricia Briggs the other night, and was so surprised, quite pleasantly I must say, to see that one of my favorite rock groups, HU, are mentioned in the book, and specifically their cut of Wolf Totem which is one of my all-time faves. The HU are Mongolian and do the throat singing as well as use the old-time instruments for new-time music. I’d love to see a “meet-up” between The HU and a Native American Heavy Metal Band. Oooooh, FUN!!!

Dan has moved in. We both have stuff to haul to our respective storages at some point. That point being after we go through the kitchen stuff and decide which garlic press to use. That one was super easy—I don’t have a garlic press 😉 We (read: Dan) will put up some shelves and an extended counter for stuff. I’ll help; any way I can. Hold a board? I can do that. Make coffee? I can do that. Go away? I can do that, too. However, he hates to paint, and I don’t mind it.

Photos of the Week:

Last week you saw ducklings, this week you can see geeselings. Alas, neither my friend two buildings over or I have seen little lings of any sort since. Don’t know what would go after them other than snapping turtles (not here), owls (not normally out during the day), coyotes (haven’t seen/heard any since moving here. To quote the King, “Is a puzzlement!”

I think these are two hens with their combined progeny.

Earworm of the week: Give A Little Love by the Judds.

Quotes of the Week from Quotetab:

“When you are real in your music, people know it and they feel your authenticity.” —Wynonna Judd

“Without love in your life, you have nothing.” —Wynonna Judd

“Sometimes all it takes is just a smile to change somebody’s weather.” —Wynonna Judd

Wow! Do you realize we made it through the week? That’s something to write home about, I think. I was so cold on Saturday I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever get warm again, but I did. Partly because my puppy snuggled when we went to bed. I’ve discovered when it’s rainy, i feel colder. The air is not just damper, it’s downright wet! Here’s hoping we all enjoy the Merry Merry Month of May. To that end, Sammy sends pupkisses to you all 😉

Spring is Sprung

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Weather in the Tries: We are due for partly sunny all week, with lows from 39F to 47F, and highs from 61 to 71F (that one will be today, Monday!). A chance of showers tonight, and breezes Tuesday night.

Yaaaaayyyy Me! I submitted a ‘suite’ of 5 short poems to Quill and Parchment for National Poetry Month. They accepted the entire suite! I would have mentioned way back when accepted but this little thing called a move got in the way. To see all the poems (mine is down about 3/5 of the way) go here; to just read mine (and miss some great poetry!) go here. My poem is Black Water Suite. If you like poetry, check out Quill and Parchment. It’s a great ezine with some very good poetry, and now and then short stories, and always a couple of yummy recipes. And no, they do NOT take everything I send them, which shows me they really do go for quality.

Spring is Sprung:

We are getting warmer weather. I can actually walk the dog now and then without my jacket (it’s a wind-breaker). We are getting in a lot more walking than we got at the other place. Almost daily (rain skews the walks) we do at least three trips around the complex. One trip equals .6 miles. I’m getting at least my 5,000 steps per day, and frequently more.

Dan had a friend of ours help him a few days ago in the moving of stuff. Dan decided to move in, so he has his desk and bed, and is mostly here. Not totally, but he’s now living here and going back to the other apartment for stuff. So far office sharing works fine.

Kind of nice having him for a housemate. He makes killer salads. His salads compete with the memories I have of my mom’s salads. Her salads not only tasted marvelous, but they could have graced the cover of Bon Appetit magazine! Of course, they would have to be photos, otherwise the salad dressing would drip all over the other mail. (a little early morning humor, such as it is.)

Got my cubbies built on Saturday. Not difficult, but I had to get the dresser moved two inches to the left, so I had room for them. Anyhow, they’re now together, and the cubbies now have my sweaters, etc. and I was able to finally get the boxes in my room emptied, and my room together. Dan & I had the maintenance guy remove the sliding doors on our closets, which gives us more room, both physically and visually.

Our closets are not quite 5’ wide, and I’m sure those of you who know me are wondering how I’m ever going to get my clothes in such a tiny space—two/three blocks away is my ‘Shed 54,’ with a double clothes rack that is totally packed with my hanging clothes. I am finally going to have to learn to live with seasonal clothes only in my apartment. The office closet is considerably larger, and we can use some of it for overflow clothing. I know I have too much, but so many things were gifts or bought on trips and have memories. Meh! Favorite Daughter can deal with all of it eventually. Bwahahahahahaha!

