Norcal Gma 2

Retired rural grandma, caretaker, and dog mom to a sweet lab named Summer. Collector of Matt Beard original art.
Love to bake and gift to friends and family.
Living a quiet life on the north coast of California.

Public Key

npub1dvgr0x8wwa3wzw5htcmgdt6xdgs363wa0ryaxmklxk5eauaf4t8qyjwcmf

NIP-05 Address

NorcalGma2_at_sfba.social@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsxkyphnrh8wchp82t4ud5x4arx5ggaghwh3jwndm0nt2v77w564nsp2emhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzv9hxgtmwwp6kyvfswe6n26n3dpmng6m4wfmh5e3nxauxwu3kw9axk6350gmhxum8dekxgdr3df3nv7rkxdkhy6rrxd48z7nhw9hx6dr3wv6q8c7yr5

Publishing to

relay.nostr.band/npub10vu5jqhw4kurwzf37xgr6qzkj4z7ssgnld4qjc6xv3mrhc3jqzwqnm4qs4

Author Public Key

npub1dvgr0x8wwa3wzw5htcmgdt6xdgs363wa0ryaxmklxk5eauaf4t8qyjwcmf

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Last Notes

2025-05-18 05:49:54

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@nprofile…hqdl
I hear you about the physical part of providing care.
I never thought about nursing but many of my husband's providers have commented that I missed my calling.
I do it out of necessity but realize now that I might be able to be helpful to other in our position if time ever allows.

2025-04-29 00:06:23

Every year our county seat, Eureka, CA, hosts a rhododendron festival and parade this time of year.
Rhodys are blooming every where you look. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
This one is huge. It is twenty five feet tall and stands in front of our house. I have to point my phone straight up to get pictures. This bush, if you can call it that, is covered with bees, and sounds alive with a constant buzz.
Once, I had the honor of being the grand Marshall of the rhododendron parade. I led the festivities while sitting on a fancy convertible sports car. My grandkids were young, and very impressed. It was worth trying to stay put with nothing to hold onto but a huge bouquet of flowers, just to see them be proud of me.
I scored a cool sash out of the deal but haven't found another use for it yet.
I love small town stuff.
#BloomScrolling #Rhododendron
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/418/311/724/859/546/original/309d660e346c77ec.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/418/311/747/239/161/original/ce8b1ee11aa6103c.jpg

2025-04-23 23:45:14

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@nprofile…er55
Such a fun side quest. It really is exciting to connect.
Thank you again for the thoughtful message and beautiful card.

2025-04-11 18:33:03

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More Summer games.
I take too many pictures of Summer but I can't help it. She is just too cute.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/320/752/380/245/736/original/5409063bcea4a83c.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/320/752/451/955/169/original/3b96b85b77aa28e4.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/320/752/441/934/690/original/80700e0802ee1898.jpg

2025-04-10 22:14:05

This photo is from our walk this morning.
I wanted to share an experience, and the photo wanted to be seen, so here goes both shares, all at once.
Every weekday, my daughter and I protest on Highway 101, over the lunch hour.
Today, we ended up near a place where several people had signs asking for money.
Although, we were a ways up the road, a man left his coveted best spot next to a stoplight to come give me some advice. You see he thought I was asking for money instead of protesting. He was nicely trying to help me even though I would be competition. After he decided I might be a lost cause he pulled some balled up dollar bills out of his pocket and offered to give me $4. I was touched by his kindness as I turned his money down. I explained why we are protesting and he went back to his spot.
I found more of the spirit of generosity on that street corner today than exists among the most affluent. As we left I gave him my emergency fund from my wallet.
He deserved it.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/315/954/775/322/928/original/cb137b1d377252cd.jpg

2025-04-05 17:40:07

Summer needs exercise before I leave to go to the Hands Off protest.
She totally understands why we can't make it out to the beach today.
Her job is to stay home and take care of her pal.
She takes it very seriously.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/286/571/641/906/383/original/f980776a2ca7090a.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/286/571/497/927/224/original/98884a9c2ec52c1f.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/286/571/631/357/929/original/941b2e91e5f64d61.jpg

2025-04-01 22:18:50

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@nprofile…3zha
It looks like they are doing really well. Beautiful!

