Chit Chat in VOLTVILLE Thread #2 :)

[Renolizzie]

Wow, you are getting some warm weather, Wuzz.

The crocuses are pretty, SandySu.

It is 45 degrees this morning. The trainer and the vet are supposed to be coming this morning. I need to clean the bathroom so we look like we live decent around here. I need to find Nevada's stud chain. I'm not working too hard today. I'm pretty worn out.

I hope the wind waits to come up until later in the day. Too much wind will make the horses hard to work with especially Wiseguy.

Nevada has a new game he plays with Wiseguy. He picks up a food bowl and stabs it at Wiseguy. Today, Wiseguy and Nevada seem to be playing tug of war with the food bowl. They are getting along a lot better. I am very happy.

I found my catalog for the horse harness and it is $200 for a harness and bridle with $20 extra for blinkers. That is a good deal. It is made of betathane. I'm going to have the trainer help me measure Nevada today.

 

[SandySu]

I just got back from visiting Penny. It was raining hard by the time I left the house this morning, and I was very grateful to see that someone had put on a rain sheet, so Penny was just a little damp, not soaking wet as I feared. I brought her into the barn where she had some hay while I groomed her and tried to get the dampness to be totally dry, then put her winter blanket on her, because the temperature is dropping fast. In the couple hours I was at the barn, it dropped 10 degrees, from 57 to 47!

Fortunately, it's still rain, not yet snow, though I hear we might get 3 inches. I'm home now, so it can snow if it wants. Penny is as well-protected as I can make her, and she had some extra hay this morning which may help her deal with the extreme cold tonight. Yesterday, it was in the high 70s … now this!

 

[tmcase]

Sure is quiet in here.

 

[SandySu]

Good night, all. Tonight's photo is another sheep, the mother of the little 2-day-old twins. I wonder how they're doing in this cold.



It snowed most of the afternoon and evening, and we did get some on the ground, but probably not even an inch. It's icy, not fluffy. I doubt it got as cold as predicted.

Speaking of weather forecasts, I finally got fed up with Weather Underground. Today, they changed their format and offered a tutorial so I could understand it. No, I'll just go to some other weather site that I don't need a tutorial to understand, thank you. And earlier, they said that today's weather was the same temperature as yesterday! Give me a break! They say the high today was 77! Where? In Florida? Not here! It started in the 60s when I woke this morning and sank fast through the morning, holding steady at just about freezing all afternoon. And I'll never forget the day last winter when they said 0% chance of precipitation and it was snowing like mad when I looked out the window. So this new "improved" format to their site did it. I'll see if Acu Weather can do better.

 

[tmcase]

Good night, all. Tonight's photo is another sheep, the mother of the little 2-day-old twins. I wonder how they're doing in this cold.



It snowed most of the afternoon and evening, and we did get some on the ground, but probably not even an inch. It's icy, not fluffy. I doubt it got as cold as predicted.

Speaking of weather forecasts, I finally got fed up with Weather Underground. Today, they changed their format and offered a tutorial so I could understand it. No, I'll just go to some other weather site that I don't need a tutorial to understand, thank you. And earlier, they said that today's weather was the same temperature as yesterday! Give me a break! They say the high today was 77! Where? In Florida? Not here! It started in the 60s when I woke this morning and sank fast through the morning, holding steady at just about freezing all afternoon. And I'll never forget the day last winter when they said 0% chance of precipitation and it was snowing like mad when I looked out the window. So this new "improved" format to their site did it. I'll see if Acu Weather can do better.

Loved the rant! I agree, they really messed up their site. I use to use them too but I don't like the changes either.

 

[3mg Meniere]

Speaking of weather forecasts, I finally got fed up with Weather Underground. Today, they changed their format and offered a tutorial so I could understand it. ...... So this new "improved" format to their site did it. I'll see if Acu Weather can do better.

About six months ago, I read something that said that the weather channel had purchased Weather Underground. Predictions were that it would end up being dumbed down. Looks like. But the graphics at the top were more understandable, especially the predicted graph of daily temp fluctuations. I think it will be refined and some of the old stuff restored. People don't like changes, especially as radical as that. I hadn't looked at it for the last few days, and I agree that it is an unsettling change.

