Here and Now...What's Happening?

[Valerie Villars]

Henry the tree frog has changed his day sleeping location from under my books and hat, to under the pillow on the other wrought iron chair on my front porch. It is where I sit every day. He has been sleeping there all day, toward the back of the chair. I have to be careful whenever I sit down to make sure he isn't disturbed.

His girlfriend sleeps under the statue of an angel, an iron water marker, two stones and an old brick from my family's sugar mill plantation.

[ulli]

Sugar plantation reminds me of Barbados, and also tree frogs, although we didn’t give them names there.

Anyway, both are very West Indian images.

Here is an image for Carmody, who is a space traveler.

[Strat]

A while ago I discovered in the corner of my yard, behind my shed, I have a bit of bamboo growing. Today I was going to hack some of it down to use to hold up some of my plants because they are getting really tall and keeling over. When I went over to the bamboo I discovered that they're huge, over 20'. Way more than I'd need, and on top of that I imagine I'd end up damaging my fence or shed in the process of hacking it down so I decided to leave it be.

Maybe not overly impressive, but being a 'plant person' I thought it was a fun discovery.

[PurpleLama]

Posted by Strat (here)
A while ago I discovered in the corner of my yard, behind my shed, I have a bit of bamboo growing. Today I was going to hack some of it down to use to hold up some of my plants because they are getting really tall and keeling over. When I went over to the bamboo I discovered that they're huge, over 20'. Way more than I'd need, and on top of that I imagine I'd end up damaging my fence or shed in the process of hacking it down so I decided to leave it be.

Maybe not overly impressive, but being a 'plant person' I thought it was a fun discovery.

Watch out! If you hack a few down, rhizomes will spread through the yard and dozens will take their place!

[avid]

I love Bamboo. However, don’t be ‘bamboozled’ by garden centre platitudes, once it’s in, it seems to sink roots to the opposite side of the globe (same as Acanthus - ‘Bear’s Breeches’), it takes over, spreads and a once lovely screening cane plant becomes an adversary! Beware, contain it.

[Kryztian]

Wishing everyone in the U.S.A. and on the planet a Happy Fourth of July, a good day to celebrate our inalienablerights.

[ulli]

Congratulations to all US citizens for getting rid of British rule, although in recent years I have come to doubt if such a thing ever really happened successfully.
When I was still living in Germany, before I left for London in 1967, there was a freedom celebration on June 17th, and they called it the Day of German Freedom. It was a celebration of an uprising in East Germany against Communist rule, as East Germany was then still a part of the Soviet block, but that it was unfortunately squashed by Russian tanks, and there were fatalities.
And the extremist decision making to introduce hidden agendas is still happening. Maybe they don’t use voter fraud via rigged voting machines, but they do have an incredibly powerful media propaganda machine.

I wish all US patriots well.
A healthy patriotism is ok, and even necessary to function well as part of a greater whole; just don’t allow it to slip into unbridled nationalism.

[Carmody]

Just reading the moderator thread, and why some folks get unsubscribed. It reminded me that on one forum I wanted to change my handle to:

'The Asshat Conjecture'.

Like the title of some low budget euro b-movie, in the mid 70's....and simultaneously be statement of the observation of my behaviour or what some people think about my posts. (on the given forum)

I run into this all the time. (on other forums)

My posts are fine and full of data, full of source data. Except people don't understand the source point nor the entire space the post occupies..and thus...it's all gobbledygook to them.

[ulli]

Posted by Carmody (here)
Just reading the moderator thread, and why some folks get unsubscribed. It reminded me that on one forum I wanted to change my handle to:

'The Asshat Conjecture'.

Like the title of soame low budget euro b-movie, in the mid 70's....and simultaneously be statement of the observation of my behaviour or what some people think about my posts. (on the given fourm)

I run into this all the time. (on other forums)

My posts are fine and full of data, full of source data. Except people don't understand the source point nor the entire space the post occupies..and thus...it's all gobbledygook to them.

I find a lot of people react to posts according to the dictates of their self image..the one they created over time. Even mature adults still behave like teenagers due to this fixation.
Being nasty online seems to relieve their pain. The more insecure they are the more they lash out at total strangers, whether by expressing road rage in their car, or online ad hominems. And once such a self image or false persona has been created they can’t return to their authentic self without a major shock. Which is then followed (or not) by an awakening. One hopes, anyway.

[Rosemarie]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=URoLeHS6TnI

Didn’t know where to put this so here it goes. Never heard of it and found it very interesting. Googled it and there was all kinds of information pros and cons.

[ulli]

If I were to share what’s happening I would be opening a bag of fleas.
So I won’t.

Meanwhile, wishing for the best outcome all around.

[Baby Steps]

well, today was , for me, the day that I go to stay at my father's place. Every other week I travel there to assist with his care, shop, cook etc. He is suffering from dementia, and I get to experience that 'long goodbye', bereavement spread over years.

As the person I knew and love fades away, I sit in awe of a man , nobly fighting to hold on to his humanity, as his mental abilities fade. Lingering, I see a truly gentle and kind person, struggling as it all fades away.

however today's drama concerns tooth brushes.

because today I winessed his visiting carer directing my father to his downstairs toilet to brush his teeth. Oh no, that is where I keep my tooth brush safely secreted, or so I had thought.

[Strat]

I had an early lunch at a hole in the wall Cuban restaurant today and my god was it so good. I will definitely go back next week. This is one of the advantages of living in a culturally diverse place: you get legit food. Typically when you get a cuban sub from an american restaurant it will be ham, cheese and pickle. The one I just got had marinated pork, ham, cheese, some kind of spread and a pickle. It wasn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. That woman sure can cook. Next week I will try the chicken quesadilla, an all time favorite of mine. I may also get something a bit more off the wall to expand my pallet.

