I wish I had clouds like these for my photos more often! This is the southern end of the Marble Mountains in California's Mojave Desert. The Marble Mountains are famous for the Latham Shale Formation which contains one of the earliest trilobite species at ~540 million years old! After about 15mins of splitting shale, I found this Olenellus clarki(?) cephalon. Finding fossils is kind of like time traveling. ๐คฉ
#Journal of a slightly withdrawn Dutch Pixy (Monday, 17/11/2025).
I had a weird night. It had not taken me too long to fall asleep, but when I dreamed, they were weird and not really helping me to relax. I woke up a few times feeling a bit distraught. So when I woke up again, I just got up and started my day. I went to the scale, which wasn’t my best friend. Ow how I wish I could do better and finally get below the 80 and stay below it… I got dressed, took my meds, packed my bag, and headed to Skoosh. And, she had a surprise for me: frosty windows. Yay! /sarcasm… So, after I had finally been able to clean her windows, I got in and we headed to the gym.
I switched my shoes, enjoyed my protein shake, and caught up on the social media bits and bops. I rode the bike a while, walked the treadmill a bit, and then… I eve
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#Journal of a slightly withdrawn Dutch Pixy (Monday, 17/11/2025).
I had a weird night. It had not taken me too long to fall asleep, but when I dreamed, they were weird and not really helping me to relax. I woke up a few times feeling a bit distraught. So when I woke up again, I just got up and started my day. I went to the scale, which wasnโt my best friend. Ow how I wish I could do better and finally get below the 80 and stay below itโฆ I got dressed, took my meds, packed my bag, and headed to Skoosh. And, she had a surprise for me: frosty windows. Yay! /sarcasmโฆ So, after I had finally been able to clean her windows, I got in and we headed to the gym.
I switched my shoes, enjoyed my protein shake, and caught up on the social media bits and bops. I rode the bike a while, walked the treadmill a bit, and thenโฆ I even did two leg and two arm exercises. A nice massage in the chair, and then I got ready to head back home again. Damn, it really was/is getting colder these days/nights.
I got back home, where I washed up and got to the couch. I wrote my journal toot and worked on my blog. Then, I got my eReader, and I dove back into the Angels & Demons book. The end was slowly coming closerโฆ Then I had an idea for a blog post, so I wrote that, and made sure it was ready to be be shared this Wednesday. I added a second layer of glue to the Dumbo puzzle, and then I got back to the couch. Candles, a warm blanket, and a good bookโฆ This was really helping me to relax.
I got upstairs for a bit, where I rode the bike, while reading, of course. I went down, and relaxed some more on the couchโฆ After a while, I had some food, and then I started the dishwasher. I had finished my book, so I started the second one: The DaVinci Code. I felt like I had to get out for some fresh air, so I put on my shoes, and headed outside for a little walk. I had my walk, and got back feeling a bit more โfreshโ. I got back to the couch and dove into the new book. It was really helping me in a big way.
I read for quite some time, trying to be as relaxed as I could. I find I am really enjoying the bubble that reading creates for me at this moment. After a while, I went out for another little walk. I had to walk a tad faster near the end, as the sun quickly changed into rain, and I had no umbrella, and my jacket and headphones werenโt suited for wetness. I got home, and got back to the couch. I felt like I had done enough โexercisingโ, and I just wanted to read some more.
When the neighbor texted for walkies with the black fluff, I got ready, and we headed out. The weather behaved, which was nice, and we had a good walk. When I got back, I prepared myself for bedtime. Some more reading on the couch, and thenโฆ Reading in bed, with a MyNoiseยฎ soundscape on, until I dozed off.
I woke up several times, as I had the weirdest dreams! When I woke up a third time, two hours before my alarm was set to go off, but I just had enough of the dreams. So well, what else to do but get up, and start my โdayโ.
@ldmay65 Fankoos dear ๐ I'll do my best. ๐ Some reading now, then brekky, and I'll probably "need" to follow it with a walk on my treadmill. But first, some more reading. ๐ Hope you'll have a good night dear
My mentions have been full of discussions about deviled eggs and egg salad for days now, so i have everything i need to make some, I think it will be egg salad because it's hot and egg salad sandwiches sound nice. I am also thinking of making a caramel pecan babka because stress baking is a thing. So tomorrow the plan is kitchen therapy and waiting for water heater man.
Y'know, it's been a minute since I had a good egg salad sandwich. There's a local delly up here who makes a killer one. I think tomorrow I might just fix that. This, by the way, is totally and completely your fault.
@quanin I'm happy to accept responsibility. I have some delicious jalapeรฑo cheese sourdough bread that is going to make a really great egg salad sandwich. I even have spicy Cheez-Its to go with it.
I saw a post the other day that suggested making the center part of deviled eggs and treating it like a chip dip for the eggs or other things to be dipped into and I was intrigued.
@RavynWitch Yes, actually I make egg salad and dip it up with chips and I call it. Summertime nachos. I actually have some Frito scoops and I am making egg salad tomorrow.
@RavynWitch It is 80 degrees out thereโฆ OK maybe it's gone down to about 70 by now but still this is obscene! So I have no choice but to make delicious summertime foodโฆ I don't know that the babka I intend to bake qualifies a summertime food, but baking is my coping mechanism so I'm doing what I gotta do
Good morning all. Waiting at Siem Reap airport in Cambodia for my flight to Singapore, then onwards to Perth. Nice airport this, only two years old and with plenty of natural light.
The remote location has no road access and the terrain is so extreme that a helicopter canโt land. โฆ Can they apprehend a killer and escape the confines of the canyon before rains and flash floods threaten the bluff, destroying precious evidence and trapping the team?
It's been a bit of a mixed night so far. Woke up early and after three very weird dreams, I just had enough and started my "day". Only rode the bike at the gym. Felt a bit bad about it. But somehow I could not motivate myself to get more done. 😔
Wrote for my blog a bit and finished the journal post for today. 😊
Walked the treadmill for half an hour, rode the bike for half an hour, cleaned up the laundry that I'd done on Sunday.
It's been a bit of a mixed night so far. Woke up early and after three very weird dreams, I just had enough and started my "day". Only rode the bike at the gym. Felt a bit bad about it. But somehow I could not motivate myself to get more done. ๐
Wrote for my blog a bit and finished the journal post for today. ๐
Walked the treadmill for half an hour, rode the bike for half an hour, cleaned up the laundry that I'd done on Sunday.
And, of course, I've been trying to read some more... I think I'm actually making progress. ๐ I don't know what it is that has gotten me to this reading spree, a bit like the Dumbo puzzle a week ago... Could it be that my autism is having those "special interests" moments again? And these two activities just fit into my ๐ซง needs for a quiet bubble?
I've even listened to a big part of my "Langdon" playlist while reading (it helped to mask the sounds when I was on the treadmill). ๐
Today, the new eReader cover should come to my mailbox. I hope the quality is good enough for now, and that the color is indeed like the images (I do love me some good purple ).
