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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:23:55 GMT -5
Earth Haven was great. There was only myself and this other guy on my tour, and the other guy was doing an extended work study there, presumably to figure out whether he wanted to live there permanently. Anyway, it was neat to see in people experimenting with sustainable living, including natural buildings, composting toilets, gray water reclamation, renewable energy sources, and so forth. It was really refreshing to talk to people who knew what a CSA was and why living off the grid might be a good idea. I also got some good information about the social structures and relationships and logistics and so forth. It was also neat to see a wide variety of natural building styles and use of found objects and land in building and landscape design. The main council hall, which was straw bale construction with a wooden roof and wooden and granite floor, was really beautiful, and said to be about 95% made of local materials. One couple gave me a tour of their earthship house. Other interesting things of note was the use of colored glass bottles to line the edges of garden beds and the use of rhododendron branches to make balcony railings. Of course, the environment in Wyoming is really different, so a lot of the specifics aren't applicable. I'm going to have to look into the ecovillages and other sustainability projects going on in Colorado in order to get more information about what works in that environment. I don't know what else y'all want to know about Earth Haven; here's the website, in case y'all were interested. I kind of knew a little bit about it before visiting, so it wasn't really news to me. But let me know if there's anything specific you're interested in and I'll try to tell you what I know about it. Interesting! I had no specific questions, was just interested in hearing your impressions.
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:25:05 GMT -5
Too cold, but sunny at least today. Predicting snow for tomorrow - hopefully a last hurrah. I think I have enough done now to schedule my inspections for fostering certification - so I'll call next week. Am still dealing with emotional ups and downs, but I'm thinking that is a permanent feature of the rest of my days, so no use whining about it, is there? I really like the new upstairs . . . should take some pics and post. One thing that pleased me is that I noticed Vince had drawn a very faint picture on the door to the attic, and that is still there. So I fixed everything, but still have a Vince pic. I like that. Much to do today! Hugs and best wishes to all S'cubies!! For some reason I can't explain, I re-read part of the part 2 "Patti we miss you" thread last night. And it reminded me what a marvelous bunch you all are. So here's to you. There's use in whining about it, I think. You can do that here. I've been having some ups and downs lately too. Good point! Thanks for the hugs.
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:26:10 GMT -5
I, um, had a date. It was fun. I'm in like. Yay!!
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:27:36 GMT -5
Just watched the 2004 version of The Manchurian Candidate. Nicely done - acting, writing, etc - but I didn't like the major way they played with the storyline. Took a big tumble off my step ladder earlier. I've hurt my knee, and had to wrap it and get the crutches. Have bump on head, also. I yelled for Nanucci after I fell (like he could do anything), but he didn't come. I think the sound of the thumping and falling and scream I let out must have scared him. He is very different from Nova, who would have come running. He seems to get very scared of stuff like that, and will not come near. I had to just lie there on the dining room floor for a few minutes until I felt well enough to stand. Man, falling sure is different when you are older. I was up on ladder the other day -- putting some decoration in the space above my kitchen cupboards -- and realized how risky that was. I'm living alone in an apartment and don't really know a soul. If I fell and broke my leg (or worse) I'd lay in my apartment for days. I need to be more cautious, methinks. And I know you have some family and friends close by, but you need to be careful too. We need our Springaling! Thanks. Yes, it is tricky when you are living alone. I should be more careful about keeping my cellphone on me, I suppose.
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:29:51 GMT -5
From my youngest sister: Fable of the porcupine It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: Either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companion, but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities. Or in other words . . . " LE ARN TO LOVE THE PRICKS IN YOUR LIFE. " I've never heard that one. Words to live by!
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 27, 2011 14:34:04 GMT -5
Am keeping frozen peas on my knee, trying to keep it elevated, etc. I have an Ace bandage around it, and I'm using a crutch.
I have no bruising, and swelling isn't bad. But it hurts pretty badly if I try to put weight on it. I think it is a bad sprain. My nurse friend Teena says I must call the doc tomorrow.
Sigh.
I have an optometrist appt Wed because I fell last week and broke my glasses and I'm overdue for an exam.
I have my usual counselor's appt on Wed evening.
I have an appt with the dentist on Thurs, because a crown fell off.
Now this.
Makes me tired.
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Post by Queen E on Mar 27, 2011 14:54:36 GMT -5
Greetings from Branson!
OK, gotta go. Love me some S'cubies.
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Post by Sue on Mar 27, 2011 16:17:52 GMT -5
Am keeping frozen peas on my knee, trying to keep it elevated, etc. I have an Ace bandage around it, and I'm using a crutch. I have no bruising, and swelling isn't bad. But it hurts pretty badly if I try to put weight on it. I think it is a bad sprain. My nurse friend Teena says I must call the doc tomorrow. Sigh. I have an optometrist appt Wed because I fell last week and broke my glasses and I'm overdue for an exam. I have my usual counselor's appt on Wed evening. I have an appt with the dentist on Thurs, because a crown fell off. Now this. Makes me tired. Indeed.
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Post by Karen on Mar 27, 2011 21:19:11 GMT -5
Absolutely nothing. You're perfect. ;D Back from the wilds of Palm Beach. Visit with The Father a rousing--okay not rousing but success! Glad you had a good visit, Diane. And a successful date! Details please, if you want, that is.