 

[SandySu]

Loved the rant! I agree, they really messed up their site. I use to use them too but I don't like the changes either.

So which weather site do you use now?

 

[Renolizzie]

I'vebeen using accuweather. No site it perfect though. That 30 degree overnight took me by complete surprise!

So, my neighbor calls me after the vet leaves and says "My horses were off their feed and one looked like she was trying to colic a couple of days after getting their horsey shots from Susan the Vet on Sunday." Great, my horses have all already gotten their shots and the vet has already left.

The new vet was okay. Seems nice but she didn't listen to the horses hearts and guts like the other two vets from the other vet place. She did cost me less. She wasn't even close to being on time. She also didn't check their teeth and I forgot to remind her. Oh well, the horses are eating just fine.

Steve the Trainer texted me and asked if I wanted to train or did I want to wait until I got my harness for Nevada. I told him we could wait for the harness. I figure it will give me a couple of weeks off from horse training.

That has to be the best sheep photo ever, SandySu.


I got the house cleaned up yesterday although I still have some housework left for today. I also picked up stuff from around the yard and got it put near where it is supposed to go. Time to start making sure things are put away!

I got the halters and hoof picks and rake hung up on the railroad tie that used to be the corner post for the goat pen. Looks nice and is very neat and tidy. I also managed to clean the horse pen although I still have to clean the goat pen.

I have a whole list of stuff to get done again today but I think I am starting to get that list whittled down

Tomorrow, I am picking up some materials for a low post and rail fence to place in front of the grape vines. The grape vines are on wires. I need to teach Nevada to drive in that area. Therefore, I need to put up something that will deter Nevada from accidentally running through the wires if he were to panic or buck or something.

 

[SandySu]

Lizzie, I guess it depends on the radio station, but I've found the most accurate forecast is from the radio, not the Internet, though we'll see how Acu Weather does.

That's weird that your neighbor's horses were all affected by the shots. Sometimes one horse is sensitive to one of the shots, but all of them at once? Could it be coincidental? Something they all ate? I'm thinking maybe something in the hay. And your horses are doing fine, right? If it was the shots, your horses, who got them the same day from the same vet, would probably be affected, too.

It does seem sloppy that the vet didn't do the routine checkup. My vet also has us trot the horses to look for unsoundness, or at least she did last year. She was a vet new to the practice, so maybe she did a more thorough exam just to get up to speed on the horses she wasn't familiar with. My vet practice has 3 vets. One is about to retire, I think. The 2nd one was added a few years ago, and the most recent addition was about a year ago. I really like the one who is about to retire, but it seems we mostly see the newest one. I like her, too, which is fortunate. The older vet had another vet in her practice some years ago that I disliked so much that I finally changed vets, since she was the one who always came for shots or a problem. I think she was competent, but her bedside manner both with horses and their owners was just awful! I have an equine dentist who comes and floats Penny's teeth yearly. In fact, I should call and get on the list. I think he does a better job than the vets, since it's his specialty. He's very well-regarded, and I've had him come do Penny's teeth for years. So I'll stick with him till he retires. Then I may have the vet do Penny's teeth. I don't know. I'll wait and see. Meanwhile, I should contact the barn owner about spring shots, too. I like to do it when she has her horses done so we can split the barn call.

In fact, you reminded me of these 2 things, which I'll do right now: dentist and barn owner re spring shots.

 

[tmcase]

So which weather site do you use now?

I still use WU radar but for forecast I will probably stick to the others I check, AccuWeather, Intellicast and TWC. I usually get 3 different reports from these 3 so I just use them as a guideline. The app on my iPad seems to be the most accurate.

 

[tmcase]

Be on the alert..... for any email you get from Paypal. I just got one that was a phishing email. I reported it to Paypal and they ask me to forward it to spoof@paypal.com

What is a phishing email?

You may have received an email falsely claiming to be from PayPal or
another known entity. This is called "phishing" because the sender is
"fishing" for your personal data. The goal is to trick you into clicking
through to a fake or "spoofed" website, or into calling a bogus customer
service number where they can collect and steal your sensitive personal
or financial information.

Paypal claims that they always use your real name in all their emails, not "Welcome member" so something similiar. Well this phishing email addressed me by name but I was suspicious and called Paypal and they did not send out this email. So just be careful.