Well, better get to my reading again. I started the DaVinci Code yesterday, and my reader tells me I'm at 35% now (it shows me I'm at page 200 of 571). But no worries, should I finish this one, I still have the other four books to go! ๐ I have re-read the first two books before, I've not done that with the third book, and I've never gotten to the fourth (or fifth even ๐ซฃ). So trying to "catch up" now.
I wanted to thank everyone for the likes on my last blog post, the one about me reading again! I don't think I've ever gotten so many in a day, so I'm very honored. ๐ ๐ cynnisblog.wordpress.com/2025/โฆ
I also wrote a small Toot on my PS Pixy account yesterday, where I shared my favorite tune from the soundtracks of the movies: ๐ beige.party/@PlaystationPixy/1โฆ
Alright, enough link spamming for this morning! ๐ Let's get back to Sophie and Robert, trying to flee, while their cab goes through a "special part of Paris", hihi...
Have a good time everyone! And thanks for being awesome!
I have always enjoyed reading, except when it was obligated by school ๐. At an early age, I started to be interested in books in English. I had read some books, translated in Dutch, and when I tried their original English versions, they just seemed way better (to me, at least). I had times where I read a lot, and times where I had issues concentrating.
I read most on vacation, dragging all the books with me was a thingโฆ It wasnโt until 2014 that I got an eReaderโฆ I enjoyed reading in summer, when the weather was nice, out in the garden, sometimes with a nice cold beerโฆ Some books Iโve only read once, some I re-read several times. I still have several โold fashionedโ paper books, but when I can, I try to read them digitally.
Donโt get me wrong, I do prefer real books over the digital ones. Butโฆ Ever since my hands got bad, itโs gotten very hard for me to hold books properly for a longer time, especially the heavier ones. And, one other thing that the eReader has: background light. I always have it on a very low setting, usually at 8%, but itโs so much easier to read in bed, and then fall asleepโฆ Or to read on the couch with just a few candles on (which I usually enjoy in winter, tugged in nicely under a warm blanket).
Iโve been struggling with concentration again. I was currently re-reading the Hunger Games series, after I read the latest one this summer. I struggled with my health, and I focused on my puzzle to distract myself (Finding distractions). After I finished it, I got an urgeโฆ I heard a new Robert Langdon series book was out (by Dan Brown). I have the first 4 in paper versions, but I only read the first three. And I loved the three movies, although I sometimes struggled a bit with the changes they made to the stories in the movie adaptationsโฆ
Butโฆ I have all 6 books in the series on my eReader now, and Iโve been re-reading Angels & Demons. Iโve read more than usual, hoping it would help me relax and entertain me as well. While I write this, Iโm at 88% of the book. I think I started reading this on either last Thursday or Friday? For the people wondering about the books in the series:
Of course my โaimโ is to read all the books in order now. Which is quite a feat, I guess, as theyโre not the thinnest books and I have these moments where I canโt get enough of reading, or when I canโt properly concentrate on itโฆ But I have the books, so I can take my timeโฆ (as long as I charge the Kobo and it doesnโt die on meโฆ ๐).
As I am writing this post, I have the DaVinci Code on the telly. I wish they had made more movies of the books. Even though theyโre not always that accurate, I do love seeing the scenery of where the books take place. Iโve been to Paris with my mum back in February 2004, and Iโve done a little tour across Italy with her in October 2012. So it was so cool to actually see the places where the books take place and then recognize some bits where weโve been to as well. ๐
I would love to visit Rome again. Maybe take my best friend with me, as sheโs a history teacher and she knows a bit about this and that. The tour mum and I took did show us some spots. But of course itโs all in a short amount of time. I would not mind going to Rome for a mid-week or so, and just wander about and relax while enjoying all the sceneries.
So yeah, I do enjoy some reading from time to time. And at this moment, I am into the whole world of symbolism, with Robert Langdon leading me through it all. Both on the eReader screen, as on the bigger screen.
Three movies have been made: the DaVinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno.
Letโs get back to my book now, otherwise Iโll never be able to finish it. ๐
Thank you for your interest in my blog. I really appreciate your visit. If you like my posts and you want to share them on your social media, please, feel free to do so! Iโd be honored. If you donโt want to miss a thing, press the follow button (youโll need to be a signed in WP user) or you can follow me though the FediVerse with the link below, or scroll down and leave your email below this post. If you are a WP user and you would like me to know you liked my post, press the star/like button please. You can also comment when you see this post as a Toot on the Fediverse, and Iโll be notified of that as well. Thanks ever so much! Of course comments are welcome, but spam wonโt get shared, so donโt bother with thatโฆ
Please be wise and stay safe! I hope to see you back real soon again, feel free to drop in anytime! Wishing you all the best. With love, Cynni ๐น
I am living on a disability income and donโt generate an income with my blog. If you would like to support me and my work, Iโd greatly appreciate it. Every bit helps me tremendously. For more information and a donation link, please check out ko-fi.com/PlaystationPixy
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The image features a person and a chocolate Labrador Retriever. The dog is positioned on the left side of the image, with its mouth open and tongue out, appearing happy and relaxed.
Wow! I think my "reading frenzy" in my little bubble ๐ซง is giving me some speeds... In 5 days I read "Angels & Demons", and this is now my progress since last morning, when I started "The DaVinci Code". I don't know how long the reading will be my "special interest", but the quiet nights, tucked under my blanket, with candles and sometimes the movies soundtracks... Yeah... At the moment, it's really helping me to relax. ๐
Did YOU know that Mastodon and the rest of the Fediverse have a video and livestreaming service called "PeerTube"?
It's true!
And you can see new videos that come out as well as who is livestreaming by just following the hashtag #PeerTube !!!
It's THAT EASY. Just click on that hashtag and then click on "Follow hashtag" and BAM ๐ฅ whenever someone posts with that hashtag, you'll see it in your timeline!
#Journal of a very tired and emotional Dutch Pixy (Sunday, 02/11/2025).
I had the worst night... I had a nightmare about Arwen's last moments and that triggered so many emotions and I just could not handle it. It's bad when it happens when you're safe at home, but I was at my friend's place, on their couch... No safety place, no comforts of my own home, but all the emotions... I cried so much and I struggled to calm down... 😭
I got my Buds and I put on a MyNoise® soundscape. I opened the jetpack app and I started a new blog post. I just had to write about the nightmare. It was so sad to write about it, but I think it did help me to calm down a bit. I spent quite some time writing, and adding images to the post and then I scheduled it for the Monday, as I wanted to share it with everyone. I was so sad about the thoughts I had now
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#Journal of a very tired and emotional Dutch Pixy (Sunday, 02/11/2025).
