CHIT CHAT in VOLTVILLE

[SandySu]

It is 14 degrees out there right now but should go into the forties for the high. Sounds like the cold is bad for you Charlz and SandySu. JoAnne, keep Spanky and you warm this afternoon.

Deb - That is a thought about getting mental helath services involved. I'm glad your mum is doing better than you thought she might. Wow, that is hot at your place.

I got some brush and yard duff burnt yesterday. I've been trying to do some hedge trimming around the yard every day. I can only handle about 15 minutes at a time before my arms and my back say enough. Horses got wormed. Goats got wormed and their toes clipped. The hooves grow out and start to curl under. Went pretty smooth. Hubby baked some rye bread and Ibaked three loaves of banana bread.

I measured Wiseguy for a new harness but I am now dithering on ComfyFit vs. regular harness. It is $400 for a regular harness [though I found one of Betathane and it is still from the same company that makes the ComfyFit]. It is over $600 for the ComfyFit. Since this has to remain within the realm of reason on price, I will probably get the regular harness. Both come with a new bridle and breeching.

Lizzie, see if you can find a harness gently used. I've found excellent deals on used tack like saddles, rather than buying it new. Maybe then you can afford the one you want most at the price of the less expensive one. Is the more expensive one really $200 better? What are the advantages to it vs. the disadvantages to the regular one?

 

[3mg Meniere]

Tack for lizzie's horsies might be difficult to find in the right size. However, I don't think there would be much problem to buying the gently used, and cutting it down to the right size. You would have to get an expert to help you with that.

When I got up, it was -26. Right now it is a downright balmy -19. I have TP stuffed between the door and the doorframe.

 

[JoAnnW]

Tack for lizzie's horsies might be difficult to find in the right size. However, I don't think there would be much problem to buying the gently used, and cutting it down to the right size. You would have to get an expert to help you with that.

When I got up, it was -26. Right now it is a downright balmy -19. I have TP stuffed between the door and the doorframe.

OMG! 8-o Now that's frigid! I can't even imagine how cold that is. Definitely stay in as much as you can.

 

[Renolizzie]

In our area there are very few people with miniature horses so finding the right size harness would be difficult. Also, Wiseguy is tiny. He is 30 1/2 inches tall. Another inch smaller and he would be a micro mini.

I have made up my mind to just buy him a harness that is made to fit him and has a new bridle with it. My old bridle sucks. The blinker on the right side will not stay in the proper position. I don't mind spending the money since this is my hobby but I am trying to keep it within the realm of reason on price. I work really hard cleaning houses to have extra money. A new harness will probably last me until the horse retires in 10 years. The new Biothane/Betathane synthetics are really nice since you don't have to clean and polish like with leather.

I think by the time I buy a larger surcingle and a new bridle and some breeching, I may as well just spend the money on a nicer harness than the one I have now.

 

[JoAnnW]

It is 14 degrees out there right now but should go into the forties for the high. Sounds like the cold is bad for you Charlz and SandySu. JoAnne, keep Spanky and you warm this afternoon.

Deb - That is a thought about getting mental helath services involved. I'm glad your mum is doing better than you thought she might. Wow, that is hot at your place.

I got some brush and yard duff burnt yesterday. I've been trying to do some hedge trimming around the yard every day. I can only handle about 15 minutes at a time before my arms and my back say enough. Horses got wormed. Goats got wormed and their toes clipped. The hooves grow out and start to curl under. Went pretty smooth. Hubby baked some rye bread and Ibaked three loaves of banana bread.

I measured Wiseguy for a new harness but I am now dithering on ComfyFit vs. regular harness. It is $400 for a regular harness [though I found one of Betathane and it is still from the same company that makes the ComfyFit]. It is over $600 for the ComfyFit. Since this has to remain within the realm of reason on price, I will probably get the regular harness. Both come with a new bridle and breeching.

Boy what I wouldn't give to have some of that banana bread to go with my coffee.

 

[Renolizzie]

Tack for lizzie's horsies might be difficult to find in the right size. However, I don't think there would be much problem to buying the gently used, and cutting it down to the right size. You would have to get an expert to help you with that.

When I got up, it was -26. Right now it is a downright balmy -19. I have TP stuffed between the door and the doorframe.

-26 OMG that is soooo cold. The coldest it ever has gotten here is -18. Be careful if you go outside not to freeze your lungs. Breathe through your nose and don't stay out for long!!!!