Photo of the Week:

We have baby ducks. Mama is very dark with a splash of white on her neck and chest. She has three babies, who are also very dark. Notice the beaks—one light, one dark. The third sibling was on the grass with mama. They are small enough, today, that they would fit in my hand comfortably. Wait another week.

Netflix:

Yes, I sat down in front of the TV on Saturday and started a new Korean drama—Tomorrow. It is, at least at the time the Wikepedia told about it, an on-going drama. We follow a young man who tries to save a life and ends up in a coma—he is given a choice, he can take a job with the Grim Reapers and only spend six months in a coma, wake, and get the job of his dreams, or he can refuse the Grim Reapers offer, and spend three years in a coma. This show tackles some interesting and tough topics, suicide being the primary one. There is a disclosure at the beginning that I didn’t catch all of it. I believe it said the subject deals with suicide, and may not be suitable for everyone, and if you have thoughts of suicide contact your local suicide prevention or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t catch the whole of it, I might have been turned off and found something else to watch. I’m glad I didn’t. Yes, it gets heavy at times, but there is a lot of humor in it, too. Death as a corporate entity? Sure, why not? And it has all the SNAFUs a corporation would have. 😉

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I am still reading the ARC and loving it. I attended the New Mexico State Poetry Society’s convention and heard a poet read from his newest book and almost before he had finished reading, I had it ordered. It’s a chapbook that is chock a block full of fascinating poems. Giveth and Taketh by Rota is one man’s view of today’s Jewish diaspora. Rota is the part of his name that he writes under. Go here for my review.

I am also reading the complete collection of Federico Garcia Lorca’s poems. Fascinating. I’ve quit the poetry part to read the Introduction which tells about his life and the poems from it.

Earworm of the Week:

Walk this Way by Aerosmith and Run DMC. Not sure, but think that was my introduction to rap. I already knew I loved Aerosmith, so of course, when MTV played Walk this Way, I watched, and continued watching. I’m not fond of Gangsta Rap, but I’ve read enough about Rap, to have a high level of respect for it. And I just read an article about how this recording was made, and there I was, with my earphones on and the volume turned down a smidge, and suddenly I was 40-something again! And until I read the article (there are several about the collaboration online) I had no idea it was first recorded by Aerosmith, or I forgot, and that when the two groups got together to do it again, they literally changed our music. Fascinating read. Look it up.

Quotes of the Week from Brainy Quote and Joseph Simmons Quotations:

Steven Tyler quotes:

“Every life has a measure of sorrow, and sometimes this is what awakens us.” —Steven Tylker

“I don’t think anything is forever, but when my kids tell me they love me, that’s forever.” —Steven Tyler

Joseph Simmons Quotations:

“STOP looking back!!!! When your past calls do NOT pick up!! it has nothing new to say.” —Run DMC

“If you’re going through hell…keep going! You always grow through what you go through.” —Run DMC

And there you have it, Auntie Lenora’s week. Getting somewhat back to normal, whatever that means. Run DMC’s admonition to stop looking back is a good one as far as it goes. I think it’s okay to look back as long as you learn from the memories, and don’t just listen to the bad stuff over and over again. Actually, episode 2 of Tomorrow deals with that quite well.

Sammy says he’s getting so much walking and exercise now that pretty soon he’ll be able to challenge Arnold Schwarzenegger to a throw-down. If I were you, I’d put my money on Sammy the Ripped 😉 I’m not sure what a throw-down is, but Sammy is thinking seriously about the challenge. Can you handle it, Mr. S??.

Vlad and other Grumps

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Weather in the Tries:

This last week has been a week of Seattle weather on steroids, i.e., it’s been cold, wet, and windy. The coming week appears to be a tad more civilized with lows all in the 40s and highs going from 58F to 65F. Thanks, Ma!

Vlad and other Grumps:

Actually, I did get a rather dark laugh out of Vlad this past week. He got on his high horse, looked Biden in the (virtual) eye (or maybe an old photo?) and threatened if we send any more weapons, &c to Ukraine, he’ll consider nuclear retaliation. My comment to Vlad, not that he cares, is: Vlad, Dahling, pull out of Ukraine, stop the war you started, and no one will have to send them weapons and munitions. See how easy it is?