I had the worst night... I had a nightmare about Arwen's last moments and that triggered so many emotions and I just could not handle it. It's bad when it happens when you're safe at home, but I was at my friend's place, on their couch... No safety place, no comforts of my own home, but all the emotions... I cried so much and I struggled to calm down... ๐ญ
I got my Buds and I put on a MyNoiseยฎ soundscape. I opened the jetpack app and I started a new blog post. I just had to write about the nightmare. It was so sad to write about it, but I think it did help me to calm down a bit. I spent quite some time writing, and adding images to the post and then I scheduled it for the Monday, as I wanted to share it with everyone. I was so sad about the thoughts I had now about the last moments of Arwen's life... And even after almost 4 months, I still miss her like crazy... ๐ญ
It was hard to get though the night. I watched a bit of a series. And when one of my friends got up, I had some brekky. I told him about the bad night and I got some cuddles. That helped a little... When my other friend was up as well, the male friend and I headed out for a walk. I had to get some exercise and fresh air, so he offered to walk a round with me. Which helped me to feel better quite a bit. I was just so out of it...
When we got back, my friends and I checked out the Tidal app and songs. As I had a Spotify family that they used as well, but now I am switching to Tidal, so I offered them to switch with me. My friend showed me his new Harley (what a beast!) and we checked to see if Tidal could play on the Harley info system. It worked, so that was good. ๐
We had some food and then we went to one of my friends parents. We always visit them when I'm at their place. His mum showed me her hard work on making miniature diaramas! Wow... She's got some talent! (and patience...). She really had made the most awesome things. ๐คฉ
After a while we headed back to their home again. We watched a movie and relaxed a bit. Then we ordered some very delicious Chinese food. We went to pick it up, but wow, that was something! What a busy mess with many folks that didn't give you any personal space. It drove me nuts! But we got the food and then headed back. The meal was delicious ๐ and we all ate loads!
After the meal we watched another movie. But seeing I had less than 5 hours of sleep, I was dozing off during the movie... So after it ended, my friends went upstairs so that I could try to sleep a bit. And well, boy did I sleep!
I woke up for the loo, and quickly dozed off again after that. Then I woke up at five. I thought I would be awake from then on, but after a while I dozed off again. Then I was woken up by my phone ringing. Bestie had forgotten that I wasn't home and couldn't call... So I texted her and slowly got up. When I checked, my watch told me I had slept about 10 hours!! And still I felt tired... But... Ready to start my day!
Today will be an emotional day, I fear... I still struggle with thoughts of the nightmare that I had last Saturday night. But now, it's the 4th, which means it's been 4 months since her passing... I wish I could say that things have become "easier" but unfortunately, that's not happened, I'm still devastated... ๐ญ
I want to thank everyone that's been supporting me! ๐ It means so much!!
I guess it may get "easier" with time... And when the new pup has arrived, that will help as well... I won't ever replace Arwen, but she did leave a big empty hole and I hope that the new gall may be able to fill it in her own special way when the time comes... ๐พ
@Waitnwallflower Awww fankoos 💜 🫂 Yeah I know I will never replace her. And I know I can love a new furry friend again... It's just so hard to learn to live without her... I have lost several dogs before, some were my parents, some we inherited, one was left behind with my male ex... But I never had a bond like I had with Arwen, and the way things just happened all at once on that hellish week... I guess it takes me more time to deal with it. Four months of grieving after almost 12 years together.... It's not much... But I guess part of me wishes to remember her without bursting into tears. We have so many beautiful memories and I want to cherish them without looking like a blobbering mess. 😇
Thanks so much for your support and sharing your experience. I am glad that you were also able to love again. The hardest part of loving a dog is knowing you have to say goodbye in the end... 😢
Fankoos 🫶🏻
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@Waitnwallflower Awww fankoos ๐ ๐ซ Yeah I know I will never replace her. And I know I can love a new furry friend again... It's just so hard to learn to live without her... I have lost several dogs before, some were my parents, some we inherited, one was left behind with my male ex... But I never had a bond like I had with Arwen, and the way things just happened all at once on that hellish week... I guess it takes me more time to deal with it. Four months of grieving after almost 12 years together.... It's not much... But I guess part of me wishes to remember her without bursting into tears. We have so many beautiful memories and I want to cherish them without looking like a blobbering mess. ๐
Thanks so much for your support and sharing your experience. I am glad that you were also able to love again. The hardest part of loving a dog is knowing you have to say goodbye in the end... ๐ข
#Journal of an emotional Dutch Pixy (Monday, 03/11/2025).
After the short and very sad night of Saturday going on Sunday, I had a really long sleep from Sunday going on Monday. I woke up a few times, and around 5 I thought I was up and all that. But, I was still so exhausted, that I dozed off again. Then, I got woken up by my phone going off, and I realized that it was bestie. I had told her that I would not be home on Monday morning, but she had forgotten and just called. As I was too sleepy, I missed the call, so I texted her, explaining that I was still sleeping… After that, I did get up and start my day. My watch told me that I had slept for about 10 hours, so I guess I had been really exhausted…
I got dressed, cleaned up my sleeping things, had some brekky, and waited for my friends to get up and come down. One had said t
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#Journal of an emotional Dutch Pixy (Monday, 03/11/2025).
After the short and very sad night of Saturday going on Sunday, I had a really long sleep from Sunday going on Monday. I woke up a few times, and around 5 I thought I was up and all that. But, I was still so exhausted, that I dozed off again. Then, I got woken up by my phone going off, and I realized that it was bestie. I had told her that I would not be home on Monday morning, but she had forgotten and just called. As I was too sleepy, I missed the call, so I texted her, explaining that I was still sleepingโฆ After that, I did get up and start my day. My watch told me that I had slept for about 10 hours, so I guess I had been really exhaustedโฆ
I got dressed, cleaned up my sleeping things, had some brekky, and waited for my friends to get up and come down. One had said that he wanted to get up at 7, so when I had not heard anything around 7:30, I decided to text him, just to be sureโฆ It took some time, but then he got down. We chatted for a bit, checked some things, and then my other friend came down as well, My male friend and I had to take Skoosh to the garage for her new shoes (tires), so we got to our cars and I followed him through the town to get to the place. I filled out the form and left my keys and then we headed back to his place again. The man promised that heโd try to get Skoosh done in time so I could head back home before the traffic would get too bad.
We got back and my friend and I went out for a walk. I needed the exercise and fresh air for a bit, as my body was sore and stiff after two nights on the couch. We had a nice walk and a good chat along the way. I donโt have this connection with many folks, but ever since I met him, we just clicked (in a friendly way, nothing else!). After we got back from a good walk, my friend showed me a little bit of a Donkey Kong game on the Switch 2. When my other friend got back home, we had some lunch. As we were eating, there came a text that Skoosh was ready! Yay.
