An Ever Open Book
by Richard John Scarr
Our life's book began when I met you.
Countless pages recorded in time.
All the good things, some bad some indifferent.
All the shared things that gave our lives rhyme.
You were more than my wife, my darling.
You were always the best friend I had.
I couldn't bear you be grief filled and lonely.
And give thanks it was I left here sad.
So I won't close the book on our story.
Or tuck it away up on the shelf.Buy bestselling books online
I'll let it lie open at the last page we turned.
For it reads: "Both in sickness and health."
It's my favorite book, my dearest.
And it's there with me chapter and verse.
Our promise to love and to cherish.
Till death, and for better or worse.
It's the most wonderful book ever written.
And we wrote is as one, you and I.
Now I'm waiting for it's happy ending.
And that too will come, bye and bye.
And though I'm left here alone and grieving.
I will not let our life's story end.
For there's part of it still to be written.
The last chapter has yet to be penned.
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
~Kurt Vonnegut
Plain Old Oyster
There once was an oyster, whose story I'll tell
Who found that some sand, had gotten into his shell
It was only a grain, but gave him great pain
For oysters have feelings, although they are plain
Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate
That had brought him to such a deplorable state?
"No", he said to himself, "Since I cannot remove it",
I'll lie in my shell, and think how to improve it",
The years rolled around, as the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate destiny .... stew.
Now the small grain of sand that had bothered him so,
Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow,
This tale has a morale, for isn't it grand,
What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?
Think...what could we do, if we'd only begin,
With some of the things that get under our skin.
Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with them, often before them, at times instead of them.
-Umberto Eco, philosopher and novelist
Good morning.
Starting at 36° with no sign of sun today. No snow on ground but we did have rain and high winds during the night. Lots to do but we shall see what gets done.....or not.
Bubble, great start to the month, thank you!
Phyllis,love the graphic..
Must remember to Fall back with the clocks tonight..wish they would leave it one way or another..
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Thanks, Amy. And thanks to Bubble for your work to make the new month interesting and thought provoking.
Halloween eve was busy and fun. Weather was perfect and the trick or treaters were cute and all so POLITE!!!
Take care, All.
Great! Just when I get the cats to let me sleep til 5am, the time-lord shifts me back to having to get up at 4am - again!
This year they started celebrating Halloween in the moshav where Illy lives. You can see her decorations in the "Photos now and then " discussion.
Happy November Oneth! :pumpkinpie:
I made a list of "Projects To Do Around Here" two weeks ago. I would have finished them if "Things That Interrupt Me" would slow down! :cloud: :computer: :chatter: :study: :sleepy:
Bubble, I really enjoyed your pictures of family in New York and the pictures of the newest baby.
:hugs: to Everyfriend!
Good morning, A cloudy day at 29. We're due for more rain and snow, Wednesday afternoon but probably sooner. Last night was quiet, we never get any trick or treaters because we're a locked building, but even the streets were quiet which was nice.
Morning routines, meet and greets, finished, and I only have two appointments next week, one for bills and one for medical. This has been the quietest it's been in a very long time.
Bubble, I loved all the photos you've posted, including the two today. The youngest child in our family is 35 so we haven't had any of those firsts in a very long time.
I really identified with the saying by Umberto Eco, that is so true and something we should all keep in mind.
Hi Callie!
Great to see your post. Hope everything is going well for you and family.
Good morning..
Busy day ahead,not sure if all will get done but most will. Starting temp is 40° with some rain in the forecast.
Bubble, enjoyed the new photos!
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Good Morning Everyfriend! Today I feel batter! I have a dr appt at 12:30 today! I miss chatting with all of you. I'm having problems with my computer and I'm doing this on my phone I wish you all a great day. I'll try to get back to you
Jane, get one of your younger friends to help with that computer problem. They seem to know all about it :2funny:
The computer is taking its good old time to update pages or land on sites. My sister has been complaining about that too, but she is using Verizon. I am using Comcast. Checked with Space Weather (http://www.spaceweather.com) but I don't see any big flares listed.
