Hoping all is well with everyone here in the Bait and Tackle shop?  It's the time of year that we can all sit around the hot stove, and talk about memories from years past, when some of us actually did go fishing!  My father was the fisherman in the family, and as long as my parent were alive, they would vacation every Summer  at a lake, river or visit my aunt & uncle who lived in Willow Creek, near the Trinity and Klamath Rivers.  Life was so simple then, wasn't it?

Mars -  Things are often a mess every Winter on the Great Lakes and connecting rivers.   Your mentin of the St. Lawrence River, reminded me of MaryAnn Tock, when she posted here.  Remember the song she liked - I think it was called The Thousand Island song?   Made famous by Arthur Godfrey.   "I row, row, row, row up the River St.Lawrence, hollering Florence, oh where can you be?"    I'll look it up on YouTube, and post the recording if I can find a good one.

Patricia - we are just starting a new rain storm this afternoon.  One of those I mention every year that blows down from the Gulf of Alaska. Strong cold winds and icy snow.  My most dreaded, because we usually lose power for one of two days. This house cools down quickly and it becomes hard to deal with.   You've said in the past, that you don't get any storms or "weather" from the Gulf?   

Hope we hear from others who often post here?

Marilyne, between us in the Interior and cities bordering the gulf, lies a mountain range with some of the highest mountains in the world outside of Everest. Two, Hunter and Denali, would be taller except that Everest starts on a higher elevation. This assures different weather patterns.

Our dry climate, which comes from Siberia and flows into Canada through the Yukon. The Southeast, bordering the Gulf, flows down toward Hawaii. The southeast of Alaska is part of the same wet climate as Washington and Oregon, as well as parts of Canada, including the Vancouver area.

Patricia, The Gulf of AK storm, broke up somewhere along the way, so never made it down here to the CA coast.  So the weather is still relatively warm, and looks like we'll have a couple of mild days.  Sunny, with clouds, but no rain.

OLM, we haven't heard from you lately here in B&T?  Hope you're feeling well, since all the food and family over the holidays.  I see you mentioning that you're still spinning, and I assume you mean sitting at a spinning wheel??   Are  you making some kind of fabric  . . cloth?  Then you will use it for clothing, or for curtains and other household items?

I remember Arthur Godfrey (and his most beautiful palomino). I don't remember the song.

I have made an appointment with the vet for both cats in 10 days. Shan has some matting in a sensitive place that I cannot get rid of, and Oscar has a very thick nail that has started to grow into his pad. Both seem minor, but can cause big trouble if not taken care of soon. Too bad the nice weather coming up is going to tank that day. It is going to be an all day affair because Shan needs sedated. Oscar is coming with me to pick him up in the afternoon and get the nail taken care of. At least that's the plan. 

Good evening every one.
I'm sorry Marilyne, I got behind. I was trying to alternate between posting here and in the Soda Shoppe. Yesterday I had some extremely frustrating internet/ipad/ OS problems that left me with a very sick headache and crossed eyes. So I didn't post. My spinning wheel is in the house. I used to bring it in the RV. When I got Kato (150 lbs) I reverted to drop spindles. I'm making yarn for warm woolen clothing. My sweater, gloves and socks all need replacing. I've finished all the pieces for my sweater. Its nearly finished. My current wool gloves got to critical condition so I detoured to replace them. One done, one cuff.

My standing floor loom is also in the house. I won't have room for it in the tiny house. My last project on it was rag rugs.
 

My sister in NC weaves - mostly shawls - she started to spin but had a bad accident that left her with a wonky arm and so she is now very selective in what she does weave and no longer spins yarn at all...

I used to knit but was not prolific - did many socks including using larger needles and thick yarn to make house socks... I really need to get rid of most of all that just as my sister wants to get rid of her stashes of yarn and probably even the 2 looms but the next generation of women do not seem to be into handwork -

My sister also lives out of the way - not in mountains but on the coast of the islands off North Carolina - mostly tourists visit who are not the kind looking to add yarn or looms to their lifestyle.

Some years ago, there was a local volunteer group that took in donations of yarn. They would make what they called lap-rugs for the elderly and disabled. I don't know if the group exists any more. They didn't advertise, so most people didn't know they existed. The yarn and paraphernalia are the only craft items I kept when I moved, but have yet to do anything with it yet. My shawl with pockets remains unfinished, hiding in a corner of the living room.

I can't believe we are getting a warm-up - in January. It will be in the 50s for about four days before heading down again. Weatherman says it is 39^o now and to get up to 53^o today.

 

I swear I think I spend more time trying to get to the correct room to post in every time I click in.  I can't seem to get the hang of it. 