We finished lunch, got my things in their car, and we headed to the garage again. The guy had popped out for a while, so we had to wait for a bit. We were able to get my things in Skoosh her trunk already, so once her new shoes were paid for, we could head out and I could head home, hopefully before the traffic would get crazy. It was a little more expensive than the estimate had said, which was a bummer for me of course. Still, it was cheaper than the other shop I had found, so that was a plus. I paid and then we went to the cars. My friends and I hugged goodbye and I followed them for a while on the way home.
They waved when they needed the exit and I needed to continue to the highway. The weather was decent, but a bit windy at times. There were a few asshats on the road, but those folks just canโt seem to be avoidedโฆ I tried to just stay relaxed, as itโs better to drive carefully than to get annoyed by these folks. I got home around 13:50, and I unpacked Skoosh.
I tried to clean up all my things and I fixed some food. After that, I got ready to head to bed, as I was feeling rather tired. It didnโt take too long to fall asleep. But after the first two hours, I started to struggle with being comfortable. I was awake a lot, restless, even tried to be on the couch for a while. I slept bits, on and off again, until at some point, my alarm woke me up. I felt a bit drowsy, but still, I got up and started my โdayโ.
As the weather was good enough, I decided to head out for a little walk. I know I would have walked more on the treadmill, but I think the outside walk was a bit better for me mentally and all that... 😊
This night I chatted to a sweet friend who was online after a while of absence, so it was nice to catch up with them! Even though part of the chat was about us dealing with the loss of our pets. But it's nice to be able to talk about it with a friend that understands it all too well... 💜
I managed to write both my journal toots and I finished my journal blog post and the fit in 2025 blog post for tomorrow as well. And I managed to reply to
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Ello sweet and lovely Friendos
As the weather was good enough, I decided to head out for a little walk. I know I would have walked more on the treadmill, but I think the outside walk was a bit better for me mentally and all that... ๐
This night I chatted to a sweet friend who was online after a while of absence, so it was nice to catch up with them! Even though part of the chat was about us dealing with the loss of our pets. But it's nice to be able to talk about it with a friend that understands it all too well... ๐
I managed to write both my journal toots and I finished my journal blog post and the fit in 2025 blog post for tomorrow as well. And I managed to reply to a long text by another sweet friend! I'm fortunate with all these lovely people in my life. I haven't heard from one friend that usually emails me every day, so I guess they've just been busy. I know that today will be a busy day for them at work as well, so I'll be waiting impatiently
Almost home from the short walk. I hope that I can walk with the neighbor and her black ๐ค fluff this afternoon, to get some more steps in. ๐ Guess I'll try to relax a bit with my puzzle in a bit... Really hope to be able to finish that at some point.. ๐
@CazimodoCreative Good morning dear ๐น I hope your day is off to a good start! ๐ค (haven't caught up on this morning's roots, have been distracted with my Dumbo puzzle... It's a hard time for me this morning, ๐ข so I needed some distraction). Hope you'll have a lovely day today
@CazimodoCreative You're very welcome ๐ธ and it was decent enough... Just a hard day... But the physio and my puzzle helped some. ๐ Have a good night dear! ๐ค
Good morning. I'm up, and it's 4am, but I woke at midnight, I'm screwed up in day-nights. I'd love to go for a walk, but it's raining fiercely and there's critters that come out at night just to eat me. But, if not that, at first light, walking with a good book on my BT headphones. I'm finishing up Pride and Prejudice , a Jane Austin classic, not my cup-of-tea, so to speak but since I missed 60 years of book reading, I'm making up for lost time and trying to get a well-rounded literary base. But I prefer non-fiction. I go through a book a day when I am focused and working
@Rasta Owwww that's early as well. ๐ Yeah that's not the best weather for walkies, and critters that want to eat you.... Yikes! Hope you're enjoying the books and that the next book will be more to your liking. ๐ A book a day?! Wow! That's a lot... That could help you catch up those 60 years in no time! ๐ Hope you'll have a good day! ๐น
2023 was my year. I found a bunch of FREE Audiobooks, and started them, in Feb, which we call Black History Month, so I switched to Black History, and I was running out of books when the month was over, there's some amazing historical books by black authors I'd never known before. I've gone back to read more by some of them. Then, I have interest in Space, so I did a few Space, Philosophy, Psychology, autobiographies, every tale of the sea.. I shoveled gravel in the rain from May to June, and had to cover my BT headphones with a bag, it rained so hard. I'm on my third BT headphone, with a new box in the drawer when these are done. I *READ* 100 Audiobooks that year, more books than the 60 years before. 2024 was the marathon drive to Arkansas, and my wife didn't want to hear audiobooks or me to listen while I drove, so I lost a few months, but did about 50 more. This year, just a few dozen.
@Rasta Wow that's a lot of books! ๐ It's always nice when you find something that just works for you. And it can have a lot to offer, when you have such broad interests as well. I never was able to get into audiobooks. I try to read normal books, but I seem to read less these days as I find it harder to concentrate. ๐ Hopefully you will be able to read a bit more before the year is done. ๐
I can't get to page two in a paper book, I get distracted, or get bored, or can't read at the speed my brain digests things. But, I can listen, like attending a lecture, or better yet, an author reading their book to an audience. You feel the tempo, the inflection and characters in the voice, and you don't get distracted because you can do repetitious stuff easily, such as shoveling, or moving a wheelbarrow around. That's both good for my book, and for work... I work better with a book and I learn or absorb more while I am working, there's some point of focus there. It works, and I'm always excited with a new book
@Rasta That's just awesome! I wish I could do that... I am a decent enough reader, but I have to be in the mood for it. Usually when we went on vacation, I would read several books, depending on the length and location of the vacation. ๐ I was so glad when I got an eReader as it meant that I didn't have to drag all the heavy books anymore ๐ (and it was easier for my hands, as they were getting worse). But it's amazing that you can enjoy the books so much. Learning things while shoveling sounds like a great and powerful ability! ๐
@Rasta Ow I get that! My adhd wants to be active too! ๐ But with my other health issues, I need to relax at times, and reading is usually one way to keep my brain entertained while my body gets some rest. ๐ Although the last few days, I've been able to dive into a puzzle, which has been nice as well.
I have some unknown trauma. I assumed it was my ADHD brain that won't let me sleep, which is a problem sometimes. But, I was throwing up every morning, and seeing my doctor for tests for causes or fixes. I was swallowing air badly in my sleep, clenching my teeth, jaw sore in the morning, night sweats. Some other Vets got me some meds that helped. When my head calmed down, I stopped throwing up. It's starting to be obvious there's some trauma, but I can't imagine what it is? I don't dream (that I know) But I've been involved in traumatic events and it's possible before I retired, I was kept to busy to think about these things, until I retired, and alone (without other military) Our Veterans centers are 100s of kms away, I take a whole day to drive 320kms return to get help with my VA claims. But I'm making progress, now I know what to treat
@Rasta Wow yeah that doesn't sound too good. ๐ Although I am experienced with the jaw clenching and teeth grinding, I have a little plastic dental protector (which I often forget to wear ๐ซฃ). Night sweats are horrible, I sometimes get them during nightmares, other times due to silly changing hormones. ๐ Hopefully they'll be able to help you. Wow a 320km return is a long drive indeed! I am glad that there is progress happening for you, these symptoms you describe are no fun at all. ๐
One of the things military does to you, is condition you to push through, and as a senior leader, you set an example for the men and women around you, both junior and senior. I expected to get older and frail, and I fight hard to overcome it but the nature of my work, is known to cause repetitive trauma in joints and conditions that disable in later life. I'm hoping to be compensated for the pain and suffering portion, and have my hearing aids paid for if required.
