Sunday, January 19, 2014

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Rare owl followed the cold.

A snowy owl perches during rush hour in downtown Washington DC
-Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post -



46 comments:

  1. Good morning Deers! I had so much fun here yesterday. What a great Pond Family we have.

    I have a little fun shopping to do this afternoon. Gift for my secretary's baby shower. Yes, she's fired but is actually relieved because she knows she can't do the ever-increasing demands of the job. She has a 5 year old son, goes to night school, has a baby due in 4 weeks, and a full-time job. Spread too thin to focus at work. She has her priorities right: her family and her future career. Sometimes, something I think is going to be uncomfortable and hard turns out to be a blessing for all concerned. This is one of those times.

    On the way home from Babies R Us, I'm stopping by a huge consignment/flea market type of mall. I truly hate shopping unless I'm shopping for a wedding or new baby, or going to garage sales/flea market types of places.

    Today's true confession:
    My DH went to Heaven 6-1/2 years ago. I finished raising our son, moved half-way across the country, found a job that I love, settled into a little apartment that I love. About a month ago, I found myself noticing mature men and thinking hmmm I wouldn't mind having lunch and a conversation with him. My son, sister and SIL are pleasantly "well, it's about time" surprised. No one is more surprised than I am. I'm also a tad bit scared. Sigh. I leave this in God's hands. I'm open to Him putting myself and a man in each other's path. Does this make any sense at all?

    Anyway ... what is everyone doing today? Doing laundry then going shopping. Love you Deers.

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    1. With God's guidance, your family's love, and your Pond Family always here for you...you'll be fine, whatever path you choose.

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    2. Surfie, your comment makes me think of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3. 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven'. It sounds like a new chapter of your life is about to begin. That is good news! :)

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  2. Happy Sunday Ponders. Hope all are doing well.

    Surfie, God can orchestrate things on our behalf without us even being aware.

    Talked to my daughter this morning. Val had lost her ipod. Panic time. Turned the house upside down to find it. Well, she found it this morning inside Celeste's little purse with her little people and her little wallet. She knew Mom was looking for the ipod. Val said "Celeste it was in your purse the whole time." Celeste says "I know." What a little stinker.

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    1. Gloria, you are a caution! Can we still say that? (I had to look it up. Says "an amusing or surprising person." That's you. Celeste and the wallet would make a delightful children's book. You could have Celeste do the illustrations.

      Froggy got up in the night, so she is sleeping in. I'm up and waiting for the first football game, the Patriots at Denver Broncos. Our Seahawks play 49ers in Seattle at 3:30 west coast time.

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  3. well might know nuthin from nuthin, but sounds to me like Surfie still has a lot of lovin to give.I think your DH is so proud of all that you have done, and continue doing, that he would approve of you sharing some more of that kindness and love, best wishes, EC

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  4. Surfie, you go, girl! And have fun.

    Denver is going to the Super Bowl! Yee-Haa! I'm thrilled for Peyton. (Plus two Georgia players are on the team, Champ Bailey & Knowshon Moreno.)

    Getting ready to watch the Seahawks take on the 49ers. After watching Nancy Pelosi's embarrassing attempt to talk about the SF QB (Oooh, he has such big arms and big tattoos), I just about barfed.

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  5. Our Seahawks won! Our Broncos won! Unbelievable. Football is almost tooo exciting. Froggy is already rooting for her Broncos. I don't know who to root for. I love both teams.

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    1. Today's game was exciting even for me.

      I am going to eastern Washington tomorrow. Coming back Thursday. SIL is on this side working and will be home for a few days. We will go in my car. Egad, Scott is already complaining about having to make his own food and do dishes for 2 days.

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    2. Gloria, have a good trip! I would love to take off and see my grandson whenever I want. One of these years...

      Wog, and Gloria - Yep, I'm also excited about the Seahawk's win! The last quarter was a real nail-biter, and I thought hubby was going to blow an artery or something!

      Some people are calling the super bowl the "marijuana bowl", since both teams are from states that legalized pot. So proud of that. /s

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  6. Gloria, have a great trip. Be safe.

    I'm rooting for Denver, but I'm soooooo glad we won't have to hear Nancy Pelosi drool over big arms with tattoos anymore. I don't know whether Seattle can match up well with Peyton & the gang, but they proved anything is possible.

    Paget, yeah I heard all the Pot Bowl references. Good thing the game itself is going to be played in New Jersey. No legal pot here. I can't imagine why anyone would think it's a big deal. Are pot smokers big football fans? Doesn't seem so. Maybe we'll see some funny signs during the pre-game silliness.

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  7. Good Morning,
    Time to start the week. Football day was more exciting than I could imagine! Can't believe the teams that are going to Super Bowl. On news, they are calling it "Pot Bowl."

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  8. We're waiting for another storm. Forecasts say 9-12". I wonder if it'll be that bad. It was pretty sunny today, albeit cold. I went shopping just in case we're stuck inside for a day or two. Maybe I'll awake to a winter wonderland :)

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    1. Eva, the winter wonderland is on it's way. Just don't run out of cat food! That's what Sis and I always say. The weather in LA looks hot and sticky. They had a bad-air alert. Glad you got away from there.

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    2. Stay safe and warm, Eva. According to the weather report I just read, it should start snowing around noon today. Are you and Joe on propane? Is there really a shortage?

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  9. Good Morning, Ponders, from Seattle...
    Hi Surfie...This is a good day to be living west of the east coast. I don't miss snow. I don't miss shoveling snow. I don't miss trying to drive (and slide and get stuck) in the snow.

    I hope they catch those women, and whoever else is an idiot, who are trying to spoil the Olympics. We look forward to seeing them, especially the figure skating. I like the luge because it is a totally insane thing to do.

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  10. It's snowing!!!!! Actually, it's snowing sideways. It's funny because if it weren't for the wind, we'd have a lot of accumulation. We're definitely staying indoors. We aren't on propane, Surfie. If there's a shortage, I don't know about it.

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  11. Hi ladies. We have been dog-sitting and forgot to watch the football games. Will not forget the 'pot bowl'. It's going down to 34 degrees here so will probably freeze at EC's. EC to answer your question, I go to Tampa VA and receive excellent care. Wish all VA's were as good. NCIS night ! with a pet peeve. Wish NCIS would quit carrying the story line into two and three episodes --- I don't care watching soap operas. I'll leave with this help site. TTFN.

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ttfn

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  12. Eva, please check in tonight or in the AM. Stay safe!

    Phooey and EC, I've been looking at your weather. Since I lived most of my adult life on the beach in SoCal, I can imagine what you are going through. It must be a shock to be this cold for such a long time. Stay warm, friends. EC, hope your plants survive!

    See you all in the am!

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  13. Put blankets and garbage cans over the curley crotons, the rest of the plants are on their own. Puppies did their bidnez and are in the house, they do Not like this weather. Shiloh was on the rig with us and knows snow in Green Bay, Molly is only 2 and a Floridah girl so she just doesn't get it all, she wants me to turn on the heat, Outside !! I am in Florida after spending 40 years dealing with ice, snow and cold, no thank you.

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  14. I hear you, EC. Joe keeps going to check on Bambu, who keeps burrowing deeper and deeper under the comforter. I told him that Bambu isn't an idiot and he'll come out when he's hungry or if he has to use the litter box. Otherwise, he's staying where he knows it's warm. I'm not sure what the neighbors with dogs are doing now. Probably the same thing your dogs are doing - taking care of business and getting back inside as fast as they can. I usually see a parade of dog walking up and down our street, but not this week. I've got a lot of respect for the seagulls here. Man, are they hardy creatures!

    Our heat and power are holding firm. I "suited up" to go help Joe shovel the driveway and start up the cars, but he sent me back in. The first adventure was getting out the front door. Snow drifts driven by the wind were halfway up. We left the back door alone. Also, snow drifts are keeping us from opening the second floor windows on the south side of the house.Not that we want to open the windows.

    The high today was 16 and the low was 3. Wind chill dropped both by 5 degrees. Schools were closed today, but Joe has to go back to work tomorrow. The temps won't be any better, either. We're due for another snow on Saturday. Well, I asked for this when we moved east. It just doesn't help that our friends in L.A. keep sending us pictures of them frolicking along the Pacific in short sleeves!!!

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    1. Eva, I laughed out loud about your friends in L.A. sending you pictures. I used to get the same thing. Even though the climate and social culture are vastly different here, I'm so glad I moved back home. I know you and Joe haven't been back very long, but how are you feeling about it? Hope good!

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    2. Surfie, I just got a little video from a friend, showing him running along the beach in Malibu with his dog! Boy, they really know how to rub it in. I'm going to have to send a picture of me making a snowman. I haven't done that since I was a child and I figure this is my opportunity. I'm going to try it in the backyard, though, so no one here sees me. Of course, I can't get into the backyard yet, but I should be able to tomorrow.

      As far as how we feel about being here, we aren't sorry we made the decision to move. It was past time, especially with regards to Joe's parents. The fact that he can drive up to see them on the weekends is a blessing. His mother doesn't really understand that we live close by now and marvels that he visits so often from Los Angeles. That's okay. I'm just glad they both remember who we are!

      On my side, the ability to visit Georgia to help my niece with baby Nathaniel and to see my other great nephew and my father more often is wonderful. I still have to get on a plane, but a flight of 1 1/2 hours as opposed to a flight of 4 hours (plus all the driving to and from LAX, security time, etc.) is much, much easier.

      All things considered, I think there is more positive than not. There's a lot that is still up in the air, but bit by bit, we'll figure things out. It's a process, isn't it?

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  15. Good Evening Ponders,
    Seems that I missed all the snow reports today. Can I brag about Seattle. Cold, sunny afternoons, no rain, no snow. Ha! Love the Bambu story. Froggy had a boy cat that found a way to lift up the edge of a blanket and crawl under onto the bed. We had to be careful that no one sat on him.

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    1. That's funny, 'Wog. I think about that, too. Sometimes I can't tell the difference between a Bambu bump and the usual lumpy comforter. I always lightly tap first. If I hear a cranky growl, I back off :)

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    2. Hi Eva and fellow cat lovers,
      Not a good idea to sit on your cat. Flat cats can puff up quickly and get extra mad. We sure miss having a kitty around.

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  16. Froggy saw this story about the snowy owl, and wanted it for our Ponders.

    "People have been looking up more than usual to see snowy owls in the United States, from Revere Beach, Mass., to Little Talbot Island State Park near Jacksonville, Fla."

    READ: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-snowy-owl-perches-itself-atop-an-awning-during-rush-hour-in-downtown-washington/2014/01/22/49ca88c6-83bb-11e3-bbe5-6a2a3141e3a9_story.html

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  17. NEWS FROM THE NEWS:

    Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to deliver State of the Union response
    By Michael A. Memoli / January 23, 2014

    WASHINGTON -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington will deliver the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address next week, party leaders announced Thursday.

    McMorris Rodgers, a fifth-term congresswoman, currently chairs the House Republican Conference, the fourth-ranking position in leadership. She’s also the mother of three children -- one born just two months ago -- and will become the first Republican woman since former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman in 1995 to deliver a State of the Union response speech by herself.

    Putting McMorris Rodgers into this prominent role is a signal that party leaders understand the need to grow their appeal among women voters in the coming midterm elections.

    READ: http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-gop-response-20140123,0,5653941.story#ixzz2rK1VrEPz

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  18. NEWS FROM HAWAII:

    Biggest storm surge in decades brings monster waves to Hawaii
    By Matt Pearce / January 22, 2014

    Some of the biggest waves to hit Hawaii in years began slamming onto shore Wednesday, turning beachgoers into spectators as waves up to 40 feet tall crashed into idyllic getaways.

    Waves up to 50 feet high were feared on the famous North Shore of Oahu and at other islands. Beaches were closed across the island chain as the surge was expected to peak Wednesday night and remain potentially dangerous through Thursday.

    Coastal roads and parking lots reportedly flooded as wind gusts up to 40 mph whipped onlookers and tore fronds from palm trees. Officials urged surfers not to risk their lives to ride the violent surges.

    READ -PICS -VIDEOS: http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-hawaii-surf-20140122,0,7724091.story#ixzz2rK7Ft0qd

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  19. Hi all. Drove back from eastern Washington yesterday. Didn't get home till 7PM. Scott and Steve were both sick with flu while I was gone. Not to worry, Dr Mom is back. What a couple of whiny grouchy babies.

    About Cathy McMorris Rogers of whom I tend to approve. I will definitely be watching her speech. As for Obama his very voice gets on my nerves. I am sure that I will hear all the neccessary points that he makes from others.

    Everyone have a great day. I will be catching up today.

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    1. Gloria, so about your sick family. The flu is pretty miserable. I get shots for everything, but Froggy can't because of allergies. About the Great and Wonderful O, he's made a mess of our country. When his time is up from "running???" our formerly-prosperous country, he and the fam will move to Hawaii and live on the beach. So we'll see if Cathy McMorris Rogers can sway anyone to our common-sense side.

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  20. Oh dear, Gloria. There's nothing like having to doctor a guy! They just can't handle it. Good luck, doc!

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    1. Eva, you got that right. (sorry Phooey. You know we love you.)

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  21. I've never heard of Cathy McMorris Rodgers, but will watch her response. Also read that Mike Lee will deliver a Tea Party response. Don't know yet if Mike Lee's response will be carried nationally. I will grit my teeth and watch the entire State of the Union address by Barry (after removing all objects within reach capable of killing my TV when thrown at it).

    Remember when Supreme Court Judge Sam Alito mouthed "you lie" at Barry during Barry's first State of the Union speech? Loved it. Tuesday's speech might be interesting if anyone in the chamber has the guts of Alito.

    Glad you made it home safe & sound, Gloria. So true that men are terrible babies when they're sick! Good thing they don't have to be pregnant, go through labor and delivery, or there wouldn't be a single person on the planet. But they are so good at so many things. I remember many times when I was in a dither about something and hubs would just go straight to the point, the solution, and get it done. I would stand back in awe and think "I just love men." Men and women are so different, and it is a wonderful thing. (Not going to write an epistle now about how our society should get over trying to make us the same but celebrate how we are naturally different and go together like peas and carrots.) I think it's great fun for men and women to poke fun at each other.

    WOG, I haven't visited the link about the huge waves in Hawaii yet but will tonight. Hubs and I spent our honeymoon on the north shore of Oahu. Big surf spot called the Pipeline. We were there on a regular day and the waves were so enormous they made the ground shake when they crashed. The power of this Earth is awe-inspiring.

    Eva, can you get into your back yard yet to build that snowman?

    EC and Phooey, how are you and the landscapes holding up?

    Had another hectic week at work. New secretary started Wednesday. This young woman has a high school education but has the magic bullets: she is smart, has common sense, is comfortable with herself without being arrogant, has her personal life together. I turned her loose today (her 3rd day at work) with some very difficult data input that she had to really think about. Before posting it to the general ledger, I checked everything to make sure it was entered correctly. 100% correct!

    I work for a company that will promote people into positions of authority (bigger paychecks along with) if you can do THINK. Love my job.

    Lots going on in my little world this weekend. Love you Deers. See you in the AM.

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    1. Surfie, you add joy to everyday. Love your posts. Glad new secretary is working out for your company. About the big waves, I think they are surfing at The Mavericks now. I am fascinated that people really tackle those giant waves.

      I didn't know Cathy McMorris Rodgers either. But we'll all know her after the State of the Union speech. News about the government is too scary to read some days, and too depressing. I like your plan. Maybe you could get some foam balls to throw at the TV.

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    2. WOG, I think the Mavericks surf contest was yesterday. They expected 30' to 40' waves. Biggest wave I ever surfed was 3' and it scared the daylights out of me!

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    3. Hi Surfie, I guess you and I are the early risers this weekend. Even a 3' wave is scary to me. I don't swim. Was always afraid of the water, even in a swimming pool. But I love to watch the surfers along San Diego. Sometimes I would watch from one of the piers. Nowadays I put on fins, float on my back, and kick like crazy. So I do manage to enjoy a pool.

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  22. BASEBALL HISTORY REAPPEARS:

    Babe Ruth's 1923 Series watch headed to auction, expected to fetch $750G
    Published January 24, 2014 / Associated Press

    NEW YORK – Babe Ruth's 1923 World Series championship pocket watch, for decades thought to be lost to history, is coming to a New York City auction, where it's expected to fetch at least $750,000.

    Ruth batted .368 and hit three homers in the 1923 World Series as the Yankees won the championship by beating the New York Giants in six games. It was a pivotal year for the franchise, as it moved into Yankee Stadium and won its first of 27 World Series championships.

    The pentagonal gold timepiece is being sold at Heritage Auction's Feb. 22 sale

    GOOD-STORY: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/01/24/babe-ruth-123-series-watch-headed-to-auction-expected-to-fetch-750g/?intcmp=latestnews

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  23. Surfie, you are our cooking expert. Question to any Ponders who have a crockpot. I just saw a recipe online for baked potatoes in crockpot. I'm hungry right now, and they looked scrumptious. My question is what is the best size crockpot for two people?

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    1. How is our Froggy today? We have sunshine coming through the window today.

      Don't know if I mentioned it but while driving on I 90 I noticed that the reservoir Lake Katchess is very low. That doesn't look good for next summer.
      Wog, how adventurous of you to try a crockpot. They come in all sizes and are very versatile. I think I saw that recipe for cooking baked potatoes in one. My own has one base and 3 different sized crocks although I use the small 2 quart the most. For those times when you want food at a certain time but must be gone during the day.

      I don't have a lot going on today. I will make time to watch my online church today and plan for dinner which will be simple since I am still dealing with 2 whiny baby grumpy pants men.

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    2. Gloria, Thanks for the crockpot info. I really didn't know what size would be good. The pic of those baked potatoes looked so tasty. Enjoy the sunshine.

      Froggy is okay. She's not going to be happy until her leg is healed. She just said Hi to everyone on her way back to bed.

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    3. I cook every day but don't have a crockpot. I've been thinking about getting one but would only use it on the weekends when I'm home. The thought of a crockpot cooking all day when I'm at work makes me nervous.

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    4. Surfie, a crockpot cooking for hours makes Froggy nervous too. She won't let me buy one, but I keep begging. I could do like you suggest, and just use it on weekends when I am home.

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  24. WE HAVE A WINNER -THE BIGGEST LIE ON THE PLANET:

    Report: North Korea claims to have landed a man on the sun
    By Dan Calabrese / Friday, January 24, 2014

    The source for this is something I’ve never heard of before today - a web site called Waterford Whispers News. There was a report last year from Investors Business Daily that the Norks had announced their intention to put a man on the sun.

    (snip)
    Hung, who traveled alone, reached his destination some four hours later, landing his craft on the far side of the lonely star.

    “We are very delighted to announce a successful mission to put a man on the sun.” a North Korean central news anchor man said on a live broadcast earlier. “North Korea has beaten every other country in the world to the sun. Hung Il Gong is a hero and deserves a hero’s welcome when he returns home later this evening.”

    The specially trained astronaut is expected to return back to earth at 9pm tonight, where he will meet his uncle and supreme leader Kim Jong-un.

    It is understood that the 17-year-old ‘space explorer’ traveled at night to avoid being engulfed by the suns rays. . .

    READ:
    http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/60693

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