Mornin all, we have sunshine today.  We may not need that Ark anyhow.  LOL  Temps are still in the high 50' ti low 60's during the day.  Varies at night from the 30's  to the 40's,   
Hugs all around

Good morning from a Spring laced Interior! As per usual, I am on the couch with my coffee after a late night. Farrah is moving between watching the smaller birds drift and flit around the tree outside the balcony and chasing down kibble in her cylinder. Soon it will be time for another of her morning naps. I forgot her treats along with forgetting my groceries, so she is very standoffish. No offered tuna and no treats. How unmannerly and no wonder she looks put out! 

If you noticed, I don't see it; I went back yesterday to bolding and larger print.

One of the signs of spring showed up yesterday even with my plugged ears. You can hear the planes again on their way over to the airport. And the trains this morning. You hear not only the whistles but the sound vibrations of the tracks. We have one large airport, a necklace of trains around town with two depots and a train yard, along with two float plane and one small craft, airports.

We after all are in the supply business to most of the state and blue collar commerce is prevalent. Winter seems to mute the sounds we hear all summer. For some reason, I always feel it should be the opposite. Another sign of Spring is the obvious move further north of the sun and moon's trajectory. I know they are following a path, but it is also seasonal.

Joan, I love that phrase "Hugs all around." What a great closing phase.

Marilyne, and Larry, and there I was with a swollen purple nose!  The last time I showed a self-photo was my state ID photo from 2014. It shows I need to get my ears lowered as Phyllis says. The catch phrase, "hunting and gathering."  was one I swiped  from Callie in Oklahoma.

Here's hoping everyone has a great day!

Angel, used to say it in the Cafe on SeniorNet every nite. 

Patricia, I noticed and thank you for the bold font.  June, in the Soda Shoppe, thanked Amy for not using bold as she could now read Amy's post.  I don't see how someone can't read bold font but can read non-bold font; it must be in the computers.  Much of my problem is my eyes because even with computer glasses, I have trouble reading the regular font.  When I want to read the news on the computer, it is awful and it is my eyes, not how people post.

Kendrick has been alone for a while and he's racing around, blowing off energy. 

Tom took me to a jeweler and a bank on some errands, then we went to a new restaurant for lunch.  I feel so sorry for him because while we were there, the husband of the woman killed called and they talked for quite a while.  It was somewhat emotional for Tom.  The husband and her daughter want Tom to do the funeral (he was a minister and still can do ministerial things).  I asked if he thought he could handle it and he said he could but he knows he may break down during the service.  He told me some of the details and I won't go into them, but he did say the husband is having a hard time. 

Not only that, but he has been asked to pick up Terry and Jan at the airport at 1 am Friday morning and there really is no one else to do it.  Jan's folks both are in the early stages of Alzheimer's, their daughter is in California visiting their son and new baby, I don't drive anymore and I wouldn't drive at that time of night anyway, Dot doesn't drive at night.  We all will be glad to have Terry back home.  Tom is going to call his trucking company bosses and tell them he won't be available until Tuesday as the funeral will be Monday.  I just hope he can find time to nap before he meets with the family to plan the funeral. 

It doesn't rain but it pours, does it?

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - That's so nice of Tom, to agree to do the service . . .  I didn't realize that he had been a minister.  He may be able to use his personal tribute to his friend, as part of the service.

I'm glad that Terry is feeling well enough to fly home on Friday.  Tom seems to be the one who is called on to help everyone in the family, when needed.  It's so nice of him to pick them up at the airport, at that hour!  Remember, for Terry and Jan, on California time, it will only be 10:00 PM. 

MaryAnn, this situation reminds me of one here, in January. An entire family was planning on flying south after the father's retirement from police work. They were overnighting in a hotel suite when the father went out for food. The police received a call about an hour later and found the father broken down outside of the room.

His son had killed his mother, his sister, his year old nephew and then turned the gun on himself. There was no forehand knowledge or upset. Just utter devastation.

Tom was ordained in the Evangelical Free Church, but has not been involved in the ministry for some time.  He has been active in church at times, but now just attends.

Patricia, I think the son in this case didn't realize what he was doing because he called her husband (second marriage) and sobbed, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry".  Then he apparently stabbed himself.  The paper referred to the husband as the stepfather, but that was not true and he hadn't lived with them but for a short time.  They had a large house and had been considering selling it and getting something smaller so now I am sure he will sell it.  I know him only slightly and knew her a bit more.

It is so tragic when something like that happens, as to what happened in your location. 

Mary Ann

Patricia - the font situation, is a real enigma! Now I'm having a hard time reading your messages again, but not impossible, so not to worry!  It looks completely different to me, from Larry's and Joan's.  Your bold is smaller and "fatter" than either of theirs, and the letters seem to be closer together.  Do you also have it set on italics? 