@Rasta That sounds very hard to deal with! ๐ I hope they will indeed compensate you. But the way things are going there, I wonder if they will. ๐ But fingers crossed ๐ค๐ป. And hopefully your body won't give up on you just yet... ๐
We're still Canada, eh! Unlike the USA losing everything, we still have a Veteran's Affairs, and since I retired (2006), new emphasis on finally recognizing those veterans who are injured or broken after military service. This just started in 2012, I believe and I just found out in 2024 . So, I need help getting started, but I have a hockey-sock of injuries and disability related to my entire life in military. There's no other cause. They spell out my conditions in my job description. It's common knowledge that this is the result but most don't live as long, to get an extra 90 bucks a month for an injury, but it's something, if you live long enough . Most take a bulk payment, rather than monthly, so your wife has it when you die a year later, rather than in poverty when the 90 bucks stops
@Rasta Aaaah excuse me!! My brain did that thing again where it didn't remember your location properly ๐ซฃ sorry!! My brain is just a mess at times, especially with names and locations...
Ah I understand. I hope that it can all get started properly. Any help that you can get, you worked hard enough to have earned it! ๐ค
On Monday, two men came and they finished up the last work on the heat pump. Hopefully, this will mean an end to the long lasting saga, and that I will be able to keep a warm home without paying way too much for it... Fingers crossed ๐ค๐ปand all that. Tuesd
On Monday, two men came and they finished up the last work on the heat pump. Hopefully, this will mean an end to the long lasting saga, and that I will be able to keep a warm home without paying way too much for it… Fingers crossed 🤞🏻and all that. Tuesday was PT day. But some “inconvenience” on the road turned out to be an annoyingly long detour… I managed to shower Skoosh, get a good physio session, and get some groceries at Lidl on the way back. Wednesday, I tried to take it easy. I did tackle a chore that I had been meaning to do for a while. And, I went out to vote. On Thursday, mum and I went to Germany again. Friday, I tried to take it easy, but my brain wasn’t all into that… Saturday, I drove to friends and I stayed there till Monday. Saturday on Sunday, I got the worst nightmare, that prompted me to write a very sad blog post about it. I caught up on sleep the next night, but I am not sure it really did me a lot of good…
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On Monday, two men came and they finished up the last work on the heat pump. Hopefully, this will mean an end to the long lasting saga, and that I will be able to keep a warm home without paying way too much for itโฆ Fingers crossed ๐ค๐ปand all that. Tuesday was PT day. But some โinconvenienceโ on the road turned out to be an annoyingly long detourโฆ I managed to shower Skoosh, get a good physio session, and get some groceries at Lidl on the way back. Wednesday, I tried to take it easy. I did tackle a chore that I had been meaning to do for a while. And, I went out to vote. On Thursday, mum and I went to Germany again. Friday, I tried to take it easy, but my brain wasnโt all into thatโฆ Saturday, I drove to friends and I stayed there till Monday. Saturday on Sunday, I got the worst nightmare, that prompted me to write a very sad blog post about it. I caught up on sleep the next night, but I am not sure it really did me a lot of goodโฆ
Colder days, colder nights, and a lot of wetness is showing in this forecast for the next two weeksโฆ The days for this week show rain, and a lot of rain, for 6 out of the 7 daysโฆ
I had a decent sleep, but I woke up after about 7ยฝ hours and I could not get comfortable again, so I got up. The scale was being annoying, as it showed me an increase of almost 1kg, even though I had not eaten that much, and I got some exercise in. It showed my muscles were down, my water was down, but my fat was upโฆ So that was a bummerโฆ I got dressed, took my meds, and got ready to head to the gym.
At the gym, I answered an email to a good friend, and then I got to the seated bike. I rode it for 20 minutes, and then I went to one of the leg exercise machines. I managed 5 reps on it, which was hard but also felt good. Because I was earlier, I went to the massage chair and I started the massage not once but twiceโฆ After that, I switched my shoes and headed back home again.
The weather was wet โn windy, and it would remain wet to very wet from time to time during the night. I first wrote my journal Toot and relaxed a bit. Then I used the laptop to work on my blog a bit. I headed upstairs and rode my bike for half an hour. And, I managed to do the leg exercise that Iโve been neglecting to do for a while. So yay me for doing it again today. ๐
I got back down, relaxed a little and had brekky. Then I got to my treadmill and managed a decent walk on it for half an hour as well. I got back to the couch after that.
Around 7:30, some folks would be coming to finish the last bit of work to the heat pump. Bestie called me on her way to work, and we just hung up when the guys arrived.
They worked for about an hour, and then they were done. Finally, the heat pump saga could be over withโฆ I hopeโฆ ๐ค๐ป I tried to relax a bit and I made some food. After some telly watching, it was time to get ready to head to Nijmegen.
There, I tried to help dad with his network issues. But I am clueless when it comes to network stuff. ๐ The little bit I know, or knew, I learned over twenty years ago, and I lost most of the knowledge due to the stupid brain fogs that have been happening the last ยฑ12 years. ๐ I felt so frustrated with myself because I couldnโt understand why it wasnโt working, when all the settings were as they should be, according to what I knew. Ughโฆ
After the hairdresser had come and cut my long, annoying hair, I got back home. I just arrived and the big black ๐ค fluff was already waiting for me. I quickly got his snacks, and we went for a walk. After that, I prepared to get ready for bed. I was rather tired. I watched a bit of a series and when I felt more relaxed, I switched to my book and some MyNoiseยฎ soundscape to fall asleep.
I woke up a few times, and I had some weird dreams. When I woke again, about 80 minutes to the alarm, I just could not get comfortable again. So I got up and started my โdayโ.
Tuesday
It had taken me some time to fall asleep. I had some weird dreams, and when I got up, it was still almost am hour till the alarm was set to go off. But my body and brain did not want to relax anymore, so I decided to get up. The scale was not being my best friend. Granted, it could be worse. But itโs over 80 again, and I just want it to drop back to below thatโฆ ๐
I got dressed, took my meds, and got my bag ready to head to the gym. Skoosh brought me there safe and sound. I switched my shoes, answered some emails and texts, and then I got to the seated bike. I rode it for a while, and then I switched to the treadmill for a bit. After that, I relaxed in the massage chair. And as I had some time, due to being earlier, and it wasnโt busy, I went for a second round. After that, I switched my shoes and headed back home.
