Friday January 13

[Shirlv]

Morning All, vert cloudy and 47°. A stay at home day and some closet organizing. One of life’s simple pleasures for me is my morning coffee, cream and honey. Well the price of honey and heavy cream is outrageous. There is also a shortage of cream. I make low fat creamer with heavy cream and fat free milk. Now trying a recipe for creamer using sweetened condensed milk and fat free milk. Much too sweet so it’s a work in progress. That’s my exciting news. Karen, hope you are able to sit comfortably. #2 daughter gave me a container of spaghetti sauce made from fresh ingredients out of her garden. That will be dinner tonight. Be safe

[Cudedog]

Morning All, vert cloudy and 47°. A stay at home day and some closet organizing. One of life’s simple pleasures for me is my morning coffee, cream and honey. Well the price of honey and heavy cream is outrageous. There is also a shortage of cream. I make low fat creamer with heavy cream and fat free milk. Now trying a recipe for creamer using sweetened condensed milk and fat free milk. Much too sweet so it’s a work in progress. That’s my exciting news. Karen, hope you are able to sit comfortably. #2 daughter gave me a container of spaghetti sauce made from fresh ingredients out of her garden. That will be dinner tonight. Be safe

Morning, Shirl. More rain in the forecast here, too. In fact, quite a lot of rain coming my way. A stay-at-home jewelry making day today for my Etsy shop. I haven't made anything new since before Christmas, I need to get back to it!

I love my morning coffee, too, but prefer it unsweetened, with milk. Over many years I have come to really like non-fat evaporated canned milk in my coffee (sometimes the non-fat kind of evaporated milk can be hard to find, but lucky for me my local grocery chain carries it as a store brand).

The milk, I think maybe because it is evaporated, is very slightly condensed, making it a tiny bit thicker than regular milk - letting the slight natural sweetness of milk come through.

Give it a try, you might like it. As for cost? Egads. A single 12-ounce can has gone up from about 70 cents a couple months ago, I just paid $1.08 at my last grocery run. And it was ostensibly "on sale" at $1.08!

LOL. I just call it one of my "needless extravagances" and buy it anyway. It's healthy and yummy!

[Rant alert ahead!!] Had a bit of a downer yesterday, a person who purchased one of my necklaces from my Etsy shop left a very terrible review, two stars out of five, the first bad review I have ever received. The person basically said they liked the piece, but their main gripe was that the focal stone was "fake". . . How did they know this? Because it was (as they put it) "see through" and, as they also put it, "no rock is transparent".

Ignorance is bliss, I guess.

There are many natural gemstones and "rocks" that can be transparent or translucent (partially transparent): quartz crystal, obsidian, bloodstone, jade, vesuvianite, chalcedony, agate - to name just a few.

Oh well. I do love to make my jewelry, I stand behind my stuff 100%, so I told them to return the piece and I would give them a full refund.

It did ping my confidence and cheery outlook on life a little bit, though.[/End of Rant]

Well, need to go throw in some laundry. My PG&E (electric) bill last month was $350.00, the highest it has ever been for one month's electric useage in my entire life. Since PG&E has been walloped with so many lawsuits over being the cause of wildfires (and natural gas explosions - yep) over the last few years, it seems that they need to raise their rates in order to cover the multi-multi-million dollar settlements required for these lawsuits.

One might think that they could just use some cash to update their equipment and keep it safe and in good repair, in order to avoid causing wildfires and gas explosions, but I guess that is just too difficult a pill for the stockholders to swallow.

So what they have done instead is raised rates, and created a "peak rates" period which is from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. I haven't paid too much attention to this peak rates thing until now, but since my mega-bill has hit me in the wallet, I need to do laundry "off-peak" and turn my thermostat down to 66 during the day, 62 at night. Chilly, but I dress warm and have a nice throw on my legs when sitting.

Ah, the joys of living in Northern California.

You all stay safe. Looking forward to reading about what all of you have been up to. It helps me to live through my day.

Thank you, all.

Anne

[Acadianmom]

It was 80 last week and I decide to go camping and it's 40.