I'm using Verizon and NO problems here.
Spring forward, fall back....or not
https://www.popsci.com/science/permanent-daylight-saving-time-usa/
Well, something is going on. I just tried to get into my grocery store's website. The whole thing is down because of technical difficulties, so they say.
Good morning..
Starting off at 36° with a rainy day in the making.The past two days have been a tad busy and hope today is a coasting one.
Jane, good to see you here and so happy to hear you are feeling better!
Patricia,wish they would leave the time alone! Leave it one way or another. Are you a mellow yellow now after your fall? Seems to me there are two song choices here. :2funny:
Better get the day started.
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Good Morning, Everyfriend! I'm not sure this is working today but I'm going to try it out! I wish you all a great day! Make it your own in every way! I loved reading the opening!
I am not sure that it is working either, Jane. So many things have changed with many of my online contacts and I am trying to adapt to all the new stuff and that isn't easy for this old gal. I don't understand why "they" can't leave things alone.
Glad you are feeling better. Still have that BIG lump, I imagine. Please don't have any more falls. Will you be making Christmas candy this year?
I must get going and eat breakfast. David has an appointment this morning and he wants me to be settled before he leaves.
Take care, All
Quote from: phyllis on November 05, 2025, 09:06:43 AMI don't understand why "they" can't leave things alone.
I'm guessing it's probably because there's not much money in leaving it/stuff alone. We must always fix or improve things. --- Just leave it alone :tickedoff:
But, Rick, it used to be the convenience of the customer was most important now it is the convenience of the service provider that seems to be the most important consideration and the customer be dammed. I get very upset when it is my money, along with other customers, that keeps them in business and we just keep getting jerked around.
Oh, well...that is a battle I can never win.....doesn't mean I am happy about it.
Beautiful rainy day here! Laundry almost done , scalloped potatoes with pork chops ready to go in over and apple crisp for dessert. Vacuum sealed some meat to freeze and now make some pastry.
Just heard there is snow to the north of us, let's hope it gets lost.
Phyllis, I agree with what you said.If it wasn't for the customer businesses would shut their doors.
Back to work.
Good morning..
Well, the snow didn't get lost ,it found its way here. Enough to cover the ground but not enough to worry about. Temp is 33° at the moment .
Baking day then load the snow tires for tomorrow appointment at the garage.Each year those tires gain weight but I found a away to get them in the van........roll them up the dog ramp. :thumbup:
Jane, hope you are feeling better..
Rick, Oak Island starts on Sun here...too late for me to watch so I tape it.
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
This morning I am again thinking of Jenny. Does anyone know if she made the move to Arizona? Last I heard she was back in Denver to pack things up and get a few doctor's appointments out of the way. Haven't seen a post from her here since the end of July.
Roads are slippy with black ice!! They have sanded parts of the road and hope the sun soon melts the ice.
MG, Jenny is back in Denver at the moment..
Thanks, Amy.
Here is an encouraging thought.QuoteAdam called his house, heaven and earth; Caesar called his house, Rome; you perhaps call yours, a cobbler's trade; a hundred acres of ploughed land; or a scholar's garret. Yet line for line and point for point, your dominion is as great as theirs, though without the fine names. Build, therefore, your own world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature
Quote from: Amy on November 06, 2025, 05:53:53 AMRick, Oak Island starts on Sun here...too late for me to watch so I tape it.
We had our first episode of the season this past Tuesday. Still no pot of gold :2funny:
Starting to get cool here. May get my hoped for frost next week. Today we started at around 42°, but it is windy and sunny.
All is well here. Sunny, no wind, 58 degrees--not a bad day. I hope that all of you can make your day a good one.
Good morning, we are in the midst of a three-day snowstorm but only moderate remaining snow and only making everything slippery. We've gone from yesterday's five degrees to this morning's fifteen.
