What is blogging etiquette? That is what I want to know. So, readers, you can tell me.
I follow several blogs. For the great majority of them I follow by email. Of course, the email usually arrives a day late so I tend to be a bit behind. Other bloggers who tend to post on a more regular schedule are listed on my blog page and I change it up from time to time.
Let me say that I do not always leave a comment when I read a post. Sometimes I have nothing to say, nothing nice to say (LOL), or do not have the time. Often I go back a make a comment after quiet thought.
My question becomes one of what should be expected by bloggers. I have few comments on my blog. That is not what bothers me. What bothers me is the many number of bloggers whom I read who never reply to any comments on their blogs, never visit my blog and comment, or perhaps never even read my blog. (One blogger was actually very rude one time and told me she was a serious garden blogger and did not have time for silly awards.)
There are a few bloggers who, after I comment on their blog, come to my blog and post something. Fair enough. But what about the rest of them?
To me, you either reply to my comment or come to my blog. Am I wrong? Am I too needy?
Frankly, I do not care one way or the other as I do not post for others, but for myself. But I am curious as to what other bloggers expect. Do you expect a comment from your readers, though I am sure we are all thrilled to get them. Do you prefer to reply to the comments on your site or go the the bloggers site to comment? Do you just want folks to visit your page and say 'tough cookies' to their site? (and I am pretty sure some bloggers fit this category though they may be loathe to admit it)
I have been thinking that I could save myself precious minutes each day if I just ignored some of these folks I have followed for years. Their posts may be interesting, but it is like picking up the check for coffee every time with never getting even a 'thank you'.
This all becomes a question as I gear up for the A to Z Challenge. Many of the blogs I follow were found during the challenges over the past few years. And, many of my followers came from the same challenge.
So, readers, what say you?
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Where Did They Go?
How did it just happen overnight? There one day, gone the next? What did Google do?
Since I first started this blog, I have had a list of blogs that I follow on my home page. Each morning I check to see the new posts. I do not subscribe to emails from everyone, and some blogs do not even show that option. So, imagine my surprise this morning when I went to read the new posts and my blog list had disappeared from the page.
Then when I checked my layout, the gadget was also missing. I know I did not delete it. I sent an email to the Google team, but as of now, I have received no response (they are probably reacting to The Donald's latest accusations).
So, I checked the blog list on my profile and stated adding back some of the blogs. I think I will try to still keep it down to the bloggers who post regularly. Unfortunately, some of them do not show up in my list and now I will have to wait for emails, since there is no way I can remember everyone.
Ugh! Is it just me, or has someone else had this same issue?
Since I first started this blog, I have had a list of blogs that I follow on my home page. Each morning I check to see the new posts. I do not subscribe to emails from everyone, and some blogs do not even show that option. So, imagine my surprise this morning when I went to read the new posts and my blog list had disappeared from the page.
Then when I checked my layout, the gadget was also missing. I know I did not delete it. I sent an email to the Google team, but as of now, I have received no response (they are probably reacting to The Donald's latest accusations).
So, I checked the blog list on my profile and stated adding back some of the blogs. I think I will try to still keep it down to the bloggers who post regularly. Unfortunately, some of them do not show up in my list and now I will have to wait for emails, since there is no way I can remember everyone.
Ugh! Is it just me, or has someone else had this same issue?
Friday, August 26, 2016
Flashback Friday Blogfest - January, 2010
Today I am joining the Flashback Friday blogfest, hosted by Michael D'Agostino over at My Life Examined. He asks the question 'How Long Have You Been Blogging?'. Update: This was actually the question in May. Ooops. Here is the current link.
The following post was my sixth blog post on January 6, 2010. It was read by exactly one brave soul. Thank you, whoever you were.
I must say that not much has changed in my reasons for blogging, though lately I am into just pasting lots of photos on my pages. Here goes:
Blogging for Dollars - NOT!
OK. Let's face it. No one is going to write a book or make a movie about this blog.
This past week I watched "Julie and Julia" based on a blog about cooking all the recipes in Julia Child's first cookbook. None of us would realistically do this, would we? There are 50 pages on sauces alone. I cook a lot and have even taken classes at Schoolcraft College on sauces, but no way would I make all 50 pages of sauces in one year.
Yesterday, there was an article on the web about a woman who lived a year of her life following everything Oprah said to do. Now I have only watched Oprah's show once. I was on vacation and my travelling companion insisted on watching the show with Sarah Jessica Parker launching her new line of clothing. (I've never seen 'Sex and the City' either). This woman blogged about 'living la vida Oprah' and turned it into a book. I say, 'Who Cares?'
Today another article on the net is about a woman who spent a year blogging about her search for a husband. Well, thinking about some of the losers I've met since I have been single, her blog might have some humorous stuff in it.
The point being, I started this for myself and to put my thoughts down. If friends or acquaintances find something interesting, so be it. If they say 'who cares', that is OK too. But don't look for me to be on Oprah's couch anytime in 2011.
This past week I watched "Julie and Julia" based on a blog about cooking all the recipes in Julia Child's first cookbook. None of us would realistically do this, would we? There are 50 pages on sauces alone. I cook a lot and have even taken classes at Schoolcraft College on sauces, but no way would I make all 50 pages of sauces in one year.
Yesterday, there was an article on the web about a woman who lived a year of her life following everything Oprah said to do. Now I have only watched Oprah's show once. I was on vacation and my travelling companion insisted on watching the show with Sarah Jessica Parker launching her new line of clothing. (I've never seen 'Sex and the City' either). This woman blogged about 'living la vida Oprah' and turned it into a book. I say, 'Who Cares?'
