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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 10 2020, 5:11pm
Post #1 of 55
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Greetings, everyone, and welcome to Fiesta!
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What do you know? Friday and Fiesta are upon us again!
How is the first month of the year shaping up for you? For me, it's work, work, work as usual which should wind down a bit after mid-February.
Did you know that tonight's first full moon of January is known as the 'wolf moon' so named because it's the time of year wolves are likely to be hungry and howling. There's also a partial eclipse of the moon tonight that apparently won't be visible in much of North America. Here's a link to the space.com article about how you can watch it online.
What will you be doing this weekend? The bar and buffet are well-stocked with all your favs, so what are you waiting for? Let's Fiesta!
*kicks juke box* Here's something fun. Linda Ronstadt sings a Fiesta song with the Muppets!
Enjoy and have a happy weekend!   
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
(This post was edited by Altaira on Jan 10 2020, 5:12pm)
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dernwyn
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Jan 10 2020, 5:31pm
Post #2 of 55
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I wonder if our local coyotes will set up a moonlight howl? But we've had very little snow, and the turkeys are abundant, so they've plenty of food sources! 
Might I have a mocha cappuccino, please, Altaira? You've got tons of tax forms to prepare right now, don't you - may you have no issues with any of that stuff! We may be taking a trip to my in-laws, my 90-year-old dad-in-law is hospitalized with a breathing issue, so prayers and well-wishes for him (and mom-in-law), please.
Ah, Linda Ronstadt - magnificent voice!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 10 2020, 5:45pm
Post #3 of 55
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Mocha Cappucino and well-wishes on their way
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I'm sending good thoughts to you and your father-in-law. With breathing issues, it's good he's in a hospital where he can get good round-the-clock care. Safe travels if you decide to make the trip.
No taxes for me, thank goodness; well, except for my own in a few months. I help my clients navigate some of the things they need to do in order to file their annual 10-K reports which involves working with them and their outside auditors. It's just more intense this time of year because there are very real legal deadlines involved that can't be pushed back.
Enjoy the weekend, and continued good thoughts for your father-in-law.
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
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Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
Jan 10 2020, 6:49pm
Post #4 of 55
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Evening all - SO glad I don't have to fill in tax returns!
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After a lovely clear day, there is light cloud so all I can see is a furtive, fuzzy blob of a wolf moon! I don't think we're in the right place to see the eclipse anyway. No wolves round here either, though there is a fox doing the rounds each night and barking for a mate - not quite the same! Still, at least it's dry and a good few degrees above freezing; it felt so much like spring today that I tidied the garden shed ~yuk~ and cut the grass, which is not something you'd expect to be doing on 10th January. I'd make plans for the weekend, only it'll probably be doing something completely different tomorrow - that's English weather for you! It'll probably snap at us a bit before spring arrives; the tail end of the winter often seems to have a sting even here. whatever the weather I intend to have a pleasant weekend - if it's horrible out, I'll bake and sew - and maybe tackle sorting out the cupboard under the stairs, where the camping stuff is stored... ~yuk again~. Happy weekend, folks - cheers!
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 10 2020, 6:59pm
Post #5 of 55
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So many choices of what to do!
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Personally, I'd go with baking and sewing no matter what the weather, especially if there's any of that 'snapping' and 'stinging' going on. 
It *looks* beautiful and sunny and warm out my window right now, but it's only just above freezing, so I'm happy sitting here enjoying looking at the the blue sky from indoors. But, good on you for tackling some of the outdoor chores. I hope the rest of your weekend is enjoyable and productive whether you spend it with camping gear or at the oven.
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
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Ataahua
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Jan 10 2020, 8:49pm
Post #6 of 55
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Our 'wolf moon' was quite gorgeous last night
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as it appeared behind a veil of thin cloud, so was misty and ethereal - less wolfish and more faerie.
I have one more week of leave before I get back to work. That'll be a shock to the system. I had planned to visit friends outside the region after New Year but with our cool and windy weather, I haven't felt the urge, so it's been a proper staycation. It would be nice to get some proper summer weather before I go back to work.
The last few years I've been trying to replace my lounge suite but I haven't found anything small enough (and comfortable enough) to fit the living room of my 1960s Spanish bungalow. I've also seen how poorly modern fabrics last (at least on furniture that I can afford). So I've decided to reupholster instead. I like my lounge suite, except for the very '70s brown flower fabric. The firm I've gone with has a showroom of fabrics and I'll be relying on them to help me pick a good one - because if there's a gene for good design, I missed out!