In the meantime, Amy, has apparently changed her font face and size, and it now looks to be exactly like mine, and is super easy for me to read.   I notice that June, commented favorably on it also.  Shirley's seems to have gotten smaller in recent days! LOL! 

Interesting that the colored text like Mary Ann's, and many others in bold, is very easy for me to read, and is the same size as mine.  Whatever anyone chooses is okay with me, so don't think I'm complaining . . . I'm only commenting.      

I'm firmly convinced that it is different browsers. I don't see the font coding at all.

Mary Ann, I can read Bold font very easily, it was the small size of the font that I was getting that made it hard to read. I have no trouble with yours, or any of the others..so I don't know why her font came in so tiny. The only way I could change it would be to copy and past in notepad, the change the font to larger on the notepad….or just squint with my glasses.

                                              [attachimg=1]

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny morning here in South Carolina.  We expect to get up to about 78 º today with zero chance or rain.  Other than the housekeeper coming today this should be a pretty quiet day as have nothing on the calendar.  We might go out to eat our main meal today but that has not yet been decided.  Yesterday was a very enjoyable day for me as I felt good and like doing things for the first time in several days.  I enjoyed the early evening basketball games but didn't stay up to watch the late games. 

Marilyn, the longest Pat and I have lived in any home since we have been married is about 20 years in what we thought was to be our retirement home before things changed and we moved here to be near our son.  This is the first place we have lived that is close to the cul-de-sac, which I see as I look out my office window. 

Joan, glad you are able to put your ark away for now. 

Patricia, I see you are on Farrah bad list again for forgetting her treats.  I am sure she is letting you know of her displeasure.  Your bolded larger print message looks very good on my Chrome browser.  You live in quite a transportation town.  Purple nose or not I still liked your photo and now have an image to go with your name, which is nice.  What a tragic situation you described about the man losing his family that way.  I don't know how a person would ever be able to get over such a thing.  It is jarring just to read about it. 

Marilyne, it is possible that your computer does not have the font available that Patricia is using and thus reverts to a default.  However, I thought the coding that selects a different font and appearance was contained within the software for these boards but when it comes to fonts perhaps they only show as available those that are installed in the operating system software. 

Mary Ann, there will be nothing wrong if Tom sheds a tear or two while doing the funeral.  Ministers should not be judged because they show normal human emotions.  One of the reasons I enjoy the Wisdom group I attend at our church is that people are able to be themselves and drop some of the facades that we all use to protect ourselves.  I hope Tom didn't have to drive too far to pick up Terry and Jan.  I know it will be a relief to know they are safely home. 

Bubble, I think I remember your writing that your spring starts a week later than we did here in the USA.  Does it start for your country on the 27th?

Larry, Tom had a busy day yesterday and accomplished all he had to.  Not all ministers have a funeral for a good friend, but we all know Tom will have a rough time.  Since the husband and daughter want Tom to do the service, how could he refuse?  He got Terry and Jan home OK last night - or early this morning (12:30 am).  Terry is not in good shape, but not terminal at this time.  We're glad he is home now and he's seen his grandson.

I was happy to read that you had such a good day yesterday.  I'd make the most of it and do what I want at the pace I want.

Because Tom had so much going yesterday, I let him sleep in and that meant I put out the recycle stuff.  Fortunately, there wasn't too much and in a few minutes I'll get the trash together.  They're not picked up at the same time.

Kendrick was at the slider this morning looking at the ducks and geese and he actually "spoke" to me and I think he wanted me to know the ducks and geese were on the pond.  I really thought the noise was birds until I saw the cat's mouth open and shut.

Larry, I lived in the house where I grew up for 50 years.  Of course, I did not own it all of those years, maybe just the last eight, after my dad died.  I have owned this condo 35 years.  I don't expect to be here 50 years. 

Mary Ann

Not yet Larry.  Been raining all morning and supposed to continue thru the day. 

Good morning from the Interior. We're melting just like Dorothy's witch. The birds are out, and there is a sense and a scent of Spring in the air.

Farrah has turned into a very vocal cat. She just has never spoken in the usual feline manner but has her sounds. Farrah is very affectionate in a drive-by style. She doesn't get on your lap or in a place she's easy to grab. She prefers the walk by and momentarily leans into style.

Now Alan's Duchess is a totally different cat as she has never not known love. Duchess loves to be in anybody's lap and will climb up to get to your neck to curl up between it and your shoulder. She has longer hair and looks to be long and lean eventually. She has that distinct Siamese sound.

Nothing new here. I seem to be social or out and about one day a week and need the rest of the week to myself. My face is still puffy, nose still purple-tinged so we shall see.

I know when I'm downloading PSP tubes to use in my classes and graphics if there is a font used not available on my machine, I will get a notice stating that the original font is being changed to my PC's default. I suspect all computer software does that, only a PSP program will announce it so you may make other artistic preferences if wished.