Today another article on the net is about a woman who spent a year blogging about her search for a husband. Well, thinking about some of the losers I've met since I have been single, her blog might have some humorous stuff in it.
The point being, I started this for myself and to put my thoughts down. If friends or acquaintances find something interesting, so be it. If they say 'who cares', that is OK too. But don't look for me to be on Oprah's couch anytime in 2011.
OK. So, if you are interested in joining, just sign up below. And thanks to the Doglady's Den for alerting me to this.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
A Blogging Update and semi-Holiday
I finished my fourth A to Z Challenge yesterday. It was an enjoyable, if rather hectic, trip this year.
I had most of my posts figured out and roughed-in in advance of April 1. But then I found my self re-writing and revising all month. But more of that when I write my reflections post.
Meanwhile, I had also been busy with Charlie and his second birthday party. Does this look like a train? I tried my best.
Then we had a few days of good weather, so I tried to do some yard work. I laid a few rolls of sod to fill in an area where I killed grass last year. Bent grass has invaded my bluegrass lawn and I cleared out about 40 square feet of it from the front yard. I may just eliminate the grass on the side where all the storm water drains from the property.
I've also decided that those yews I trimmed back last year need to be completely removed along with two others around the deck. I am waiting for my garden helper to come this week and start cutting. He has already ripped out a lot of cotoneaster. I'll show before and after photos later this season.
I've been busy in the kitchen cooking too. I had some recipes to test for America's Test Kitchen and I also started receiving food from Blue Apron. I'll blog about that later this month.
Inside the house, I have only one orchid plant left after getting rid of all my others. I got tired of fighting the scale invasion and just tossed everything. I still have my beautiful hoya plant that is now more than 40 years old. It has decided to send out a bunch of new waxy blooms and the scent is heavenly.
There is still lots of stuff going on this month, so I will likely only blog once a week. I'll try to keep up with all the blogs I follow so I'll still be online. I'll let everyone know if and when I discontinue my blog. Thanks for stopping by.
I had most of my posts figured out and roughed-in in advance of April 1. But then I found my self re-writing and revising all month. But more of that when I write my reflections post.
Meanwhile, I had also been busy with Charlie and his second birthday party. Does this look like a train? I tried my best.
Then we had a few days of good weather, so I tried to do some yard work. I laid a few rolls of sod to fill in an area where I killed grass last year. Bent grass has invaded my bluegrass lawn and I cleared out about 40 square feet of it from the front yard. I may just eliminate the grass on the side where all the storm water drains from the property.
I've also decided that those yews I trimmed back last year need to be completely removed along with two others around the deck. I am waiting for my garden helper to come this week and start cutting. He has already ripped out a lot of cotoneaster. I'll show before and after photos later this season.
I've been busy in the kitchen cooking too. I had some recipes to test for America's Test Kitchen and I also started receiving food from Blue Apron. I'll blog about that later this month.
Inside the house, I have only one orchid plant left after getting rid of all my others. I got tired of fighting the scale invasion and just tossed everything. I still have my beautiful hoya plant that is now more than 40 years old. It has decided to send out a bunch of new waxy blooms and the scent is heavenly.
There is still lots of stuff going on this month, so I will likely only blog once a week. I'll try to keep up with all the blogs I follow so I'll still be online. I'll let everyone know if and when I discontinue my blog. Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Five Years and Counting... a Blog Anniversary
It's been five years since I started this blog. What started out as just a way to talk about my day, has turned into a mish-mosh of just about anything and everything.
Along the way I considered not blogging. Then decided I would continue.
I promised myself I would blog often, and then fell back and missed days at a time.
I ranted and griped. And then went into the kitchen and baked off my anger.
I've shared my travel adventures and my family get-togethers, my gardening and my cooking.
And whilst I did all those things, I found new blog friends to read and enjoy.
Had I been starting my blog today I would tell you that I put away all of my Christmas decorations. It took over four hours and my house looks infinitely bigger inside without all the Santas, trees, and garland.
For dinner I made lamb chops Genghis Khan based on the rack of lamb recipe from The Lark restaurant here in West Bloomfield. I was starving and ate more than I should have done. But I rationalized that by telling myself I had made a gazillion trips up and down the stairs putting all the decorations back in the basement. (I really need a dumbwaiter that I can load up which would eliminate carrying everything.)
I found time to watch some TV, do laundry, vacuum, play some Scrabble and now, blog. All in all a rather busy start to the New Year.
It is very cold here but at least it isn't snowing. I attribute that to my buying a new snow-blower and also hiring someone to clean the heavy snows from my drive.
Tomorrow I have a yoga class and have absolutely nothing else planned. I may just totally relax over the next few days before I start baby-sitting again.
Oh, maybe I'll try to find something to blog about.
Along the way I considered not blogging. Then decided I would continue.
I promised myself I would blog often, and then fell back and missed days at a time.
I ranted and griped. And then went into the kitchen and baked off my anger.
I've shared my travel adventures and my family get-togethers, my gardening and my cooking.
And whilst I did all those things, I found new blog friends to read and enjoy.
Had I been starting my blog today I would tell you that I put away all of my Christmas decorations. It took over four hours and my house looks infinitely bigger inside without all the Santas, trees, and garland.
For dinner I made lamb chops Genghis Khan based on the rack of lamb recipe from The Lark restaurant here in West Bloomfield. I was starving and ate more than I should have done. But I rationalized that by telling myself I had made a gazillion trips up and down the stairs putting all the decorations back in the basement. (I really need a dumbwaiter that I can load up which would eliminate carrying everything.)
I found time to watch some TV, do laundry, vacuum, play some Scrabble and now, blog. All in all a rather busy start to the New Year.
