At the base of the mountains View RSS

Finally back home! 17 Apr 2023 6:55 AM (2 years ago)

 I am back home from my housesit in Albany.  I thought it would never end!  I enjoyed myself for the most part, except Charlie the cat was very demanding.  He would become quite aggressive if I wouldn't get up and feed him when he wanted me too.  Two or three times in the middle of the night.  I must have needed sleep because for the last two days in a row I've had a nap and slept soundly both nights.  

I'm already looking for more house sit opportunities however!  I have one booked for June during Father's day week for my friends Laur and Judy in Lake Luzerne.  I don't know if I want to advertise for paid sits locally or just do the housesitting.  I could use the money of course!  I just don't want to watch dogs.

Spring has come in fast and furious!  The trees are already leafing out and flowers are blooming all over.  I need to hurry and get into the woods and find the spring ephemerals before they are done.  I also need to get my quarterly apartment inspection done.  So I need to vacuum and tidy up.  

Albany house sit with Charlie 13 Mar 2023 5:55 AM (2 years ago)

 I've been in Albany for a month now.  One more month to go!  Charlie and I have a good routine.  He has an unfortunate habit of wanting to be fed wet cat food in the middle of the night.  I get up a couple times to feed him.  Then he likes me to get up early in the morning.  The last few mornings have been a battle because I don't want to get up and he doesn't like to be told no.  He is a funny cat with a very friendly purrsonality.  He likes me and gives me baths.  He is particularly fond of licking my forehead, but that hurts!  

Rich the sort of ex all of a sudden went on a crusade to get a divorce and was insisting on having me sign the papers immediately.  I went into panic mode because I don't trust him.  I told him to send me the paper and I'll look it over and sign it and mail it back.  Now he refuses to talk to me.  So I don't know if he has sent the papers or not.  I guess I will have to drive up to the house to check on things.  I've been trying to get hold of neighbor Dave and see if he has stopped by but he doesn't like to answer his phone and Niko has been swamped at work.  He is going to Boston tomorrow for dance practice for Anime Boston.  

I helped him get another car.  I ended up co-signing on a loan.  I hope he makes his payments!  I don't want to have to pay for it.  It's not that much, but still!  I already bought him one car.  

Anyway, the place I am sitting at is a senior independent living facility.  I am in a cottage which is separate from the main building.  There are meal points available, so I am able to get lunches or dinners.  I have been getting a dinner every other day.  My problem is that it comes with dessert!  I have been eating pie, cake and cheesecake frequently.  I need to cut back because I am starting to get even fluffier.  I also was initiated into the joy of Pistachio ice cream.  The first kind I tried was Ben and Jerry's and it is a mouthful of joy in each bite.  I bought HagenDaz also and while it is ok, they use ground up nuts instead of whole nuts like Ben and Jerry's.  I prefer the whole nuts.  I need to just stop buying it because I can eat an entire pint in one go!

The retirement community is near the Albany Pine bush and wild turkeys come over here and walk around the neighborhood.  It's funny to see them.  

We are expecting a Nor'easter tonight.  If I can't get hold of anyone, I will have to drive up to Burnt Hills before it hits and check on things.  I have prescriptions at CVS to pick up.  I guess they can wait a couple more days, but I want to see if Rich sent those papers.  

2023 2 Jan 2023 10:30 AM (2 years ago)

 Happy New Year!  I haven't posted in a few months.  This past year has been very isolating for me due to my agoraphobia.  I did manage to take two trips to housesit however.  I went to Virginia and to Rhode Island.  This winter I am going to do a two month house sit in Albany.  It's not far but it is in a very nice cottage in a senior living community.  It is for one cat.  The owner Richard, invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with him and his friends and it was very nice. I have been thinking about the possibility of moving out of my apartment and doing house/pet sitting full time.  If that fails, I could always just move to Louisiana.  I don't really own a lot of things that I would want to keep and could downsize to just a few boxes that I could put in storage.  It's not anything I want to rush into however.  I will see how this winter/spring goes and then decide if I really want to give up my apartment.  I don't particularly care for living here due to problems with the neighbor upstairs continuing.  I was shocked when he actually came down and jump started my car for me the other day.  It hasn't stopped him from being noisy, but instead of rudely pounding on the wall, he just knocks gently if my snoring is out of control.  Car is going into the garage on Friday and I plan on getting a new battery.  I'm going to find out first how much they plan on charging me, because if I can get a battery with free installation somewhere else, I will do that.  Turns out the battery is actually under the rear seat of the car!