One of the people in a discussion group I belong to did bring up a good question that none of us has seen/heard discussed by any of the newscasters or pundits we follow. If Vlad’s army is in as rough a shape as it is, what kind of shape are his nukes in? If his soldiers are so ignorant they stole radioactive souvenirs from Chernobyl (I hope they were small, and fit in a pant pocket), what makes anyone think his nuke sites have been properly maintained?

Grump #2:

After a busy day of emptying boxes, I would turn on the tv for a bit of relaxation, only to get my dandruff up. Have you noticed how many women on the tube do not know how to part their hair? It really isn’t difficult to get a straight, curved, or artsy part. With the advent of large screens and high def (and, I suppose, my astigmatism), I find the lack of a straight, curved, or artsy part to one’s hair annoying. Yes, I’m scraping the barrel, but…

Grump #3:

For—definition from Merriam-Webster: read it, it’s interesting. There is also fore (used in golf and with other words) and four (used to keep 3 and 5 apart. For the correct pronunciation, check out the Minute of Speech, here.

Fur: that stuff that covers most cute fuzzy animals, the exception being those who have hair.

Fir: a tree, such as the Douglas Fir, that when spoken the two sound the same, so you need to take it in context. To hear the correct, American pronunciation, check here

Far: as in the opposite of close or near. To hear the correct pronunciation, go here.

Why am I grumpy over this? Because there are three different and distinct sounds. And I’m tired of people saying (and spelling) “fir” when they mean “far” or “for.” For heavens sake it’s only three letters. Get them straight, pronounce the correctly. One’s mouth must change for the ‘ah’ sound, the ‘oh’ sound, and the ‘ir/ur’ sound.

In watching the news, not only do I want to mail combs to the female reporters I want to send all of them a pronunciation guide.

Grump #4:

Author Jason Tharp loves to write and illustrate books for weird kids for the best of all reasons—he was one. I wish his books had been around when my kids were young enough to appreciate them. He was all set to read his book, It’s Okay to be a Unicorn to a class near his hometown and at the last minute, he was cancelled. Rather, the reading of that book was cancelled because there is a rainbow on the cover and some illiterate parent whose child wasn’t in the class he was visiting, saw it and complained it was a book about being Gay. Oh, please, are these people going to cancel their God because S/He paints Rainbows in the Sky? Read the article here and if it’s paywalled a judicious email…

A NOT Grump:

So, my housemate is moving in this month, he’ll be here sooner than later, I imagine. Especially as I have most of the boxes out of the office and we’re not letting SBD into his room until he’s here. That gives me time to “practice” — it’s been years since I’ve had a housemate. I’m used to wandering the house in my skivvies, leaving the bathroom door open, dishes in the sink, cooking for one. (We haven’t discussed cooking/grocery shopping yet. His Type B personality says, meh, it’ll settle out. My Type A personality says, What do you mean? The bowl is half empty. No. Wait. That’s the nonexistent cat.) But you get the idea, I’m sure.

Photo of the Week:

How do I know when I’m truly in my new home? My sliding glass door has its stained-glass hummingbird. My sister of choice (SOC) made this for me many years ago when I told her about not seeing the glass in a closed door and bonked my schnozzle on it. This little bird has travelled to the southern Oregon coast, Florida, New Mexico, and all over Washington State.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I haven’t had time or inclination to read much this week. But I have read a bit in an ARC (advance reader copy). It’s a fascinating book and I can hardly wait to finish it.

Earworm of the Week:

“Imagine” written by John Lennon, performed by his son, Julian. And if you’d like to see the lyrics to follow along, think about, cogitate, check out this site.

Quotes of the Week from Brainy Quote:

“Vladimir Putin is creating an axis of authoritarian regimes that he will lead.” —Malcolm Nance

“Never say ‘no’ to pie. No matter what, wherever you are, diet-wise or whatever, you know what? You can always have a small piece of pie, and I like pie. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like pie. If somebody doesn’t like pie, I don’t trust them. I’ll bet you Vladimir Putin doesn’t like pie.” —Al Roker

“Frankly, I would never accept an award from Vladimir Putin because then you kind of give some credence and credibility to this butcher, this KGB agent, which is what he is.” —John McCain

Today may be a holiday for many, but Auntie Lenora loves you, each and every one, and she knows you wait with bated breath for your weekly Coffee Break Escape. Pour a cuppa, sit back and relax. Sammy Brave Dog is already back on his bed (which is really my bed, but he prefers it to something on the floor with his name on it), curled up and asleep. It takes a lot of energy to give each of you your weekly pupkisses., but he’s happy to do so.

