Thinking that my left eye will let me watercolor a little... not my best skill... but fun. So, decided to try to watercolor this sketch I made about a year ago. If you can see the picture on my ipad to the right, I generally try to copy their coloring.
I was crocheting, but my left arm and wrist started really aching... don't know if it's the use of unused muscles (maybe like carpal tunnel?), but I had to stop. I'll try again when the aching goes away.
As you know, it is HOT. So, no doing anything outside. I did transplant my little Violet plant. Need to transplant to larger pots several others that are doing really well... but have to do that outside and don't want to go outside in this heat. So they will have to wait.
Oh, have to tell you a funny story. You know that DH and I enjoy watching the antics of the wildlife in our back area. Well, we have 2 cat trees on the back porch and cats, kittens, raccoons, and possums have used them in the past. I also tend to put kitty treats out on the different levels... mostly for the 2 feral cats that stay around.
Well... the last few days the squirrels have found them. They are so funny as they sniff around the cat tree, stretch up with their little heads to see highter up and grandually climb up and find all of them on the different levels. They look so happy when they finally find them, that I have to laugh. I know that many don't like squirrels, but we've never had a problem with them, so they are welcome to the treats too.
We have one young raccoon (one of George Cooney's family) that likes to take his treat at the door, but climbs up on the cat tree to eat it (usually graham crackers).
I think I may have sent a picture of our feral, Missy, under the fern out back. But this was a close-up. Can you see her eyes?
Before I close this, I want to bring up a subject that another blogger (Kay from Musings) brought up on her last post. It's concerning Alexa and Seri (online AI - I guess you would call them?) They can be part of your house or part of your phone... and I'm sure are very useful. But I've always been a bit hesitant to make them a part of our lives.
I do use Gemini (Google AI on my iPhone) to ask questions and really find that very helpful. It helps me when I have questions cooking, or research for a story, or just don't understand something.
And we do have security cameras and Nest doorbell camera on the outside of our house, but nothing inside. I use my iPhone to make appointments and a daily schedule of what needs to be done, etc. So, I guess it's not that different from having Alexa tell you. Just find it a bit worrisome to have someone always listening... not sure why that bothers me, but it does.
I would love to hear what you think... and why.
That's it for now. Hope you're staying safe and out of the heat.
Hugs (virtually),
Rian
(Bit of bad news at the Endodonist's today... but will not get into that now)
Rian I'm sorry you're still having trouble with your one eye (and now your wrist) but that really is a lovely watercolor. You do have artistic talent. Loved reading about your critters too outside. You are Mother nature! However, I do not have any of those listening devices in my house. I'm not totally against AI, I just don't say the need to have something listening to me. Anyway, I hope temps cool down for you guys soon and glad to see you posting, I always enjoy what you have to say and share. 👍🙂
ReplyDeleteDug, I really enjoy sketching and watercoloring. It takes me into an alternate zone.... where time passes without knowing it. I'm not really that good at it, but it's a fun past-time. I really would like to watercolor water and sky better, so I'll keep working at it. Thanks for commenting about Alexa and Siri... they do seem helpful, but I haven't given in to them yet... (apparently you haven't either). Hope things are looking good for your August 12th get-together.
DeleteThank you Rian, you're a dear friend.
DeleteYour painting is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt does make me really nervous to have stuff listening to me. I just got a new apple phone and it keeps typing my conversations into Google search. I don't find that funny. I need a grandchild to stop by and show me how to stop that! We do have an Alexa and lately she will answer a question and then aske me what my name is. What? So we just stay quiet and she turns off. I find that spooky. I guess I should unplug her if it is upsetting me, but it is convenient for all those important questions we ask like what was the name of that tv show that . . . . or what is the temperature in wherever tomorrow. Or how many children did Paul Revere have and how many wives. Oh, our inquiring minds.
I hope your hand feels better soon.
Thank you, Miss Merry... I try. But it's the doing, not the results that are fun... (or so our pottery instuctor used to say...) The apple iPhones will sometimes text everything you say ... and I'm not sure exactly how that happens either... just be sure TO CHECK before you hit send! And we do ask all those same 'important' questions constantly... but not with Alexa or Seri... just on google or Gemini. (and thanks, my hand/wrist is better).
DeleteYou are such a talented artist, Rian.
ReplyDeleteI'm told that Alexa only listens for a short time after she gives you an answer to a question. I confess I find it fun, but yes, it does make me wonder. And thank you for the mention, by the way. :-)
Thank you, Kay. You are sweet. I have always wanted to take watercolor lessons as it is my favorite medium. But the one time I started them, I had one lesson , had acute appendicitis, and never got to go back. So, I'm teaching myself. As for Alexa or Seri, I'm sure they are here to stay and eventually almost everyone will be using them. As for your mention, you just brought up something (Alexa) that I've been meaning to mention myself... so, thank you.
DeleteThe watercolour is lovely - I'm so happy you feel able to return to a hobby you enjoy so much.
ReplyDeleteAI is everywhere. My daughter uses Siri and Alexa, while I use Google/Gemini. Alexa tends to be the dumb one - seriously it gives incorrect answers. My daughter actually informs Alexa of the inaccuracies and then goes on to have a dialog discussing the problems with artificial intelligence. These conversations have been known to get quite heated (on my daughter's part). :)
Mae, I've had some long conversations with Gemini... and enjoyed them. I'm still amazed that someone my age (81) who had to go to the library to find an encyclopedia now has so much info at her fingertips. That part of AI I love. But I admit there are dangers...
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