After looking back on my posts, it's been nearly a year since my last entry!  I guess I should write a little about about my two trips.  The first one to Virginia was good for the most part.  It was in a home in Reston, VA.  I was able to take the train into DC, but it was very hot and I found that I tired very quickly.  I only went to one museum which I had been to before.  I did go to a couple local attractions including the Great Falls National Park in Virginia.  I was pleasantly surprised by it.  I also went to Antietam National battlefield and drove through Gettysburg (town).  I didn't tour Gettysburg.  That will be for another day.  Antietam was beautiful and very moving.  My empathic side really kicked in while viewing and walking through a couple different spots.  I could feel the residual energy left behind from the battles.  I took care of two cats while in Reston.

The second housesit was in South Kingston, RI.  It was in a lovely apartment that was situated in a historic old mill.  It was close to the water and had options to a lot of attractions.  The weather was nice and I did get to see a few things while I was out.  A hurricane was moving by far off the coast but did provide some really nice surf for me to experience.  Something about the ocean and high surf really speaks to me on a soul deep level.  I feel so exhilarated.  The downside to this sit was that it was for four cats and the litter the owners used tracked like sand all over the apartment.  There was also a litterbox in the room assigned for me.  The bed was very small and hard. The owners had indicated in the beginning that I might be asked back for June, but I kind of have my doubts about that now.  They seemed displeased that I washed my bedding but didn't dry it and I ran the dishwasher but didn't empty it.  I got a 4 out of 5 for tidiness.  Oh well!  I don't think I want to do that sit again anyway unless some concessions are made regarding the litterbox and sleeping arrangements!

Anyway, I am going to try to break free of this agoraphobia this year and go on more adventures.  Wish me luck!

Break through 15 Feb 2022 12:11 PM (3 years ago)

(This post was originally written in 2011 before my cancer treatment) I have been feeling so much better the last few days.  Not sure what to attribute it too, but I am not so overwhelmed with everything and am more able to take things as they come.  I still do not have everything settled.  I am going up to the school tomorrow to see the counselor about classes.  I may or may not be going.  I still don't know about the surgery.  How extensive it will be or what this mass is that is growing inside me.  I hope that if I do go to school I will be able to keep up with my classes.  If I don't think I can, then I will have to take a deferment until fall.  I applied for Social Security disability.  I was told by them that I can make up to $1000 a month and still be eligible. 

February 2022 15 Feb 2022 11:59 AM (3 years ago)

Another year come and gone.  2021 was pretty uneventful I think.  Mostly due to the agoraphobia and Covid.  Update on my sister, after multiple tests, there is still no official diagnosis, but they are pretty sure she has MS.  She will be going back down to the specialist in New Orleans for the follow up after her spinal tap.  

Almost Christmas 23 Dec 2021 10:25 AM (3 years ago)

 Hooray, my least favorite time of the year.  This Christmas especially sucks because something is very wrong with my sister, Brenda.  She has a brain tumor or some type of malformation in her brain stem.  Not considered operable.  Her latest MRI also indicated lesions in parts of the brain.  Her Dr. is going to call her and discuss the results.

My kids are supposed to come over for dinner tomorrow, but I bet Travis will cancel.  He has anxiety about going places too, like me.

I did go to the grocery store yesterday.  It was packed and my anxiety was bad.  I almost left my cart and walked out.  I did manage to get the ham for tomorrow and a couple other items to fix with it.  I already have veggies.  I was going to fix a chicken, but to me that isn't very Christmassy and I already lost out on turkey for Thanksgiving.  I want ham, dammit!  