Beth, good thing you sent me a message. I probably wouldn't have checked my email until I got home. I got a conformation so guess we are good to go.

Martha

[OregonLuvr]

Martha so glad you get to go with Beth. Should be fun. Anne I also had my highest bill ever since moving here. $106 Now our temps have been lower than last year and lasting longer. Pacific Power just upped their rates starting Jan 1st by 14.8% Quite a jump for sure. So I will see that reflected on my next bill. I do run my thermostat at 64 or 65 during the day. If I am busy and vacuuming etc then it is down to 63. I turn it down at night to 58. I have an electric blanket for bed and a heated throw during the day so I am toasty.

I have a pot of soup on this morning. Beef, cabbage, potato, dill seed kind of soup. After I have cut up the meat I add the can of tomato soup. It is one of my favorite soups. I toss in a little red pepper seeds for a little kick. My grandmother used to make this for me she called it Ukranian Borscht.....not sure why.

Shirl I can sit just fine LOL I never felt either shot and my butt muscles are just dandy today. No side effects so that is good. I cannot get the vaccine for 4 months now, but we have new variants (XBB1.5 or Kraken is the latest) it is never going to end. IF I was not immuno compromised I probably would just take my chances.

Not much else going on here on this rainy dreary day 51 out and still light steady rain.

[Bethers]

It was 80 last week and I decide to go camping and it's 40.

Beth, good thing you sent me a message. I probably wouldn't have checked my email until I got home. I got a conformation so guess we are good to go.

Martha

Yay! I highly doubted anyone else went on the waiting list any sooner than you. But I was surprised to see 2 openings. Aren't we lucky that 2 people must have canceled and we got the spots. Now we don't have to worry about our dogs.

My rig is a disaster since I decided to go through everything. I need to work harder at it. I'm having trouble getting rid of things to the extent I know I should. On the other hand I'm disgusted with myself for allowing this to happen.

[MandysMom]

Sadly, I beat all of you with a utility bill over $550 this past cycle- up $100 over previous and with turning thermostat way down! I almost never hear heat come on with it this low and a well insulated house! Our Rosevillev Electric Co, like others is jacking rates higher and higher. We are already wearing long sleeve shirts, warmer pants, heavier socks, and blankets when sitting. I won't get a electric warming blanket and run my bill even higher! I'm tired of feeling cold much of time and hot in summer, while paying high bills. We are told our electricity will go up another 20%!!!
I can't take any more of the variant vaccines due to my life threatening BP reaction. Flu vaccine doesn't do that, nor do any other vaccine, which is why, at first my Dr didn't really believe it was vaccine until data began trickling in that indeed some have that reaction. So, all I can do is keep working on my immunity to stay healthy. I no longer trust any "new" vaccine. It's all about the big $$$ for companies! And Karen, later, after I read yiur comment on those 2 shots, I read an article that basically says data is showing, the stuff you got is all but worthless, but many Drs haven't seen latest data! Have you noticed how many new drugs are advertised with big splashy ads but if you listen , none aim at a cure- they are meant to turn conditions around for centuries, into chronic profit for the drug companies. It's all about the money. it's no longer about cure!
Rain here, after a nice break yesterday. 0.15 since midnight. Heard one rolling thunder just before 10. Rain to continue through next wednesday. Folsom reservoir, about 7 miles away, continues to have big inflow from over a million acres of watershed. They are releasing slowly to prevent Folsom filling too quickly causing it to get ahead of them, requiring much bigger releases which can cause downstream issues.
I'm off to do chores, walk on treadmill, dance to Body Groove, and hope to convince tree bag to zip, plus laundry and other small projects. Have a good weekend everyone.
Velda

[BirdbyBird]

Busy day here in SW Ohio. Jane's baby girl turned 3 weeks this past Tuesday and has found her legs. They are wobbly and unpredictable but are gaining balance and strength with each day. It is time to start her on some mush because her little shark teeth are coming in and it is time to let Jane back away from those nursing responsibilities. It usually take another week or two for the momma to back out completely as the pup eats more and more mush.

