Terry, I'm really sorry you are going through such a hard time. Hang in there. A day will come when it's all a memory, and then you can settle into your new home. Please visit us more -- we miss you!
Chit Chat in VOLTVILLE Thread #2 :)
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On a more upbeat note, today is cool but sunny. We're having another polar vortex. When did they stop calling it a cold snap? Anyway, it's a little warmer today, with a blue sky and puffy white clouds. I rode with the boy and his horse this morning. We circled the usual fields out back, then decided to do some ground work with his horse Jasmine, who is very green and spooky. But first, I gave the boy's father, who's very interested in the horses, a ride on Penny. He rode as a child but not since then. Penny was a saint, as she usually is with beginners. I had brought a tarp from home, and we wanted to see if we could get Jasmine to walk across it. We unsaddled the horses and put on their halters with lead shanks, and took the tarp and some rocks to hold it down, up to a field. First, I led Penny across it to let Jasmine see it wasn't that scary. Penny walks across tarps with no fuss. Then we tried Jasmine. I told the boy to lead her up to the tarp till she stopped and seemed like she wouldn't go further. Then the boy let her eat grass there. She eyed the tarp suspiciously, but soon that green grass was calling to her, and she couldn't resist. When a horse eats, it's not all that nervous. They won't eat when they're scared. So then the boy led her closer to the tarp. I stood Penny in the center for Jasmine to see. They say horses don't learn by example, but I strongly disagree. I've used the technique of setting an example too many times and had it work to believe the researchers knew what they were doing. Then I led Penny off the tarp, and Jasmine tentatively walked toward it, pawed at it, and then walked right on! Once she had done that, with lots of praise, she willingly walked over it again a few times.
So we decided to confront a tiny creek that Jasmine is terrified of. Again, I led Penny to the other side and let her graze. The boy led Jasmine as close as she could comfortably go, and then I told him to let her graze there, but not to let her move farther away nor turn her head away. A few times she tried, and I reminded the boy not to let her do that. So she had to face the creek, though she could eat if she wanted. She was not allowed to turn and face away from it. Each time she moved to a new patch of grass, she had to move closer to the creek, since the boy wouldn't let her go any other way. Finally, she was at the brink, and the boy stood across it. Jasmine tentatively took a step and then made a little hop over it -- the creek is only a few feet wide, but the edges are muddy and squishy, which Jasmine doesn't like, either. She was on the other side! Lots of praise and the grass was even more plentiful there.
We grazed the horses for a bit so Jasmine would calm down from her adventure, and then when I thought she was ready, I led Penny back across to the other side. We did the same thing, making her face the creek, and this time, things went a little faster, and Jasmine actually stepped in it, though then she gave a little hop the rest of the way. I asked the boy, who knows Jasmine best, if he wanted to try it again, or if he thought it would fry her brain to do it, and he opted to lead the horses home. I like that. Better to end too early than do too much and overwhelm the horse. It may take longer than a pro to get the same thing accomplished, but we're not on a schedule, so it's good to cut a training session short rather than overdo it.
So we went back and collected the tarp and rocks, went back to the yard, and I said I'd show him how I could put the tarp on Penny. It was still sort of folded up, and I rubbed Penny with it, then put it on her back, moved it up onto her neck, then back again and let it fall to the ground behind her. Then the boy tried it with Jasmine. She was scared of it touching her at first, but again, if she ignored it, she could eat grass. If she was going to let it bother her, she was too worried to eat. Grass is a strong motivator! Soon she continued to graze while the boy touched her shoulder with the tarp and took it away quickly, then did it for a longer and longer time, till Jasmine was comfortable with it. Then I suggested he put it on her back, and she was alert again, but not really scared. Soon she was grazing with it draped over her back. He moved it up her neck and then let it fall behind her.
So I took the tarp and got a new idea. I opened it up and draped it over Penny head to tail like a huge cooler sheet. I led Penny around and told her it was her new Halloween costume. Penny was utterly calm about it. We've played games like this many times before, so Penny knows it's not strange and upsetting to have weird things draped over her.