It is very cold here but at least it isn't snowing. I attribute that to my buying a new snow-blower and also hiring someone to clean the heavy snows from my drive.
Tomorrow I have a yoga class and have absolutely nothing else planned. I may just totally relax over the next few days before I start baby-sitting again.
Oh, maybe I'll try to find something to blog about.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
When Life Gives You Lemons...
This is a story of the carpet, the thorn, the rain, the cable, and CVS (not the drugstore chain).
Let's start with my absence from blogging. That is primarily due to CVS, computer vision syndrome. While trying to focus on the screen, I see 'floaty thingies'. I experienced this same type of thing years ago when I worked in Special Hematology at the hospital and spent most of my day at a microscope. The doctor had me do eye exercises. The easiest thing for me to do now is sit here and wear my glasses. Or, just take some time away from the computer, which should be easier, but is actually harder to do. So much of my life is online communicating with friends and even looking up my recipes (more about that later).
The carpet. Finally installed one week ago. After telling the company I was not waiting another week for installation. It is very soft. One of my sons said it was soft enough to sleep on.
The thorn. Two weeks after having had a barberry thorn go through my work glove and into a finger I finally saw a doctor. When the incident happened, I thought I had removed all of it, but persistent pain said that was not the case. Having experienced this before, I called the dermatologist. She lanced the finger and tried to poke around with some forceps but said that because of where the thorn was in my finger, she needed to send me to a hand surgeon. Not having one available that day, the plastic surgery nurse told me to go to emergency to have it checked out. That doctor sent me for an x-ray and gave me some antibiotics. I was told to go home and soak the finger in warm water and dilute hydrogen peroxide (which is what I did when it happened). Two days later at the hand surgeon's office I felt like an idiot because I told him I no longer felt any foreign object in my finger. I thought it might have been ejected after all the poking and soaking. He agreed it was possible. He then turned out all the lights in the room, placed the flashlight on his smartphone under my finger and pronounced the finger good as new. He then borrowed another doctor's cell phone so that he could use the light on it to then take a picture of the finger with his cell phone. Which he then sent to my medical file with a voice instruction. Here is the best part: the doctor who ordered the expensive x-ray was probably no more than 35 years old. The doctor who took the cell phone picture? He graduated from medical school in 1960 and is 79 years old. I Googled him when I got home. I must say I am very impressed. Who says you can't teach on old dog new tricks?
The rain. I thought last year's rain was bad. This seems worse. Maybe it is just my imagination. I have puddles everywhere. Every time I check Doppler radar I see more rain clouds. Fortunately, one of my purchases this spring was some waterproof rain boots for the garden. I may be wearing them all summer if things don't dry up. I have a lot of work to do outside as the animals destroyed all of the cotoneaster ground cover. I need to cut it all back to the ground and let it rejuvenate itself. The last time this happened was in 2007. I only remember it because I still had my leg in a cast and was immobile and my sister and her husband kindly cut it all down for me.
The cable TV. For the last three weeks I have been having problems with certain channels on the cable HD network. After issues again on Sunday, the company said they would send someone out today. Of course, this morning everything was working fine. When the tech called before coming out, I told him it was OK. He said they had been working on the problem and gave me his cell phone number in case it happens again. On Tuesday night, right in the middle of the climax (one of many) during the season finale of 'Agents of Shield', the sound went out and I had to quickly switch to the regular channel. You can bet that I will be keeping the cell phone number taped to the back of the TV controller.
Lemons. I may have mentioned before that I love the taste of lemon. I have lots of lemon recipes. So, I decided to create a Pinterest board of lemon dessert recipes. Two boards actually. First 'When Life Gives You Lemons' is a collection of 50+ desserts. The other is just 'Lemon Cakes'. If you love lemon as much as I do, check them out. I am sure you will find something to make your moth, oops, mouth water.
Have a great day!
Let's start with my absence from blogging. That is primarily due to CVS, computer vision syndrome. While trying to focus on the screen, I see 'floaty thingies'. I experienced this same type of thing years ago when I worked in Special Hematology at the hospital and spent most of my day at a microscope. The doctor had me do eye exercises. The easiest thing for me to do now is sit here and wear my glasses. Or, just take some time away from the computer, which should be easier, but is actually harder to do. So much of my life is online communicating with friends and even looking up my recipes (more about that later).
The carpet. Finally installed one week ago. After telling the company I was not waiting another week for installation. It is very soft. One of my sons said it was soft enough to sleep on.
The thorn. Two weeks after having had a barberry thorn go through my work glove and into a finger I finally saw a doctor. When the incident happened, I thought I had removed all of it, but persistent pain said that was not the case. Having experienced this before, I called the dermatologist. She lanced the finger and tried to poke around with some forceps but said that because of where the thorn was in my finger, she needed to send me to a hand surgeon. Not having one available that day, the plastic surgery nurse told me to go to emergency to have it checked out. That doctor sent me for an x-ray and gave me some antibiotics. I was told to go home and soak the finger in warm water and dilute hydrogen peroxide (which is what I did when it happened). Two days later at the hand surgeon's office I felt like an idiot because I told him I no longer felt any foreign object in my finger. I thought it might have been ejected after all the poking and soaking. He agreed it was possible. He then turned out all the lights in the room, placed the flashlight on his smartphone under my finger and pronounced the finger good as new. He then borrowed another doctor's cell phone so that he could use the light on it to then take a picture of the finger with his cell phone. Which he then sent to my medical file with a voice instruction. Here is the best part: the doctor who ordered the expensive x-ray was probably no more than 35 years old. The doctor who took the cell phone picture? He graduated from medical school in 1960 and is 79 years old. I Googled him when I got home. I must say I am very impressed. Who says you can't teach on old dog new tricks?