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Mar 27, 2011 21:25:41 GMT -5
Weekend of mixed success. I got the two gift-wrap holders full of art paper down to one on Saturday, and stuck that in the cave for now. I got in a walk to the market this morning, between the raindrops. Emily and I went to Trader Joe's, Ralphs (for a few heavy things) and Target; she found some jeans that fit her fairly well (given that she's 5'2", about 125lb, with a lovely figure, that's not always easy), and I found a little three-shelf unit for my "studio" to go where the rolls of art paper had been. Then I put the shelf unit together with only a few mistakes, at which point I found that the folding baskets that were advertised as fitting in the cube units did not in fact fit in these. They will be returned tomorrow. But that's not important. What is important is that I was able to move the things I wanted into the new shelf unit, and put the things I wanted on top, and rearrange other things in my little studio, and now there's a bit more floor space in front of the built-in drawers, which Patches had to check out for sleeping immediately. So that was good. Not so good is that every time I stop running around in circles, or stop to think, or slow down at all, a big black cloud descends upon my head, and I want to cry. Which I can't, and even if I could, it'd upset the rest of the family and I'd have to comfort them, and frankly I just don't have the energy or patience. Also I lose my temper at the slightest little thing, which is not helpful. But there was reorganizing and spring cleaning, and that doesn't suck, anyway. And Kitty has almost finished S1 of BtVS, and is wandering around quoting lines and giggling, which is almost as good as watching it myself for the first time, again. , , , apply as appropriate.
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Post by Karen on Mar 27, 2011 21:33:51 GMT -5
Spring -- I'm not normally (not at ALL) a fan of Kentucky so I was conflicted last night -- still felt I should root for the SEC over the Big Ten. Great game, though. Kentucky played much better than they did sometimes this season. Theoretically it could be a KY/FL final. And poor, poor Jim Foster. Had to lose to Pat Summitt twice a year for 10 years while at VU and he comes up against her in the Sweet Sixteen. Oh well. Well, no Florida in that scenario. Lots of surprises! I'm won our office pool. Everyone else's picks are out and I have Connecticut left also. Yay for smart computers! My $25 fake Dell laptop battery for my computer works! Dell was asking $100 for a replacement and as my computer only cost me $450 a couple of years ago, I wasn't too happy to pay that much for one. Planned obsolescence. Been rewatching Firefly. That's been fun!
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Post by Karen on Mar 27, 2011 21:39:40 GMT -5
Weekend of mixed success. I got the two gift-wrap holders full of art paper down to one on Saturday, and stuck that in the cave for now. I got in a walk to the market this morning, between the raindrops. Emily and I went to Trader Joe's, Ralphs (for a few heavy things) and Target; she found some jeans that fit her fairly well (given that she's 5'2", about 125lb, with a lovely figure, that's not always easy), and I found a little three-shelf unit for my "studio" to go where the rolls of art paper had been. Then I put the shelf unit together with only a few mistakes, at which point I found that the folding baskets that were advertised as fitting in the cube units did not in fact fit in these. They will be returned tomorrow. But that's not important. What is important is that I was able to move the things I wanted into the new shelf unit, and put the things I wanted on top, and rearrange other things in my little studio, and now there's a bit more floor space in front of the built-in drawers, which Patches had to check out for sleeping immediately. So that was good. Not so good is that every time I stop running around in circles, or stop to think, or slow down at all, a big black cloud descends upon my head, and I want to cry. Which I can't, and even if I could, it'd upset the rest of the family and I'd have to comfort them, and frankly I just don't have the energy or patience. Also I lose my temper at the slightest little thing, which is not helpful. But there was reorganizing and spring cleaning, and that doesn't suck, anyway. And Kitty has almost finished S1 of BtVS, and is wandering around quoting lines and giggling, which is almost as good as watching it myself for the first time, again. , , , apply as appropriate. I hear you on the moodiness. I started eating lunch at my desk because the guys talk politics and it was aggravating me too much. I probably should quit watching the news for a while. Thank goodness golf is starting soon. Went out for 9 holes today, and it was COLD - 40 and breezy. But sunny. Managed to get 9 holes in before my hands lost all feeling for the club. Doesn't look like it's going to get warmer any time soon either. Also, I picked up some Vitamin D3, which I've read is supposed to help with mood and aches and pains. Which I know is mostly from being cooped up inside all winter.
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Post by Karen on Mar 27, 2011 21:47:57 GMT -5
Well, even though my helper couldn't make it today, I eventually got some work done, although the biggest task- making a cage around the peoniesvkeep the rabbits from destroying them- was strictly triage. Julia, most of my days are spent doing triage, in March especially I made a cage around my peonies years ago, and it worked for awhile . . . but the last few years they've had some kind of problem blooming successfully. Not sure if its rabbits or something else. Haven't paid the attention I should. Hopefully I'll be able to, this year. Make sure you let the foliage die down naturally in the fall. Don't cut them down too early or they won't store up enough food to bloom the next year. I never did anything to my peonies but that and they always bloomed. I need to steal a few from the old house as the color of them is gorgeous. Dark, fuscia.
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Post by Karen on Mar 27, 2011 21:52:20 GMT -5
Hehe...you are a S'cubie!! And you rock! I woulda laughed. And bought YOU a coffee! Ha!! Wanna come work with me?? Thanks also to Anne & Sara for your comments. I'm glad I fit in somewhere. I would love to come to Denver and work with you! Or maybe in a few years I'll retire nearby. They have awesome golf courses and housing isn't all that outrageous on a few of the courses I looked at.
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Post by Julia, wrought iron-y on Mar 27, 2011 22:38:00 GMT -5
Chickens acquired; got home too late to get a good picture, oh, well.
Left my purse in Seattle, don't know how that's going to be worked out. It's got my cell phone, small camera, and my freaking passport in it. I know where it is, and it's not going anywhere except back to me, but shit what a thing to do.
I'm just way too tired to be any degree of attentive.
Julia, dammit.
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