I've also been a bit naughty and started walking sooner than my surgeon wanted me to - and I feel better for it! I live right next to a woodland park, and getting out into the forest trails again (just for short walks) has been a marvel. I'd forgotten that forests have a scent.
I'm still trying to kick this cold but I've started on a new medicine that I'm confident will do me good, purely because it is disgusting. It tastes like I've drunk a moth-ball. 
So a cheeky drink of something delicious would be lovely, madam barkeep!
Happy weekend, everyone.
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
My original fantasy writing
My LOTR fan-fiction
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cats16
Half-elven
Jan 10 2020, 9:04pm
Post #7 of 55
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Hope everyone had a great holiday season and is off to a good start in 2020. I took a surprise trip home for a couple of days and got the flu, which had me trying to sleep for most of my there (had a bad reaction to the flu medicine on my flight back to LA, which was not fun). Better now, thankfully.
Like you Altaira, it's work, work, work here too. We've got the film festival in a couple of weeks and it's all hands on deck to get everything in order before everyone travels. I found a cheap winter jacket (I've ditched winter gear since moving to the west coast) and need some boots and gloves--but I'm almost ready, I think! Going to be more sleepless nights through the end of the month, but I'm ready to just get it over with and be on the ground managing the chaos.
We hosted a small party for NYE. I only had 2 friends in town, so I spent a fair bit of the night in my room with them, while my roommates had 25 strangers downstairs until 3am.  My favorite moment was at 11:57pm, when I told one inebriated roommate "3 more minutes, get the champagne!" and he replied with "3 minutes til what...?" Needless to say, everyone had their fun.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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Annael
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:35am
Post #8 of 55
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I'm sitting in a mountain cabin where I have gone for a writing retreat. I arrive just ahead of the big storm that's supposed to dump a lot of snow over the weekend. Fortunately, I don't have to leave until Monday, and the resort is just off a major road that gets plowed regularly. I've got a fire in the woodstove, a cup of hot tea, and [intermittent] Internet; my plan is to write, nap, and occasionally go for a trudge through the snowy woods. Oh, and stream more episodes of "The Mandalorian" which I am totally hooked on.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words. I think I am reading; a word stops me. I leave the page. The syllables of the words begin to move around … The words take on other meanings as if they had the right to be young.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
my blog: https://jodybower.com/myths-archetypes-in-film/
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 2:54pm
Post #9 of 55
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I just got my g'son (R) that pic as a t-shirt!! He loves wolves (his spirit guide)! He turns 21 today, so he's getting that shirt and another plus some $. R is my younger daughter's eldest son... and my older daughter's (Baltimore) younger son turns 21 in March! Mercy!
So this weekend is celebrating R's special day; but it looks like I might miss the party since that ice storm moving across the NE US is outside my window right now. They're predicting up to 1/2 inch of ice accumulating on tree branches and power wires, so I think I'll be staying put to avoid the icy roads, high winds (up to 45mph) and downed trees. This is when I'm so glad I have my fireplace :D Wood is already stacked beside the hearth.
LOVE Linda Ronstadt. I just got her Greatest Hits v.1 & v.2 on CD (have the LPs)
Thanks for taking such great care of us, Altaira. I'm still gonna howl at the moon :D Have great weekend everyone!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Jan 11 2020, 3:03pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:00pm
Post #10 of 55
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I'm sorry your dad-in-law isn't well
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Does he have a history of breathing issues? At 90yo and your mom-in-law also of the same-ish age, it's always scary when any health issues come up. I'll definitely hold them both in my prayers *hugs*
It looks like you have some serious weather going on... so stay safe and warm... especially if you're traveling :)
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Jan 11 2020, 3:01pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:24pm
Post #11 of 55
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Sounds like a great weekend :D
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Lots of homey nesting stuff that really appeals to me. Actually, I think it leave one with more of a feeling of accomplishment than going out on some activities!
We've been having a much MUCH warmer winter so far here in Michigan, too. Most days, temps are 10-20 degrees higher than normal this time of the year. NOT A COMPLAINT! Just a curious observation.
I hope you have a great weekend, m'dear! ENJOY!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:33pm
Post #12 of 55
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GREAT that you're getting out and walking!
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Walking on the trails is definitely soul-restoring! I'm so happy you're feeling well enough to give it a go. Doctors are always cautious... but you know how you're feeling and when you're ready! Well Done! :D
I think reupholstering is a very smart move. Especially if you like your suite already. I would be just as lost as you trying to pick out new stuff and feeling hopeless about the cost vs quality. I'm glad you're getting input on what to choose. I'd have to do the same thing there, too. My taste tends to end up being early yard sale ;)
I preferred to stay home for vacations, too; but it seldom turned out that way. I'm glad you chose to recharge your internal battery and just enjoy your last week.