Morning routines and meet and greets are finished, haven't gotten to coffee yet. I had my medical yesterday and my grocery shop, so I'm not going anywhere until I have to go to sign up, Friday for some things, chorewise and to arrange a hopefully final medical report at the month's end.
Amy, my yellows have all gone away, and I can even walk unaided. If you remember Chester from the old Gunsmoke series, that's my walking unaided; but I'm moving. The only bad soreness comes in the morning after not moving for some hours. I wouldn't wish an MCL on anyone.
I hope Jane feels better soon and that Jenny finds her way back to us. Not only that, but I'm also very glad that Phyllis has been posting more often.
MG, Emerson was a wise man. I copied that, thank you.
Soon baking will be done and then clean up. ::)
Folks at the back of us are drilling a well....folks beside them are getting a new roof!
Rick, I wish they wouldn't repeat back to the beginning of the show and just forage on!!
Patricia, I would love a day of do nothing. :thumbup: Yes, I do remember Chester so you are going in the right direction.
Good morning..
Starting off at 30° then heading for a rainy day. I have an appointment to get the snow tires on this morning. Will put the all seasons away and then bring in a load of wood.On the news last night the weathergirl said snow is on the way again!
MG,I also enjoyed Emerson. We call our house a home...and love to come home to it.
Rick, do you watch Battle Bots?
Better get busy..
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Quote from: Amy on November 07, 2025, 06:30:45 AMRick, do you watch Battle Bots?
No, but I'm not sure it's even listed here. Do you recommend it? Will check listings. or use my "magic" remote control to search for it.
Good Morning, Everyfriend! I think I finally shook whatever it was that was bugging me for so long. I've been out walking Cooper and while I don't like the cold weather, I did manage to put up with it for a long and productive walk with Cooper.
I think my favorite seasons are Spring and Fall. I don't like the extreme cold or the heat any more. You don't think I might be getting old, do you! I can remember my grandmother saying "I'll be glad when it's Spring!" I know now exactly what she meant.
Today, I have a lunch date with a handsome younger man! My SIL has decided that taking me out to lunch is a good way to spend some time! And I like it too!
I wish you all a great day! Make it your own in every way! And be sure to tell us how you did that! We're curious...or are we nosy? Whatever we are, it helps to bring us together!
Snow tires are on and summers put away for now. Raining here but at times it looks like snow..
Rick, It is robots fighting..200lb+ robots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZzdfkm_vns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtAYCqvqq84
Jane good to see you and happy you are feeling much better..
Good Morning Everyfriend! This is going to be a busy day! Cooper is here and I have a bunch of stuff on the go!
It's so foggy out, I can't even see up the street! Cooper and I took a walk and when he was at the end of the leash he was a bit dim! I Wish you all a great day! Make it your own in every way and don't forget to tell us how you did that!
Good afternoon
We were on the go from early morning. Went to visit SIL then home to bring the shovels over, wood in and stand with electric cord set out and markers put out. They say 6 to 8 inches of snow tomorrow .
Enjoy your day and stay safe
Oh, good grief, Amy! I hope it is the light kind and easy to push aside. We are still okay for now, but I noticed that we are to expect a plunge to 28o on Monday, hopefully without precipitation.
Oscar is a bit peeved that I am still in here on the computer instead of being a warm pillow for him. He missed his afternoon lap attack too.
Good morning..
Starting off at 23° and so far no snow.
A day of welcomed rest here.Will make a pot of beef barley soup and maybe sew!
Feel a lot safer now with the snow tires on and will go back tomorrow to have them torqued.
Jane, how are you feeling?
MG, me too!!! My friend sent me a photo of what they have to the south of us and so far just a light skiff of snow. When it is this cold the snow will be light and fluffy...easy to move! :thumbup:
Patricia, how are you and Farrah ?
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Good Morning Everyfriend! This is going to be a quickie because I'm on my way to get ready for church. I'm going to go there today because I finally feel well enough to be with people. I wish you all a great day. Make it your own in every way and I'll see you later to check how you did that! Bye for now!