 

[3mg Meniere]

-26 OMG that is soooo cold. The coldest it ever has gotten here is -18. Be careful if you go outside not to freeze your lungs. Breathe through your nose and don't stay out for long!!!!

Don't worry. I will cover my mouth and nose with a scarf.

 

[SandySu]

Tack for lizzie's horsies might be difficult to find in the right size. However, I don't think there would be much problem to buying the gently used, and cutting it down to the right size. You would have to get an expert to help you with that.

When I got up, it was -26. Right now it is a downright balmy -19. I have TP stuffed between the door and the doorframe.

I think it would be better to find a harness that fits. Doesn't Lizzie belong to an Internet group of people who own minis? They might have something for sale. Minis are more and more popular now, and it's easier than it used to be to find stuff that fits them.

 

[rave]

I think it's like a blanket you can sit around in and fasten closed. See Northwoods Cuddle Wrap Blanket from Collections Etc. for instance.

Yep - It's like that ... sorta. But, it's all blue.

I'm sure bf will be glad that's out of the way.

Yes, I could do that. But I'm like Rave...I hate to leave home. I'm sorry I'm being so negative. I've just been really grumpy lately. I'll survive the winter but I don't know if I'll stay here for next winter. If BF hasn't built us a house by then I may have to move back into an apt that has free heat like my last one.

Sounds like a good plan. No one should have to be that miserable for so long. It's just ... not right.

I understand. You expected a house by winter and it's not happening. That can certainly make the discomfort more unbearable.

Could you get a woodstove? I mean, when/if the house is built, the woodstove could go into the house. I think you could heat with wood cheaper and just use the expensive heat as backup. Woodstoves are expensive, of course, but some sort of heating would have to go into the house, and that would cost money, too. You might as well heat the house with a woodstove, too.

Only problem with a wood stove is the amount that it increases your homeowner's insurance. Insurers REALLY don't like those things.

I hope I don't disappoint you. It's a new kind of struggle, so it may be a flop.

Yes, there is an animal in it but it is a scenery drawing. I don't want to say too much because if I can't get the animal right I'll be trashing it. It's not any easy drawing. There is a lot of stuff in it I haven't done before so it's practice but I want this one to turn out good.

You know that is a problem we both need to over come. Disappointing anyone. I doesn't really matter if anybody else likes our work but we want them to. I want my next drawing to be better than the eagle but it probably won't and everybody will be disappointed. But should we care? I know I'm putting too much stress on myself trying to make each drawing better than the last one but it doesn't work out that way. Each drawing is a practice lesson even if it isn't perfect.

It sounds like what I'm up to, with the latest drawing. Lots of new territory to conquer. Scary! Just remember, it's a learning experience, no matter how it turns out. Try your best and relish what you learn from it. That's what I try to do. Of course, it's really, really nice when they turn out well.

Is yours in color or b&w? I'm going your way and working this new one in b&w. I started thinking of it when i began those little sketches with the charcoal pencil.

My big problem is going to be the way the light falls on everything. And, of course, the moon & clouds. The horse will be OK, at least.

I'm glad somebody is sure. I certainly am not. I'll show it to you anyway, even if it's a failure. Maybe the comments will help me do better. I'm really scared of making this up, since I'm not copying anything. The horse will be backlit, and I'm totally at a loss how to do that effectively. Oh, there's going to be lots wrong with it, and I have no picture in my mind just how to do what is in my mind's eye. I have a vague concept and no idea how to execute it.

That's all that really matters.

Sounds like you're both suffering from a lack of confidence. Who cares whether or not any of us like it? All that matters is that you're both learning. The more you tackle stuff that is difficult, the more you'll conquer and the better you'll get. Just sayin'.

Hey Volties Good news so Far, Mums Cancer May Not be As Bad As They Thought,,waiting on test results after surgery..i think she will still need radiation treatment...I believe all the prayers and good vibes,,have played a part..so thanks all you wonderful overseas friends.. on the sad note, dads bipolar has hit big time..he wont help mum, plus hes attacking her..i wont get too much into it..lets just say dad has lost the plot..so sad..im angry for mum will not let me help them (Full Stop)..im just going to take the bull by the horns..and bring in mental health if things don't change..Weather she likes it or not..Soldier On Deb...8-o....I havnt been able to watch much telly..so im behind in all news..i did catch a quick report that its freezing over there for some of you..how I wish I could give you all the heat you need..Omg! it hit 44cel/ 111F..a few days back..hottest Day I can ever Remember,,my poor old air con..just couldn't keep up..all cans off spray..felt like they might blow up...as I only have air con in my comp room..cold water tap ran hot for a few mins before the cold would come through..im sure you all have the stories of freezing...so sorry my English is all over the shop..my brain is over lodged...anyway sweeties..i miss you all..and so hoping...things will settle..BIG! BIG! Warm HUGS FRom Me...

