Crows, Books, and other trivial things...

 

fake crows  - hoping to attract real ones

I put out peanuts in the shell as well as apple peelings every day. Something is eating them... probably squirrels. But I'm hoping to attract some of the crows I see in the area to our yard. 

I mentioned books since they play a large part in my life... always have. I read 2-3 books a week... and am at a loss when I run out. Thank goodness for Kindle on my iPhone. It's my 'go to' when I run out of the real thing. 

Right now I have 4 - all picked up at the Senior Center. The one I'm reading at the moment is "The Echo of Old Books" and it's good. The other 3 are: "Good Grief", "The Rhythm Section", and "The Painter's Daughters"... all look good, but won't know till I get into those pages.

I find books very subjective. I want a good story... but nothing horrific or depressing. It's true that some do have hard times, but as long as that is not the main theme of the story, I can handle it. Guess I tend to like ones that have a little humor and mystery... the mystery can be crime related, or science, or family - as long as the characters are likable and believable.

Some books on the best sellers list or even those recommended by Oprah aren't my type of read. And I do read almost anything... but mostly fiction. My type of book is one I can't wait to get back to. So, yes, very subjective. 

My own 2 self-published books "Time After Time" and "Carrick Cove" are like this in that they're simply a good story about good people. Add in a little mystery, a bookstore, and good food... and that's all I need. Not everyone's taste, I'm sure. But that's OK. I enjoyed writing them and am over the moon that many have enjoyed reading them.

Now for other trivial things: 

Still playing around with sketching and water-coloring - no great progress there. 

Still playing around with Nintendo Switch's Animal Crossing with my youngest granddaughter. That game can go on forever... keep learning new things it can do. 

She also recently introduced me to another video game called Little Kitty Big City which is fascinating... not only the simple game theme which is to get the little black cat who has fallen from his high apartment window back up there - but the technology involved and how it works. Maybe just being a Baby Boomer (1945) makes me appreciate the intricacies involved in these games.  

Watched some good movies and series lately (and some not so good). The Perfect Couple (Prime) was a good series. The King's Daughter (Prime) was a good movie. Neither was spectacular... but enjoyable - again - subjective. One of my old favorite movies that I recently watched again was "Dragonfly" (Prime).

We also listened to a talk (one at the Senior Center and one on TV) about AI - another fascinating and controversial subject. 

And for something 'not so trivial'... the November Presidential Election. 

Boy, does my gut instinct play a part in this...

And here is where I land:

Life goes on... (at least we hope it does - or will)

Hugs,

Rian

Sunday thoughts...

this made me laugh...

Still trying to attract crows to our yard... no luck so far... but we did have one in the tree next door and one walking on our front lawn a day or so ago.  I put out some apple trimmings and some peanuts to see if they might notice. Not sure if they did. Have continued to put these out the last few days. Sometimes it looks like something ate them, but haven't seen any activity. They say crows are smart, so if I continue to do this, maybe they'll notice?? Anyway, that's the plan.

My oldest granddaughter's Bernese Mountain Dog is growing up. He no longer looks like a cute fat puppy but a taller thinner lanky pup. He's lost a lot of his baby fur... but still adorable.

As you can see, I don't have a lot to talk about this morning. I'm getting ready to make oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and peas (or spinach souffle?) for dinner this evening. I made Chicken Tetrazzini earlier this week and froze some to take to my friend's house later (along with some stuffed peppers DH made). She's had some serious problems this past year and has trouble getting around and cooking.

 

And just a FYI for any of you out there Gluten Free... I found some really good frozen baked products. They're made by Cappello's and are delicious. They make Brown Butter Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and great Biscuits!

They come frozen and have to cook 15-20 minutes, but are so-oo good! (not cheap though... a bag cost about $8)

Guess this is my 2 cents worth for today...

except I might add that I was impressed with the Kamala at the debate. IMO Kamala did great... and is certainly our choice for President. 

As for the 'other choice', IMO firing people who are suppose to advise you (it's not a dictatorship), when they don't agree with you is not the way it's suppose to work. Yelling the election, debate, courts, etc. are 'rigged' every time one loses is childish. And  how people can actually want this person to run our country and have control over nuclear weapons is difficult for me to understand. But I do believe in democracy and I will accept the outcome of the vote in November. It just worries me that many may not. Are we prepared for this?

Sorry about that. Didn't plan to say anything political... usually avoid that. But this post is my Sunday thoughts... so feel free to ignore my ramblings.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Feeling nostalgic...

 

This morning I was cleaning some dishes and was reminiscing over a mixing bowl that I had just used to make pancakes.  It was given to me by a dear friend that passed on several years ago. I still think of her every time I use it... and several other things she had given me over the years. Nothing big... all little necessary kitchen items like a cookie spatula, cooling rack, etc.  We also used to walk once a week over in the park and I'd bring coffee or tea in a thermos and she's bring graham crackers. It's funny how you miss those little every day things. 

I also have several other things that friends have given me that I use a lot... and make me think of them (although they are still with us thank goodness). And of course there are the things that belonged to my mom or a family member that also hold 'special memories'.  The thing is... they aren't anything big or expensive... but the memories are priceless.

Our oldest son and his wife just left this morning after spending a week here visiting. They live in Texas too, but are about 8 hours away so we don't get to see them often. Perhaps this is the reason for my nostalgia? It was great spending time with them.

Their 2 Doodles in Son's Car

Oh, we did have one exciting incident happen while they were here. We were in the Mall and had stopped at Eataly's to order pizza to take home.  While waiting, the Mall Fire Alarm went off and the loud speaker said for everyone to quickly find their way to the nearest exit. Well... we had paid for the pizzas and weren't about to leave without them, so we just stood there... looking around at everyone else. Many that were sitting there eating didn't leave (some did). We could see people in the main area walkways leaving, but while we stood there, I was thinking "I don't even know where the nearest exit is..." Anyway, after 2 Fire Alarm announcements in about 5 minutes, they said, "False Alarm"... so luckily, no problem.

Today, being Saturday and no more company for a bit (at least not until Thanksgiving probably), we are winding down. DH is stuffing peppers today and I'm catching up on water-coloring my sketches.  We've basically had company all summer... and loved it... but it's kept us busier than our normal laid back routine. And with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas around the corner... we could use some 'down time'.

Here's a picture of some of my newly water-colored sketches. These came out OK... for the most part... since I've had no instruction in water-coloring... but love playing around with it.

 

The one I'm working on now (ruining probably) is the dog with the frog on his nose (having a bit of trouble with that one - but haven't given up yet). 

 

Oh well, enough of that... I'm finding that you have to let each layer dry before adding another color... so it takes days for me to see if I like the effect. If anyone is good at water-coloring out there, I'm up for any advice.

Going to close this now and go make a cup of tea. Irish Breakfast Tea is my favorite. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. It's a tiny bit cooler this morning here (hurray!). 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

great pic!

September 1, 2024 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 

It's September 1, 2024! 

Time for Rabbit! Rabbit White Rabbit!

and

Enjoy your first Sunday in September...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian