Recent Posts

71

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Yard

« Last post by Hopalong on March 22, 2026, 07:55:02 PM »

A LOT of accomplishment for one early spring day, Lighter. Good on you.

I remember and MISS that tired-body feeling after a day of gardening.

Soon your house will be ready for market and you can get excited about your new personal nest at the lake.

hugs
Hops

72

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Yard

« Last post by lighter on March 22, 2026, 06:33:59 PM »

I have sit, and cool down in the breeze, for a minute, as I'm 2/3 the through clearing 10 years of leaf debris under the luyken laurels in front of my home.  Poor poor dear things have suffered such neglect, bc the moss, hydrangeas, ferns, and Linton Roses were heavily favored..... it's just time to do the dirty.

Today, I'm vacuuming leaves, pruning, and feeding the Laurels Miracle Grow, in hopes of bringing them back to their glory.  There's 2 in the back....I should give the wee sorry things some care also, but not today.  They're flanked, by two overgrown Camellia bushes ....now tree sized.  When I went to see how they're doing, I faced was faced with DD, her bf and they're uncovered bedroom window.  SO Lighter.

My heads pounding and I'm pink faced......will be lucky to finish the front.

The Rhododendron, near the Laurels, has grown quite large, blocking all views from the street, which is the point.  It's twice the height of the rail, whoo hoo!  I've just cut it back from the driveway....might take the highest couple of branches off, to even it up.

All the Hemlocks look healthy .....all the transplants are growing in every direction!!  Very happy about that.

Lighter

73

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 22, 2026, 01:38:07 PM »

I hear that and I get it.
It shocks me at times when a wave of loneliness comes.

Eventually my sea settles again.

Some days I'm okay with being a speck on a speck in a speck of a universe.

Other days I can't BELIEVE how on my own I feel.

But if I distract, or create (anything) or even tidy up, I get through it.

hugs,
Hops

74

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Meh on March 21, 2026, 11:46:22 PM »

Oh, haha, well I am not truly in a situation to get any sort of pets.

Merely lamenting random thoughts of various types of being lonely I guess.

75

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 21, 2026, 04:27:00 PM »

God, your cats sound FANTASTIC, Amber!

I'm wondering if at 75, I could have "outgrown" the allergy?
Only one way to find out. One allergist appointment for one test.

I'm sorely tempted. Willing to do the shots, even.

Meh, could a cat or two do the job? They really are cheap to support.

hugs
Hops

76

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by sKePTiKal on March 21, 2026, 10:14:05 AM »

Much as I love Knuckles, I'm really more of a cat person. It's not true that cat are more independent, it's a matter of degrees and the personality of the cat. Freddy is totally capable of being a fulltime outdoor cat; but he is very affectionate - without being needy. Pickles is enjoying outdoors more now, but still comes to curl up on my lap for pets and a doze. She also "puts me to bed" at night... Stinker is my big armful of cat; he's all muscle - but such a lovey boy and is going through a "needy" period. Lucy is the funny kitty, all rolly "pet my belly" - IF you can. And even Jack - the Prince of Darkness - who will stay out all night hunting - will occasionally request a pet or three and make biscuits on one of the blankets.

Care wise, I think cats are easier. If I'm going to be gone for a week, I can set out enough crunchies for them till I get back. Litter boxes need scooping, but that's not so bad when they're outside more often.

77

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 20, 2026, 01:54:29 PM »

Nice memories. My town was pretty small in the 50s (say 15,000) but the University adds a lot of people. It's still bucolic in most neighborhoods but the newer developments are ticky tacky, imo -- HMOs drain all character. (Trying not to be NIMBY.) Still, loads of trees everywhere, and views of the mountains make up for anything. I painted my place a sagey light green with a BRIGHT blue door. Every house is its own thing.

Kids? There are still kids? Indoors on screens. Sigh. Pound puppies or senior dogs can be free or super cheap on "seniors days." Good luck....my souldog was $50 (recovering from surgery) and they will reduce it if you're strapped. They also send you home with a crate, leashes, toys and food to get started. If you sign up to FOSTER, the dog also gets free veterinary care indefinitely. For a small dog, food is cheap. Disclaimer: this Pup was so picky at first it took a fair amount of wasted food before I found the kind he's impressed with (Sundays is the brand). A quarter-cup twice a day doesn't break the bank. Plus he gets tidbits from me a lot: corners of sliced cheese, a little veggie soup, etc.

I gave all the other food to my neighbor and she/her pooches were happy.

hugs
Hops

78

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: The island

« Last post by lighter on March 20, 2026, 10:06:52 AM »

Honestly, Amber....
maybe.

It's depends on final outcome, imo.

Lighter

79

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Meh on March 19, 2026, 10:56:12 PM »

What a great assignment...to go choose a stuffie that comforts you.

My dog is a living stuffie who loves disemboweling the manufactured ones. I finally stopped getting them because bending over and over to get fluff off the floor couldn't continue.

I went on a hunt for strong, unstuffed toys. What a relief to find some. As long as he's chomping, he's happy. And in the morning and at night, he's a warm, living hug of a companion who is clamped to my side like a barnacle. I can feel my BP going down and my breathing relax...he is my partner. My source of loving touch.

I remember the first time I handled a Gund stuffed toy. A revelation! Doesn't matter if it's a placebo effect, I believe the endorphins studies.

hugs
Hops

Dogs = Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin... no wonder people love them.

One day I got a dog out of a cardboard box of puppies in this town I lived in as a kid and it probably cost 15.00 it was some kind of fluffy orange chow. Like growing up we didn't take dogs to a groomers ever never. And they didn't cost thousands of dollars and there weren't forms and paperwork to fill out. So many many things in life used to be different. Now dogs seem like a luxury product. Getting a dog was a small town commonplace thing if someone's dog had puppies they would sell them for a minor cost just to get rid of them all.

80

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Meh on March 19, 2026, 10:06:16 PM »

The "Wellbutrin effect" on executive function usually comes down to its impact on Norepinephrine (energy/urgency) and Dopamine (focus/reward).

I don't believe I have REAL anhedonia or have ever had it really.  ???