14 years! 20 Oct 2021 10:53 AM (3 years ago)

 I just realized that I have been blogging here for 14 years!  That's a long time.  Not much new going on.  I quit Home Instead and I'm now a free lance pet sitter.  I've been enjoying it for the most part.  Most of my money seems to go to Niko but I have managed to put some away.  I have a few repeat clients and some new that are just starting.  I have a new client starting this Friday for a week.  They have 4 dogs and a cat.  The dogs really seem to like me and I like them as well.  The home is beautiful.  I won't be spending the night, but it isn't far away.  I am doing an overnight for 3 days at Thanksgiving.  Three really sweet small dogs.  One looks so much like my Buzzy dog.  I looked into his sweet little face and could see my Buzzy there.  This dog's name is Onyx.  

When I'm not doing that, I am mostly staying home.  I keep telling myself that I need to get out and exercise.  I really do.  I've been having increased back issues and I'm getting flabbier by the day with no muscle tone.  The upcoming pet sit is by the Indian Kill nature preserve, so I will get in there and go geocaching.  Last time I went there, I nearly passed out a couple times, my heart was acting up.  There are also several new caches at Anchor Diamond that is up the road a couple miles.  Tomorrow I have to go to Ballston Spa and sign a couple papers at the Veteran agency.  I also need to stop at Agway and get some bird seed.  I'm getting the cheaper kind because those darn sparrows just throw it all on the ground.  I'm hoping to get something besides sparrows this year.  I have had a Blue jay a couple times.  

I haven't posted a memory about my childhood in a while.  I will post something happy.  My Mom used to take us for a lot of nature walks when we were kids.  We lived in the middle of the country, so there were plenty of places to go!  We often walked up to the sand pit in the summer to pick blackberries. We would take a packed lunch with us. Mom would make jam from all the berries we picked during the year.  The sand pit has been a dumping ground for lazy people since I was little.  The state finally blocked the road, but I don't think they ever took out the trash.  We call it the sand pit because it is literally a sand dune in the forest.  I turned the area into an Earthcache and there is a physical cache there too that I should check on.  This area used to be the bottom of an ocean many millions of years ago.  There are many areas that have large deposits of sand still left from then.  There is certainly no shortage of sand for the town to use when treating the roads in the winter!  There is a large sand pit used by the town on Lake Desolation Rd and also one on Bockes Rd.  The sand heap on Bockes is interesting because in the spring, swallows dig nests into the sides of the pile and raise their young there.  

A bit of relief 9 Jun 2021 8:57 AM (3 years ago)

 The veteran housing told me that I don't have to move, that I can stay here.  I like that idea, but then of course I feel guilty for not taking advantage of the section 8 program.  I am really not a big fan of it to begin with seeing as it puts me under the thumb of the housing authority.  People on section 8 get a bad reputation too.  Lazy, drug users, drunks, etc.. Worse than living in a mobile home, ha ha!

There is not much let up as far as anxiety.  My shrink gave me a two week notice to take off work.  More guilt.  I'm thinking about just retiring.  I'm not sure if that is a good idea or not.  I've been housebound for over a week now.  I want to go out and go fishing or something but my anxiety won't let me get there.  I have a million excuses.  My anxiety starts as soon as I wake up and goes until I go to bed.  Taking a zanax helps but I don't want to be drugged all the time.

I bought another inflatable kayak.  I haven't tried it out yet.  I'm thinking the seat is going to be an issue because it doesn't give me much support.  Maybe when I'm actually on the water it will feel better.  I would rather use my regular kayak.  I saw a video online on how to make some modifications to make it easier to get it on the car.  Another version of the blanket and slide.  I just have to get up the courage to just do it.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day, so maybe I will just go!  I have to make sure I have two tie down straps first, or just take the inflatable.  

My brother is coming up for a visit soon.  He will be staying out at his daughter's place.  I hope him and I can go out on a couple adventures.  

My youngest adult child was in a short documentary in 2019 and it has been selected to be shown in the Lower Eastside Film festival in NYC in July!  I'm very excited for him.  I hope that he and his friends can go down for the premiere.  It would be awesome if it won an award too and went on to other film festivals.  He is going to visit his friend Cale in Boston this month.  Cale got an apartment.  I know Niko would like to move to Boston but with no job or car or income, it isn't likely. I know sometimes it is harder for kids to leave the nest.  