Good to see you Debra! It's wonderful news about your Mum. Not such great news about Dad. But, I think that your instincts are correct about bringing in help for him. It will probably help all involved.

hahaha, fun, it's like Whack-A-Mole!

Did you get yours yet, rave?

Yep - I did get it. That thing ROCKS! It can split oak like nobody's business and I don't have to have the world's greatest aim. It'll sure build up my arm strength too. Probably a wonderful way to work off pent up anxiety as well.

Burnt toast and coffee time is 6:35am and it's so cold that my nipples could cut glass!

Charlz! So good to see you. And the burnt toast!!

Tack for lizzie's horsies might be difficult to find in the right size. However, I don't think there would be much problem to buying the gently used, and cutting it down to the right size. You would have to get an expert to help you with that.

When I got up, it was -26. Right now it is a downright balmy -19. I have TP stuffed between the door and the doorframe.

Holy cow!! You've got me beat temperature-wise. Didja get the snow that we got too?

-26 OMG that is soooo cold. The coldest it ever has gotten here is -18. Be careful if you go outside not to freeze your lungs. Breathe through your nose and don't stay out for long!!!!

That's the exact temperature that I woke up to this morning (-18 degrees). Our high temperature today is -9, which is where we are now. Brrr...

 

[rave]

Good morning.

Things were slow here last night, so I worked on that latest drawing project. Here it is.



I'm not entirely happy with it, but it was a practice piece, after all, so I'm not going to go changing anything. I was still operating under the rule of no erasing and no smudging. That meant when I messed up the horse's mouth and legs, that's the way they had to be, once the black background was in. Also, since I looked at Muybridge's horse for the position, especially the back legs, and another photo for the muscling of the shoulder and details of the head and neck, it looks like this horse is 2 separate horses glued together at the middle. Horses are built that way sometimes, but it's not desirable, and I didn't intend it to happen.

I decided lighting a model horse to find out about backlighting was more trouble than it was worth. I had an idea what would be lit and what wouldn't, and I mostly went with that, which was close to the model. It confirmed that my idea was sound, but it really didn't add anything.

I cheated in one place. I didn't want to try to get the moon round. That's really hard, I've found, getting a symmetrical curved line, like 2 sides of a vase, etc. So I traced a quarter. I just didn't feel like struggling with that item when there was such an easy solution. I guess I should practice drawing some roundish things and getting them even, but not on this one.

So there's my more involved picture from my mind (but with lots of references).

It's wonderful Sandy!!! Good call on the moon solution too.

 

[Uncle]

Another - WOW ! ! !

2 days since my last post in "Voltville" and what happens . . .

There are virtully - NO POST ! ! !

WHERE IS EVERYONE . . .​

​

EDIT: After I posted - I see"Rave" Finally got here . . .

Okay - With "SandySu", "tmcase", and "Renolizzie" and once "awsume", "JoAnn", & "cindycated" come along with "Jerry"/"lis" and hopefully "Wuzznt Me" all get here . . .

The "Chit Chat" Thread should really start moving along - NOW ! ! !

Just Sayin' . . .

 

[rave]

Well, I have been residing under the evil will of Winter Storm Ion. Don't know exactly how much snow we got but it measured 12" before I went to bed. And, the wind was blowing it off the deck, so that may not have been accurate. It's incredibly cold now, so the snow, which was very heavy and wet, turned into concrete.

Kinda fun to watch. The birds were going crazy stocking up on food to weather the storm. The trees were completely encrusted until the winds started causing vertical avalanches that started at the tops of the trees and knocked down tons of snow on their descent. The pics don't do it justice because you can't judge the depth of the snow on the trees. It was impressive.


Blue Jay




house finch


Freeloaders ...


Waiting in the chow line


Doesn't look like it, but this is the top of a big tree with a foot of snow on the larger limbs.

 

[rave]

Another - WOW ! ! !

2 days since my last post in "Voltville" and what happens . . .

There are virtully - NO POST ! ! !

WHERE IS EVERYONE . . .​

​

Look up above your post. At least I'm still here. Hiya Uncle!

 

[rave]

This was yesterday on my deck.