2025-03-31 22:33:29

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@nprofile…955z
Thank you!

2025-03-31 22:32:44

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@nprofile…rl7t
My abs are still there because I can still hold a plank for at least two minutes. They are shy and don't want to be seen anymore though, and I respect that.
More exercise and less baking will happen when the weather is better, I hope. 😊

2025-03-28 22:24:11

Summer isn't sure she approves of the newest freeloaders moving in on the duck's food.
#BackyardBirds
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/242/394/062/439/656/original/49d3761fae54929b.jpg

2025-03-28 21:37:50

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@nprofile…d92l
We are in the roller coaster phase of our lives, for sure.
Today is good, though.

2025-03-28 21:36:57

Today is restock the freezer with fresh banana bread day.
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/242/208/806/817/781/original/3190584786e51cf3.jpg

2025-03-28 20:55:33

The good news is that my husband is feeling better today. Not better enough to do anything fun, but better enough to eat and sleep. This means Summer and I got some sleep last night, too.
We aren't able to go down the road for a walk today, so we resorted to our indoor substitute and played on the stairs.
Summer takes these things so seriously. It's pretty darn cute.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/242/038/626/518/382/original/a222ef8f50644113.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/242/038/595/701/244/original/e6db3221e210a167.jpg
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2025-03-26 02:55:47

I have been in a mood all day.
It started this morning when I was cranky with someone who asked me to move my car because they wanted my parking spot.
I have felt a little off all day.
Maybe because I didn't sleep well last night.
Maybe because my husband keeps showing me the news and wants to talk about it.
Maybe because worry is in the air.
Maybe just because.
Somehow the sunset sky looked like I feel. A little bit distorted.
I cooked a traditional dinner for Summer and her pal. I wanted a comforting bowl of oatmeal for myself. It helped.
The sunset did get better and I will too. After a good night's sleep.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/226/471/825/988/506/original/662cc6dafd335d64.jpg

2025-03-22 00:12:54

I love looking for agates on our local beaches. Not every beach, but the special spots, that used to be known mostly by the locals. Now there is plenty of competition as agate picking is more popular.
While I was making my way to my friends front door today these beauties caught my eye. They were all over the ground. It seems that a lifetime of his agate collecting was in a plastic container that disintegrated when it was moved.
His happy place was always at the beach.
I only picked up a few of the agates in the rain, but will go back, on a dry day, to pick up enough rocks to make a keepsake jar for his bedside table.
He collected some doozies.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/203/185/081/604/473/original/9149ae8cd91e2e57.jpg

2025-03-20 17:19:15

Today is stay home and get caught up on chores day.
First on the list was to cook up the raspberries I thawed out. We were down to our last jar of jam. Can't have that in our family. The grandkids chose raspberry over blueberry or peach.
In the old days I would put up three or four cases at a time. These days I cook small batches of six pints.
I'm not sure if anything smells better than jam cooking on the stove.
Onward to the next chore on the list.
Good morning, Mastodon.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/195/893/996/733/116/original/91bfc04a55f0cbb2.jpg

2025-03-11 02:57:46

Believe it or not I am starting to find my balance in this unbalanced time.
I am adjusting to the fact that the bad guys won this round, and in doing so they altered the course of my old age.
Now, I have an obligation/ambition to demonstrate my love of family, friends, everyone, and everything dear to me. Including all of you, in this Mastodon world.
This renewed sense of purpose is empowering because I know I am on the right side of an epic battle.
The battle of a lifetime in the sunset of mine.
I'm not a billionaire but I wouldn't want to be. It's not a good look these days.
I don't wear the good guy signature white hat but you will know me by my sign, my mask and a sweet lab named Summer at a protest near you.
Take good care and keep the faith.
#Sunset
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/141/542/103/470/748/original/9bdd7a2b2367105b.jpg