The rain. I thought last year's rain was bad. This seems worse. Maybe it is just my imagination. I have puddles everywhere. Every time I check Doppler radar I see more rain clouds. Fortunately, one of my purchases this spring was some waterproof rain boots for the garden. I may be wearing them all summer if things don't dry up. I have a lot of work to do outside as the animals destroyed all of the cotoneaster ground cover. I need to cut it all back to the ground and let it rejuvenate itself. The last time this happened was in 2007. I only remember it because I still had my leg in a cast and was immobile and my sister and her husband kindly cut it all down for me.
The cable TV. For the last three weeks I have been having problems with certain channels on the cable HD network. After issues again on Sunday, the company said they would send someone out today. Of course, this morning everything was working fine. When the tech called before coming out, I told him it was OK. He said they had been working on the problem and gave me his cell phone number in case it happens again. On Tuesday night, right in the middle of the climax (one of many) during the season finale of 'Agents of Shield', the sound went out and I had to quickly switch to the regular channel. You can bet that I will be keeping the cell phone number taped to the back of the TV controller.
Lemons. I may have mentioned before that I love the taste of lemon. I have lots of lemon recipes. So, I decided to create a Pinterest board of lemon dessert recipes. Two boards actually. First 'When Life Gives You Lemons' is a collection of 50+ desserts. The other is just 'Lemon Cakes'. If you love lemon as much as I do, check them out. I am sure you will find something to make your moth, oops, mouth water.
Have a great day!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
A Busy Week Ahead
I figured I should sit here and write a post because I have a busy week ahead and will not be spending much time at my computer.
Next Saturday I am hosting a baby shower for my grandson-to-be. I'd post pictures of my decorations, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for the mother-to-be. That makes me a grandma-to-be. Considering how many of my friends were grandmothers in their 50's, I do not at all feel old at the prospect.
We have actually seen the sun a few times this past week and some of the snow is melting. I can actually see the pavement in the street. While some more snow is expected this week, it looks to be nice for the upcoming weekend.
As for local news, the same-sex marriage trial in Federal court ended this week here in Detroit. I cannot believe (or maybe I can) that the state brought in an 'expert' witness to testify that homosexuals were going to hell if they did not repent. I guess he will see them there eventually since I would think that is where bigots go, assuming you believe in heaven and hell. I thought we had separation of church and state but I guess that only applies when the state wants it to apply. The Federal judge in the case lives up the road from me and is a great guy whom I met several years ago. I wonder how he averted a big eye roll when this 'expert' was on the stand.
Today is also the first day of 'daylight saving time'. I hate DST. But I am sure I have blogged about that fact in the past. Friday one of the radio stations was interviewing the 'guy/gal on the street' about moving their clocks forward.
One woman said she was so happy because she really liked having more daylight. HUH? DST has nothing to do with more daylight. We still have the same numbers of hours of daylight that we would have if we didn't change our clocks. She must be related to the woman who tried to argue with me that the sun is directly overhead at noon and that is why we have our different time zones. (And I am sure she votes too.) Oh well.
I hope each of you enjoy your coming week. I'll be busy getting the food ready and while I'll likely not be posting, I'll be busy working on my A to Z posts. I still have lots to do.
Next Saturday I am hosting a baby shower for my grandson-to-be. I'd post pictures of my decorations, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for the mother-to-be. That makes me a grandma-to-be. Considering how many of my friends were grandmothers in their 50's, I do not at all feel old at the prospect.
We have actually seen the sun a few times this past week and some of the snow is melting. I can actually see the pavement in the street. While some more snow is expected this week, it looks to be nice for the upcoming weekend.
As for local news, the same-sex marriage trial in Federal court ended this week here in Detroit. I cannot believe (or maybe I can) that the state brought in an 'expert' witness to testify that homosexuals were going to hell if they did not repent. I guess he will see them there eventually since I would think that is where bigots go, assuming you believe in heaven and hell. I thought we had separation of church and state but I guess that only applies when the state wants it to apply. The Federal judge in the case lives up the road from me and is a great guy whom I met several years ago. I wonder how he averted a big eye roll when this 'expert' was on the stand.
Today is also the first day of 'daylight saving time'. I hate DST. But I am sure I have blogged about that fact in the past. Friday one of the radio stations was interviewing the 'guy/gal on the street' about moving their clocks forward.
One woman said she was so happy because she really liked having more daylight. HUH? DST has nothing to do with more daylight. We still have the same numbers of hours of daylight that we would have if we didn't change our clocks. She must be related to the woman who tried to argue with me that the sun is directly overhead at noon and that is why we have our different time zones. (And I am sure she votes too.) Oh well.
I hope each of you enjoy your coming week. I'll be busy getting the food ready and while I'll likely not be posting, I'll be busy working on my A to Z posts. I still have lots to do.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Blogging Blues
I have no good excuse. I just didn't feel like sitting here at the computer. Simple as that.
It is not that I didn't have ideas for a post. I have TONS of ideas. I do my best thinking while driving, mowing the lawn, or taking a shower. If I was hooked to a computer and could dictate my posts, I would be very prolific. But sitting here typing? Sometimes it takes more effort than I am willing to make.
Since my last post I can say that the cool weather has not improved much. I wore a jacket to my yoga class yesterday. In August for goodness sake!
My week has not been uneventful. I went to my regular yoga classes, but I also found time for a massage. It was so nice to have one without having any muscle or joint issues. Very relaxing!
I managed to discipline myself and not indulge in any cheesecake on Tuesday, which was National Cheesecake Day. I did browse through a lot of recipes, but since I had no cream cheese or ricotta in the fridge, the decision not to make a cheesecake was pretty easy.