Jane's breeder came down from Granville to see the puppy baby and get some puppy kisses. Her granddaughter was also down this way for a big horse show about 25 minutes up the road and after Cindy's visit and some warm soup we both drove back to the horse show complex and timed it perfectly to watch her 15 year old compete on a loaner horse. Lucy has a horse that she leases and apparently on Wednesday evening when she and horse arrived with the trainer from her barn, the horse experienced catching his halter on a door latch exiting or entering the stall and in his panic he slices up his mouth. I saw the six-seven inches of very small precise stitches. That vet is ready for a career in plastic surgery. Brody is not going to want a bit in his mouth any time soon.

And there is an RV show about 20 minutes up the road from me this weekend. My back was complaining too much for me to sneak a visit this afternoon but maybe tomorrow. There is actually a RoadTrek dealer in Ohio now.....good to know.

And about those gas and electric bills you speak of. Here in Ohio the $550. winter bill is normal and I have paid over $600+. in past years during the deep chills. No it isn't fun but it is part of living in Ohio. I don't know what folks with larger houses do. I will admit that we sometimes turn the heat on low in the pottery studio. The studio was well insulated when it was built but still it is a 24ft by 24ft open room....apparently freezing potter clay is not good for it. And then besides the recent extreme cold temperatures I will admit to keeping a heat lamp on the whelping box and the oil filled heater turned on in the office to keep a certain puppy body from getting chilled. I will make up the cost next month when I am not going anywhere or entered in any dog shows. Library books don't cost and the drive to the library is only about 2.5 miles. So the budget might get a reprieve....

In other good news, I made it out of the colonoscopy last week with another request to come back in ten years unless I have any symptoms of concern. I'll take it.

Stay warm enough and dry enough out there. I think I am ready to soak some puppy kibble to make a tastee mash.....

[BirdbyBird]

Busy day here in SW Ohio. Jane's baby girl turned 3 weeks this past Tuesday and has found her legs. They are wobbly and unpredictable but are gaining balance and strength with each day. It is time to start her on some mush because her little shark teeth are coming in and it is time to let Jane back away from those nursing responsibilities. It usually take another week or two for the momma to back out completely as the pup eats more and more mush.

Jane's breeder came down from Granville to see the puppy baby and get some puppy kisses. Her granddaughter was also down this way for a big horse show about 25 minutes up the road and after Cindy's visit and some warm soup we both drove back to the horse show complex and timed it perfectly to watch her 15 year old compete on a loaner horse. Lucy has a horse that she leases and apparently on Wednesday evening when she and horse arrived with the trainer from her barn, the horse experienced catching his halter on a door latch exiting or entering the stall and in his panic he slices up his mouth. I saw the six-seven inches of very small precise stitches. That vet is ready for a career in plastic surgery. Brody is not going to want a bit in his mouth any time soon.

And there is an RV show about 20 minutes up the road from me this weekend. My back was complaining too much for me to sneak a visit this afternoon but maybe tomorrow. There is actually a RoadTrek dealer in Ohio now.....good to know.

And about those gas and electric bills you speak of. Here in Ohio the $550. winter bill is normal and I have paid over $600+. in past years during the deep chills. No it isn't fun but it is part of living in Ohio. I don't know what folks with larger houses do. I will admit that we sometimes turn the heat on low in the pottery studio. The studio was well insulated when it was built but still it is a 24ft by 24ft open room....apparently freezing potter clay is not good for it. And then besides the recent extreme cold temperatures I will admit to keeping a heat lamp on the whelping box and the oil filled heater turned on in the office to keep a certain puppy body from getting chilled. I will make up the cost next month when I am not going anywhere or entered in any dog shows. Library books don't cost and the drive to the library is only about 2.5 miles. So the budget might get a reprieve....

In other good news, I made it out of the colonoscopy last week with another request to come back in ten years unless I have any symptoms of concern. I'll take it.

Stay warm enough and dry enough out there. I think I am ready to soak some puppy kibble to make a tastee mash.....