If I wasn't so lazy I'd post about that place and it's location in the diversity thread. It truly is a gem. Folks like that who live a simple life but put their heart into what they do is very refreshing. And in that particular case, tasty.

[Rosemarie]

Posted by Strat (here)
I had an early lunch at a hole in the wall Cuban restaurant today and my god was it so good. I will definitely go back next week. This is one of the advantages of living in a culturally diverse place: you get legit food. Typically when you get a cuban sub from an american restaurant it will be ham, cheese and pickle. The one I just got had marinated pork, ham, cheese, some kind of spread and a pickle. It wasn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. That woman sure can cook. Next week I will try the chicken quesadilla, an all time favorite of mine. I may also get something a bit more off the wall to expand my pallet.

If I wasn't so lazy I'd post about that place and it's location in the diversity thread. It truly is a gem. Folks like that who live a simple life but put their heart into what they do is very refreshing. And in that particular case, tasty.

Strat , you made me hungry ! Those “ hole in the wall “ places are usually the more delicious. The essencial ingredient to a cuban sandwich is the roasted pork, traditionally marinated in mojo sauce redolent with orange juice , lime juice , garlic, oregano ,and cumin before roasting. Hmmm so good. And a cortadito coffee to end it

[Mike]

strat i just got home from the "hibachi express", which is a little gem here in central florida.

take out hibachi...it's like a dream come true. and reasonably priced! i got the shrimp and steak with fried rice. i've been pretty good lately so i allowed myself this treat.

p.s. i love chicken quesadillas too

[Strat]

Posted by Rosemarie (here)
Strat , you made me hungry ! Those “ hole in the wall “ places are usually the more delicious. The essencial ingredient to a cuban sandwich is the roasted pork, traditionally marinated in mojo sauce redolent with orange juice , lime juice , garlic, oregano ,and cumin before roasting. Hmmm so good. And a cortadito coffee to end it

You'd love this place, if you ever find yourself in Jacksonville lunch is on me, you just translate. Seems fair. Only the 1 gal there spoke English and her accent was thick.

Speaking of which, I did finally get book from my local library so I can learn some basic Spanish. I would've tried a bit on her but she was quite busy. I'll try when she gets more familiar with my face and has a bit more free time.

Mike where you at? I'm pretty sure you've mentioned it 100 times I just forget. Now that my health is good I've been thinking on taking a road trip to Cape Canaveral, if you're not too far off course I wouldn't mind grabbing lunch with ya and shooting the ****.

[Mike]

Posted by Strat (here)

Posted by Rosemarie (here)
Strat , you made me hungry ! Those “ hole in the wall “ places are usually the more delicious. The essencial ingredient to a cuban sandwich is the roasted pork, traditionally marinated in mojo sauce redolent with orange juice , lime juice , garlic, oregano ,and cumin before roasting. Hmmm so good. And a cortadito coffee to end it

You'd love this place, if you ever find yourself in Jacksonville lunch is on me, you just translate. Seems fair. Only the 1 gal there spoke English and her accent was thick.

Speaking of which, I did finally get book from my local library so I can learn some basic Spanish. I would've tried a bit on her but she was quite busy. I'll try when she gets more familiar with my face and has a bit more free time.

Mike where you at? I'm pretty sure you've mentioned it 100 times I just forget. Now that my health is good I've been thinking on taking a road trip to Cape Canaveral, if you're not too far off course I wouldn't mind grabbing lunch with ya and shooting the ****.

yeah brother, for sure! we definitely gotta connect one a these days

i'm in lake mary.

[Rosemarie]

Posted by Strat (here)

Posted by Rosemarie (here)
Strat , you made me hungry ! Those “ hole in the wall “ places are usually the more delicious. The essencial ingredient to a cuban sandwich is the roasted pork, traditionally marinated in mojo sauce redolent with orange juice , lime juice , garlic, oregano ,and cumin before roasting. Hmmm so good. And a cortadito coffee to end it

You'd love this place, if you ever find yourself in Jacksonville lunch is on me, you just translate. Seems fair. Only the 1 gal there spoke English and her accent was thick.

Speaking of which, I did finally get book from my local library so I can learn some basic Spanish. I would've tried a bit on her but she was quite busy. I'll try when she gets more familiar with my face and has a bit more free time..

It is a deal Strat ! I used to drive from Miami to Savannah, Georgia 2-4 times a year when my kids were in college and would pass Jacksonville , but never stopped. I am due another road trip. Haven’t done it since 2011.

Best way to learn another language .... get a latin girlfriend ? Or watch some spanish speaking tv channels.....

[AutumnW]

Day before yesterday I ambled into town with my guy, ate a scoop of gelato and then walked another block to the seaside and ate a fudge brownie. This, after no sugar at all for 3 months. Wow. I was flying! It felt soooo good. So glad I no longer live in the woods, far from everything.

[Strat]

Posted by Rosemarie (here)
Best way to learn another language .... get a latin girlfriend ?

My best friend did this, ended up marrying her and having children.

Was funny cause when they were dating there was a very short period where he kept it to himself that he was fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. There was like a week where he would be riding around with her family members and casually listening to what they were saying about him. They knew he worked for a local security company but not that he was a translator!

Oh and damn mike you're just right out side my destination! I'll hit you up for sure. Will be a hot minute but I'll shoot you a PM when the time comes.