Good morning everyone,
I have returned to the farm. I arrived yesterday evening and am currently in the RV, plugged into "shore power." So warm, and running the dehumidifier full time. My SIL, Justin, came up with Ron to help me finish loading yesterday. Justin drove me, and the dogs, back in the RV. We had a very nice visit. Ron buttoned up a few things and followed us back.
The last 2 weeks were damp and cold, with a lot of hard work getting prepared to move. I did leave a few things behind that wouldn't freeze, mildew or corrode, and I wouldn't need. I'd like to have left more, but with the woodstove not having been installed, it was too moist. I began transferring my stuff into the RV on Thursday and worked until I couldn't move every day. I was very glad to let Justin do the driving.
Kato, the Kraken, was so well behaved I have to mention it. Justin was a little apprehensive as Kato can be a handful. He's never seen anyone else but me drive. Ron and the grandkids are the only other people who've every been in the RV. I never know how he'll respond in a new situation. But he loves watching the scenery through the windshield, from his position tethered on the sofa. He was very well behaved.
Yesterday morning the temp was 25°F. Today, at the farm its 36°F. 😍 My indoor humidity, even with everything being damp, was 76% on rising (a difference of 10%) and is currently down to a blissful 58%!
I've had my coffee, leisurely, as opposed to trying to get it all in in the short runs on LP. And I was able to get up when I woke up, as opposed to having to wait until closer to daylight to conserve the generator runs. So that was lovely.
I have to say, the level of noise down here is always shocking. Sounds from the highways, roads and town, sirens, trains. It takes me awhile to transition.
Its going to take me awhile to recover from moving, before I can move back into the house. But, I'm warm, drying out and have good internet again.
Enjoyed your posts. Have a lovely day.
It is a relief to know that you are warm and in a safe place again, OLM.
Good morning everyone, weather readings say sunny from today through the 16th. 16 degrees presently, and tonight we'll dip to a low of zero. After that, lows will be in the minuses. Which means, no humidity and no snow, as it takes moisture for snow.
Meet and greets and morning routines are finished, and other than some overnight stiffness, I can walk less like Chester and closer to normal.
Glad to see everyone posting today, and doing better.
Well, the snow found us! So far it is fine ,light snow which is ok. :thumbup: Not sure what the morning will look like but will worry about that tomorrow..
OLM, the thing that bothered me the most when I had to stay in the city other than noise, smells, they didn't turn their street lights off at night! In the country you had moonlight or stars.....not blaring lights!
Good morning..
Brrr, 18° and the snow has stopped! Not a Mr SB snow maybe just a shovel? Will know better when I get out there.
Once all the outside work is done ,we are going to SIL's for a bit then drop off some tarts to the fellas in the lumber yard.
Plow truck just went by so the roads will be good.
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
No snow here. Hope it stays that way, though the neighborhood children wouldn't feel that way, I think.
"Turn backward, turn backward,
Oh time in thy flight.
Make me a child again
Just for tonight."
I remember what it was like to be so excited to see that first snow of the season.
Take care, All.
I remember waking up in the middle of the night and looking out the window and seeing it snowing, then couldn't sleep for the rest of the night.
Good morning everyone,
Thank you Phyllis!😊 I appreciate the kind sympathies! It is lovely to be warm! I'm slowly getting the moisture sucked out of all my textiles, and the air in the RV.
Amy, ditto!