2025-03-07 00:07:01

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@nprofile…09cl
❤️

2025-03-03 01:23:12

I spent a fair amount of time in the car with my grandson yesterday.
We talked about a lot of things.
Mostly, about how we have some hard times ahead. He is afraid. I gave him all the reasons why I believe we, or at least his generation, will see better times again. I sincerely believe that will happen.
I remember talking to my mother about living on the reservation, going to Indian boarding school, and surviving the great depression.
She said that they survived by making do.
When she left boarding school she had three sets of clothes and a Baby Ben alarm clock. Two years later she bought her first house at a tax auction.
I told my grandson that together we can do this and that I will pass on everything I know.
Tuesday, he is coming out to help me make some better protest signs, and to learn how to use a sewing machine to patch his jeans. I will do my best to teach the kids how to make do.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/095/866/600/493/523/original/16ef89bc1e00b3e3.jpg

2025-02-23 22:03:59

For a few minutes the sun was shining. Summer nudged me to take her outside. She said this was our window of opportunity to see if the daffodils survived the wind storm last night.
She just wants an excuse to smell the flowers but I'll let her pretend she is going out for me.
There are flowers coming up everywhere. It seems the gophers have been busy moving the bulbs around.
Now the sun is behind gray clouds again.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/114/055/450/906/211/703/original/dd0fc9bd73ccb1e7.jpg
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2025-01-21 04:36:11

Summer is out of sorts.
She wouldn't eat her dinner.
I'm sure we are all on edge.
Change is hard, especially when you have little control over anything.
I told Summer that our sunset is still beautiful and that we love her even more than yesterday.
I hope we all find a way to carry on.
I promised that she could help me in the garden tomorrow.
One day at a time.
#Sunset
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/864/469/277/551/568/original/808ab0aab22dadb3.jpg

2024-12-30 01:39:59

When I first met my husband I was a newly minted single mom.
Just settling into the idea that being unhitched was the cat's meow.
Besides, I was sure he wasn't my type. He was enthusiasticly single and had more female friends than I had pairs of shoes, and that is a lot.
He wasn't my first anything. No love at first sight even.
Maybe, because I wasn't looking I was more comfortable just being myself and being his friend. He was someone interesting to talk to with a bent towards adventure. He was fun to be around.
Once I started baking pies for him it was all over. We were a couple.
Through ups and downs, sickness and health we have weathered unbearable loss as well as much joy. Thirty six years later, here we are, still choosing each other's company.
Who would have guessed?
#Sunset
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/739/206/525/505/145/original/e49ca4cb1de6c730.jpg

2024-11-22 23:30:06

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Banana chocolate chip muffins are looking good too. Now to figure out who needs a muffin delivery.
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/529/203/028/179/997/original/292835cd45493273.jpg

2024-11-22 22:51:46

Happy that our water issues are resolved, so I can be baking again.
Today, was use up the old bananas day, so I tried a new recipe.
These are King Arthur Banana Crumb muffins.
They are pretty good.
Next, is the ever favorite banana chip variety. They are in the oven.
Only two bananas left.
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/529/046/169/240/188/original/6a042572383d6914.jpg

2024-11-22 19:10:10

Sometimes it's easy to take pictures of Summer. Sometimes not so much.
She is so happy to see some outdoor time without pouring rain that she is moving too fast for me.
All of the places we would normally walk are either flooded, or the road to get there is under water.
This morning, I was worried that my husband would get to his dentist appointment, but that his way home would be flooded. Luckily, Hwy 101 opened the southbound lanes right before he left.
Lots of standing water everywhere. The pastures in the valley look like giant lakes. The cattle population on our hill has exploded with displaced animals.
The rain has stopped for now, so hopefully the water will start to recede.
This was the best photo I managed, of most of Summer, this morning.
She is a happy dog.
#Summer #Dogs
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/528/176/703/716/678/original/9d8f4e360af88a63.jpg

