Recent Posts

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21
Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by Hopalong on November 18, 2025, 09:33:52 PM »
You are SOOOO right, Amber! Pup is my kindred in that we're both bat-poop distractible, ADHD on plutonium (steroids doesn't sound like enough). I completely get him. Vice versa? Not so much, LOL.

It's gonna be a long winter for Pup and me, but I hope we learn [and PRACTICE] what we need to make life together easier for both of us. I already spent the money for the failed training class experience, but she said I could convert it instead to private lessons. If she can hear me about my own tracking difficulty with the speedy flood of steps to take....maybe it'll work out well.  The young man two winters ago couldn't even begin to comprehend the issues an elderlyish woman brought to training, but I'm hopeful she can.

Overall I'm happy and cozy now. Got through this morning when I woke chilled, bundled up and slept 5-6 more hours. It was amazing to wake up at 1230 and feel better. The world doesn't spin on my distorted bioclock, but when I just give into it (me bat, rest of world lark), I do feel better in my body and brain. I do eventually adapt to winter reality, it just takes a while. Feeling a lot better tonight.

So glad Amber, that you've weathered the scary surgery and are well on your way to your own, individual, delicious plans for a Tday I hope you'll really enjoy.

I have SO much to be thankful for.

hugs
Hops
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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by sKePTiKal on November 18, 2025, 09:45:49 AM »
Oh - and the problem I'm having with the board may not be a board server issue. I think it might be mac/safari related. When I switched to Firefox, I'm able to take my time reading/replying without the site timing out or locking up or whatever.

Since I'm bi-platform (mac/pc) I should've thought to try this sooner. But I didn't. I do have a lot of distractions.
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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by sKePTiKal on November 18, 2025, 09:43:17 AM »
I don't mind chit-chat on my thread, at all! That's kinda the point, LOL. I like hearing what other people are up to. Hol's been invited to another T'giving... her good friends in B'more. And it would be good for her. It's looking more like her relationship with C isn't worth what he puts her through and she is less & less tempted to do the work FOR HIM, that he should be doing. She is spending her time building a new sewing/leather studio in the loft in her garage (power & heat in there). And re-arranging her house for her mid-winter, holiday, birthday shindig in a month or so. She's starting to write again and maybe some journaling, too. She is doting on Knuckles, since she doesn't know how long she'll have with him before the addison's can't be controlled.

OH - I solved my menu dilemma. I'm going to order some venison from TX and make a slower cooker stew with freshly baked rolls. (Going to try to focus on bread again this winter.)

Maybe it's just my imagination... but things seem a lot lighter, happier, easier-going this season. I know B & I are comfy cozy, just enjoying being together. Hol is in a better spot, than she's been in a long time. Other people are going though trials & tribulations, but the will to find a way to help them is there and manifesting. it feels good.

Hops, why not use your mutual affection with pup to try a Vulcan mind meld with him? In other words, visualize what you want him to do be, hold it in your mind and try to "send" it to pup. Maybe pup is ADHD too, ya know? And so training needs to slow way down for him too!

Lighter -if the wind cooperates, I have a ton of cardboard to contribute to the bonfire!
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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: The Lake House
« Last post by Hopalong on November 18, 2025, 08:58:46 AM »
Strange but beautiful, I imagine and hope. So much LIFE around water!

Are there nice neighbors or a community there within a quick walk? Hope so.
Or hope a pleasant little town is easy to access.

hugs
Hops
25
Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by Hopalong on November 18, 2025, 08:55:27 AM »
Pup is much better, thanks! Although he did flunk out of training class in the first 10 minutes yesterday, alas. (My friend laughed so hard when she heard it; the more I pretend-guilt-tripped her the more she roared.) I will have to pony up for private sessions now.

I figured out some things yesterday: the problem is of course me, not him. Part One I believe its that the instruction is much too fast (for me) and with multiple quick steps. I just don't process or pivot quickly enough for the instructor's class pace, though she seems excellent and trains all over the region. I'll just explain that to her; like the dentist, I find a lot of professionals don't recognize my need for slower-paced info delivery for older brains, much less the ADHD ones. E.g., bend and wave the treat right in front of his nose and then lead his head around in a U shape, reward every time he looks at you for direction, use a clicker or use a word, avoid direct sight lines to other dogs, etc etc. My trouble starts with the quick repeated bending, which I've got about 5 minutes of before the back spasms. He's too damn short! I shoulda gotta greyhound! LOL. Part Two is me using self-discipline (I have heard of this concept, faintly) to do the homework daily. Part Three is keeping very flavorful training treats. I might try real bacon bits, which I already add to his food since he's so picky. Hot dogs are half chemicals and so slimy I hate handling them, ugh. Might as well take your dog to Arby's.

Now that I'm murdering chickens again (sob), your recipe made me drool.

Speaking of food, I decided with doc's approval to try a GLP-1 for three months. I just need to lose 25 pandemic pounds that I'd stapled on. Even if it just gives me a kickstart, I'm excited about it. The one she recommended is Zepbound which also has cardio-protective, anti-stroke and anti-dementia effects. Probably the extras only if you take it forever, which I'm reluctant to do unless the price REALLY sinks. The injection I could barely feel; the needle's the size of a spider's eyelash. Dunno if it's placebo effect, but I'm eating less already. Taking lowest available dose, and dunno if doubling that to the next dosage size after the three months will induce side effects. None whatever yet.

Hugs and I'm ready to move to your cottage now, Lighter -- the cold has arrived! :(
Hops
26
Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: The Lake House
« Last post by lighter on November 17, 2025, 07:15:51 PM »
Winterizing lake house, then rolling home.

It's strange to think, the lake, will be home soon.

Lighter
27
Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by lighter on November 17, 2025, 07:13:05 PM »
We're celebrating on the 25th, Hops, so will be looking for something to do on 27th as well.  The idea of snuggling into Netflix, pug wedged at my side, beckons. 
Right now I'm hanging 100" long draperies.... readying the lake house for my friend's family week-long TG celebration/retreat. 

Friend, and I, have been cleaning, shifting, and making beds for the last two days.  It soothes my heart to picture the house filled with babies and people in need of respite, and a safe place to rest.....the mother of an 18mo and non verbal 3yo son, is finishing up chemo (her mother's in jail.)  The other young (mid 20's) parents of a 7yo and 18mo, live with them in a 2 br apartment.  Not gonna lie.....their situations terrifies me.

I didn't mean to ramble on your thread Amber. 

Sorry pup is unwell, Hops.  Maybe we'll build an Amazon bonfire, on Thanksgiving day....for everyone.

Lighter








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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again
« Last post by lighter on November 16, 2025, 09:09:44 PM »
I'm working on it.....working on it in several directions. 

Lighter
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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again
« Last post by Hopalong on November 16, 2025, 08:57:31 PM »
Mine, too.
SO much renovation becomes an albatross, even before you fly to the Caribbean to supervise it.

Would love to see you free of it, Lighter.

hugs
Hops
30
Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025
« Last post by Hopalong on November 16, 2025, 01:54:04 PM »
Could I cook, I'd make Indian dishes with "soft spices" for a Friendsgiving.
As is, I'll either stay home and Netflix, or head to the UU congregation potluck with something bought, alas.

Just got a Tgiving card from my insurance broker. I'll get one or two more and that's so skimpy I don't put them on the piano any more. (Not that the piano top has an inch of room until I conquer it.)

Pup is better but had a return bout of his chandelier-shaking, roaring cough. Whooo.

Lastly, knowing your noses will be as happy as your eyes for this upcoming celebration, is a happy thing to ponder.

You might enjoy this one: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HKqntuhZGek
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