On Wednesday I went to a reception for students from Awaji City, Japan. Awaji City is the location of our Sister Library. None of the students spoke English so we had a local resident who acted as an interpreter. There was a very nice showing by the local Japanese community for the event. Since I don't speak Japanese, I spent the evening talking to a couple of residents I had not seen since my retirement.
Last night I gave a couple of friends a tour of the gardens. They are re-doing their landscaping and wanted to see what plants and shrubs I have growing. Of course, they would say 'what's that one called?' and I would be rummaging through my brain trying to remember. Really, 'houttuynia' is not an everyday word you remember.
I also got my blood work results back for my annual physical. My lipid levels are still high and I am tired of trying to control them. Rather than that approach, I think my doctor needs to figure out why they are that way in the absence of any known issues, or just forget about it. I have a couple of friends who have decided that they are not taking any more statins until someone figures out what is going on.
This whole cholesterol issue always reminds me of my former life as a medical technologist. One of the chemical tests I performed in the lab at Detroit Receiving Hospital was 'Zak's' cholesterol. The director of my lab was Dr. Bennie Zak (this article written at the time of his death in 2005 is a good portrait). I also worked with him in establishing normal levels for triglycerides. We found that usually, if a patient had an Eastern European last name, the levels were outside the ranges of anyone else and were thus eliminated in setting normal levels. I am sure that has a lot to do with my high levels with two grandparents from that area.
And I am not so sure that being on Weight Watchers has not made the levels of lipids higher. I am eating more fruit, which has more sugars than the 'healthy' almonds I used to snack on. But fruit has no points and an ounce of almonds have four. I am also eating more protein which usually has more cholesterol. I am thinking this is a game that cannot be won. I'll see what my doctor says.
Anyway, I am off to breakfast with friends. Enjoy your weekend.
It is not that I didn't have ideas for a post. I have TONS of ideas. I do my best thinking while driving, mowing the lawn, or taking a shower. If I was hooked to a computer and could dictate my posts, I would be very prolific. But sitting here typing? Sometimes it takes more effort than I am willing to make.
Since my last post I can say that the cool weather has not improved much. I wore a jacket to my yoga class yesterday. In August for goodness sake!
My week has not been uneventful. I went to my regular yoga classes, but I also found time for a massage. It was so nice to have one without having any muscle or joint issues. Very relaxing!
I managed to discipline myself and not indulge in any cheesecake on Tuesday, which was National Cheesecake Day. I did browse through a lot of recipes, but since I had no cream cheese or ricotta in the fridge, the decision not to make a cheesecake was pretty easy.
On Wednesday I went to a reception for students from Awaji City, Japan. Awaji City is the location of our Sister Library. None of the students spoke English so we had a local resident who acted as an interpreter. There was a very nice showing by the local Japanese community for the event. Since I don't speak Japanese, I spent the evening talking to a couple of residents I had not seen since my retirement.
Last night I gave a couple of friends a tour of the gardens. They are re-doing their landscaping and wanted to see what plants and shrubs I have growing. Of course, they would say 'what's that one called?' and I would be rummaging through my brain trying to remember. Really, 'houttuynia' is not an everyday word you remember.
I also got my blood work results back for my annual physical. My lipid levels are still high and I am tired of trying to control them. Rather than that approach, I think my doctor needs to figure out why they are that way in the absence of any known issues, or just forget about it. I have a couple of friends who have decided that they are not taking any more statins until someone figures out what is going on.
This whole cholesterol issue always reminds me of my former life as a medical technologist. One of the chemical tests I performed in the lab at Detroit Receiving Hospital was 'Zak's' cholesterol. The director of my lab was Dr. Bennie Zak (this article written at the time of his death in 2005 is a good portrait). I also worked with him in establishing normal levels for triglycerides. We found that usually, if a patient had an Eastern European last name, the levels were outside the ranges of anyone else and were thus eliminated in setting normal levels. I am sure that has a lot to do with my high levels with two grandparents from that area.
And I am not so sure that being on Weight Watchers has not made the levels of lipids higher. I am eating more fruit, which has more sugars than the 'healthy' almonds I used to snack on. But fruit has no points and an ounce of almonds have four. I am also eating more protein which usually has more cholesterol. I am thinking this is a game that cannot be won. I'll see what my doctor says.
Anyway, I am off to breakfast with friends. Enjoy your weekend.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Decisions, Decisions...NO Time for Boredom
Even though I am not a participant in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I had hoped to try to blog every day this month. Right up until yesterday. Which means that eight days in and I had failed.
I had good intentions. I got up yesterday morning and proceeded to cut down an old barberry bush. It added nothing to the landscape, so it is gone. And then I finished giving the cotoneaster in front of the garage a really good haircut. Three small plants from 40 years ago had now spread to cover an area that is about 300 square feet. That doesn't bother me so much as the fact that they were just too high. Now, at about 18 inches, the area looks twice as large. Go figure.
Then, while I was getting ready for yoga class, I had this great idea for a blog. But, I ultimately forgot what it was. No clue. Still can't remember. Maybe I lost the idea while wandering through Costco as a trip there can be a serious mind-drain.
I then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to decide where I want to travel this year. (Germany and Switzerland are at the top of the list and I may just do both.) The day wore on, I sat down to watch Major Crimes and Longmire in the evening, and then I was just too tired.
I have yet to be able to figure out how someone can get up at 6:30 in the morning, not have any set plans (other than yoga class) and find that the day has just slipped away. Who are these few folks who say retirement is boring? Why do I not have time to be bored?