Niko's grandmother has cancer.  It is in her back somewhere.  She is going to get an MRI or something to see if it has spread.  She is in her 80's.  I don't know what will happen with Niko if she passes away.  More than likely, he will have to move somewhere else or move in with someone else.  He can't live here with me, unfortunately.  If he got a job we could get an apartment together.  I've been rambling, so I'm ending this post!

Another moving nightmare 3 Jun 2021 5:27 AM (3 years ago)

 I have only been in this apartment less than a year and I'm already being pressured to leave.  My veteran counselor signed me up for section 8 without telling me.  So now I have this housing voucher and I have to try to find another place to live in 60 days.  I wasn't prepared for this.  I am so stressed out.  The housing situation around here is ridiculous.  Rents are so high in this county.  The lady upstairs is moving, maybe.  Don't really know what is going on with her.  So either the veteran's can take over that apartment or I can move up to it.  It is half the size of the one I have now.  I can make do, I don't need all this furniture or space but it is up a flight of very steep stairs.  It is just such a pain in the ass right now that I don't need.  My employer keeps pressuring me to pick up hours too.  I've been spending a lot of time just reading or being on my laptop.  My back is starting to act up too.  

I am seriously just considering leaving everything and just go live in my car like I had originally wanted to.  That will be harder too.  Dealing with address issues and such.  My depression and anxiety is not helping at all.  I just want to be left alone.

Fern fairy ring 30 Apr 2021 3:09 PM (3 years ago)

 Niko just found this fern fairy ring growing in his backyard!

Unexpected road trip! 5 Apr 2021 9:23 AM (4 years ago)

 March featured an unexpected trip down to Louisiana.  Mom hasn't been feeling well.  On the drive down, I visited Puxatawny, PA and saw Phil and Phyllis the groundhogs!  I also inadvertently drove right through downtown Pittsburg!  That was an adventure.  One I don't care to repeat anytime soon!  I also finally drove through Ohio!  I drove south along the Ohio river and down into Kentucky before heading south following the Natchez Trace Parkway briefly.  

Mom and Papa were very happy I was there to help.  I had a nice visit for 10 days, but anxiety and increasing issues with my misophonia had me leaving.  Mom was feeling better at this time.  I went up to Shreveport to see my brother for a day.  We took his boat out on Wallace Lake.  I got to see numerous examples of Bald Cypress trees.  We fished without success.  The water was high, so all the fish were probably in the trees where the boats couldn't reach. Not literally in the trees, haha!  

I also on the way home, detoured briefly into Oklahoma to see the Red Slough wildlife management area.  It wasn't very impressive!  I did see one seriously huge dead frog however.  I headed home up through Arkansas and drove through Illinois and Indiana for the first time as well.  So 4 new states visited and geocaches found in all.

I was glad when I finally made it home.  The trip was long and exhausting and expensive!  I think next time, I'm going to fly.  So all together, I drove in 15 different states.  The car drove like a champ for most of the trip except for an issue with the windshield wipers during a nasty storm in Arkansas.  A really nice young man in WV helped me repair them before hitting more rain.  

A lot of new geocaches have been published locally, so I am going to try very hard to get out and grab them.  I ran into a local geocacher, Zamboni59.  He was very pleasant.  

I'm lucky because I get to experience two springs this year!  It was in full swing in the southern states and as I drove north, it progressed back into early spring.  Wildflowers are just starting to poke their heads up out in the local woods.  I think I'm going to try and construct a black backdrop to set up for photography reasons.  Sometimes my camera wants to focus on anything besides the actual flowers! I think I can make one very inexpensively with a piece of black construction paper and some sticks.  

I want to kayak this year, so I am going to get up the willpower to get my kayak up on my car.  I'm sure my neighbor would be happy to help me if I need it.  I'm thinking about trading the car in for a small pickup or an SUV.  I think a pickup would be more practical.  It can haul toys and double as a camper if I get a camper top for it.  

Enough rambling for now.  2/15/22 update.  I only went kayaking once and I bought another inflatable kayak which I haven't used yet.

Talked with counselor 3 Mar 2021 10:14 AM (4 years ago)

 I finally got hold of my veteran counselor.  I am most certainly NOT getting evicted and I can also take as much vacation time as I want away from the apartment.  I just need to let them know I'm gone so they can keep an eye on it for me.  

