|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Altaira
Superuser
Jun 28 2024, 4:07pm
Post #1 of 66
(3377 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Happy Friday, and Happy Fiesta!
|
Can't Post
|
|
Woohooo! Another Friday has arrived. Time to end the week and move into a nice, relaxing weekend.
This week was full of running errands, filing a few business reports, and working on the basement (I swear when we move something out, little elves move something else back in). We also had another strong thunder and lightening storm which caused a short power outage, so we had to go around resetting clocks and things. I think we got all of them. So, some mild excitement, but mostly mundane life requirements that make you feel good once you've ticked them off the to-do list.
And how are things in your part of the planet? I hear it's way hot in the eastern part of the U.S.. What's your favorite way to keep cool (or warm if you're in the S. Hemisphere)? I like setting the thermostat down a degree or two and sit close to one of the vents and watch a documentary or do some reading with a nice, cold drink.
The pool is open and is full of fun floaty-toys, the buffet has a delectable assortment of hobbity goodies (savory and sweet), and as usual, the bar is stocked full of your favorites. So, grab a plate, a glass, and a comfy chair (or floaty-toy) and tell us how you're doing!
*kicks juke box* Play us a summery tune and have an amazing weekend!
  
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 4:27pm
Post #2 of 66
(3327 views)
Shortcut
|
We had a double-whammy of thunderstorms two nights ago - the first very loud, drenching rain, but passing quickly, and the second not as loud, pouring rain, and staying around a while. No outages right in our area, fortunately! Isn't it a bother trying to find all the clocks and other things that need their time reset when that happens?
This is my last Fiesta from my school desk, it's quiet in here with all but a couple of others off on vacations. I've been reviewing my instructions binder all morning, and have only a couple of online tasks to do this afternoon, then I'll just go around and make sure everything is in place and tidied up. Oh, and I need to put some document files on a USB drive for whoever will be sitting here next!
So may I have an iced mocha, please, Altaira? And one of those mince pies - Hobbits do know how to make tasty pastry!
Hmm...how about this golden oldie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YgevxRGXIU
You have Elves in your basement? 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
Altaira
Superuser
Jun 28 2024, 4:38pm
Post #3 of 66
(3324 views)
Shortcut
|
|
*pops corks* Congratulations!!!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Oh my goodness. The day has finally arrived.
It sounds like you have everything under control (of course), which will help whomever take up the mantle. Any plans for your first 'free' weekend and/or week? Maybe your plans are to plan, lol. We do a lot of that now.
At any rate, congrats on a wonderful career and a well-deserved, long retirement!!
|
|
|
Annael
Elvenhome
Jun 28 2024, 4:42pm
Post #4 of 66
(3324 views)
Shortcut
|
Don't hate me, but I'm wearing a long-sleeved shirt. We've had a short string of rainy days. Next 10 days looks like the highs will range from 68 to 78, with another day of rain. Perfect. I hate heat, and my condo was built 25 years ago, in the days when it rarely got above 70, so no AC.
We also never got thunder and lightning storms, and I do enjoy those. I remember my first trip to Colorado back in the 80s, when there was a thunderstorm every afternoon. Loved it. We get them now, but still not often.
Went back to my hometown yesterday to have my favorite dermatologist deal with a thing (ah the joys of Celtic skin) and then to have lunch with a group of high school friends. We're all over the map politically - that is, within the very narrow range that characterizes Americans as opposed to Europeans - but we found several points of agreement, particularly "we wish people would just TALK to each other!" Mostly we caught up on everyone's doings and those of their kids & grandkids. It was a very relaxing time except for one person who is bipolar and has social anxiety; she's my good friend so we had to debrief in the car after for a while as I reassured her that no no, it was fine that you said that, no no, I don't think that's what people were thinking about you at all, etc. At one point she said "well, the good thing about being bipolar is that I live life very intensely" and I laughed and said, "so at the end of your life, you will be able to say 'I really LIVED my life'!" A nice thought really. It turned out that two of the women have now realized they are ADHD and/or autistic, so no, no one was judging her. I also learned that the former cheerleader who seemed to me to have such a charmged life had a schizophrenic sister. We never know the burdens others are carrying. (Unless, of course, we TALK to each other!)
Summer parties are starting up. In the 80s I lived in a cooperative house in Seattle with two couples. They moved here to the Skagit Valley, and my husband-to-be and my brother moved into the house for a couple of years before I got bought out & hubby & I bought our own house. I visited the valley often & met all the people who formed their new social group. Fast-forward 35 years: since moving to the valley myself, I've been embraced by this group as if I was always here. So I will be celebrating the Fourth with all of them (and the two subsequent generations) on the farm of one couple, including barbecue, "Monty Python Kickball" (the kids get to make the rules), and fireworks on the back 40.