I had good intentions. I got up yesterday morning and proceeded to cut down an old barberry bush. It added nothing to the landscape, so it is gone. And then I finished giving the cotoneaster in front of the garage a really good haircut. Three small plants from 40 years ago had now spread to cover an area that is about 300 square feet. That doesn't bother me so much as the fact that they were just too high. Now, at about 18 inches, the area looks twice as large. Go figure.
Then, while I was getting ready for yoga class, I had this great idea for a blog. But, I ultimately forgot what it was. No clue. Still can't remember. Maybe I lost the idea while wandering through Costco as a trip there can be a serious mind-drain.
I then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to decide where I want to travel this year. (Germany and Switzerland are at the top of the list and I may just do both.) The day wore on, I sat down to watch Major Crimes and Longmire in the evening, and then I was just too tired.
I have yet to be able to figure out how someone can get up at 6:30 in the morning, not have any set plans (other than yoga class) and find that the day has just slipped away. Who are these few folks who say retirement is boring? Why do I not have time to be bored?
Monday, June 17, 2013
Frustration, Aggravation, Exhaustion
For the last week I have had computer issues. Well, actually longer than that. It is just that in the last week I have tried to fix them.
Back in May I downloaded the newest version of Internet Explorer. I am not sure that that is what caused my problems, but the timing is suspicious.
First, I had trouble with page loading. Then the browser would close for no reason. Then when I tried to shut down, I could not log off the user. Force shutdown. Restart. Seems to be OK. Then it happens again. Leave the machine for an hour and it is still trying to 'log off'.
Then after using it again for some time I try to open 'task manager' and it won't open. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Time to Google some questions.
I restarted the machine after a forced shutdown and decided to run a McAfee scan. Oops. Not happening. It will not open. So, now I am at the McAfee website looking for answers.
First I am told to do a 'System Restore'. Well, that is easy enough, except that it ties up my computer for nearly an hour. When that is done I have to download Windows updates that were deleted and then restart again.
Now I run a full virus scan, another hour of time, and find that there are no issues detected. A good thing.
Next, I download a malware detector recommended by McAfee and run a complete scan. More than an hour of time spent on that. Again, no issues.
I decide to check the logs for my back-up software and find that the system has not backed-up for more than a month - since the time I downloaded the browser update. It says my computer is 'offline'. WHAT? Now I am off to the FAQ of the back-up site to try to figure out what is going on.
Seems that when I downloaded the update for the browser it somehow made my computer undetectable by the back-up software. I had to delete my computer and add it back after re-downloading the back-up software. Geez.
By the time I spent hours sitting here trying to figure all of this out, I was in no mood to write anything. No way has computing made my life easier. I figure I probably spent a full work-day on this problem. And I am still not sure I have fixed the issue with shutting down the computer or being able to open 'task manager'.
My computer is automatically set to do a virus scan at nine this morning. I'll wait to see if it happens and if I can shut down afterwards. If not, I may just throw this thing against the nearest wall and start writing letters.
Back in May I downloaded the newest version of Internet Explorer. I am not sure that that is what caused my problems, but the timing is suspicious.
First, I had trouble with page loading. Then the browser would close for no reason. Then when I tried to shut down, I could not log off the user. Force shutdown. Restart. Seems to be OK. Then it happens again. Leave the machine for an hour and it is still trying to 'log off'.
Then after using it again for some time I try to open 'task manager' and it won't open. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Time to Google some questions.
I restarted the machine after a forced shutdown and decided to run a McAfee scan. Oops. Not happening. It will not open. So, now I am at the McAfee website looking for answers.
First I am told to do a 'System Restore'. Well, that is easy enough, except that it ties up my computer for nearly an hour. When that is done I have to download Windows updates that were deleted and then restart again.
Now I run a full virus scan, another hour of time, and find that there are no issues detected. A good thing.
Next, I download a malware detector recommended by McAfee and run a complete scan. More than an hour of time spent on that. Again, no issues.
I decide to check the logs for my back-up software and find that the system has not backed-up for more than a month - since the time I downloaded the browser update. It says my computer is 'offline'. WHAT? Now I am off to the FAQ of the back-up site to try to figure out what is going on.
Seems that when I downloaded the update for the browser it somehow made my computer undetectable by the back-up software. I had to delete my computer and add it back after re-downloading the back-up software. Geez.
By the time I spent hours sitting here trying to figure all of this out, I was in no mood to write anything. No way has computing made my life easier. I figure I probably spent a full work-day on this problem. And I am still not sure I have fixed the issue with shutting down the computer or being able to open 'task manager'.
My computer is automatically set to do a virus scan at nine this morning. I'll wait to see if it happens and if I can shut down afterwards. If not, I may just throw this thing against the nearest wall and start writing letters.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
V is also for 'Versatile Blogger'
The 'Versatile Blogger Award'. I received this award this morning from Lori Crane. Lori is Southern Belle who has been transplanted in Michigan. She writes the blog 'a day in the life of patootie'. Thank you Lori.
People know so much about me, it is hard to come up with seven things you don't know, but here goes:
1. I have had every color hair there is. Streaked, carrot red, platinum blond, black, auburn ... you get the idea.
2. I've had the same hairdresser since 1981. Is that some kind of record?
3. I wish I had taken 'shop' in high school instead of 'physics'.
4. I have absolutely no tolerance for incompetence if someone is getting paid to do a job.
5. I've lived in my home for more than 40 years. I always seem to have a new project. How is that possible?
6. I used to say I wanted to come back as a tiger. Now that I know that the females have to do the hunting, make that a male tiger.