Now I have to see if I can get some time off of work.  It shouldn't be a problem if I ask for a leave of absence.  Then I can plan a trip!  

I was looking at buying a more durable tent as the one that I have is a cheap piece of crap.  I'm thinking along the line of a Big Agnes or even a canvas tent.  Something roomy that won't leak.  

It's really nice out today, but every time I think about doing something I get anxious or feel tired.  That's ok.  It will be getting even nicer soon and I can get out of this slump that I'm in.  I'm driving to Albany on Sunday, so that's getting out!  Maybe if the weather is nice, I can go to a park or do some geocaching.  

Chill out, Linda! 2 Mar 2021 7:12 AM (4 years ago)

 I just finally realized how crazy my thinking is.  I know I have cabin fever.  Spring will be here soon and I can start planning trips.  I don't need to "run away".  2/15/22 Wow, this seems to be an annual problem!

March 2021 2 Mar 2021 6:02 AM (4 years ago)

 I didn't make a post in February.  Not much happened.  I got my first Covid vaccine.  Next one is this coming Sunday.  My Mom had her birthday on the 18th but she was very sick and ended up going to the hospital.  The South was in the middle of a series of snow and ice storms.  Roads were impassable.  

My anxiety and depression is really ramping up.  The urge to flee is in me again.  Feeling trapped by this apartment.  Wondering if I can travel freely while living here.  Wondering how I can continue justifying "needing" to live here when I feel like there are other people with more need than I.  I don't feel deserving enough.  I don't feel I meet the criteria, except for income.  I am independent and except for affordable housing, I can get by without help.  

This insecurity leads to continued bad dreams.  Usually being trapped with an ex again and unable to get rid of him or get away.  He is usually a mix of Dave and Rich.  Mostly looking like Rich except acting like Dave.  The dream I had last night was bad.  He was in my house and refused to leave.  I finally succeeded in getting him out, but he took everything out of the house.  Then he was trying to force his way back in and was physically attacking me.  I was trying to lock myself inside a vehicle, but he either had a key or was forcing the doors open.  

I guess I don't feel safe and "home" living in this apartment.  I'm dreaming of traveling again.  I just want to have the freedom to come and go as I please.  Maybe I will just have to get a good tent and hit the road.  I'm hoping that once it warms up and I can get out and hike and try camping, this urge will leave me.  I am trying to get hold of my VCHC counselor to talk to her about my worries.   2/15/22 I still have the nightmares, but I am always glad to wake up here.  I still have some anxiety when I hear strange noises at night.  I keep thinking someone is trying to break in.  It seems a lot of the same issues are plaguing me this year.

Mid January... how did that happen? 17 Jan 2021 5:18 AM (4 years ago)

 I can't believe it is mid January already!  This week is inauguration day for President elect Biden and VP elect Kamala Harris.  A female VP!  Protests are being planned around the country as far right wing groups want to stage a Civil War 2.  For what, I have no idea.  I guess their fragile whiteness is being threatened.  President Trump has been impeached for the 2nd time, making history for something at least.  His followers think he is the best president this country has ever had.  Ha!  

Last week, I had a shift up near the Wilton mall at a new senior housing complex called The Summit.  It was a long 5 hours.  Easy, but long!  I think I'll look for something a little closer to home.  I also had my Tuesday shift at Coburg with my regular client.

The vaccine rollout of Covid in NY state is ridiculous.  It seems that millions are eligible but there aren't enough vaccines to go around.  I saw on the news how nurses in Alaska drove snowmobiles to reach people in remote villages.  I'm thinking that it is ironic how they can manage to do that, but can't get vaccines to people who live in regular cities and towns.  I'm not saying those people don't deserve it, but come on!

I got two geocaches this week, easy ones.  I went for a third but found out it is in a tunnel with a creek running through it!  It's a bit to cold for that!  Maybe if I put my waders on!  It is a CDParker cache so that explains a lot.  

We had some snow the last couple days and my car had a strange phenomenon happen to it.  The windshield developed a "snow roll".  Here are some pictures of it.