2024-08-18 22:53:49

I wanted to send my sister some pictures of my gorgeous red begonia that is covered with perfect ruffled blossoms.
Summer was so determined to help me that she parked herself right between me and the flowers every time I got down on the ground. Happy dog kisses and tailwagging put an end to the photo opportunity. Rolling around on the grass with a happy dog happened.
I can get flower pictures later.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/985/463/484/141/319/original/def2fb501014060c.jpg

2024-08-16 20:41:15

I wore my new hat today.
My grandkids love it.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/973/630/759/865/372/original/4ebf25e6b4d6c1ed.jpg

2024-08-14 02:10:05

Dahlia toot for today.
#Dahlias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/957/936/999/842/380/original/c2ff2766cf969147.jpg

2024-08-11 03:58:01

Jasper looks majestic.
#Caturday
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/941/370/895/759/135/original/3619a418dcda31f4.jpg

2024-08-02 04:38:32

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So much helpful advice.
Mastodon friends, you are the best!
I am so fortunate to have found this place.
I managed to talk my husband into a lukewarm sponge bath and got him to drink lots of water. I bundled him back up in his recliner, and his fever finally broke.
I am so thankful.
He felt well enough to snack on oyster crackers and pet Summer.
Now he just wants to sleep.
Me too.

2024-07-31 15:21:14

Summer says good morning to her Mastodon friends.
She hopes the roofers don't come to your house next.
#Summer
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/881/775/645/023/722/original/6f5f0c6b3809b4f0.jpg

2024-07-31 01:57:55

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@npub1eav…g6f3
Mostly mad scrambling with some impressive dives on the ball to see who can land on it first.

2024-07-29 23:21:18

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@npub1a25…l27u
Sooo sweet.

2024-07-27 17:25:56

Rose toot for today.
#Roses #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/859/619/356/805/822/original/3318effabf835b29.jpg

2024-06-30 20:16:44

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@npub17hj…7a0r
That is exactly where we were. Close to Redcrest.

2024-06-30 20:00:48

#SilentSunday
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/707/344/287/125/107/original/3febae32bdeb0789.jpg

2024-06-29 04:16:39

Always when I start my garden in the spring, I toss in some marigold seeds.
When my kids were little, I always had a big garden completely surrounded by bright colored marigolds. It was a tradition.
So this year, we have containers of marigolds around the vegetables.
When my husband asked me why they were blooming in with the vegetables, all I could come up with is because they belonged there.
#Gardening
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/697/965/145/171/031/original/1bcee467cb53d9e3.jpg

2024-06-17 00:19:31

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@npub1eav…g6f3
I don't know if she would recognize an agate, but all of my favorite beaches have them.

2024-06-09 03:27:10

Today's rose for our Mastodon friends. I love this new one the grandkids planted.
#Rose
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/584/527/257/695/275/original/8aa8a39cce1c517d.jpg

2024-06-09 00:00:03

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@npub1fpr…lyph
They have to put a food stimulant on her ear to coax her to eat. She really is precious.
Twenty years is a long life for a kitty. I am sorry for your loss.

2024-05-23 16:43:14

Every morning after breakfast, I break up a treat and hide the pieces in the living room for Summer so my husband can watch her sniff them out.
They both love the game.
Today, my husband wanted to do the hiding.
Summer knows she has to wait until she is invited to the game area.
She can hardly contain herself, but she does.
Finding all the pieces in record time, she is a happy dog.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #Dogs
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/491/394/603/443/516/original/84314865b8c3fa6f.jpg

2024-05-19 16:28:13

Our first dahlia blossoms for this year.
Lots more to come.
#Dahlia
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/468/693/350/912/560/original/3e930157d3aa8479.jpg

2024-05-11 02:42:20

Today's roses.
There are still a dozen bushes that are soooo close to blooming but are making me wait. This warm, sunny weather should move them along.
#Roses
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/420/144/726/223/616/original/ff177def37061a37.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/420/144/628/378/902/original/177a5d55652f324a.jpg
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2024-05-09 22:59:44

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@npub1eav…g6f3
They are.
Hopefully, they don't find anything new.