What is Violence?

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Weather in the Tries: Wow, I don’t unnerstand, not one little bit. I moved south, toward the warmth, and it’s colder! Yeah, okay, I only moved 3.1 miles, but still… Does Ma Nature really have to give Winter an encore? Couldn’t she do it someplace else? The lows are going to be from 28 to 35, and the highs from 43 to 57 (next Saturday, mostly right around 50).

What is Violence?

First off, a note about the move. Probably 90% or more boxes are emptied. A stack of stuff grows to make a trip to my “shed,” and there are other things on horizontal surfaces waiting for something necessary to be unpacked before they can be put away. But it’s going, or coming, whatever.

Second off, I just had three poems accepted by the delightful people who put together the Shrub-Steppe anthology every year!

Third off, I really give a shout-out for Charter/Spectrum. Their part of the move went very smoothly. I plugged in a tv at the new abode, grabbed my clicker, and voila, I had my program. Dan set up my router, etc. and it, too went as promised. Yeah, they irritate me somewhat, especially when I call and have to go through what seems like 30,000 computers that only understand six words (and never the same six words) to finally get to a human (they are, after all, a Communication Network!) but when I finally get a human, I’m usually very pleased with their demeanor and knowledge. And patience because a by then, I wanna do a Will Smith, even though I know it’s wrong—and I don’t know if Karma affects computers.

Okay, legal disclaimers plus: I did not watch the Oscars, and I’ve barely read more than the headlines of most of the articles about it. I did read one article. But here is my question, perhaps it is a rant? I’m not sure. I remember it was about Will Smith defending his wife’s honor (Jada Pinkett Smith) against the host of the show. Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? Sorry, I don’t remember him or his name. Will Smith I know. No, I don’t know him, but I know who he is, and enjoy the movies I’ve seen with him.

Anyhow, Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? made a thoughtless comment about Jada’s baldness due to alopecia. Will slapped him. Personally, I hope Will slapped some manners into him. Will has taken full responsibility for his actions, resigned from the Oscars, has been banned for 10 years. (Bet that just breaks his heart/snark/). Why? Because he chose, however unwise, to counter violence with more violence. Yes, you read that correctly.

I am against violence, of any sort. And I’m not necessarily condoning Will’s actions; however, I think Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? who so generously did not file charges or a complaint, should also be banned from the Oscars for 10 years. We all know Karma takes too long, so maybe that is why Will Smith slapped him. It was his verbal violence that started it. When a comedian goes for a laugh out of someone else’s pain, it’s violence. Whether the pain is physical or emotional doesn’t matter. Pain is pain and it hurts. And if Rock? Rocky? Rocky Squirrel? went after one of my family, I might have suffered a sudden onset of uncontrollable raising of my knee. (That Karma thing, you understand.) Full stop. Run credits. Close curtains. The end.

Thank you for allowing me to rant. Oh, wait. This is my blog. Thank you for reading my rant. What do you think?

Photo of the Week:

We had some strong winds the last few days. Looked out of my bedroom this morning and saw this bleached skeleton of a bird, with a couple feathers sticking to it. Of course, I grabbed my phone and braved the cold winds to shoot it. This was, mind you, BC (before coffee) so I hope I can be forgiven for sharing a semi-floating plastic bag with you. Do you see the bird?

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

Crowbones by Anne Bishop. Oh, yes, I finished it. Think it took me 3, maybe 4 nights. I savored it, I mostly only read it at night and then only if I’d done a fair share of unboxing stuff. It made a marvelous “carrot.” My review can be found here.

Earworm of the Week: “A Change Would Do You Good” by Sheryl Crow performed by Paul Mcdonald and The Grand Magnolias

Quotes of the Week: From Wise Sayings

“Crows will fight over a dead man’s flesh and kill each other for his eyes” —George R.R. Martin (What? You expect something soft and genteel from the man who gave us GoT?)