I can't say Kendrick has not ever known love because he's either been here or with Annie when she rented a house with two or three other girls.  He just doesn't like to be picked up but he does walk by and mark us.  My black slacks that I wear to church are full of cat hair.  The other pairs, both dark, don't seem to show as much hair.  Kendrick has been staying on the deck for longer times than he has recently.  He goes out on the deck and gets down to wriggle around on his back.  With ducks and geese on the pond, he has plenty to watch.

Mary Ann

Duchesse went from Mom and littermates to Pet Pride to Alan in a short amount of time, including a brief check and fix up at the vet. She is used to being petted and adored. Kendrick and Farrah, while having different experiences and personality types, are older.

Farrah doesn't mark me or anything that I've seen, perhaps later. She is still showing new and more settled behaviors. She is still alert to me or anyone else suddenly turning on her which I hate and that may never change now. It took her nine months to feel safe enough to get on the bed and sleep for periods when I am in it, so change is on her terms.

 MaryAnn.  couldn't Annie go out to the Airport and pick them up? Would help. The young don't mind staying up late.

My Winnie also doesn't like to sit on my lap, or anyone else's, but he likes to sit close beside me, or behind me on the back of the chair or couch.  I keep expecting him to slow down and start sleeping most of the time, (at age 18), but seems he's like my husband and me, and needs very little sleep.

It's been a busy day today, with a couple of appointments and a trip to Safeway, to stock up on food for the weekend. It's been raining all day, and I now hate to drive in the rain! It used to not bother me, but I don't feel as confident as I once did - especially with the massive amount of cars, here in Silicon Valley.  Red light runners, at every signal, and rude drivers who cut in front of you with no warning. The worst of all are people who text while driving, which is a huge problem here.

Jeanne, Annie doesn't live with us and she has a job where she has to be at about 9 am.  Jan and Terry got in about 12:30, then Tom took them to their house which is about 10 miles from here; we are about 15-20 miles from the airport.  Terry is Tom's brother and he isn't well and I doubt Tom would want to trust anyone else to get them.  He volunteered to take them to the airport and pick them up.  He got home about 1:30-2 am and slept in until 9 or 10 this morning.  He usually takes care of the recycle stuff but I didn't bother him and did it myself.  Recycle is picked up about 9:30 am and regular trash early afternoon.  I take care of that. 

Kendrick is finding he likes to go out on the deck, especially when there are ducks and geese on the pond.  I used to fear he'd jump off the deck (I have a walk-out) but I know of only one time he did that and that was when Tom left him on the deck overnight unintentionally.  When Tom's bedroom light went on, Kendrick jumped down to the ground and went over to Tom's window.  Tom let him in by the slider downstairs.  I may put him out on the deck when I go to the mailbox so I don't have to "argue" with him at the front door as he wants to go out, then he doesn't come right in.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone.  We are suppose to have a cloudy day today but get up into the 70's without any rain.  Pat and I went to a Chinese Buffet yesterday evening for our large meal for the day.  It was OK and we will probably go back again although Pat ended up later in the evening with an upset stomach.  She thinks the food she ate may have been too greasy.  She seems fine this morning.  When I went to the kitchen this morning I got things ready for Pat's scrambled eggs but had to cut up a red and a yellow pepper so I could put some of it in the eggs.  I am trying to recover as that took quite awhile.  I think next time I will get out the little food chopper and see if that isn't easier.  After I rest awhile I want to fix up my frozen fruit as I haven't had any of it for quite awhile.  I think that will probably be it for today.  Pat said yesterday she was going to fix some vegetable soup for our main meal today.  I will likely watch some golf this afternoon and then watch the beginning of the Elite Eight basketball tourney.  Both North and South Carolina Universities won their games by a nice margin last night. 


Mary Ann, glad to see that Terry and Jan are now safely home but sorry to read that Terry is not in good shape.  Nice of you to let Tom sleep in after the busy night. 

Joan, it sounds like you need to do a little more polishing on the ark to have it ready just in case it is needed with all that rain.

Patricia, it sounds like spring is on its way to Fairbanks.  Perhaps Farrah will always remain wary of people.  I know from our cat that he was always very alert and expect that it just the nature of cats to protect themselves. 

Marilyne, your cat must be in really good health considering his age.  It is unusual for cats not to sleep a lot.  I feel for you driving in that heavy traffic.  It was such a relief to get away from the Atlanta area as traffic was terrible there as well.  Here in North Augusta it is not unusual to look up or down a street and not see a single car approaching.  I am very careful at moving when I have been stopped at a red light and am the first car in line to be sure that the cross traffic has stopped as sometimes a driver will go on through a red light.  I also won't pull out in front of a car that signals it is going to turn right onto the street where I am that is coming from my left as drivers can change their minds about those turns.  Better safe than sorry.  I don't see much texting while driving here but then again I don't do a lot of driving anymore.