Allow me if I may to do a little educating for my class of disabled. We are one of many with invisible disabilities... Other than the cold and damp (which can be very unsafe) I'm actually safer up on the mountain. When I'm down here I can't ever go outside without a VOC filtration mask and even then, I still get hurt as toxins absorb through skin and even eyeballs, and the VOC filtration masks help but don't filter it all. Just like with Covid masks, the air circulates around the mask as there is no seal. While I had to be imprisoned for 6 weeks after the timber companies fall spray on the mountain, I'll be imprisoned the whole time I'm here. Typically I'm coerced to evacuate around the 1st of March. The guy who farms across the road, and the property next to mine on the north are the worst offenders. Research shows that applications of 2,4-D permeate even sealed homes at an average of 500ft away. 2,4-D is what is in weed and feed. Other research has shown pesticide volatilization drift at toxic levels up to 10 miles away. At which point they stopped testing apropos to financing. Typically farmers apply a admixture of toxic pesticides, adjuvants and "stickers" that have never been tested for toxicity levels, adverse effects, drift radius or volatility periods. When combined the toxic effects are far more noxious than the individual active ingredient. Its called "synergistic effects." Then there's the road and aerial traffic and laundry product exhaust, which has been documented to cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals up to 2 miles away from point of emission.
So the reality for me is that all of these things are like WMDs: think mustard gas or Sarin. It is a lot easier (cold and damp excluded until the wood stoves in) for me to deal with wolves, bears, cougars, poachers, drug manufacturers, trespassers and and the gang stalking family of the registered sex offender across the road in the mountain, than the constant chemical poisons down here. At least I can see the threats and shoot back up there. You can't see pesticide and VOC drift. It just ambushes you. You can't stop pesticide applications or even dryer vent activities. Until our society goes non-toxic, and fragrance free (all synthetic fragrances contain insecticide along with other toxic chemicals, or you'd be swarmed by bugs. Especially the biting stinging kinds like bees, wasps and yellow jackets) thats the reality for 40 million Americans disabled by toxic substances. 40 million Americans who are denied access to public spaces, places, and services. Their very Civil Rights. They lose their jobs, their homes, their social lives/friends/family, their medical care, and every convenience of modern living as well as their bodily functions. The majority are much less fortunate than I am.
So while I appreciate every bit of compassion, kindness and advantage that have, I feel compelled to advocate for those who suffer Chemical Sensitivities due to Toxic Injuries that are voice less, invisible and unrecognized by society.🫥 Fragrances, pesticides and volatile toxic substances are never just a personal choice, because they are toxic substances that volatize and drift. They harm others who are denied the choice by the very nature of the substances and the ability to protect themselves. Food for thought. 🤔
Good morning..
Starting temp is 22° and light snow. Looks like there is snow to remove and I think Mr SB will my dance partner...and so it begins! Just looked and we will get flurries or rain on Wed..if I could count on the rain I would leave the snow alone... ::)
Son gave us some shotgun shells so that and vegetables will be supper along with apple pie.
https://www.smokedbbqsource.com/smoked-shotgun-shells/
Better get my dancing dudes on...
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Good Morning, Everyfriend! I have Cooper today for a much longer time than usual because Frankie is working extra hours at the hospital. That means he not only has breakfast with me, he also has supper with me. And my daughter, Christy and her little doggie, Lennie will be arriving this afternoon. So it'll be a houseful!
We had a bit of snow on the ground this morning. When Cooper and I went for our walk, it was still coming down. Thank goodness it wasn't a heavy snow and I think it might have already stopped.
I got a phone message from my cousin's daughter last night. My oldest cousin passed away yesterday. She was about a year older than my sister and that would have made her 93. That leaves my sister as the oldest living family member! This cousin was a good friend of ours as we grew up because her family was the only one of my dad's brothers that stayed on the farm with my grandparents. We visited there a lot when I wa growing up.
Now I better get going or I won't be ready for Christy and Lennie when they get here! I wish you all a great day. Make it your own in every way! And be sure to let us know how you did that! We're very interested (nosy)!!!
We made it down t about 30° last night. That should take care of the Ragweed, and bring an end to the allergy season. Must have been windy yesterday because I hear the "leaf people" out there with their blowers and leaf vac's.
Temp dropped to 31 degrees last night but no snow. Very windy today and that means we are under a fire watch. But, the sun is shining brightly and that helps. David dug the outdoor faucet covers out just in case it was enough to freeze pipes.
Never heard of shotgun manicotti, Amy. Looks good.