“We heap up around us things that we do not need as the crow makes piles of glittering pebbles.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder

“If men had wings and bore black feathers, Few of them would be clever enough to be crows.” —Henry Ward Beecher

And there we are. Another week, another blog. Auntie Lenora hopes you week was fantabulously wonderful, and the coming week will treat you even better. The Brave Dog sends more pupkisses. TTFN and see you soon. As Garrison Keillor says—”Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

ps. I wan’t kidding when I said Winter gets an encore:

We’re Moved!!!!!

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Weather in the Tries: Huh? We got weather? Here? At our new home? I’ve been too busy to notice. 😉

We’re Moved:

It went fairly smooth, operator. I’ve done easier moves but had a couple months to pack and be uber organized. This time I had 20 days. Chrysta, the manager at the new complex, called and said they had an apartment coming vacant the first of April. The lady and her sons who lived in it were gracious enough to allow us to come see it and decide. We decided. I had done a bit of long-term packing but then it was time for the hard part. I had to give notice on my place, and the manager there said they could only pro rate rent based on move in, not move out. I had to pack like crazy. I asked if I could come back and clean, and she said they’d prefer if their team cleaned and billed me. Ya know what? By the time I moved, & etc., I was too pooped to clean. I had done some, and went back and vacuumed, and that was it. Their cleaners will be worth the cost.

For those of you in the area, I used Help U Move. This is the third time I’ve used them, and I’ve never been disappointed in their work. I heartily recommend them.

Dan, my soon to be housemate, was gracious enough to pay his half of the rent this month so I could move in, and he could bring stuff over in bits and pieces. We each took a small bedroom (10×10) and are using the primary bedroom as a joint office. Well, once I get all the boxes out. 😉

I’m guessing these were made in the ’70s with what I call a California architecture. There is a large entry in the center of each building with all apartments opening on it. Gets people out of the wind and rain, snow and sleet, sun and heat, to get in and out of their units. We discovered we can use the patio, it’s closer by a few steps. And is covered by the upstairs unit’s deck.

I think each building has 10 apartments, 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. It’s mixed age so there are kids from newborn to second childhood in here. Lots of geeses, ducks, and I think we have a resident heron, too. The ponds are low on water but will be topped off in the next couple of weeks.

I wondered how Sammy would take to the move. On moving day proper, he spent the day at Dan’s. Once everything was moved, I brought him to his new home. He saw ‘his’ boxes, smelled the right smells and was okay with the move. I guess. (Who knows what an animal thinks?) Went for our first walk and he was fine. There are lots of dogs in here, so he got to read lots of messages and leave his own. Looks like it was a welcome wagon for dogs. He loves it here. At the other place there were lots of dogs and feral and wild animals, and he was pretty twitchy, but here, he’s fine. Oddly, he hasn’t met any of the dogs.

Oh, there is an old and unused tennis court here. The powers that be, are considering turning it into parking. I suggested to the manager they turn half into parking and use the other half as an enclosed doggie play yard. She liked the idea and said she’d pass it on. There are 7 buildings in our complex and our owner just bought the mirror complex next door with another 7 buildings. That complex is called Heron Lake, we live in Clearwater Bay.

Okay, here you go, Photos of the Week:

Entry way. Note patio to the left with blue and red chair showing? That be us.

The entry hall. It appears a tad darker when one walks in from bright sun!

From our entry way which is about as exciting as the photo of same somewhere above this one. Obviously, this is our kitchen and box room. It’s really a dining room, and all those boxes are empty. and I’m still figuring where to put stuff which is why everything is on the counter, stove, etc.

Our living room from the entry. When Dan moves in, we’ll rearrange things, right now, I’m trying to get it livable. And all the stuff put someplace.

My 10×10 room. All my art is over at a neighbor’s until the house is more or less organized. We met when she lived at the other place, and is how I found this place.

My bathroom with my new shower curtain. Had to do something to kill the yellow in the paint. It’s a yellow-brown-beigey color. It’s a good thing I don’t wear a lot of make up, because it will never go on right in here. All the rooms are this color.

Our office. Well, at the moment, it’s my office, but as soon as I get the boxes emptied, or at least moved, Dan can start moving his desk, etc. in.