If you get one of these suspicious emails, call Paypal, click on help and then click on "call us". You'll get an automated bimbo but just keep saying "customer service" every time she asks what you are calling about and she will connect you to a human.

 

[SandySu]

Thanks for the warning, Terry. It's gotten so I'm afraid to order online these days.

 

[tmcase]

Thanks for the warning, Terry. It's gotten so I'm afraid to order online these days.

You don't need to worry if you use a credit card. At least at most banks your money is guaranteed so you don't have to pay for fraudulent purchases. I was using a debit card all the time, then I got a fraudulent transaction and had to get a new CC. I didn't lose any money on that trans but it happened again 2 more times in less than 6 months, each on a new card so my bank told me not to use a debit card anymore since my money wasn't guaranteed on fraudulent transactions. Actually they wouldn't give me 4th debit card unless I promised not to use it online. I haven't since and I haven't had a fraud trans on my CC but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

 

[rave]

Didn't have one generated but I'd be more like Mac the Knife than Stilleto.

Good song!

No wonder I don't know him. Eeuuuwwww! I had to stop the vid when he started singing.

That was a minute and a half of pure torcher.

I was forced to endure Mr. Rogers through the raising of my two kids. My daughter thought he was hot!! Frankly, I'd prefer him to Sponge Bob Square Pants, and whatever else they have on for kids these days.

Thanks Wuzz!

I don't know if I can tell the story correctly but I'll give it a try. Wuzz's wife is doing better but the chemo therapy was making her hair come out in handfuls so she shaved her head. So Wuzz shaved his head too to make her feel better. So sweet.

Doesn't surprise me one bit.

It's really more of a matter of support more than sweet or sympathy. I'm sure it's more traumatic for a female to lose her hair than a guy but if I'm going to help her through it I need to experience it myself. I didn't lose my hair during my cancer treatments. (I'm a 7 year survivor now). So far I've discovered several things. One is be very careful of water temp when showering. What feels good on your back may not feel so great on a newly balded head. Same thing with walking out if it's chilly without a head covering. As a former biker I have a lot of do rag/bandana skills and techniques that I haven't used in years. I'm refreshing so she doesn't have to wear the same style turbin or cap every day. I wouldn't have thought to do these things if I hadn't shaved mine. Celtic I hope you and your Fiancee acheive the level of marital bliss she and I have shared for almost 42 years. It makes for a life second to none.

You told the story just fine Casey. Now, where's your photo?

It might not be bearable in Florida's heat, but when I was losing my hair because of a medication, I resorted to wigs. Then, I just began to have fun with it. I could be my normal raven-haired self some days (only thicker) or a lighter brunette, redhead or mixture with highlights on others. It may make her feel better. They really aren't as hot as you might think that they are.

Yet again, Wuzz, you've made me proud to call you my friend. By the way - it looks good on you!

I'm shy.

Wonderful photos, Sandy!

Loved the rant! I agree, they really messed up their site. I use to use them too but I don't like the changes either.

I'm not happy with Weather Underground either. Unlike you, I want my old radar back. Now!!

You don't need to worry if you use a credit card. At least at most banks your money is guaranteed so you don't have to pay for fraudulent purchases. I was using a debit card all the time, then I got a fraudulent transaction and had to get a new CC. I didn't lose any money on that trans but it happened again 2 more times in less than 6 months, each on a new card so my bank told me not to use a debit card anymore since my money wasn't guaranteed on fraudulent transactions. Actually they wouldn't give me 4th debit card unless I promised not to use it online. I haven't since and I haven't had a fraud trans on my CC but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

I've had my credit card info swiped twice. Both times, it was after ordering from the same vendor.

*********

So - I'm back. I've been busy messing with trying to coax green things to grow and haunting the woods and watching the flying freeloaders. I haven't seen Yul in a few days, but an adolescent eagle without the white head flew up the creek yesterday. I was also thrilled to see the first parula warbler that I've ever seen in my life. Don't you laugh at me!! Simple things amuse simple people.

I managed to get my taxes done. Funny thing: While I didn't "earn" any money, I still ended up owing the State. And, how unfair is it that you can't claim the Disability Credit if your income isn't high enough to be taxable? I guess only those that aren't so disabled that they can't make a living can get that. No fair.