*puts on "Summer in the City" by the Lovin' Spoonful, pours tall glass of lemonade, grabs a cheesy biscuit *
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/juVZdwvbORk
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
(This post was edited by Annael on Jun 28 2024, 4:46pm)
|
|
|
Annael
Elvenhome
Jun 28 2024, 4:49pm
Post #5 of 66
(3316 views)
Shortcut
|
Enjoy reitrement! If you're like the rest of us, you'll soon find yourself busier than ever, but with a lot less stress.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
|
|
|
Altaira
Superuser
Jun 28 2024, 5:01pm
Post #6 of 66
(3312 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I may just have a very *slight* tinge of green
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Envy, that is.
I love cooler weather too.. While out running errands yesterday I noticed the farmer's market in a nearby town was in full-swing. I would have loved to take a few minutes to wander through but even at 5:00 p.m. it was too hot for me (91 f). Ah well, it will still be going on in the fall.
You have the most fascinating and active social life. I can see why you chose where you are to settle down. The barbeque sounds great. Is it a potluck and are you going to bring anything?
Enjoy the weekend, and the upcoming holiday!
|
|
|
Annael
Elvenhome
Jun 28 2024, 5:16pm
Post #7 of 66
(3314 views)
Shortcut
|
they provide THE MEATS (and buns). we do side dishes. With the option of a topping for ice cream, which gets made on the spot. I'm going to bring my new favorite potluck dish, thinly sliced sweet potatoes marinated in an orange-miso sauce and then baked. Everyone always wants the recipe, so just in case:
1-2 sweet potatoes, cut in thin (1/4 inch) slices.
Marinade:
scant 1/4 cup miso
juice & zest of one orange
1/4 cup oil
1 TBSP ginger paste or grated ginger
1 TBSP sweet rice vinegar
mix and coat the sweet potato slices, let sit for a while, then spread out on a baking tin over parchment paper. I bake in a slow oven (300F) for half an hour, turn, and bake another half hour.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
(This post was edited by Annael on Jun 28 2024, 5:18pm)
|
|
|
cats16
Gondolin
Jun 28 2024, 5:34pm
Post #8 of 66
(3306 views)
Shortcut
|
This month really flew by. I think I'll start ordering my usual summer pink lemonade, please! I may go for some root beer later, hehe.
We had a slight lull in the summer heat, but it's picking up again starting tomorrow. We may try to slot in Inside Out 2 at some point, if for no other reason than to relax indoors for a bit away from the house.
My phone interview with the recruiter earlier this week went well (I think) - she was the most prepared interviewer I've ever had, but managed to also be the nicest and easiest to speak with. She said I should have an update by mid next week at the latest, so we'll see! It's good timing I suppose, as we learned of 7 additional layoffs at work yesterday (no one on my team, if only because I'm essentially a team of 1 at this point  ). So that's a crummy way to go into the weekend.
On the plus side, I'm going to a 5 year old's birthday party tomorrow, so it'll be nice unwinding from the week by watching kids be kids in a park.
Wishing everyone a cool and relaxing weekend!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
(This post was edited by cats16 on Jun 28 2024, 5:36pm)
|
|
|
Altaira
Superuser
Jun 28 2024, 5:35pm
Post #9 of 66
(3303 views)
Shortcut
|
Thanks for sharing With all those yummy flavors, I'll definitely be trying that one.
|
|
|
cats16
Gondolin
Jun 28 2024, 5:39pm
Post #10 of 66
(3303 views)
Shortcut
|
I'm sure it's quite the feeling in the moment, finally getting to it. So happy for you!
Sending lots of good vibes as you close up shop and jump into the next journey - a journey without alarm clocks.
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 5:55pm
Post #11 of 66
(3296 views)
Shortcut
|
 ! And, yes, start listing all the little things I want to get done - so I don't forget what they are! 
Thank you, Altaira, and may you be fully retired soon too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 6:00pm
Post #12 of 66
(3296 views)
Shortcut
|
Busy, and with only the stress of remembering when and where to go!
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 6:01pm
Post #13 of 66
(3297 views)
Shortcut
|
Well, except to get to things on time, if they're early in the morning...but that's a "happy" wake-up.
Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
Altaira
Superuser
Jun 28 2024, 6:03pm
Post #14 of 66
(3296 views)
Shortcut
|
Congrats on a good phone interview. Fingers crossed that you get good news this week.
Aren't kid's birthday parties the best? Their energy is inspiring and makes you want to be a kid again (or at least act like one).
Have a great weekend and may you find a few 'cool' things to do.
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 6:13pm
Post #15 of 66
(3291 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I can almost taste that recipe!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
How delicious!
No A/C in the condo? But do you get good cross-breezes?
It's fascinating how much you've been able to re-connect with friends since moving there - one might say this was all "meant" to happen. But you've kept up with the old friends too, comfortably sharing your life experiences with one another! How's that saying go? "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."
That will be a wonderful bbq next week!
Wait - we selected the same song to play?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 6:15pm
Post #16 of 66
(3291 views)
Shortcut
|
for a kid's birthday party, you'll feel young again!