7. I no longer feel the necessity to do 'stuff' or get 'stuff' done. Ah, retirement.
And my nominees are:
1. Cynthia. A young mother in India, she has been blogging this month with wonderful words of advice for her children.
2. Sharon. Sharon is from Australia and has much knowledge about genealogy. I've been working on my family tree and that of my ex-husband.
3. Lynn. Just what she needs - another award, but her blog is quite interesting. Check it out.
4. Moi. I don't know her name, but the blog consists of pictures. Just beautiful pictures.
5. S. L. Hennessy. A writer who has made me think about a lot of the novels I have read and how much I have forgotten about them.
6. Ermie. This has been my morning dose of smiles during the A-Z Challenge. I hope it continues.
7. Buttercup. I have been following this blog for some time now. Since I can't be in NYC, I can visit it through this blog.
8. Pat. A gardener. In Massachusetts. Someday, if it ever gets warm and stops raining, I too will be a gardener.
9. V. R. Barkowski. Another writer. What I love about writers is that they can spell and punctuate.
And there you have it; my nominees, and winners, of the 'Versatile Blogger Award'. I suggest you check out all of these blogs.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Hitting the Road
With six days to go before I start 'hitting the road' with my travel blog for the A to Z challenge, I have changed the look of my web page. I have switched to a background that has a 'road' in it.
Google blogger offers many different templates. There is always something new to try. I always enjoy seeing what others have chosen for their blogs, though for the life of me I don't know why anyone would want to read white letters on a black background, but that is just me.
About once a month or so I will just start scrolling through the 'next blog' choice at the top of the page. I am guessing that more than half of the pages I hit have not had new posts in a year or more. Does that mean that once I stop writing this my blog will be here for eternity?
I used to have three different websites. One that was personal, one for my political office before the township had its own website, and one for a committee I ran for the Michigan Finance Officers. Once I closed those sites, those pages disappeared. But what about a blog? Will I be here forever?
Anyway, today I will spend some time here preparing more posts. My yoga class was canceled so that class members who have to cook for Passover could do so without missing a class, which we will make up later.
Are you ready to ride with me?
Google blogger offers many different templates. There is always something new to try. I always enjoy seeing what others have chosen for their blogs, though for the life of me I don't know why anyone would want to read white letters on a black background, but that is just me.
About once a month or so I will just start scrolling through the 'next blog' choice at the top of the page. I am guessing that more than half of the pages I hit have not had new posts in a year or more. Does that mean that once I stop writing this my blog will be here for eternity?
I used to have three different websites. One that was personal, one for my political office before the township had its own website, and one for a committee I ran for the Michigan Finance Officers. Once I closed those sites, those pages disappeared. But what about a blog? Will I be here forever?
Anyway, today I will spend some time here preparing more posts. My yoga class was canceled so that class members who have to cook for Passover could do so without missing a class, which we will make up later.
Are you ready to ride with me?
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Words, Words, Words and WWF
Words with Friends. Wow. Nothing comes close to matching the number of readers of my post last year about Words with Friends. Over 1,200 views so far.
I find that encouraging. Not that people are playing games on their tech devices, but that they are playing a game that challenges their mind.
Unfortunately, I could never get WWF to work again on my Kindle Fire after it shut down. As you may remember, I switched to Scrabble and now play against the computer.
I have tried playing against random opponents in Scrabble, but after a few words, when I am ahead by 100 points or more, they stop playing. But the computer never quits.
The other day I won again against 'it'. I decided to take a photo of the final board because I found the entire game quite intriguing.
First, over 900 points were scored without even using three of the triple word squares. But more interesting was the placement of the Z, Q, and J tiles in a diagonal line. The tiles are hard enough to use without trying to place them next to each other.
I will admit that except for the words, to, pie, an, it, and or, I am not likely to use any of the others in a normal conversation. But that is what makes this game so challenging. Plus, my new knowledge of words comes in handy when I do the NYT xword.
Happy word games.
I find that encouraging. Not that people are playing games on their tech devices, but that they are playing a game that challenges their mind.
Unfortunately, I could never get WWF to work again on my Kindle Fire after it shut down. As you may remember, I switched to Scrabble and now play against the computer.
I have tried playing against random opponents in Scrabble, but after a few words, when I am ahead by 100 points or more, they stop playing. But the computer never quits.
The other day I won again against 'it'. I decided to take a photo of the final board because I found the entire game quite intriguing.
First, over 900 points were scored without even using three of the triple word squares. But more interesting was the placement of the Z, Q, and J tiles in a diagonal line. The tiles are hard enough to use without trying to place them next to each other.
I will admit that except for the words, to, pie, an, it, and or, I am not likely to use any of the others in a normal conversation. But that is what makes this game so challenging. Plus, my new knowledge of words comes in handy when I do the NYT xword.
Happy word games.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A To Z is Harder than I Thought it Would Be
I am still working on my blogs for next month. As the title of this post says, it is harder than I thought it would be. Deciding what to write about was the easy part. Actually writing, not so much.
Most of my blog posts are spur of the moment when I have something I feel compelled to say. I try to post three blogs a week, but that varies greatly. Having a topic ahead of time and then trying to come up with 500 words about it, 500 words someone may want to read no less, is kinda like having a job. I feel like Maynard Krebs yelling 'Work'.
My hope is that someone reading my blogs next month will be motivated or interested in visiting the places I talk about. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, I plan to post several for each day.
I've already written my posts for A, B, and C. Tomorrow I will do D.
I can promise that it will not be about Detroit. Though I said I would cover places that I have a connection to, I will skip Detroit and Michigan. Despite having been born in the City, living there for a few years, attending college there, and working in and/or for the city for 13 years, I am just too upset about what has been going on for the last few decades to blog about it. I hardly think I could say anything that would make anyone want to vacation there.