Sorry I haven't been around. I've needed some peace and quiet and personal space. Let's just say that I'll be very happy when the two young ones living here are no longer doing that. Then they can just take their frustrations out on each other instead of destroying the atmosphere of my home. Just sayin'.

 

[tmcase]

I'm not happy with Weather Underground either. Unlike you, I want my old radar back. Now!!

The WU radar looks the same to me. Seattle-Tacoma Radar | Weather Underground



I've had my credit card info swiped twice. Both times, it was after ordering from the same vendor.

Yes, it can happen but you won't or shouldn't have to pay for the fraud trans like you may with a debit card.

..................

 

[tmcase]

View attachment 326835

 

[SandySu]

Terry, why have a debit card at all, when a credit card is more secure? Don't they charge you for a transaction with a debit card? I use a credit card for all those kinds of transactions. I don't even have a debit card. I don't see any point in getting one. And my credit card gives me points for using it, which I can use toward my purchases when it adds up enough. I have another credit card I rarely use, which gives you points for certain items, none of which I want, and any of which cost more points than I ever could accumulate. So I use the one that pays cash. In fact, I use it a lot for that reason.

So far, I've been lucky and never had fraudulent purchases on it, though once I used it to order from a company whose data was compromised sometime after my purchase, so the credit card company issued me a new card with a new number when the company informed them of the security breach. That's as close as I've come, knock on wood. But it seems so prevalent these days that I watch my credit card bills closely and order a lot less online than before.

 

[tmcase]

Terry, why have a debit card at all, when a credit card is more secure? Don't they charge you for a transaction with a debit card? I use a credit card for all those kinds of transactions. I don't even have a debit card. I don't see any point in getting one. And my credit card gives me points for using it, which I can use toward my purchases when it adds up enough. I have another credit card I rarely use, which gives you points for certain items, none of which I want, and any of which cost more points than I ever could accumulate. So I use the one that pays cash. In fact, I use it a lot for that reason.

So far, I've been lucky and never had fraudulent purchases on it, though once I used it to order from a company whose data was compromised sometime after my purchase, so the credit card company issued me a new card with a new number when the company informed them of the security breach. That's as close as I've come, knock on wood. But it seems so prevalent these days that I watch my credit card bills closely and order a lot less online than before.

I prefer using my debit card for everything so I don't over spend since it comes right out of my checking account. With a CC it's too easy to make charges and say "oh, I'll just pay it off next month" but it's too high to do that. I have less will power with a CC.

 

[SandySu]

Here's one to make you laugh … or cry. Do you think he was just learning how to drive a motorcycle? Look at the one in the upper right that smashes into the white van. That's where it all starts.

 

[rave]

..................

Okay - yours comes up with a Nexrad radar. My Weather Underground does not. But I now see that I can click on that option to change it. Before, it was just automatic.

Terry, why have a debit card at all, when a credit card is more secure? Don't they charge you for a transaction with a debit card? I use a credit card for all those kinds of transactions. I don't even have a debit card. I don't see any point in getting one. And my credit card gives me points for using it, which I can use toward my purchases when it adds up enough. I have another credit card I rarely use, which gives you points for certain items, none of which I want, and any of which cost more points than I ever could accumulate. So I use the one that pays cash. In fact, I use it a lot for that reason.

So far, I've been lucky and never had fraudulent purchases on it, though once I used it to order from a company whose data was compromised sometime after my purchase, so the credit card company issued me a new card with a new number when the company informed them of the security breach. That's as close as I've come, knock on wood. But it seems so prevalent these days that I watch my credit card bills closely and order a lot less online than before.

You have been lucky! It's a pain in the ... um ... rear quarters. Now I keep two credit cards. One for online purchases and the other is reserved for in person purchases. That way, I don't have to wait for a new card to be sent to me before I get things that I need. I just don't carry cash around.

I prefer using my debit card for everything so I don't over spend since it comes right out of my checking account. With a CC it's too easy to make charges and say "oh, I'll just pay it off next month" but it's too high to do that. I have less will power with a CC.

Wise. Very wise. I should learn from you.