Keeping those fingers crossed, getting good vibes from that interview...
Yep, stay cool!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Doriath
Jun 28 2024, 7:30pm
Post #17 of 66
(3289 views)
Shortcut
|
but not overwhelmingly so! It rarely is,unless we are hit with a heatwave, with which we are ill-equipped to deal, generally speaking. That mention of pool toys makes me think of a delightful thing that keeps popping up on my Facebook feed called 'Canine Dip and Dive'. It's a raised swimming pool for dogs which, if you live in an urban area or one without clean lakes or rivers handy, is a good idea. There's something joyous about watching a dog hurl itself happily into waist-deep water in hot pursuit of a floating tennis ball!
It's been a busy week, with the aftermath of our fund-raising stall last Saturday - sorting out the leftovers, taking the woolly tree wraps off the trees round the Green and washing them (slug trails - yuk!),sorting out things to go to charity shops etc. We're organising a 10th birthday buffet for the group, too.
Here's a summery song; well, the subject matter may not be, but the feeling of it is summery! Argh, released in 1966! Oh dearie me, I feel old...pass me a beer! Cheers! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIl6n_SRCI
(This post was edited by dernwyn on Jun 29 2024, 12:07am)
|
|
|
Annael
Elvenhome
Jun 28 2024, 7:53pm
Post #19 of 66
(3286 views)
Shortcut
|
but I haven't needed it, living on the ground floor. We're on a slope and the lower units are kind of dug into the hill, so the back of the unit, where my bedroom is, stays cool. (Yes, I do sometimes think "I live in a hobbit house!") Also, I'm on a concrete slab on dirt, and in the winter the floors are cold even with carpet, so I have to wear slippers. In the summer they stay cool. I can get a good cross breeze at the front of the condo, which has windows on two sides. The upper units have better views but they can get pretty warm, so most of those folks have bought the AC units that go in a window. On the plus side they tend not to need to heat their units in winter as much.
What hobbies will you pick up/work more at now that you're retired?
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
(This post was edited by Annael on Jun 28 2024, 7:54pm)
|
|
|
Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 7:55pm
Post #20 of 66
(3288 views)
Shortcut
|
|
You go swim in the pool - I'll huddle-up next to the heater
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
with a hot chocolate spiked with Bailey's.
It's been an unusually warm winter so far with much less snow on the mountain than usual. ('Warm' is relative - it's still cold, but my nose hasn't yet felt frozen.) Yesterday was a short-sleeve shirt day as I worked in the garden: pulling out the three-year-old passionfruit vine (I'll plant a new one this spring), digging up the kumera (ouch) and general weeding. Today's it's raining so I'm glad I got that work done!
This morning I'm indulging myself: a haircut followed by a massage.
Oh and this is a long weekend as Friday was Matariki (Puanga for us in the west): when Maori mark the New Year with the rising of the Pleiades at dawn. We've got a lights show on in the centre of town and it's been lovely to see the city *busy* in the middle of winter. More about the Matariki stars is here: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/...ariki/stars-matariki
Have a great 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.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
(This post was edited by Ataahua on Jun 28 2024, 7:58pm)
|
|
|
cats16
Gondolin
Jun 28 2024, 8:20pm
Post #21 of 66
(3281 views)
Shortcut
|
And yes, agree 100% about the parties - and I'm sure I'll enjoy a wonderful nap afterwards, after my body realizes how much energy I've expended to keep up with the kids.
Thanks, and hope you found some fun activities yourself in between the errands/chores!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
cats16
Gondolin
Jun 28 2024, 8:20pm
Post #22 of 66
(3277 views)
Shortcut
|
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
cats16
Gondolin
Jun 28 2024, 8:21pm
Post #23 of 66
(3278 views)
Shortcut
|
Isn't it funny how one can be on vacation (or just out of the normal routine) and a morning alarm feels vastly different? We we returned from our Japan trip, I thought to myself "why were those dawn alarms so easy over there?" 
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
Kimi
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 9:59pm
Post #24 of 66
(3279 views)
Shortcut
|
Happy Maori New Year, everyone. https://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/about-matariki/
We've had a couple of glorious sunny days, and this is a long weekend in honour of Matariki. Cool in the morning, but deliciously warm as day wears on. Our house is built with the sun in mind, with wide eaves that keep out the heat in summer, but welcome in every ray in winter. Around winter solstice time, the light reaches the back wall of the lounge, making a lovely show against the bricks.
I've a batch of sourdough rising, Mr Kimi's making caneles, and we've made a batch of lemon curd - our lemon trees have finally recovered from the possum incursion that peeled all the lemons. The kitchen smells delicious!
Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
|
|
|
Kimi
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jun 28 2024, 10:01pm
Post #25 of 66
(3275 views)
Shortcut
|
Wishing you fun and fulfillment in this new adventure.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
|
|
|
|
|
1