Then we tried turning the horses out in separate pastures, something that didn't work back when Penny arrived. Jasmine was too afraid Penny would leave again, I think, and now she knows Penny is there to stay. Jasmine looked at Penny longingly, paced the fence a little and whinnied, but she wasn't going crazy, so we stood and watched. Finally, Jasmine started grazing, and we decided to leave them out for the day and took off their halters.I think they'll be OK, but if not, it's Sunday, and the whole family was home to watch and intervene if Jasmine started to get frantic.
So I had a very fun day at the barn. Training Jasmine was a success. In fact, it went better and more easily than I had anticipated.
So we decided to confront a tiny creek that Jasmine is terrified of. Again, I led Penny to the other side and let her graze. The boy led Jasmine as close as she could comfortably go, and then I told him to let her graze there, but not to let her move farther away nor turn her head away. A few times she tried, and I reminded the boy not to let her do that. So she had to face the creek, though she could eat if she wanted. She was not allowed to turn and face away from it. Each time she moved to a new patch of grass, she had to move closer to the creek, since the boy wouldn't let her go any other way. Finally, she was at the brink, and the boy stood across it. Jasmine tentatively took a step and then made a little hop over it -- the creek is only a few feet wide, but the edges are muddy and squishy, which Jasmine doesn't like, either. She was on the other side! Lots of praise and the grass was even more plentiful there.
We grazed the horses for a bit so Jasmine would calm down from her adventure, and then when I thought she was ready, I led Penny back across to the other side. We did the same thing, making her face the creek, and this time, things went a little faster, and Jasmine actually stepped in it, though then she gave a little hop the rest of the way. I asked the boy, who knows Jasmine best, if he wanted to try it again, or if he thought it would fry her brain to do it, and he opted to lead the horses home. I like that. Better to end too early than do too much and overwhelm the horse. It may take longer than a pro to get the same thing accomplished, but we're not on a schedule, so it's good to cut a training session short rather than overdo it.
So we went back and collected the tarp and rocks, went back to the yard, and I said I'd show him how I could put the tarp on Penny. It was still sort of folded up, and I rubbed Penny with it, then put it on her back, moved it up onto her neck, then back again and let it fall to the ground behind her. Then the boy tried it with Jasmine. She was scared of it touching her at first, but again, if she ignored it, she could eat grass. If she was going to let it bother her, she was too worried to eat. Grass is a strong motivator! Soon she continued to graze while the boy touched her shoulder with the tarp and took it away quickly, then did it for a longer and longer time, till Jasmine was comfortable with it. Then I suggested he put it on her back, and she was alert again, but not really scared. Soon she was grazing with it draped over her back. He moved it up her neck and then let it fall behind her.
So I took the tarp and got a new idea. I opened it up and draped it over Penny head to tail like a huge cooler sheet. I led Penny around and told her it was her new Halloween costume. Penny was utterly calm about it. We've played games like this many times before, so Penny knows it's not strange and upsetting to have weird things draped over her.
Then we tried turning the horses out in separate pastures, something that didn't work back when Penny arrived. Jasmine was too afraid Penny would leave again, I think, and now she knows Penny is there to stay. Jasmine looked at Penny longingly, paced the fence a little and whinnied, but she wasn't going crazy, so we stood and watched. Finally, Jasmine started grazing, and we decided to leave them out for the day and took off their halters.I think they'll be OK, but if not, it's Sunday, and the whole family was home to watch and intervene if Jasmine started to get frantic.
So I had a very fun day at the barn. Training Jasmine was a success. In fact, it went better and more easily than I had anticipated.
Aww Terry, hugs to you! Remember when I told you about how we had to wait to get into our house? We waited and waited, fought with the mason, the township, just about anyone that crossed our paths, it was THAT bad. It was us against the world, or so it seemed. I ended up pregnant....so yeah, there are a lot of surprises along the way. Do what you have to do to get thru all of this, within reason, and eventually the hoops will end. I'm really sorry it's going this way for you. 