I washed up, got dressed, and headed to the couch. I wrote my journal Toot and worked on my blog for a while. Started one about my little vinyl collection. Had some newer snaps, and some older ones that I made in the past, so I felt like sharing some of those. After that, I went to the home trainer and I got into a โbitmoji download festโ. And then, my silly brain wanted to try and create alt texts for all the bitmoji.
It was a lot of work! I had a break of making alt texts when I walked the treadmill. I was working on the alt texts again when bestie called me on her way to work. After a while, the AI app told me I had reached my limit for a while. I had done about 100 alt texts with it (yeah, I downloaded a lot of bitmoji images ๐). I was not done yet, but I did need a break.
I fixed some food. After that, I started the laundry and hung it when it was done. I wanted to head to Cuijk early, as they had warned for some construction work on the route, and I wanted to give Skoosh a good rinse, as she needs to have her shoes changed this Monday. Donโt want the guy to be buried in mud when he takes the wheels off! ๐ซฃ Butโฆ The โminor constructionโ they had warned aboutโฆ It was that they closed off the whole road!! Ugh! If they had warned for that, I would have chosen another route. Now I had to follow the detour, and it meant a way longer route, and more time (and frustration).
When I finally got to Cuijk, I tried to rinse off Skoosh best I could. I didnโt have the time, or energy, to give her a good wash, but seeing what did come off, I think the mechanic has a better chance of not getting buried ๐ when he takes the wheels off to change the tires this Monday. I went to the physio, where they warned us that starting in November, they would be in a construction area for about 6 weeks, meaning Iโd have to park the car a bit further away and then walk to the practice. Hopefully the place I have in mind to park then wonโt be too busy. And the weather wonโt be too bad, as it is a bit of a walk to get there thenโฆ Ah well, the joys of construction workโฆ ๐
The physio did his best to loosen up the very sore muscles that were causing me quite some distress. After the treatment, I went to Lidl. Couldnโt get all I wanted, unfortunately. So I got something else, and then I headed back home again, this time taking the highway from the start!
I got home, cleaned up the groceries, and then I got ready to walk with the neighbor and her black ๐ค fluff. After a nice walk, I got ready to head to bed. I was hoping to get a decent night after the busy day. I watched an episode of Designated Survivor, and then I got my eReader. I started a MyNoiseยฎ soundscape and read until I fell asleep.
I woke up once for the loo, and then quickly dozed off again. When I woke up again, about an hour before the alarm was set, I was not able to relax anymore, so I got up and slowly started my โdayโ.
Hump day / Wednesday
I had a shorter night and there were some weird dreams. The scale was not my best friendโฆ I still need to do betterโฆ ๐ I got dressed, took my meds, and got ready to head to the gym.
When I arrived, I switched my shoes and enjoyed my protein shake while I replied to an email and some other messages. Then, I got to the seated bike. After that, I did one of the leg exercises. Followed by 5 minutes on the cross-trainer. I had wanted to go for 10, but it became obvious that I wasnโt ready for that just yet. After a nice massage in the chair, I even went for a second round, I switched my shoes again and headed back home.
I washed up, got to the couch, and wrote my journal Toot. I got my laptop and worked a bit on my blog. I took some snaps of a few of my vinyls to add to the post I was making. Then, I tried to finish the alt texts for the remaining Bitmoji images. After that, I tried to relax a bit. I had brekky and then I headed upstairs.
I rode the bike for a while and did my leg exercise. Then I got back down again. I โneededโ to get some walking in, so I decided to head out and pick up my parcel. The walk went well, but of course I had taken the one jacket that didnโt have any tissues in it, and my nose decided to annoy meโฆ ๐ The box was a bit bigger than I thought, and I didnโt bring a bag, so it was a bit challenging to get it home easily. But, I managedโฆ
When I got home, I just sat down when bestie called me during her drive. We had a nice chat and when she hung up, I got the hoover out. I managed to give the downstairs area a quick sweep. And then I finally got out my mop and did the โeasy accessโ parts. I knew it would need a better cleaning at some point. But the parts that I managed to do were looking a bit better at least. ๐ But even the โquick roundโ of mopping had taken quite a few spoons from me. So I took some time to recover.
I went upstairs and took down the laundry. I folded it and took it back down again. But I didnโt get it into the wardrobe just yetโฆ I was just glad that I got it down. My body was still a bit sore from the hoovering and mopping I did.
I had been wanting to game, but now, I just felt tired. I had asked a neighbor if she would mind walking with me to the voting bit, and in the early afternoon, she, the big black ๐ค fluff, and I headed that way. We got to the voting station, I went in and quickly cast my vote. Then, I gave the black fluff a snack, and we headed back home again.
Some relaxing happened, and then I got ready to head to bed. It didnโt take too long before I was able to fall asleep. I woke up once for the loo, and then about 20 minutes before the alarm. The scale was being an annoying twat again. ๐ And somehow my watch thought Iโd been awake for quite some time during the night. But I canโt recall any of it, so I have the feeling that the watch was mistakenโฆ
I got dressed, took my meds, and got ready to head to Skoosh. It was raining, but not too cold, and I got ready to start my โdayโ.
Thursday
I woke up about 25 minutes before the alarm was set to go off. I got up, went to the scale, which was still being an asshat to meโฆ I got dressed, took my meds, and got ready to head to the gym. Skoosh and I headed to the gym, where we arrived safe and sound.
I switched my shoes and checked my social media bits while I enjoyed my protein shake. When I was ready, I headed to the seated bike where I rode for 15 minutes. I followed it with a 15 minute walk on the treadmill. As I had done the leg exercise the previous day, I then went to the massage chair where I enjoyed not one but two rounds of massagesโฆ
I headed back home, where I washed up and changed clothes. I got to the couch where I wrote my journal toot and I worked on my blog a little. I decided that today, per โinstructionsโ of my recovery routine schedule, I would not do any extra exercises. I would get some of those while going out and about with my mum to get our groceries from Germany and Nijmegen.
I tried to relax a little and watch some telly. I even got to do a breathing exercise, with the 4444 box breathing app and a nice MyNoiseยฎ soundscape in the background. Around 6:30, all my recycling bottles and cans were in the back of Skoosh, and we headed to Nijmegen.
I filled up Skooshโ tank, and then, when mum was ready, we took their car to Germany. I found out that they had a broken headlight, so that would be fun to tell dadโฆ We got to Germany and manged to get most of the things that we intended to get. I even got two small dog feeding bowls. I never had one for Bas, when he visited, and I would need one/two when the time would come for me to welcome a new gall in our homeโฆ So it was a good thing to get those now.