It looks as if we are having a drizzly day, not really a rain.  Tom left before I got out of bed and I have no idea where he is.  Being a Saturday morning, I have an idea he is driving for Uber.  Weekends seem to be better times to drive. 

Kendrick usually disappears when someone strange comes here.  He is now used to his "mother" (Annie) and Dot, but I know he goes to the family room downstairs otherwise.  Now that the weather is better he wants to go out the front door and I don't want him out there because he roams and doesn't come back inside.  I like to let him on the deck and he does like it there; it's just there aren't so many interesting plants on the deck - at present, none!  In the summer when I have my amaryllis on the deck, he wanders behind them.  I sometimes go out to sit while he is there to keep him company.  It's not warm enough yet - 38 degrees.

Mary Ann

Good morning from another cool day in the Interior. We are expected to leave the minuses behind for another year as temperatures begin to climb next Wednesday. Otherwise, nothing much is going on here. I have reverted back to coding my font sizes and styles. I hope it is readable and someone will let me know if that changes.

Patricia, I can read your text loud and clear.  I really appreciate being able to read it.  I think my reading troubles are not so much as what people use but with my eyes.  But BOLD and LARGE really help.

We are having a drizzly day so Kendrick will not want to go out on the deck.  He does like the cool deck when he wriggles around.  If there is snow, he avoids it like the plague.  It is fun to watch him stalk the ducks and geese and I always hope he won't jump off the elevated deck; so far he hasn't except for the one time Tom left him there overnight.  He really is a pretty good cat.

Grand Haven is very quiet today as there is no wind to speak of. 

Mary Ann

Patricia - Your font looks to me to be a full size smaller than Mary Ann's. I can read it okay, but liked your last one better.   "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself".  (lyrics by Rick Nelson from, "Garden Party".)

MaryAnn, re: Kendrick's stalking, I saw a Youtube video yesterday about an African lioness in a game park. Their enclosure wasn't fenced but had a wide lipped, steep, ravine around it. The lioness got into position as a van approached, leaped forward toward it and promptly fell into the ravine. The male lion with her didn't get too excited about the tourists or her ignoble leap. The establishment got her out of the ravine later, saying she had a limp but was otherwise fine. Except for perhaps her pride! 

Farrah has taken to heading over to the cylinder anytime Dora and Allan comes over. She likes to play with him a game he says is field hockey but I think it is more like the game, "Whack a mole." She stays close to the bedroom door or any number of boltholes when those she's not familiar with, come in but those she knows will bring her out to get pets and rub downs and a game or two if it's Alan. He gets the ball spinning in the tube on one side. On the other, Farrah sticks her paw in to stop the ball and then flicks it on. She had little strength at first in her paw but is learning to maneuver in the tube's tight quarters.

Imagine, a distinguished, silver headed, older man in slacks and a sweater, sitting on the floor rolling a ball through a tube with Farrah. Dora says we should just arrange playdates for them! She is one of my oldest friends and while Alan has always been fixated on work, she has involved herself in the home and politics via committees and organizing.

She feels Alan was feeling a bit lost and marginalized and cats have given him something to enjoy since he is not really into sports. I suggested gardening this summer as he can get obsessed sometimes and we both agreed gardening would be a good idea if he cared for it. I wonder if this is something many men who helmed their own business for years, have issues with after retiring? Look at Jack, having goldens and at first agility training.

Marilyne, I use the same settings as Larry. But it appears different to everyone. The only change I made was not to BOLD. I don't see a change which is why I'm relying on others if something else happens.

This sentence is the default font and size offered for posting.

This is the one I use now.

This was what I used previously. The only change due to bolding.

Mary Ann, it looks we have an egg <maybe 2> on the nest at the bottom.  She did not lay any last year

Marilyne, to me, my font is smaller than Patricia's.  I don't know what font I am using because I want to keep the symbols at the top on one line but I think it might be 14 pt.  I'm happy with it and I'm happy with Patricia's.  I can read the others, it is just that bold stands out more.  The last time I was at the optometrist, she told me I was starting to have both glaucoma and mac-d and I assume that is the cause of my vision problems.  As I've said, I have OLD eyes.  Even the font in Reply mode is not clear for me.  I'm not going to experiment because I'm happy with what I have - I can read it!

Joan, it is in the middle of the night in Germany and they are probably six hours ahead of us, meaning it is about 1:15 am there, but I think I did see an egg in the bottom nest.  I look at the site each morning.

Mary Ann

Can you send me the sight for the Nest.  I lost the one for the Eagles in The US.  Don't know if it will be open again as they started construction all around it.  Love watching them.