Will Work For Bird Seed

 

[Qew]

We are "enjoying" winter here as well. Right now it's 5°, but with the wind it feels like -17°. It is supposed to be -10° tonight, with windchill of -35° possible. That is the forecast for the nearest town, out here in the sticks, it usually is a few degrees colder.

We have about 18-20" of snow, but it's blowing all over the place and drifting so in some places it's a lot deeper, mostly on our walkway, lol. Poor Mac, he loves the snow but it's just too darn deep and way too cold out there for him to have any fun at all. I clear a spot for him, set him in it and tell him to do his business, and he does. Quickly, I might add.

I worry about 'my' wildlife in this weather, I've been running out there to clear the bird feeders and tossing dried corn out there too. I know a lot of people frown on feeding wildlife, but I can't help myself when it gets this bad. The deer and turkeys struggle, we can see them trying to get around from the windows. Wish I had some snow shoes, it's a chore trying to get out to the feeders. I would just toss it out the door, but that would attract mice to the doorway. I know this because in the past I've done that, then when I opened the door again later, I had mice run into the house, across my feet! (scream) Lesson learned.

Stay warm and safe everyone!

 

[3mg Meniere]

Sounds like you're both suffering from a lack of confidence. Who cares whether or not any of us like it? All that matters is that you're both learning. The more you tackle stuff that is difficult, the more you'll conquer and the better you'll get. Just sayin'.

Holy cow!! You've got me beat temperature-wise. Didja get the snow that we got too? That's the exact temperature that I woke up to this morning (-18 degrees). Our high temperature today is -9, which is where we are now. Brrr...

I am writing again today. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the demands and expectations of my review team, but I just keep on working on it, and then reach "the zone," and any self-consciousness just floats away.

Yeah, it is now -14, usually the time for peak temp. No significant amount of snow, more like random flakes from the sudden temp change. I just got back from the PO, walked half a block, wearing an ugly hat with a triple thickness on the forehead, and still feel like my sinuses got froze. Not expecting anything significant, and postmistress was late because she couldn't start her car, but I am NOT walking back, and powering up my car for a half-block drive just isn't good for the car, unless I let her warm up good just to recharge the battery. THEN I would have to get gas.

Looks like Debra is coping well, and glad her mom isn't as sick as she feared.

 

[rave]

We are "enjoying" winter here as well. Right now it's 5°, but with the wind it feels like -17°. It is supposed to be -10° tonight, with windchill of -35° possible. That is the forecast for the nearest town, out here in the sticks, it usually is a few degrees colder.

We have about 18-20" of snow, but it's blowing all over the place and drifting so in some places it's a lot deeper, mostly on our walkway, lol. Poor Mac, he loves the snow but it's just too darn deep and way too cold out there for him to have any fun at all. I clear a spot for him, set him in it and tell him to do his business, and he does. Quickly, I might add.

I worry about 'my' wildlife in this weather, I've been running out there to clear the bird feeders and tossing dried corn out there too. I know a lot of people frown on feeding wildlife, but I can't help myself when it gets this bad. The deer and turkeys struggle, we can see them trying to get around from the windows. Wish I had some snow shoes, it's a chore trying to get out to the feeders. I would just toss it out the door, but that would attract mice to the doorway. I know this because in the past I've done that, then when I opened the door again later, I had mice run into the house, across my feet! (scream) Lesson learned.

Stay warm and safe everyone! View attachment 292037

Oh wow - you got a lot more snow than I did, but it's colder here. I completely understand feeding the wildlife. I was given a bale of hay for the deer to put on top of the snow. The trick will be ... how to get it in place. I could use the sled I suppose, but it's dangerously cold out there with the wind chill involved. It was bad enough just schlepping in more firewood.

Is the storm over in your area now?

I wonder how many others here are caught up in this storm. For the last day, my power was going off and on and internet was iffy at best. Hope everything works out for you and everyone else. Stay safe everyone!!

 

[Uncle]

Look up above your post. At least I'm still here. Hiya Uncle!

I did just after I posted (always try to), saw your post and edited mine . . .


AND - I've been looking at "Your" Photos - They're Beautiful, however don't expect "Me" to be visiting anytime soon . . . It's Bad enough that I will have to go North next week (one of "My" usual mandatory trips every 5 weeks) . . . AND - I hoping that while I am there - there are no more Blizzards . . . The "Cold" - I will just have to deal with - but having to deal with the Snow/Blizzards and all the crazy drivers that think it is okay to still go the speed limit and not slow down . . .