Back to Nijmegen, where I got my other needed groceries. When mum was ready, we walked with Bas again. After that, I headed back to Herpen. I unloaded my groceries and relaxed a bit. When my neighbor texted me for walkies with her big black fluff, I got ready. I brought the fluff an extra nice (I hope) snack from Germany, so I gave that to the neighbor for him, for when weโd get back again.
After a nice walk, I watched some telly, and then I got ready to head to bed. I watched an episode of Voyager, and then I started a relaxing soundscape on MyNoiseยฎ again, and I fell asleep while reading on my eReader, with the soundscape in the background.
I woke up once during the night, and then again, about 25 minutes before the alarm was set to go off. My scale was an even bigger asshat now, so it wasnโt the best way to start my โdayโ.
Friday
I woke up about twenty minutes before the alarm was set to go off. I got up, said something unkind to the scale after it shared its lies with me ๐. Then I got dressed, I took my meds, and I got ready to head to the gym.
At the gym, I enjoyed my protein shake while I answered an email to a sweet friend. And then I headed to the seated bike. After a short ride, I went to do a leg exercise. And then, I decided to try one arm exercise as well. I rewarded myself with a massage in the chair, and then I switched my shoes and headed back home.
I washed up, got to the couch, and for some reason I suddenly remembered that Iโd forgotten to fill in my taxes for last year. I remember that I tried and could not figure it out and then, so much happenedโฆ I just forgot. I wanted to book an appointment with the tax office for help, but I could not get it to work on my phone. So I got my laptop and then, after booting, it gave me an error! It said it needed a restart, but nothing happened. I tried different things and when I long pressed the power button a third time, it finally shut off. After a while, I restarted it and thenโฆ It worked again.
I was able to book an appointment, so hopefully then all will go well, and I can get things properly done. After this, I wrote my journal Toot, and worked a little on my blog. I finished a post for Saturday, and then I tried to relax a bit.
After a while I went upstairs, and I rode the bike for a whole 50 minutes! Yay me! After my little leg exercise, I went downstairs, where I walked the treadmill for 30 minutes. I felt tired but good, seeing I had done all my exercises and done them properly. ๐
I went to the couch, where I chatted some online. At one point though, I made a wrong translation from something we say in Dutch, and I found out that the meaning in English sounded the same (to me) but wasnโt fully the same. With words that I meant as support, I managed to upset someone I considered a friend. I apologized fully, told them it wasnโt meant that way, that I probably had chosen the wrong words to translate my (Dutch) feelings. I felt rather shitty about it. ๐
I went offline and I tried to distract myself with some No Manโs Sky. After an hour or so, I just had to get out for a bitโฆ I still felt uneasy. I walked to the store, where I got a few things for myself. And they had a sale on something that mumโs been trying to get. So I got a couple of them for her and then I walked back.
I tried to game a little more, and then I just needed something else to distract me. I cleaned out the table and rolled out the puzzle mat. Mum and I had started it a while ago, so I decided to try and make some progress with it. Iโm not the best when it comes to puzzles, as my ADHD is all over the place. But, in the end, after some time, I managed to finish the border and add a few other pieces as well.
Then the neighbor texted me that she and the big black ๐ค fluff were getting ready to head out for walkies. So I got my jacket and snacks, and we went out for a bit.
After a nice walk, I got ready to head to bed. I watched an episode of Voyager, and then I started a MyNoiseยฎ soundscape and I grabbed my book. I fell asleep while reading.
When I woke up again, I wonder what I was hearing. Apparently, I had not set the timer properly, and the soundscape was still up and running. I turned it off, went to the loo, and slept again. I woke up once more, and then, after another hour of sleep, I got up and started my โdayโ.
Saturday
I got up about 20 minutes before the alarm was set to go off. I got to the scale, it was still an asshatโฆ ๐ I got dressed, took my meds, and got ready to head to the gym. All went well and I arrived safe and sound. ๐
Switched my shoes and replied to an email from a sweet friend. Replied to a few more things as well, and then I got to the seated bike. I didnโt ride too long, as I wanted to โpreserveโ some energy for the long day to come. I enjoyed a massage in the chair, and then I got ready to head back home again.
Washed up, got to the couch, and wrote my journal Toot. Then I managed to work on my blog a little before I just lay down and relaxed for a while. I was a bit restless, so I decided to leave the couch and work on my puzzle a little moreโฆ After that, I walked the treadmill for a short while, which was followed by a nice brekky.
I packed up most of my things and tucked a few of them in Skoosh her trunk. I worked a little more on the puzzle again. Then, I relaxed a little with some telly and had some food, and then I got ready to head to Skoosh again. This time, weโd be driving for about 115km to get to our friends. ๐
The journey went well. There was some rain. There were a few asshats that made driving more dangerous and annoying. But I made it in a good time. I gave my friends their birthday presents, and the memorial heart of Arwen. ๐ข It was emotional, but they gave it a nice spot in their display cabinet. After that, we got to their car and headed to a Harley-Davidson shop.
The weather was a lot wetter now. But the drive went well, and we got to the shop. They had a lot of things there! I found a nice t-shirt and my friend found two sweaters and a pin. So, after spending some money, we got back to the car. We drove to an animal store, where they got some things for their pets. A quick stop at home, and then onwards to a bigger supermarket. We got food, drinks, and snacks, and headed back.
After lunch, we relaxed with some telly. My friend showed me the latest Mario Kart on their Switch 2. We had some dinner together. We watched a movie. And then it was time to get some sleep.
On a couch, in a sleeping bag, with some lights onโฆ I fell asleep after a while, woke when my alarm went off (I really thought I tuned it off!). Slept a wee bit more. And then woke up crying due to a very upsetting nightmareโฆ And that started my new โdayโ, where I really cried a whole lotโฆ.
Happy Sundog / Sunday
I had the worst nightโฆ I had a nightmare about Arwenโs last moments and that triggered so many emotions and I just could not handle it. Itโs bad when it happens when youโre safe at home, but I was at my friendโs place, on their couchโฆ No safety place, no comforts of my own home, but all the emotionsโฆ I cried so much, and I struggled to calm downโฆ ๐ญ
I got my Buds and I put on a MyNoiseยฎ soundscape. I opened the jetpack app and I started a new blog post. I just had to write about the nightmare. It was so sad to write about it, but I think it did help me to calm down a bit. I spent quite some time writing, and adding images to the post, and then I scheduled it for the Monday, as I wanted to share it with everyone. I was so sad about the thoughts I had now about the last moments of Arwenโs lifeโฆ And even after almost 4 months, I still miss her like crazyโฆ ๐ญ
It was hard to get though the night. I watched a bit of a series. And when one of my friends got up, I had some brekky. I told him about the bad night and I got some cuddles. That helped a littleโฆ When my other friend was up as well, the male friend and I headed out for a walk. I had to get some exercise and fresh air, so he offered to walk a round with me. Which helped me to feel better quite a bit. I was just so out of itโฆ
When we got back, my friends and I checked out the Tidal app and songs. As I had a Spotify family that they used as well, but now I am switching to Tidal, so I offered them to switch with me. My friend showed me his new Harley (what a beast!) and we checked to see if Tidal could play on the Harley info system. It worked, so that was good. ๐
We had some food, and then we went to one of my friendโs parents. We always visit them when Iโm at their place. His mum showed me her hard work on making miniature dioramas! Wowโฆ Sheโs got some talent! (and patienceโฆ). She really had made the most awesome things. ๐คฉ
After a while, we headed back to their home again. We watched a movie and relaxed a bit. Then we ordered some very delicious Chinese food. We went to pick it up, but wow, that was something! What a busy mess with many folks that didnโt give you any personal space. It drove me nuts! But we got the food and then headed back. The meal was delicious ๐ and we all ate loads!