2024-05-09 22:45:41

I have been quietly fasting all day for the afternoon CT scan of my lungs.
Whew!
I was dreading this test.
I got lucky, though, and the person who put in the IV was really good at his job. Only one hole in my arm is super good.
On the way to my test, I dropped dinner off at my daughter's house and took a quick front yard photo.
Now, the wait for results begins.
#Flowers
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/413/550/630/233/498/original/ccca5ce3aed46dda.jpg

2024-04-28 22:30:33

This rose was our first to bloom this season.
I was going to deadhead it today, but my husband said no. He says it is still beautiful and not done yet.
So I sat down in the grass to enjoy the color and fragrance one more day.
I think I want to be like this rose. Even though I am old, I'm not yet done and can still bring joy to those who are willing to see my inner beauty.
I might leave it two more days.
Summer says good idea.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/351/207/214/442/446/original/7a9b0d38a3713a78.jpg

2024-04-19 06:36:49

The sunset lasted a really long time and the sky looked like a painting.
Very little wind and comfortably warm, Summer and I stayed outside until dinner was ready and then came back out until it was almost dark.
We found comfort sharing the beauty together.
#Sunset
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/296/484/116/459/719/original/07538675dc1c2b75.jpg

2024-04-13 01:29:59

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A few more photos from our walk.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/261/312/596/684/986/original/f1b6ae36b986294e.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/261/312/709/508/336/original/c9b8bf3f47838896.jpg
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2024-04-11 05:26:07

No sunset tonight.
Only fog.
Summer and I are still worn out, but her pal is feeling really good.
I don't know what they put in the giant antibiotic pills, but I am starting to suspect something might have gotten mixed up.
He is over the top feeling all right.
No fever or pain all day today, and he even sounds like himself again.
We are so thankful.
Now Summer and I might get to catch up on a week of not very much sleep.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/250/915/777/025/606/original/d1ca82b70394b1c2.jpg

2024-04-08 03:18:09

Things are a little bit uncertain here this evening.
My husband is freezing and has a fever, so we are officially concerned.
Covid test is negative.
I did catch the sunset sky when I took Summer out to potty.
Hoping whatever is happening gets better overnight.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/233/428/938/896/433/original/b07a2741dcacc84e.jpg

2024-04-06 22:46:16

My grandson reminded me it is #Caturday today.
Summer thinks it's pretty special that cats have their own day.
Jasper, who is beautiful, could care less about these trivial happenings.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/226/695/808/330/554/original/5d5fc6a36d2af04d.jpg

2024-03-31 16:34:19

Tulip toot for this morning.
The sky is overcast, so the flowers don't want to open up all the way.
Summer and I decided to take what we can get.
The colors are vibrant on this gray day.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/191/258/738/530/637/original/2cb14e80fefc51ee.jpg

2024-03-09 03:20:06

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@npub1eav…g6f3
Thank you. We have a nice view most days.
How lucky is that.

2024-03-09 02:56:20

On hard days, it is even more important to head outside with Summer at sunset.
It is our time to remember that there is so much more good than not and to reflect on the positives.
We talked about what made us happy today.
I said I would start.
I am happy that I saved some of the mac and cheese, so our dinner is in the oven almost done.
I am happy that I got a covid booster from a medical worker who was enthusiastic about keeping us healthy.
I am happy that our middle grandson came by to check on us and pick up their dinner.
I am happy that even though my husband's face looks painful, it isn't.
I am just happy.
Summer says me, too.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/063/467/958/466/477/original/c729dde2d71bfa18.jpg

2024-03-01 20:10:41

Ode to our new washer and dryer.
I know it seems silly to get excited about new appliances, but that is the direction my life is going.
My daughter pestered me for more than a year to replace our 25 year old Maytags. I kept saying, but they still work. She kept saying they still run, but they don't work very well.
Finally, she said they would buy us a new set as a gift. I was hesitant but caved. I didn't let them pay, but she made all of the arrangements.
She was so right. I am washing everything with enthusiasm. Instead of sounding like a semi backing up, the dryer sings to me when the load is dry. This is a happy thing.
I still had the manuals for the top of the line Maytags with the receipts attached. They cost just as much way back when as our new ones now.
I need to be less stubborn.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/022/244/726/197/079/original/4b429f81faa22c85.jpg

2024-02-20 22:15:44

The on and off rain chased us back inside, but we did get one more rose bush planted and looked at all the new blossoms.
You know us.
We have to toot the beautiful flowers.
#BloomScrolling
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2024-02-18 05:24:48

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@npub1eav…g6f3
She always has an opinion. She likes variety.
If we try to feed her the same thing too often, she will quit eating.