PS- The leaves have only just started here and there, at least where I am, and you and Rave being more to the south, it will take longer still.
PS- The leaves have only just started here and there, at least where I am, and you and Rave being more to the south, it will take longer still.
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Terry - I know it is rough to go through the house buying process. It is extra rough if it is your first time. Hang in there!
I know I was a nervous wreck before we finally got into our first house. In fact, there was so much trouble getting into our second house, I was a bit of a wreck then, too.
I know I was a nervous wreck before we finally got into our first house. In fact, there was so much trouble getting into our second house, I was a bit of a wreck then, too.
SandySu- It is always a satisfying feeling when training has gone well!
I have taken the day off to rest up for tomorrow. Of course, there are the little things to do. I am pulling plants from the garden to feed the goats this morning and later this afternoon. And I had to do the dishes and clean the kitchen Hubby has been hanging out most of the day, as well. He did some wood splitting and stacking. We have one cord of poplar, 2 1/2 cords of pinyon pine and one cord of hardwoods [mostly elm]. Looks like we are more than ready for the winter. Hubby says his buddy owes him a trip to get a cord of pinyon even though we don't need it, they will probably go for one more cord. It will still be good for next year.
I have taken the day off to rest up for tomorrow. Of course, there are the little things to do. I am pulling plants from the garden to feed the goats this morning and later this afternoon. And I had to do the dishes and clean the kitchen
Hubby has been hanging out most of the day, as well. He did some wood splitting and stacking. We have one cord of poplar, 2 1/2 cords of pinyon pine and one cord of hardwoods [mostly elm]. Looks like we are more than ready for the winter. Hubby says his buddy owes him a trip to get a cord of pinyon even though we don't need it, they will probably go for one more cord. It will still be good for next year.
Lizzie, here's a project for your spare time (ha!). Amazing what people can make art from! These People Turned Log Piling Into An Art Form | Bored Panda
Terry, I really, really, hope it all comes out OK and you're in the new house before the leaves start turning in Indiana. It can be a tough, frustrating and expensive process but the outcome is worth the heartaches. I'm sending you all my good wishes and best vibes hoping it helps, even a little.
Sandy, those folks have too much time on their hands!
Yesterday was a cool, rainy day. Today was a bright beautiful, but cool day. If I didn't know better I'd say it was Fall already. The leaves are starting to come down already and it's getting dark by 7:30 or so. Judging from the plethora of acorns on the ground it may be a cold, snowy, winter AGAIN!
Sandy, those folks have too much time on their hands!
Yesterday was a cool, rainy day. Today was a bright beautiful, but cool day. If I didn't know better I'd say it was Fall already. The leaves are starting to come down already and it's getting dark by 7:30 or so. Judging from the plethora of acorns on the ground it may be a cold, snowy, winter AGAIN!
Awsum, someone recently told me the Farmer's Almanac said it was going to be a cold, snowy winter.
Just An FYI:
Anyone else see this today in the comics . . .
Anyone else see this today in the comics . . .
Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau
Good morning, Voltpeeps,
Terry - Big hugs to you this morning. Don't let this house process get you too down.
Awsum - It feels a bit like fall here, as well. It is in the low fifties at night but still very warm into the high eighties in the day time. Still, the garden is done with a few exceptions like summer squash and tomatoes. They are not putting out as much nor as fast but they are still putting out.
The shrubbery and the trees are looking a little sad despite getting plenty of water.
Terry - Big hugs to you this morning. Don't let this house process get you too down.
Awsum - It feels a bit like fall here, as well. It is in the low fifties at night but still very warm into the high eighties in the day time. Still, the garden is done with a few exceptions like summer squash and tomatoes. They are not putting out as much nor as fast but they are still putting out.
The shrubbery and the trees are looking a little sad despite getting plenty of water.
It was 45 here this morning at 6 when I walked Bo. Starting to get too cold for shorts, already!