Take care, All.
Good morning, minus 8 presently with an expected high of 3. Nothing planned other than a grocery order this afternoon. Morning routines, meet and greets and feeding Farrah is finished, and it's only 7:22 am.
Good Morning Everyfriend! Today will be a busy day! Christy is in the shower now and when she's finished, it's my turn. We're going to the grocery store and then making a stop at the Farmers Market. I love that place! You can get almost anything you want year round. There are people there who know where to get it all.
Then I'll be starting the fruit cake tomorrow. My Mom will be in the kitchen with me. She always helps me! I can feel her presence! And when the tough part of the stirring comes, Daddy is there. He always was for Mom and now he is for me. It's a nice feeling to be aware of them both. I sure do miss them!
I wish you all a great day! Make it your own in every way! And tell us how you did that. We're interested (nosy?)
Good afternoon...
Tis been a busy day so far. We did gt more snow and now it is a light rain, I don't mind if it takes the snow away. :thumbup:
Computer was acting up this morning so I gave it a time out and went about my day.. :2funny:
Jane, I think our Mennonite market has closed for the year. Enjoy your time with Christy!
Better see what can be rustled up for supper later on..
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
we're making meatloaf and scalloped potatoes for supper! You could join us?
Oh Jane I would :smitten: that! Say hi to Christy for me..
Good morning everyone!
I haven't been doing much since my return. I'm still in my RV, recovering from moving everything back into it. Moving back into the house will be just as grueling. Not looking forward to it, though it must be done.
It sounds like you are having a lovely time Jane!
Its currently 39°F here and 54°F on the mountain! Good grief!
Good Morning..
A slower paced day I hope today. Light snow yesterday but then temps rose and took some of the snow away. Rain on Sat just may take it all away! Starting temp this morning is 24 ° with a high of 37°.
Inside work to do and get my list ready for Christmas baking.
Jane, I bet your cakes smelled so nice when baking. Did you get them all done?
OLM, I dislike moving! Then trying to find the things you want or need!
Enjoy your day and stay safe.
Good Morning Everyfriend! And a special "Good Morning, AMY" The fruit cakes are all baked and in their storage place with the little jar of bourbon to help season them as they age! I'm glad that's done.
I had a bad night and I gave Christy a bad night, too. I got a sharp pain in my right ankle and it hurt like heck! Christy got up and helped me treat it and after about a half to 3 quarters of an hour, I could go back to bed and sleep the rest of the night. This morning, I just feel a "twitch" down there but walking is fine. I took Cooper for his morning walk and it was OK.
Today I'm doing some laundry and having a late breakfast with Christy! I'll try to come back and see what all of you are up to. I wish you all a great day! Make it your own in every way! See you later....maybe!
Mid forties and bright sunny this morning. I do think winter is starting, As usual, nothing much "on the fire" today.
Good morning to any who might pass by.
Good morning, I don't have to guess if winter is here or not. It's minus 12 presently, with an expected high of plus three. While the weekend will be colder, next week should slowly rise into the teens. Such is an Arctic dry winter. I'm so glad we aren't a wet climate like Anchorage and most of the Pacific Northwest!
Nothing planned for today, meet and greets, morning routines, feeding everyone and coffee is done.
I'm hoping everyone, including Jane's ankle, has a good, warm, safe and sane day.
I think my coffee lost its power, Patricia. The brain fog won today.
:coffee:
Twas the month before Christmas
And all through this house.
No one was talking
Not even a mouse.
Morning everyone. It is a, so far, sunny but windy day with a few clouds. The weather report insists that it is 53o but to decline throughout the day. I hope that does not mean the dreary clouds will be back. Yesterday was entirely cloudy, very dark and dreary.
The last few days have been rather nondescript and quiet. On the agenda for today are a few chores and more reading. Nothing major going on this coming week except for car inspection with a chance to check out the new cars. Sue found a new, near to me, Japanese restaurant she is chomping at the bit to try out. We have yet to set a date for a visit.