This is the view from our patio. My understanding is, The Great Invincible They will start filling the pond this month. You can’t really see, it goes quite a ways back. We have ducks, geese, and at least one resident/semi resident Great Blue Heron. He has his favorite rock he perches on away from all the buildings. I’m sure there will be more photos in days to come.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

I have finally started Crowbones by Anne Bishop. It’s the latest in her The Other series. I saved it as a reward for a getting everything packed, moved, and at least a start at emptying boxes. I took it with me Saturday to start while I waited to get my Booster Boosted. Again, I have no reaction to the booster other than it is a teensy bit sore if I sleep on it. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I need to finish Crowbones before I can get back to emptying boxes. I have read several of Ms. Bishop’s books. Reviews are here.

Earworm of the Week: Speaking of boxes (not our new home) here’s an oldie, Little Boxes. For some reason I was sure, absitively posolutely sure that Peggy Lee wrote and performed this. Nope! It was Malvina Reynolds. So much for my infallible memory 😉

How’s this 7:06 video for a “Feel Good” one? Retired Mountain Rescue Search Dog Skye is awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. That is a big deal.

Quotes of the Week: are from metropolis moving

“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” -Billy Idol

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.” -Benjamin Franklin

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.” -Ivy Baker Priest (This one sounds a tad like it came from the Reluctant Messiah of Illusions by Richard Bach.)

Sammy wants you to know he’s happy here and sends pupkisses to you all and thanks you for your friendship. And good wishes. He’s not sure how he would have made it without those good wishes. Me, too. I’m getting too old to move every time the windows need washing!

Litany Against Fear

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Weather in the Tries: Oh, WOWSER! Only two nights below 40, and two days above 70, the rest in the upper 60s. Must be why I can’t breathe—those excited little plants are dancing and tossing their pollen with great and gleeful abandon and cheer.

Litany Against Fear

If you’ve read Dune, or seen any of the movies, you will undoubtedly understand how the Litany Against Fear plays such a pivotal role on paper and in film. I think it’s one of Frank Herberts most famous writings.

“I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

I tried to memorize it when I read Dune the first time. I failed. But I remembered the gist of it. A few books later, Reverend Mother Odrade said she didn’t have time for all that folderal and changed it to “Face your fears or they will ride your back.” That may not be the exact phrase she used, but close enough, and by golly, I can remember it. And I use it.

I’m still packing and must be done before bedtime Wednesday. The movers come Thursday, and I must be ready for them. I’m mostly done. Down to dribs n drabs of stuff that didn’t fit in that box or this one. And my office. The books are mostly packed, but….

My storage locker, affectionately known as “the shed” is nearly full, but neatly so.

And a Nice to report. I totally spaced on calling my insurance to change my renters and auto address. I hate trying to talk to a computer who can only understand 3, possibly 4 words. Saturday, I remembered I needed to take care of that, and get a copy of the renter’s insurance to the new apartment complex. The conversation went sorta like this: the Computer Lady said, “Thank you for calling USAA, how may I help you?” Me (trying not to grind my teeth: “Change of address.” Computer Lady,” Oh, you’d like to change your address. One moment please and I’ll connect you to a representative.” Me (trying not to faint): “Thank you.” And then the representative came on. Young. Chipper. Happy. And very professional. She got everything she needed to do quickly, professionally, and pleasantly. Then she transferred me to somebody in Automotive. He asked for the new address, I gave it, he said, “Oh, it’s already in the system.” I could hear keys clicking. Then, “Well, I have some good news for you. Your monthly cost will go down $32.00.” I truly believe I’m with the best Insurance company around. If you’re a veteran, check them out!

Photo of the Week:

One of the sights I will miss–dawn on the river. Now that we’re apparently going full-time DST, I may never again be up early enough to see the dawn. But I’ll have a lake. Okay, a pond. A man-made pond. It, too, has birds–ducks, geeses, and a heron. And I’m sure I saw alligator and giraffe tracks on the island. Sammy has his chores. When I leave he must keep the humfalumpuses off the furniture, the hippopotamuses out of the parking slots, and the giraffes and alligators over on the island. The people here will miss him when we move. There hasn’t been a sighting of giraffes, alligators, or hippos since we moved in. Yayyy for the Brave Dog.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

Oh, surely I jest! I’ve had time to read? Bwahahahahaha! I have Anne Bishop’s last “Other” book waiting, Crowbones, but I must, Must, MUST be packed before I dive in, because it’s a marvelous universe and I love it and don’t want to leave it to do something as mundane as more packing!