I have had fun trying to find photos of old trips I've taken. I did come across some photos of New York City, but not the Christmas-time ones I was looking for last year. And I also found my photos of Manitoulin Island which I blogged about last week. M is for Manitoulin? We'll see.
I think all of this is making my wanderlust act up. I am definitely ready to see some new places. Or even some old ones that I've been to before. Where would you like to run off to?
Most of my blog posts are spur of the moment when I have something I feel compelled to say. I try to post three blogs a week, but that varies greatly. Having a topic ahead of time and then trying to come up with 500 words about it, 500 words someone may want to read no less, is kinda like having a job. I feel like Maynard Krebs yelling 'Work'.
My hope is that someone reading my blogs next month will be motivated or interested in visiting the places I talk about. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, I plan to post several for each day.
I've already written my posts for A, B, and C. Tomorrow I will do D.
I can promise that it will not be about Detroit. Though I said I would cover places that I have a connection to, I will skip Detroit and Michigan. Despite having been born in the City, living there for a few years, attending college there, and working in and/or for the city for 13 years, I am just too upset about what has been going on for the last few decades to blog about it. I hardly think I could say anything that would make anyone want to vacation there.
I have had fun trying to find photos of old trips I've taken. I did come across some photos of New York City, but not the Christmas-time ones I was looking for last year. And I also found my photos of Manitoulin Island which I blogged about last week. M is for Manitoulin? We'll see.
I think all of this is making my wanderlust act up. I am definitely ready to see some new places. Or even some old ones that I've been to before. Where would you like to run off to?
Friday, January 25, 2013
If You need a Laugh...
Getting cabin fever from the cold and snow? Need something to cheer you up? Check out this blog post from Buttercup for a good chuckle.
I laugh everytime I look at it. Can't wait to show it to my hairdresser tomorrow.
I laugh everytime I look at it. Can't wait to show it to my hairdresser tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Looking Back
I do not spend a lot of my time looking back at what has happened in my life. It is over and done with and I prefer to move forward (though that fall that shattered my leg in 2007 still haunts me - mostly the ensuing weight gain it caused).
I did, however, look back at my first post on this blog three years ago to see what I said and what my intent was. I find that not much has changed. I am still cooking (though no longer taking culinary classes or volunteering in a pastry kitchen), watching TV, and reading. Gardening, travel, friends, all still there to pass my time. I have added yoga classes which has been a huge plus in my life.
The upshot is that I am still enjoying retirement. I've learned that just as I lived within a budget when I was employed, I still live within one in retirement, though the budget is much smaller. OTOH, my children are all on their own, my home and car are paid for, and I have fewer wants than needs.
Here is my original post from January 1, 2010. Seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I retired on November 21, 2008. I have spent a good deal of the time since then answering the question (now a big pain in the you-know-what): 'So, how do like retirement?' You would think I had either just returned from experiencing an alien abduction or at least had been the first person ever to survive retirement. EVERYBODY wants to hear the answer.
It's retirement. I love it. I can do what I want whenever I want. Or not do it, too.
When I retired, a long-time friend (that's you Debbie) suggested that I start a blog. Yeah, right. Like I had time to do this. Then I would be wondering, just what DID I do last Friday? It was Friday wasn't it?
So, now that my days and adventures all run together, I have decided to write a blog each night about what has occurred during my day. Sounds boring, I know. And I'll probably not even remember half the stuff.
Today was New Year's Day. I made French Onion Soup and Quiche Lorraine. Both recipes straight out of Julia Child's first cookbook. And the first time I ever made any of her recipes. While cooking I also watched 'The Man from Laramie', Criminal Minds, and 'The Last Days'.
Watching TV, movies and cooking from scratch are all things I didn't get to do enough of when I was employed. Ah, living life. C'est bon.
Now I am off to yoga class and then a trip to Costco - a new sale starts today. Hope you have a good day too!
I did, however, look back at my first post on this blog three years ago to see what I said and what my intent was. I find that not much has changed. I am still cooking (though no longer taking culinary classes or volunteering in a pastry kitchen), watching TV, and reading. Gardening, travel, friends, all still there to pass my time. I have added yoga classes which has been a huge plus in my life.
The upshot is that I am still enjoying retirement. I've learned that just as I lived within a budget when I was employed, I still live within one in retirement, though the budget is much smaller. OTOH, my children are all on their own, my home and car are paid for, and I have fewer wants than needs.
Here is my original post from January 1, 2010. Seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I retired on November 21, 2008. I have spent a good deal of the time since then answering the question (now a big pain in the you-know-what): 'So, how do like retirement?' You would think I had either just returned from experiencing an alien abduction or at least had been the first person ever to survive retirement. EVERYBODY wants to hear the answer.
It's retirement. I love it. I can do what I want whenever I want. Or not do it, too.
When I retired, a long-time friend (that's you Debbie) suggested that I start a blog. Yeah, right. Like I had time to do this. Then I would be wondering, just what DID I do last Friday? It was Friday wasn't it?
So, now that my days and adventures all run together, I have decided to write a blog each night about what has occurred during my day. Sounds boring, I know. And I'll probably not even remember half the stuff.
Today was New Year's Day. I made French Onion Soup and Quiche Lorraine. Both recipes straight out of Julia Child's first cookbook. And the first time I ever made any of her recipes. While cooking I also watched 'The Man from Laramie', Criminal Minds, and 'The Last Days'.
Watching TV, movies and cooking from scratch are all things I didn't get to do enough of when I was employed. Ah, living life. C'est bon.
Now I am off to yoga class and then a trip to Costco - a new sale starts today. Hope you have a good day too!
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