I love your description of the moon you had. *sigh* Wonderful! Have a great weekend!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:49pm
Post #13 of 55
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But so bummed for you that you had the flu. With all the traveling and exposure you had over the holidays, it's not too surprising. I've heard this year is going to be brutal! I'm glad you're feeling better... and glad you had so much fun for the New Year :D That's my kind of party. Simple and festive.
Good luck on the film festival prep! I hope it all goes smooooooth as silk :D Have a great weekend!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 11 2020, 3:51pm
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Oh geez... that retreat sounds perfect. I'm glad you made it before the weather hit, and am glad it sounds like you shouldn't have too much trouble when it comes time to leave. *high five* Good luck on your progress and your respite!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 11 2020, 8:46pm
Post #15 of 55
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Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
(This post was edited by Altaira on Jan 11 2020, 8:47pm)
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 11 2020, 8:51pm
Post #16 of 55
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'3 minutes to what?' must have been a good party.
How exciting that you get to go to the film festival (I'm assuming Utah?). Take care of yourself and try to get at least a little rest to get rid of that flu. Maybe do every *other* night as a sleepless one.
Happy (and restful) weekend!
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
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Jan 11 2020, 8:53pm
Post #17 of 55
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Walking on the trails is definitely soul-restoring! I'm so happy you're feeling well enough to give it a go.
One of them was to do the Whakaari/White Island tour, but that's not happening anymore. But I've got my eye on walking to the summit of Rangitoto and a couple of two-hour nature trails around the North Island. It'll be a year or two before I can contemplate doing them, but one must have goals. :)
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 11 2020, 8:54pm
Post #18 of 55
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Pretty good excuse to be late!
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Not that you need it for Fiesta, of course.
Wow, the ambiance of the cabin, the surroundings, and the whole experience sounds amazing. No wonder writers go on retreats! Here's wishing you inspiration and lots of beautiful snowfall that magically clears up in time for the trip home.
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
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Altaira
Superuser
Jan 11 2020, 8:59pm
Post #19 of 55
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Sounds like (R) is a spoiled, and very loved, grandson.
Too bad you weren't able to make the party, but it sounds like a VERY good decision not to try to go. He'll love those presents (and gramma) just as much a few days late.
Safe, warm and happy weekend!
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower
"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
(This post was edited by Altaira on Jan 11 2020, 8:59pm)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 12 2020, 1:55am
Post #20 of 55
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That's so sad what happened there. Do you remember when the US late-night host Stephen Colbert came to NZ last fall? One of the things they looked at flying by chopper was White Island just before it erupted. I'm glad you weren't there... but I hope your plans come together Rangitoto. It sounds great!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 12 2020, 1:58am
Post #21 of 55
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When I saw that the storm was coming, I left the gifts with his Mom on Friday... so he had them with the rest of the action! :D
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
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Starling
Half-elven
Jan 12 2020, 7:18am
Post #22 of 55
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I walked to the top of there on my 40th birthday, which is *cough* some time ago now.The view from the top is fabulous, and gave me a whole new perspective on the Auckland harbour and bays.
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jan 13 2020, 1:43am
Post #23 of 55
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Thank you for your prayers and well-wishes...they helped sustain us.
As soon as I got home from work Friday, one of my husband's sisters called, Dad had taken a turn for the worse, we needed to get there as soon as possible. We threw stuff in suitcases and headed out on the 2 1/2 hour trip.
The hospital, realizing there was nothing more they could do, had placed Dad in a large private room so his wife, 5 children and their spouses could all be with him. This gentle, loving man passed on peacefully that evening.
So it's been a couple days of being there for each other and Mom, and starting to make arrangements. We'll have the memorial service in two weeks, and it will be crowded - the number of extended family, and all family friends, is huge.
*raises mug of full-caffein coffee, extra sweet, lots of milk* To a wonderful Dad. We miss you so much.
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
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Jan 13 2020, 1:54am
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I wonder if he's related to the fox the Hobbits see?
Did you bake or sew? Much more pleasant activities than sorting stuff!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jan 13 2020, 1:59am
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"I used to spend a week just breathing."
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The wonderful fragrance of forests must have healing properties, don't you think?
Have fun with the fabric selection, I hope it won't be too mind-boggling!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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