NOT NICE ! ! !


BTW: For those who might be interested or are even thinking of coming to Florida soon . . . THINK AGAIN . . .

"We're" expected to get down below the 50's tonight as the cold front moves in here to South Florida . . . So - I feel real bad for all "My" Friends up above Lake Okacobee and especially in the Panhandle - Like "Wuzznt Me" - They are all gonna be . . .

Here is "Our" Latest Weather Report:

Tonight, lows will be in the mid 30s along the Treasure Coast and northern parts of Lake Okeechobee, the upper 30s around the southern parts of Lake Okeechobee, and around 40 degrees along the coast in Palm Beach County. Gusty chilly winds out of the north/northwest will make it feel much colder than the actual temperatures. Skies will slowly clear overnight. Please take care of your pets and temperature sensitive plants.

Tuesday, after a cold morning, temperatures will warm up into the mid 50s along the Treasure Coast and inland, and upper 50s along the Palm Beach County coast. Skies will be mostly sunny. Chilly gusty winds out of the north/northeast will make it feel cooler than the actual temperatures all day.

Tuesday night, lows in the upper 30s around the northern parts of Lake Okeechobee, 40s along the Treasure Coast and in the western parts of Palm Beach County, and low 50s along the coast in Palm Beach County. Mostly clear skies and breezy winds.

Wednesday, partly sunny with highs in the low to mid 70s. Breezy winds out of the east. A few showers are possible.​

Just Sayin' . . . ;-)

 

[tmcase]

Good morning.

Things were slow here last night, so I worked on that latest drawing project. Here it is.



I'm not entirely happy with it, but it was a practice piece, after all, so I'm not going to go changing anything. I was still operating under the rule of no erasing and no smudging. That meant when I messed up the horse's mouth and legs, that's the way they had to be, once the black background was in. Also, since I looked at Muybridge's horse for the position, especially the back legs, and another photo for the muscling of the shoulder and details of the head and neck, it looks like this horse is 2 separate horses glued together at the middle. Horses are built that way sometimes, but it's not desirable, and I didn't intend it to happen.

I decided lighting a model horse to find out about backlighting was more trouble than it was worth. I had an idea what would be lit and what wouldn't, and I mostly went with that, which was close to the model. It confirmed that my idea was sound, but it really didn't add anything.

I cheated in one place. I didn't want to try to get the moon round. That's really hard, I've found, getting a symmetrical curved line, like 2 sides of a vase, etc. So I traced a quarter. I just didn't feel like struggling with that item when there was such an easy solution. I guess I should practice drawing some roundish things and getting them even, but not on this one.

So there's my more involved picture from my mind (but with lots of references).

I think you did a great job from memory although I don't understand why you put restrictions on yourself like no erasing. Maybe just to see what you can do. And as far as using a quarter being cheating, I have to disagree. I've been watching a lot of vids by professional artists and they use grid lines sometimes. I don't consider that cheating. I've used something to draw a circle also and don't consider that cheating. I've even seen a compass, one of those old fashion drawing pencils with the long pointed metal thingy, in their supply box. I'll use what ever aids I can since I'm an amateur especially if the pros use them. Nice job on the drawing. I really like the clouds around the moon.

 

[3mg Meniere]

Here is "Our" Latest Weather Report:

Tonight, lows will be in the mid 30s along the Treasure Coast and northern parts of Lake Okeechobee, the upper 30s around the southern parts of Lake Okeechobee, and around 40 degrees along the coast in Palm Beach County. Gusty chilly winds out of the north/northwest will make it feel much colder than the actual temperatures. Skies will slowly clear overnight. Please take care of your pets and temperature sensitive plants.

Tuesday, after a cold morning, temperatures will warm up into the mid 50s along the Treasure Coast and inland, and upper 50s along the Palm Beach County coast. Skies will be mostly sunny. Chilly gusty winds out of the north/northeast will make it feel cooler than the actual temperatures all day.

Tuesday night, lows in the upper 30s around the northern parts of Lake Okeechobee, 40s along the Treasure Coast and in the western parts of Palm Beach County, and low 50s along the coast in Palm Beach County. Mostly clear skies and breezy winds.

Wednesday, partly sunny with highs in the low to mid 70s. Breezy winds out of the east. A few showers are possible.​

Just Sayin' . . . ;-)

Reads like heaven. I'll need to take a look at the airline schedules and see how long it will take to get there. With cancelled flights, could be a problem, but you will be ready at any moment, right?