2024-02-18 01:31:40

So far, we haven't floated away, but we have a good start on a moat. The rain has been steady and abundant, so we are limiting our outdoor activities. Summer is doing her best at keeping everyone entertained.
When she said she was in the mood for a crossrib roast, I said, sure. So, while I was getting it into the oven, she snuggled up to her pal to keep him warm and make him feel loved.
We are so relaxed today.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
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2024-02-14 18:30:51

There is no cheering Summer up on this cold, wet rainy day. Her pal is away getting his bone density scanned, and she is very sad to have been left behind. I told her she really wouldn't like it there and she would have been stuck in the car, but she isn't hearing it.
Hopefully, he will be back home soon.
#Summer
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2024-02-13 17:53:53

I told Summer today is rose planting day but we will play some find the Frisbee first.
Summer is like a pint-sized excavator, so the planting should move right along.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
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2024-02-11 05:00:39

Beautiful day here on the Redwood Coast. It was a treat to throw the windows open and let the sunshine and fresh air come in the house.
We all enjoyed the grandkid visit. Summer could hardly contain herself she was so happy.
I love my new computer setup. It turned out that some of my components were too old to be compatible, so there are a couple of things on order. I am lucky all of the grandkids understand computers at a level far beyond me.
The sunset was pretty average, but our day was special. Summer and I agreed.
We hope your day was special, too.
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2024-02-01 18:57:15

Yesterday was a rest day. My two days of work in the garden did in my right arm, and it didn't want to work yesterday. I had to take a break. Thank goodness it is better today.
I got up early to take my compost and recycle to town and was happy I could pick up the five gallon buckets.
As much as I try to ignore my age, sometimes it doesn't let me.
Summer always understands and provides warm comfort. She is my favorite dog.
Here, she is keeping warm on this cold winter day.
Good morning, Mastodon.
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2024-01-30 21:48:05

Since Summer worked so hard in the garden this morning, it was only fair to give her some play time. The wind is really getting wild, but we got out to throw the ball for a few minutes.
#DogsOfMastodon
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2024-01-28 20:08:33

Sorry for flooding Mastodon with Summer photos.
We are having so much fun in the sun!
Maybe I can toot less tomorrow.
We will see.
#DogsOfMastodon
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2024-01-26 23:24:24

Watching anything grow from a seed makes us happy.
My husband watches the progress of every tuber and bulb on our property. So I decided to start an avacado seed he could watch in the house in the windowsill. I hadn't sprouted one since my kids were little.
Pretty exciting development that now we have leaves! Eventually, he can pamper it as our newest house plant.
I told him we could get out our cold frame and start some annuals in April.
We all need something to look forward to.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/824/821/575/134/031/original/f5897825f7b36769.jpg

2024-01-26 19:04:43

I bake pies frequently.
Most of them are given to friends and family.
My husband decided he wanted to keep this one.
It is raspberry, frozen from our garden, blackberry frozen from my daughter's garden and a few blueberries from our bushes.
It's time to use what is in the freezer so we have room for the next harvest.
Smells very berry in the house.
#Pie #Baking
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2024-01-24 05:04:01

Have a lot to think about.
The VA will most likely reduce my husband's disability in the next two months because they have decided he is only 91% disabled.
This unfortunate development doesn't change the fact that I need to be home to provide his care.
Today, I was offered a remote job.
The company is on the east coast and needs someone to clean up their QuickBooks and take care of invoicing and related bookkeeping. I was certified in every version of QB except online from 2009 until I retired in 2021, so I would need an online QB refresher.
I would get up super early to work in Pennsylvania and still be able to be a caregiver the rest of the time.
Maybe I should ask Summer what she thinks.