OLM, I have crocheted and knitted since I had my first child who is now 53 yrs. old.  Last year for Christmas I did beautiful yarn covered bulbs a friend gave me a pattern for making them.  Over the years I have made baby matching sweaters, hats and booties along with many baby blankets. I've done mittens, scarves and hats and a baptismal gown and matching hat & blanket for a friend of mine.  I've made dozens of Afghans and still have a few that I did not give away.  I then got into sewing and began making my daughter outfits. Creating something out of cloth or yarn is so exciting and fulfilling to see the finished project.  I have to say I have never so much as seen a spinning wheel other than in pictures.  You truly amaze me with your talents making the best of your situation.

Mars, I hope everything turns out well with the cats.

Marilyn, I had to giggle when you mentioned fishing. My older brother took me fishing with him when I was maybe 12 yrs. old, I was so bored I kept talking and he got so frustrated with me he never asked me to tag along again.  He is actually quite the fisherman today.

Patricia, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in Alaska.  My hubby while in the Air Force back in 1960's was flown there on a special mission and says it was so breathtaking.  He guarded B-52 bombers in the winter in South Dakota so the temps in Alaska didn't bother him much. 

Okay, well I am waiting on Amazon to deliver my Christmas bulb storage containers so I can take my tree down.  I decided to do away with all the boxes I have stored them in for years and use the sectioned containers which should make it much easier and less time to take out and put away. I always feel a bit melancholy when I put the decorations away each year.   

Quote from: Ciaobella on January 07, 2026, 05:19:30 PMI swear I think I spend more time trying to get to the correct room to post in every time I click in.  I can't seem to get the hang of it.

A ouple of options to make life easier -

1 - When you log in, do you have a panel on the left side? Need that knowledge first.

2 - Click on "FORUM" at the top left
    On the page that opens scroll to the bottom. (I just click on my "end" key)
    On the left you will see three Horizontal lines - click that
    You now see the recently used Topics, and you can select the one you want.

Ciaobella, You and your husband may enjoy these various Alaskan photo links;

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=scenic+photos+of+Alaska&t=newext&atb=v513-3&ia=web

Wishing all of you a very nice evening,

Not a good day for me. It started nice enough when suddenly Kato alerted and I heard a tractor. The next door neighbor was spraying his field!😱🤯 Every one of my bodily system started crashing. I called Ron and asked him to get a hold of the neighbor. And find out what it was. I started taking remedies. Ron reported back what the neighbor was applyingad that he didn't give a damn that he was hurting me. I fought through the cognitive damage to figure out some place safe enough to go short term, until I could find some place safe enough to survive. Then I fought through my severe physical debilities to pack up my RV so I could leave. Ron was in bed with the flu, but still came out and took care of the outside things: unplugging, the step, following me to help set up. I drove a mile down the road to a neighbors' and friend's. I spent several hours searching on the internet and rechecking the general area for open but mostly vacant RV parks: none nearby. The only place is 2 hours away, in the opposite direction from my mountain, at the top of a pass, with ice and snow. If the road's open we'll go up tomorrow. Not looking forward to it. My RV has duallies - no traction. Volatility period for this chemical is 4 weeks. Coveting your prayers😞

OLM,  So sorry to read that bad news tonight.  Hoping that Ron feels well enough in the morning to help you get organized and leave the area.  I'm sure you will find RV parks outside of most small towns and recreation areas.  I'll be thinking about you tonight, and hoping you are comfortable and will be able to leave ASAP.   Keep us posted!

Quote from: Ciaobella on January 07, 2026, 05:19:30 PMI swear I think I spend more time trying to get to the correct room to post in every time I click in.  I can't seem to get the hang of it. 

OLM, I have crocheted and knitted since I had my first child who is now 53 yrs. old.  Last year for Christmas I did beautiful yarn covered bulbs a friend gave me a pattern for making them.   

I find that the easiest way to get to you favorite discussions is to click 'notify' on them when you first  posted. On next visits, you only need to click on 'updated topics' at the end of the page, to see what was posted since you had been there.

About your knitting, I am sure we are all curious to see it.  Why don't you post a photo or two, or three in the Photo discussion?

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/photos-and-more/photos-old-and-new/msg269188/#new

Of interest to bird lovers. This was just posted to The Guardian on the 5th. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/05/elite-falcons-middle-east-illegal-trafficking-trade-british-birds The Guardian has some wonderful, free newsletters and posts to YouTube on a number of topics. Worth a look.

Saw this coming but forgot about it. It is more extensive than I thought. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/dec/28/brazil-first-arid-zone-stark-warning-for-country

Thank you so much Rick and Bubble for the help to navigate the site. 

OLM, I am so sorry to hear about the neighbor and his uncaring attitude for your health. I will pray you are able to get through this without any more harm. I do hope your hubby is feeling better as well.