[JudyJB]

Anne, I guess they are used to plastic or glass stones in jewelry. Have they never heard of diamonds???? The good news is that others will laugh at their post!

Still waiting for a call from the truck repair place. Called them a couple of hours ago and they said to call later. Want to get on the road tomorrow morning and head to warmer and dryer places!!

[snowball]

I am trying to be in touch with the grandkids on or close to their birthdays' so just talked to one of my granddaughter's she 14 today unreal how quickly they grown or is she 13??? I am not positive now that I rethink it... and if I could remember years I'd figure it out but nothing to relate the year too... Larry was still alive so prior to 2010 but I don't remember how old she was when he passed away... I will figure it out... hopefully
found out last night that my # 1 daughter has some knee problem fell and they are concerned that it might be a torn meniscus we will hope that she doesn't have that she is a teacher and really can't afford to take much time off for surgery and recovery... her husband just had a torn meniscus surgery sometime in Nov... or early Dec
I did actually accomplished something today... got an appointment for a pedi next Tues... vacuumed and cleaned out the ashes out of the pellet stove... in the grand scheme not much but I was something... my niece told me that her mother goes to this one solon but when she told me what she pays for what sounded like nails trimmed and lotion applied ($50) hopefully they do more than that... but it sounded overly expensive to me however I didn't ask what this other place charges so it may be a one time only type of visit... my feet need it badly... one thing the other solon required you to do was make a reservation on line but they asked for a CC # not about to give that out to a place I've never been too...
Anne what is the name of you Etsy store??? I was going to go look but couldn't remember what it was... totally unbelievable what the one gal said first thought of quartz sorry you gave you a bad review and hopefully those that read it will think what about??? it's clear
Beth hoping you find the right fit for the summer
it sounds like the people that are in the "know" think the drought is almost over
you all have a great day
sheila

[JudyJB]

Was able to pick up my rig at 5 pm, and place closes at 5:30 pm, so I paid my bill and got my keys. Then I had to drive rental car a couple of miles to turn it in, and then call Uber to pick me up and take me back to repair place since Enterprise was closed and all I could do was drop off my keys. Cold and rainy makes none of this fun, plus Enterprise place was in bad area of town, so I stayed in rental car and did not drop keys in the slot until I saw the Uber pull in. Made it back to rig, and checked it out in dark very quickly, then had to drive back to Napa and check into campground.

Except I took a slightly different road and hit a bunch of tree branches in the right turn lane--horrible noise and I was panicked that after the huge expense of the new shocks, new ball joints, and front end alignment, etc today that I had ripped off the AC I had replaced two months ago. Young woman who manages the fairgrounds campground met me at the office window and I had to stand there briefly before I could say anything because I was shaking so badly!! Used my flashlight and it looks so far as if everything on roof is still there and OK. Whew. Son came to get me and take me to their house to pick up my stuff from last night and have some cold pizza. Got back to rig after 8 pm, but now had to put a bunch of stuff away. Son was grumpy because I had put stuff in safety deposit box and he would have to get graduation card for grandson in June. However, it contains about $1,000 of savings bonds that I bought years ago when he was a baby and when I could afford it because I was working. He has tendency to misplace things, so I wanted them to be safe, for obvious reasons. He is also grumpy because high school kids are still having problems, behavioral and academic, from missing mostly two years of school because of COVID. (Actually, most were in classrooms or online, but a lot switched back and forth and the whole attendance thing was sporadic, even for the best kids, so 9th graders are acting like 7th graders, according to him.)

Anyway, tomorrow, I head south and then east to Arizona--Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is warmer than California and 100% drier, which I think will really improve my outlook!!! I need some sunshine and warmth, even though it is only 70 degrees!

[Cudedog]

Anne what is the name of you Etsy store??? I was going to go look but couldn't remember what it was... totally unbelievable what the one gal said first thought of quartz sorry you gave you a bad review and hopefully those that read it will think what about???
sheila

Hello, Sheila. Thanks for asking.