Seditious Conspiracy 12 Jan 2021 12:33 PM (4 years ago)

 To me, this countries government seems very close to collapsing.  On January 6, a group of Trump supporters, encouraged by Trump and other political figures, stormed the Capital building in attempt to overthrow the election results.  Threats were made on the lives of lawmakers including the Vice President and the Speaker of the House.  You would think that the President would have been immediately removed from office.  Reports have come out that he was gleeful when watching rioters attack the Capitol.  Yet he still sits in the Oval office.  What kind of politicians do we have in this country that would rather see a mad man at the helm and back him in order to maintain their own positions and status?  This is not America.  This is not making "Making America Great Again", this is Sedition.  Today Trump was allowed to board Air Force One and fly to Texas to see his "wall" and to make a speech declaring that he bears no responsibility for what happened and that the speech he gave to the mob of supporters in DC was appropriate.  I don't think this country has been so low since the Civil War.  I'm just disgusted.

Happy New Year! 1 Jan 2021 10:23 AM (4 years ago)

 So glad 2020 is over.  What a year.  Such upheaval in this country and the world.  A global pandemic, a corrupt government, a failed president.  

I am fully recovered from the tree on the house incident.  I do still have bad dreams about being stuck inside a really run down old mobile home and I think my apartment was just a dream.  I am still in my apartment and happily so.

Winter is upon us and I hope it goes by quickly.  It was ushered in with a first storm with 3 feet of snowfall!  Just flurries on and off since then. I am not a big fan of winter.  I don't like being cold.

A bit of issues with work.  I took on a couple for clients who are just plain old strange.  The wife is a heavy smoker and after the first day of being with her chain smoking, I told the office.  They told her she can't smoke when I'm there.  She is also on oxygen!  Anyhow, I've asked the office to see if they can find someone else to take them.  The hours are 8-1 and I despise getting up early!  There is another client living in Coburg village that I have started with.  I like her very much.  Office asked me to cover the couple next week and I agreed.  I know they like me and want me to stay, but the hours... I guess I can just suck it up.  It's only two days a week and not back to back.  They are only a few minutes away as well.  They have also told the office that they like me and want to keep me!

This year I want to travel.  Take a few weeks and go.  Camp out of my car as much as possible.  I would like to see the southwest.  I would also like to see the northwest.  This country needs to get it's act together and fight this pandemic!  

Anxiety out of control 20 Oct 2020 9:23 AM (4 years ago)

 I feel like I am on the edge of a nervous breakdown.  My depression must be bad and my anxieties are out of control.  I can't bear to leave the house and having to work tomorrow is making me sick to my stomach.  I've been getting my groceries delivered and washing my clothes in the sink.  All I want to do is sleep.  I am tired of living.  I don't want to die, I just wish I could sleep and not wake up and have to "life".  I have no explanation for why I feel this way, I just do.  

My Mom called me this morning and all she did was go on and on about her diabetes and food.  I just wanted to scream.  I know I should be grateful that I have a Mom to talk to and that someday I won't.  I think I might take a zanax and see if I can chill.

Sorry for the rant.  I know people read my blog, but no one comments.  I know you are out there however!

Bad feeling 16 Sep 2020 2:49 PM (4 years ago)

 I have a bad feeling that I'm going to get kicked out of the veteran program.  I think that they are regretting giving me this apartment and that they feel like there are people who are more deserving or qualifying.  The whole point of the program is to become self sufficient and I feel like they probably think I am.  I am pretty self sufficient, but I can't afford an apartment on my own with the income I have.  Maybe I'm just being paranoid.  I'm going to call my counselor at the program tomorrow and discuss it with him. He called today and I told him I was working three days a week and he seemed alarmed over it and wanted to know how much money I was making.  I told him that I am normally scheduled to work two and I just picked up a couple days.  It is bad enough that I'm being hounded daily by Home Instead to pick up extra shifts.  Then when I'm not working I am feeling guilty because I'm not getting stuff done and not going out and being more active.  Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow after I talk to my veteran counselor.   

September 11 Sep 2020 12:04 PM (4 years ago)

 For the past couple weeks, I have been feeling depressed and anxious. I think the novelty of my new place has worn off and now that I'm settling into a routine, the agoraphobia kicks in.  Just trying to decide what to eat each day is a challenge especially because I am conscious of my weight and need to eat more healthy food.  I have been working 3 days a week because work keeps asking me to pick up time.  I mind but I don't mind either.  My client is pleasant and easy.  Mostly pleasant, she got a little snippy about her tea yesterday.  I just brushed it off.  I know she wasn't feeling good.  