MarsGal, those links were very interesting.  We sit and watch the birds every morning come to the feeders.  I purposefully do not cut back all my flowering plants for the winter since I read the birds do eat from them throughout the winter. It's such a shame how mankind has interfered so much in the natural wildlife and environment all for the sake of greed or self-pleasure.

Bubble, I will attempt to post some pics of my knitted and crocheted things using the link.  I have not yet figured out how to easily post pics, so I'll keep trying.

Patricia, thank you for the links I will share them with my hubby.

Today is supposed to be a high of 51 and the sun feels so nice coming in my living room window. All the snow has melted, and I feel so motivated!  Guess I'll finish taking down the decorations and hope my Amazon ornament storage boxes come today. 
 

Good evening everyone,
It was a very long day. The dogs and I are all set up and running the heat. The last 7 miles there was snow on the road at the shady corners and east side of the tops. Not much. It was the first time I've driven my 30ft. RV in 20mph winds and snow. I'm a fair weather RV driver, if I can help it. Ron followed us up here, bless his heart. Once the neighbor applied I couldn't take on supplies and it was 'that day' when he did it. So Ron brought them up and helped me set up. Good thing, there was a new guy. Poor Ron, he was beat!!! He's going home to the hot tub, then right to bed. It grieves me how much extra work this makes for him!

This is a closed for the winter Off Highway Vehical and RV park. They let me stay up here when no one else but the work crews are here. I have water, sewer and shore power. I typically come up around the first part of March. Thats usually when they start chemical application and preplanting treatment back near the farm. We were hoping we'd get the woodstove installed over the winter and I could just go straight to Grandma Mountain this year.🫤

I still have dishes to do. I better get them done before the water freezes. Good night! 

Quote from: Ciaobella on January 08, 2026, 10:42:02 AM
Bubble, I will attempt to post some pics of my knitted and crocheted things using the link.  I have not yet figured out how to easily post pics, so I'll keep trying.
 

Don't forget to resize to 800 pxls on the longest side.

To post, click on "reply" under the last post.
Write your message and then drag your photo in the narrow window under your post.
Click on "post" and it is done.

Alternatively you can send me your photos at the address in my profile, and I'll do it for you.

Ciaobella, I wanted to respond to your sharing about your textile history now that the emergencies are dealt with. I agree, there is so much joy in creating an item with one's own hands. Especially if it is both attractive and useful! I began sewing when I was 8. The sweet little old ladies in the neighborhood would give me bags of fabric scraps and some old buttons. The first lady to gift me with such treasures also gave me a needle and a spool of black thread! Keys to unlock a kingdom! My first efforts were no more than crude wrap around scraps of fabric with a button attached and a slash for the hole. I moved up from there and figured out how to make Barbie a fitted, empire waist, full length sheath dress with a mandarin collar that zipped up the back. I hadn't had lesson one. My mother did not sew. Back then one got Home Ec in the 4th or 5th grade. That helped! By the time I was a teenager I made a majority of my own dresses, slacks, and shirts. I made down jackets, and windbreakers, hats and utility holders. I also made our yachting burgee and some clever devices like a "zinger slinger." When I went away to college I taught myself to knit, my then boyfriend's mother taught me to crochet. I've added innumerable textile crafts from then on. I love "string." Any diameter, any fiber, any craft. From French silk embroidery to rope halters. I became intrigued by a person I was visiting's X-stitch. I added that!😉 I've woven wool shawls, Scandinavian patterned area rugs, a dense cotton flannel yoga mat to cushion my old bones (those commercial ones are so thin!), log cabin patterned fabric for a throw pillow, patterned table runners... just off the top of my head. I have an itch to try making pine needle baskets when I get settled. I have lots of pine needles.😁 I've made those adorable knitted or crochet baby sets, but only a few knitted or crochet blankets. My mother in law churns out crochet afghans like a machine! She's also a better embroiderer than me. She embroidered a set of squares one year, handed them to me and said, "Here, make these into a quilt." It took me 10 years! I love quilts, but it takes me too long. My father's 3rd wife is an enthusiastic quilter. I leave that to her. Its always been my desire to spin, dye and weave my own blanket. Unfortunately I'm in the RV so much, and I needed a heavy blanket, I had to use the stash of handspun I was collecting and crochet the blanket. Knitting and crocheting projects travel well! I still make nearly all my own clothes (from the skin out), made clothes both knitted/crochet and sewn for my kids and grandkids. I started making my own jeans when I got sick. I couldn't find organic jeans! I even reupholster my furniture and camp chairs, etc with organic fabrics. I wish we lived close together! Think of the things we could get together and do! 😃

OLM - Glad you got settled,   but I'm wondering how long you plan to stay in the RV Park?   Still plenty of Winter left to contend with .    I hope Ron is feeling better, and is now over the worst of the flu?  Keep us posted on your plans.       