I have had to do a couple of returns in the past, I don't mind, it is just part of the game. I will do a return for anyone for any reason at all - or for no reason: people don't need to give me a reason. People tell me they want to return an item, it's done. It was just very disappointing that this person posted such a negative review without bothering to contact me first, I would have been very happy to start the return/refund process for them. Oh well. That's the way things go sometimes.

The name of my shop is "The Stone Wind" (there is a link to my Etsy shop at the bottom of all of my posts - look below).

What is a 'stone wind', you might ask (LOL - maybe I have posted this before, but I forget). As most of you ladies know, I have a life-long interest in volcanoes - a stone wind is another name for a pyroclastic flow.

And now everyone is probably asking "what the heck is a pyroclastic flow??"

Wiki has a pretty good explanation of what a pyroclastic flow is:

"A pyroclastic flow (also known as a pyroclastic density current or a pyroclastic cloud) is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter (collectively known as *tephra) that flows along the ground away from a volcano [during an eruption], capable of reaching speeds up to 447 mph. The gases and tephra can reach temperatures of about 1,800 degrees F."

(*tephra, during an eruption, is a form of red-hot, semi-molten, pulverized volcanic rock (lava) - Anne)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyroclastic_flow

And a short video of a pyroclastic flow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvjwt9nnwXY

Basically, if a person is unlucky enough to find themselves too close to a pyroclastic flow. . . they don't live to tell about it.

When I was first designing my Etsy store front, and was looking for a lead-in photo, I played around with images of erupting volcanoes, lava fountains, massive volcanic ashfalls (all of which I find fascinating and beautiful) - until I realized that (duh) few people would want to hang around an Etsy shop that was basically advertising death and destruction long enough to look at jewelry, let alone buy anything.

So, for for my lead-in photo (instead of having something to do with a volcano), I finally went with an soothing image of a serene night-time alpine lake, surrounded by snow capped mountains.

I kept the 'stone wind' name because I thought the name eye-catching, and unusual enough that the name might stick in people's minds so that they might remember it. Also it was easy to spell! Eye-catching names are, of course, good for branding. And I doubted that many visitors would know what a stone wind was, anyway.

The original name I had for my jewelry hobby/business was "De La Fournaise", a French phrase (therefore making the name sexy, or so I hoped ) which I also really liked, and which I also thought people might remember. The problem with this name is that, because it is French, it is difficult for people to remember how to spell it. And precise spelling needs to be used when someone is typing in the URL for a website, or the website will never be found.

And. . . of course. . . "De La Fournaise" also has volcanic connections. De La Fournaise means "of the furnace". There is a very famous volcano off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean named "Le Piton De La Fournaise" (The peak of the furnace), it is part of Reunion Island, a French colony.

It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piton_de_la_Fournaise

Well, gotta rush off to see what Lake Oroville is doing. Pulling my waders on right now! Sue, please leave a flashlight by the back door, so that I can unload my van when I get there. Thanks!

You all have a nice evening.

Anne

[Redetotry]

He is also grumpy because high school kids are still having problems, behavioral and academic, from missing mostly two years of school because of COVID. (Actually, most were in classrooms or online, but a lot switched back and forth and the whole attendance thing was sporadic, even for the best kids, so 9th graders are acting like 7th graders, according to him.)

Judy my cousin says the same thing about school kids having problems. He travels between schools and teaches art to all grades, high school and grade school, in a large district. As an example he said many of the third graders have no idea what their lasts names are and when he gives instructions like to copy something from the board they just look at him. He is in an area where the poverty level is high so probably many either didn't have access to online classes or no one made sure they watched. I'm glad you didn't have any damage to your roof when you hit those branches.

[JudyJB]

Son says it is mostly social. Kids are not listening or following instructions. Plus the boys are doing a lot of poking each other and grabbing things from each other—15 year olds acting like 12 year olds. Very like you describe—lacking basic learning skills so has to spend a lot of time repeating himself and getting kids attention.

Napa valley tends to be wealthy but city of Napa is not. Different school districts.