I am beating myself up because I am not going out on my days off and enjoying the nice weather.  The leaves are beginning to change color on the trees.  I haven't used my kayak this year and I may just sell it.  If I had an easier way to transport it, I might keep it.  I should just invest in a roof rack.   

I've also been very upset about the current state of affairs in the country.  Each day is more horrible news about Trump and his massive fucking over of our country.  Of course he blames it all on the Democrats and thinks he is going to fix it if he is elected again.  If he can't fix it now, then why does he think he will be able to fix it later?  Everyone seems so filled with hate toward one another.  Social media is out of control and I think it contributes a lot to my depression.  I need to try and limit my exposure and concentrate on other things.  

I am thinking about taking two or three days and going up to the Burlington area.  I found out there is an Air National Guard base up there and they have the new F-35 stealth planes!  I would love to watch them fly.  I've been reading that they have been very controversial because of the noise they create, especially over the town of Winooski.  There is some good geocaching up there too.  

I was planning on maybe going this week, but of course I had to agree to work Saturday and now Monday as well!  I told her no more after that for the week.  So I hope the weather is good and I can go on a little road trip, alone! Ohio will probably have to wait until next year because of the quarantine.  Speaking of which, people in this country need to stop being so fucking selfish and just follow the protocols so we can get rid of this virus.  Instead people make it political and say it is a "violation" of their rights.  What bullshit.  Your "rights" don't include exposing other people to illness and possible death. This country should have been done with the virus if the government just listened to the CDC to begin with.  Fuckers.  Yes, I'm swearing a lot today.  

Enough bitching for now.

August 23 Aug 2020 2:36 PM (4 years ago)

 August has been a pretty quiet month so far.  My birthday has come and gone leaving me one year older.  Travis wanted to go to a meadery in VT so he could get mead for his birthday.  So I turned it into an overnight trip and Niko went too.  The drive up was pleasant.  We stopped at Split Rock falls so I could show it to them.  It was more beautiful than I remember, the lower pool appearing emerald green.  I'm hoping that it isn't algae growth from so many people.  We stopped in Westport on Lake Champlain for lunch, which turned out to be outrageously expensive.  We stayed overnight in Plattsburg and I grabbed a couple geocaches there.  We drove north past Chazy to cross the lake into VT.  We then went to the Missisquoi Wildlife refuge.  Travis took the one mile loop trail around while Niko waited in the car.  On to St. Albans where we found out that the meadery wasn't open.  We ended up going to a beverage center to get the mead Travis wanted.  We then headed home, going over the Crown Point bridge on the way.  Overall it was a pretty boring trip.  I did enjoy seeing two Air Force planes on display near a military museum that was closed.  

Right at this moment, there is a beautiful double rainbow in the sky!

Red Tail hawk 6 Aug 2020 5:28 AM (4 years ago)

I've suspected that there was a hawk hanging around.  I thought I caught a glimpse of something flying through the yard a few days ago.  The other evening, I was outside to look at the rabbits and chipmunks.  I went back in for something and through the kitchen window, I saw the brown thing swoop by again.  I went out and all the critters had disappeared.  I looked around and over on the roof of the house next door was a beautiful hawk.  It was quite large.  I took many photos while it patiently perched there.  I determined that it was an immature Red tail hawk.  I had seen one a couple months ago that had been killed by a vehicle and took photos of it.  I didn't know what it was because of the lack of red on the tail.  It turns out that these birds don't develop the red tail until they are adults.

Comments 2 Aug 2020 5:49 AM (4 years ago)

Hi, just wanted to ask folks who read my blog to leave a comment now and then!  I see that I have views, but no one leaves a comment.  I would love to see who is reading!  Linda

August! 2 Aug 2020 5:44 AM (4 years ago)

It's my birth month!  I have always loved August.  I begin to feel a little melancholy toward the end however because of the approach of fall.  It will be my first winter in my new apartment, so maybe it won't be so bad!  I just hope the heat bill isn't too high.