Hi
Marilyne,
I ran up a research paper on the chemical's volatility period that was from U of Nevada: 4 weeks before it falls off substantially. If no one else applies I hope to go back to the farm then. If Ron gets the woodstove installed, I will go to Grandma Mountain next.

He tells me he still has the flu. It went through our daughter's family. It drags on for 10-14 days. Every day he's been getting a little bit better. He was feeling good enough to go with our SIL to a sports bar to watch the Indiana-Oregon Ducks game. He can't be feeling too bad🙄

Okay this is my attempt at posting a pic per Bubble's instructions.  Wish me luck!  These are the crocheted ornaments covers I did last Christmas.  I purchased clear plastic bulbs, made the covers and then stuffed the bulb in and closed it up at the top.

God bless you Bubble and thank you so so much for the easy instructions on how to post pics.  I had NO idea it was this easy.    

OLM, WOW!!!  I am so impressed with all of your talents and to think you began at such a young age.  Home Ec class... ah yes, I did learn to sew with a sewing machine in Jr. High in my Home Ec. class.  My first project was an apron (I gave it to my mother as a Christmas gift.) My second project was a dainty pale flowered cloth I made an A-line sleeveless dress for myself.  I have to say I was so proud of completing that dress.

I'm glad Ron was feeling well enough to get out and go to watch the game and was able to come follow you.

Barb, what a mess just to save $400 per year for keeping your driver's license. It makes sense to have the car so when Katha visits, she does not have to get a rental, and the two of you can go places together. 

Amy, thank you for keeping us informed about Jane. I'm glad she enjoys reading all of the posts.  We've been having some pretty serious winds lately.  We went to our granddaughter's house in Swanton to spend the day with our great grandson and we usually take him to Chic-fil-A for lunch, but the winds had taken down power lines, so all the businesses were closed due to no power.  We found a small little diner near their house and ate there.  I didn't think I would ever pay $16 for a cheeseburger & chips, but we had no choice.  Our bill for hubby, 3 yr. old Haze and myself totaled $43 for lunch. That was NOT expected in our weekly budget, but it was worth every penny to spend that special time with him.

Marsgal, thank you for the link to the Farm Show.

Rick, I had no idea Robins like raisins. I may sit a few out by my feeders just to see if they attract the birds.

Phylis, Ripit, ripit... now that made me laugh out loud. 

Okay, have to get some things done around the house so better get off of here.

Fabulous Ciaobella - to do all those - my oh my that takes stick to itiveness - they really turned out colorful didn't they - and yes, time with our grands is so satisfying - great memories often doing things there was no time or frankly no money to do with our children when they were young however, we do have other memories with them that we can no longer repeat with grands... Been thinking of you  - have your ears been ringing - I've been reading short stories that are in book form of average characters living in in Sicily - wonderful stories full of their wisdom and hilarious antics - I've described the series of books further in the library in case you are in a reading mood for something you can really laugh outloud while reading...

Quote from: Ciaobella on January 12, 2026, 04:38:09 PMRick, I had no idea Robins like raisins. I may sit a few out by my feeders just to see if they attract the birds.

Originally the Robins were taking the raisins back to the nest - Demand feeding. Then they just began hanging around and looking for the easy handout. I could hear them "chatter" when they showed up. This was on my front porch, where I have a chair for sitting and watching. The year before a pair of Mocking Birds did the same thing. Now the Mocking Birds do what I call "Fly bys " at the back window when they see me inside. 'Get his attention and you can get a handout".

BTW - Those are very nice Christmas Balls. They would even brighten up a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

I love them Ciaobella!😃 A dress for your second project? Bold! I remember my first dress for myself too. It was shamrocks on a white background. Princess cut, invisible zipper in the back, trimmed with kelly green ric-rac. I was so proud of mine too.☺️ I can still feel and smell the fabric in my memory.

Rick, 

I so enjoy everyone's posts😍

Quote from: Ciaobella on January 12, 2026, 04:38:09 PMGod bless you Bubble and thank you so so much for the easy instructions on how to post pics.  I had NO idea it was this easy.    
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You did great, but you need to resize smaller: to 800 pixels on the longer side. Yours was 1284 which is why I edited your post.

Those bulbs are gorgeous and what a fantastic idea. Do you have a photo of the decorated tree? 

Quote from: so_P_bubble on January 13, 2026, 04:32:46 AMYou did great, but you need to resize smaller: to 800 pixels on the longer side. Yours was 1284 which is why I edited your post.

Bubble, you gave Ciaobella such good directions to post, now give us directions on reducing the size 

You have to have an app Rick. I've looked. I don't want my peronal information tracked. I don't want constant adds for "in app purcases." I don't want extra features I'll never use, that take up storage.   Haven't found one yet.

OLM - I've been using IrfanView ( https://www.irfanview.com/ ) for years. It's free, and does most everything I want to do with images.