After the meal, we watched another movie. But seeing I had less than 5 hours of sleep, I was dozing off during the movieโฆ So after it ended, my friends went upstairs so that I could try to sleep a bit. And well, boy did I sleep!
I woke up for the loo, and quickly dozed off again after that. Then I woke up at five. I thought I would be awake from then on, but after a while I dozed off again. Then I was woken up by my phone ringing. Bestie had forgotten that I wasnโt home and couldnโt callโฆ So I texted her and slowly got up. When I checked, my watch told me I had slept about 10 hours!! And still I felt tiredโฆ Butโฆ Ready to start my day!
Thank you for your interest in my blog. I really appreciate your visit. If you like my posts and you want to share them on your social media, please, feel free to do so! Iโd be honored. If you donโt want to miss a thing, press the follow button (youโll need to be a signed in WP user) or you can follow me though the FediVerse with the link below, or scroll down and leave your email below this post. If you are a WP user and you would like me to know you liked my post, press the star/like button please. You can also comment when you see this post as a Toot on the Fediverse, and Iโll be notified of that as well. Thanks ever so much! Of course comments are welcome, but spam wonโt get shared, so donโt bother with thatโฆ
Please be wise and stay safe! I hope to see you back real soon again, feel free to drop in anytime! Wishing you all the best. With love, Cynni ๐น
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AI alt text: A memorial photograph of a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Arwen, shown outdoors on a grassy field. Arwen has a gentle, expressive face with a slightly open mouth and tongue visible, giving a warm, friendly appearance.
At this time, 4 months ago, we said our last goodbye and you peacefully fell asleep forever... No more pain, no more discomfort... But also no more love and wagging tails... ๐ข
This snap was taken 4 days before her passing, a few hours before my hip popped out of the socket and the week of hell began... ๐
She was the best friend I could have ever wished for and I'm grateful to have had almost 12 lovely years with her... But I guess this special bond also makes the grief deeper and harder to deal with...
They say it should get easier with time, and I know they are right... It is just hard to get through the time, because the pain is still deeply felt in my broken heart. ๐
Thank you for sharing... And yeah, I know it may get easier, as I've lost other dogs before... But our bond was special, so I guess it will definitely take more time for me to recover... They are so special... ๐
To distract myself a little from this morning's sadness, I tried to focus on my puzzle for a while. Slowly, I am making some progress.... It will take me quite a few more hours for sure, but I am glad that I am able to make any progress at all... ๐
Fankoos dear ๐ and yeah, I love Dumbo, but can never watch the movie as it makes me cry like a mad woman ๐ซฃ I hope to be able to frame the puzzle when it's done. Huggies! ๐ค
Reminder for #PwME and others who follow groups on Mastodon:
There's a new set of groups on fedigroups.social that have replaced the old guppe groups. Here are three groups you might want follow (the ! keeps groups from being spammed with this message)
#Spotted on an Evening River Walk in Aotearoa New Zealand:
Three women (20s-50s?) are leisurely floating in a riverbend water hole. Hair piled up on their heads. Hands swooshing idly, keeping them buoyed. Toes peeking out of the water like little piggy wiggies, curious to see what's going on.
A young human (9?) in a mud splattered school uniform exits a mountain biking track and parks near a clump of trees. Looking furtively about, he retrieves a full-to-bursting school bag from the undergrowth. Heaving it onto his shoulders and heading home. Sneaky fun on a sunny afternoon.
A cow is studiously munching her way through a paddock covered in a riot of buttercups to the echo of mountain bikers racing down a nearby hill. Munching Cow is not bothered by humans doing bike things. She's more focused on this juicy patch of grass. It's the important things in life...
Three women (late teens?) are running side-by-side at a steady pace along a dirt track through a valley. Laughter and chat
... show more
#Spotted on an Evening River Walk in Aotearoa New Zealand:
Three women (20s-50s?) are leisurely floating in a riverbend water hole. Hair piled up on their heads. Hands swooshing idly, keeping them buoyed. Toes peeking out of the water like little piggy wiggies, curious to see what's going on.
A young human (9?) in a mud splattered school uniform exits a mountain biking track and parks near a clump of trees. Looking furtively about, he retrieves a full-to-bursting school bag from the undergrowth. Heaving it onto his shoulders and heading home. Sneaky fun on a sunny afternoon.
A cow is studiously munching her way through a paddock covered in a riot of buttercups to the echo of mountain bikers racing down a nearby hill. Munching Cow is not bothered by humans doing bike things. She's more focused on this juicy patch of grass. It's the important things in life...
Three women (late teens?) are running side-by-side at a steady pace along a dirt track through a valley. Laughter and chatter drifting in their wake. Ponytails swinging jauntily as they go.
A boxer puppy scampers by a waterhole, tongue lolling, tail a blurred whir. Meanwhile a grey-muzzled blue heeler is trotting behind her with an impressive stick in his mouth. His body is Minecraft-cubic with age and good dinners, his eyes benevolently tracking his new puppy friend.
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Also, just because it was such a lovely day, here's a picture of some flowers in a paddock. (More in alt text)
Any typos spotted in this post have decided they may just brave their local waterhole this year. But maybe they'll wait until it heats up a bit more. If spotted, please join them in admiring all the spring flowers, and maybe pat the puppy on the riverbank. She's very keen to make friends.
that place in the photo sounds beautiful. I bet butter cups are so beautiful. I love the sound of rivers. Thank you so much for describing these pictures. It makes it so enjoyable to know what's going on in them, and you are a great describer.
@RaineyDay It is really beautiful. We're planning on going for a walk down there today after the battiness of this book launch settles down a bit. I love the smell of all the green
(Monday, 17/11/2025).
Ello sweet and lovely Friendos 
).
I haven't heard from one friend that usually emails me every day, so I guess they've just been busy. I know that today will be a busy day for them at work as well, so I'll be waiting impatiently 
The Lady (La Donna)
in reply to Pixy's Journey • • •Have a good day, Pixy!
Pixy's Journey
in reply to The Lady (La Donna) • • •Hope you'll have a good night dear