Oh i want you guys to see that. The largest firework shell ever made, it is launched every year in Katakai, 48 inch diameter, goes extremelly high.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJI-xfkKJE It's launched at 1:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26FVmI4TrBQ This one starts at 2:01
2014 version.
Have fun watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJI-xfkKJE It's launched at 1:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26FVmI4TrBQ This one starts at 2:01
2014 version.
Have fun watching.
Neat fireworks, Trit. I wonder why they didn't cut out the black in the beginning, till you have to wait for the fireworks. But I was patient and waited.
This song was going round in my head this morning. It's a good oldie, IMHO.
This song was going round in my head this morning. It's a good oldie, IMHO.
There was a fireworks show at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore over the weekend. It ran a half hour and 98,000 shells were used. At one point there was a complete American flag created. The display commemorated the 200th anniversary of "The Star Spangled Banner".
Hehe! That's a lot of shells!!!
Check this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drv_7grW9GE&list=UUwS3ZJqcWp3WZLlsa_obTLg at 1:16 there are some of the most difficult stars to build EVER!
Color changing stars arranged so that it switches colors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B9B5vnaN2U Here after the hearts at 2:30 there are some of the best synchronized color changes. That is extreme precision, the japanese sure do make the best shells out there and the best colors too.
Check this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drv_7grW9GE&list=UUwS3ZJqcWp3WZLlsa_obTLg at 1:16 there are some of the most difficult stars to build EVER!
Color changing stars arranged so that it switches colors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B9B5vnaN2U Here after the hearts at 2:30 there are some of the best synchronized color changes. That is extreme precision, the japanese sure do make the best shells out there and the best colors too.
The morels here also grow around a tree that is in distress and is soon to expire. That's one clue that I used this spring to reinforce my decision to NOT let the lumber guy cut anymore of my trees. The ones that he blue-circled as questionable seem to be doing just fine. I did find bumper crops of morels in some other areas that I don't want for him to encroach upon though. One day alone, the BF and I found 126 morels! Here's a haul from one day:
You're so sweet to take care of your Grandmother so well.
Hope you get your MVP's soon. You're gonna love 'em!!LOVE the smell of gasoline! Always have.
Does anyone remember the after shave that drove woman to chase that hunky guy wherever he went in town?
Eau de gasoline, that is manly. You hunky Greek, you, Trit
I think that cologne was Hai Karate.
Personally, I was always fond of Jade East. They don't make it anymore.
Well, try to work it more on the face, it will probably need more water after working it. That's another problem with creams we use more than needed.
You use badger brush? Mine is made of boar .... hairs or something, stiffer brush, Badgers do make the best lather especially the silver tip ones. But they are expensive (some cheap ones on ebay) but expect at least 30-50$ for a silvertip. Boar is cheap, i got a high class for 15$
I use a badger brush for for blending when doing oil paintings. It's a lot smaller though.Agreed. Hang in there, my friend. Call me when you want to talk, 'kay? (((HUGS)))
I really, really enjoyed reading this. Just sayin'.
Aww Terry, hugs to you! Remember when I told you about how we had to wait to get into our house? We waited and waited, fought with the mason, the township, just about anyone that crossed our paths, it was THAT bad. It was us against the world, or so it seemed. I ended up pregnant....so yeah, there are a lot of surprises along the way. Do what you have to do to get thru all of this, within reason, and eventually the hoops will end. I'm really sorry it's going this way for you.
PS- The leaves have only just started here and there, at least where I am, and you and Rave being more to the south, it will take longer still.
That's right, Terry. Only a few leaves have started turning here. For the most part, everything is still a lush green.
I couldn't bear to burn the wood!!
Those last 2 sere great! Very beautiful. (Trit's fireworks post, I mean.)
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OH RAVE! You are killing me! That's a lot!!!! Are there any black ones too?
I think you can dry them out too and keep them for later use.
I think you can dry them out too and keep them for later use.
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