Earworm of the week: Not really an earworm, but if you like desert inspired music, this is hard to beat. And the photography is superb. Dune | Epic Music & Ambience

Quotes of the week: From Goodreads.com

“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.” —Frank Herbert, Dune

“What do you despise? By this are you truly known.” ―Frank Herbert, Dune

“It is impossible to live in the past, difficult to live in the present and a waste to live in the future.” ―Frank Herbert, Dune

Next week, Auntie Lenora will be writing from her new abode. She should have a few pix to share. And hopefully some empty boxes.

“Happiness is a form of courage.”

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Weather in the Tries: Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!—I do believe Spring is about to whomp upon us—in this coming week we’ll have one day, at least, above 70F, most in the mid 60s, and the coldest night will be one at 39F.

“Happiness is a form of courage:
I love this. Found it on a JHAILING box that held a present for me. And whoever said it is correct. It does take courage to be happy when your world is falling apart, or being bombed to rubble, or even while moving. Just ask Sammy Brave Dog. He’s getting very stressed.

Yippers! I’m moving. Again. A friend and I are moving in together. We can rent a 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment for slightly more than I am paying now for a 2 bedroom 1 bath, split the cost and both save money. Also, we’re each taking a small bedroom, and using the primary bedroom as a joint office. Sneaky, huh?

So this post, and probably another one or two, may be of a somewhat shortened nature. But, then, I’m a somewhat shortened person… (Sorry. I’m looking for that Happy Courage!)

Vlad the Invader has allegedly moved his family to his underground bunker somewhere in Siberia. Now, how/why would we know this? Is he using it as a veiled threat that he’s going to press the red button on his desk? Does he know something we don’t? I sure wish Rafael Edwardo Cruz would hurry up and take his A Team and replacements to Moscow to do what they want the Russians to do. You know, show them how it’s done.

Photo of the Week:
I think this came from Facebook. A friend sent it, and, well, it just tickled my funny bone. And, no, that is not Sammy Brave Dog.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

There are now over 600 books on my book blog. Surely you can find something in that list that appeals to you? Yes? No? Maybe?

Earworm of the week: Wolf Totem by HU. The HU are a Mongolian rock group who use traditional instruments and throat singing. This is one of my favorites. I would love to see them in a “battle” of music with a Sioux group. Or any other Native group. Make sure the English subtitles are on so you can follow along.

Quotes of the Week: Today’s quotes are from unpaktblog giving us “Inspiring Quotes about Moving and Change”

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet…” —Rachel Wolchin

“Life is life a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” —Albert Einstein

“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” —Billy Idol

Poor Brave Dog, his home is being demolished about his ears. He is not happy. Alas, I’d consider taking him to a dog boarding home until this is over, but I think that would stress him out even more. I’m getting stressed, too. I have to keep stopping to take a good dog on a walk. But he’s in for a real surprise when we move! Have a great week. And think a calming thought for the dog, will ya?

Do you re-read books?

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Weather in the Tries:

Would you believe Saturday got up to 70 in the Tries????Woot! Woot!! It appears that our lowest this coming week will be 36, and several days in the low 60s! We do have winds, now, but that’s okay. March winds and April showers. And flower beginning to bloom 😉

How to Help Ukrainians:

You could send them the A Team (see below for more /snark/) but a more realistic thing is to read Nicholas Kristof’s substack article, How to Help Ukrainians. He has some very good ideas and knows of what he writes. If, for some reason you can’t open the article, please let me know through the Contact Form, and I shall do what I can. Nicholas Kristof, for those of you who don’t know him, is a long-time journalist, and spent many years trotting about the globe, in some very dangerous places.

Do you re-read books?

Do you? Which ones call you to read again and again, and why? I re-read books, different books for different reasons. Here are some I re-read.

Dune (the ones) by Frank Herbert. It’s been a long time since I’ve re-read those books, but they are my “thumb sucking” books. When I’m really stressed, I grab the first one, Dune, and stack the remaining six (I think it’s six, I’m too lazy to get up and count right now for a total of seven Frank wrote. I curl up with a cuppa, and get totally lost in another world, another galaxy, another culture. When my uncle was in the hospital and I couldn’t visit him because I was snow bound (believe me, you do NOT want to drive in Seattle where there is snow on the streets!) I talked to him daily and read all seven (or six) books in a week. Yep, I was stressed. I have no idea how many times I’ve read the books, but it’s a lotta times. I’ve also seen all the Dune movies, including the latest in 3D!!!

Wizard of the Pigeons by Megan Lindholm. Oh, wow, I bet it’s every couple years that I read that book. It’s one of my mostest faves of all times. It’s the story of a homeless Vietnam veteran in Seattle. I guarantee, no matter what you think of homeless people, if you read that book, your thoughts will change. I’ve even been known to send pitches to movie directors, etc. This vet is a Vietnam vet, but he could be from any war.

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. This is another one I read often. Like, once a year, or every other year. I love the story, but really love the sayings. I have memorized many; perhaps, not word for word, but the gist of them. “Happiness is a choice. It is not always an easy choice.” Another fave, “Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” I don’t know if Bach is Buddhist or not, but his books have been read and enjoyed by Buddhists, by Christians, by Atheists, and by Nones, etc. I just learned he is a direct descendant of Johann Sebastian Bach! you can learn some amazing things by going down the www rabbit holes 😉

And, just in case you’re interested, my idea of Heaven is an expanded version of the Library of Congress. The largest library in the world!

So, do you re-read books? Why? Which ones? Leave a comment, please.

The Congressional Team A plus some obviously needed help?:

I see the A Team I proposed last week, comprised of Lindsey Graham (a US Government trained killer), and the hotshots, Lauren Boebert, Margery Taylor Greene, Josh Hawley, and Maddi Cawthorn, did not go to Russia to take care of the problem. Perhaps they need to add a few more to their team? Give it a snazz up the name? How about The Congressional Team A? And call on Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz, Paul Gosar, Louie Gohmert (also a US Government trained killer), and one or two other volunteers?? If they are going to call others to violence, they truly should put their money where their mouth is, or in this case, their weapons where their mouth is. Yes?

Vlad the Invader has let it be known that if the US or any other western nation sends arms, etc. to the Ukraine he will take it as a Declaration of War against him. He is asking China for arms, etc. Should we let him know what we think?

Photo of the Week:

Library staff pose in front of the Borys Lavrenyov Regional Library for Youth. Photo courtesy of Rubryka and TOL. — https://globalvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lavernyovka.jpeg
**This is (or was) the Library and staff in front of the Borys Lavrenyouv Reginal Library for Youth in Kherson, Ukraine. Click photo to go to article.**

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it at Rainy Day Reads

My Viking Vampire —by Krystal Shannan. OMG! This is a paranormal romance with all the shiny pink parts. Our two protagonists are a young human woman who has been terribly abused by her ex, and a thousand-year-old Viking Vampire who rescues her. Not for the faint of heart. But a heckuva romp! Calorie-free brain candy. If I thought Sanctuary existed, I think I’d have to go to Texas just to visit! I gave it 5 Stars.

Have been reading some other books. Water Chasing Water —by Koon Woon. Am enjoying Mr. Woon’s poetry. Have followed him for years, but this is the first book of his I’ve read.

Am also reading Collected Poems —by Federico García Lorca. Great fun. The left side (even numbered) pages are in Spanish; the right side (odd numbered) pages are in English. It will take a while to get through this one. But oh, my, do I love his poetry!

Earworm of the week: The Tango: Vaccine – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody

Quotes of the week: from Quotemaster

“I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.” —C.S. Lewis

“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again there is no use reading it at all.” —Oscar Wilde

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” —Hasruki Murakami

And there you have it. The brave dog and I have made it through another week, and hope you have, too. If you didn’t, please leave a comment and tell us why not. Sammy sends pupkisses to you all. It’s OK to accept them—I wiped the slobber off each one individually. 😉

Coffee Break Escapes with Auntie Lenora

Short readings for short times

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Proof of the Efficacy of Masks

Hey There! Some Good News!!!

Happy May Day

Spring is Sprung

Vlad and other Grumps

What is Violence?

We’re Moved!!!!!

Litany Against Fear

“Happiness is a form of courage.”

Do you re-read books?