2024-01-22 16:48:29

Pretty sky but not much of a sunrise.
Today is shopping with my daughter day.
Summer will take care of things at home until I get back.
Seeing the sun is a welcome change.
Good morning, Mastodon.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/800/617/097/535/624/original/9817d81c5ac9fa84.jpg

2024-01-21 02:56:20

Summer says the doctor is in.
I can talk to her about anything, and she understands. She keeps everything in the strictest confidence.
Her advice is golden.
Today, I asked her if I should work on some goals for 2024.
She said she knows me, and trying to meet some arbitrary goal will just stress me.
She says, "Just chill."
I think I get what she means.
Chill it is.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/791/678/700/872/795/original/d988fe3d2fccdff9.jpg

2024-01-18 21:48:38

Poor Summer doesn't know what to think.
After I warmed up with a thirty minute fast walk on my treadmill, I decided to see if any of my muscles still work.
Summer seemed concerned, but let me do my thing.
The squats went ok, and I managed roll ups and push-ups, but when I got to lunges, I stretched the arch of my foot too far and yelped before I dropped. I barely kept Summer from calling 911. She was all over me in a panic.
Lucky, it seems ok now.
Summer is not amused.
I'd better behave for the rest of the day.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/779/144/131/068/112/original/4fae886b64a1e52d.jpg

2024-01-11 19:50:52

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@npub1eav…g6f3
Hello neighbor!
I am sipping Bengal Spice herbal tea while Summer sits on my feet to keep them warm. It feels good to be outside.

2024-01-11 18:58:50

I've heard that being part of a community is good for us old folks.
I know it is good for us.
My husband loves that I share photos of our favorite dog and asks me what I say about the photos because he is fascinated with the idea that alt text enhances the image.
It is exciting to see other places through the eyes and lenses of our Mastodon friends and their pets. Our timeline makes our small world not so small, and that is a beautiful thing.
Our lone rose is opening up very slowly because of the cold. Five days ago, it was just a bud.
#BloomScrolling
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2024-01-11 04:01:51

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@npub1fpr…lyph
Thank you. I know I make grammatical errors and sometimes use words in the wrong context.

2024-01-10 02:18:30

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@npub15te…wdn7
My husband has been living with tinnitus since his tank hit a mine in Vietnam.
I am really interested to see how this works out for you.
Tinnitus is hard to live with.
I wish you the best of luck.

2024-01-10 02:06:01

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@npub15te…wdn7
Sounds really promising.

2024-01-08 22:39:55

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary.
After many years of living together, we eloped.
We went to Reno and put on some better than casual, but not by much, duds and hopped the the limousine arranged by our hotel. We stopped to get a license where we both embarrassed ourselves by being so giddy that neither of us could remember our social security numbers. The wedding was at a cheesy chapel where we requested a non religious ceremony. The officiating person said a prayer anyway.
It was good we made it legal because he was diagnosed with cancer the next year. It is a little easier to communicate with medical providers if you are a spouse.
Showing each other we care has evolved through surviving more than one crisis as a team.
Today, I show him I care by reading him a book he wanted to read, but enjoys so much more just listening.
Summer is listening, too.
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2024-01-05 02:28:13

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@npub15te…wdn7
I hope it works out for you.
Nothing medical related is affordable or convenient for the patients anymore, it seems.
Best of luck for good results.

2023-12-31 00:34:25

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@npub1eav…g6f3
Humboldt was a travel destination for hippies in the 60s and 70s. There was plenty of pot and very little supervision. The pastor that ran this commune ended up with an international following.
Many people considered it a cult then and now.
I'm not much of a follower in general, so the lifestyle wasn't appealing to me. My sister still remembers it fondly.

2023-12-31 00:04:10

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@npub1eav…g6f3
They were everywhere in the 70's. This one was good-sized, and my sister was all in. She ended up as a missionary in the Arctic later.
I was on the outside looking in and liked the music mostly.
I remember singing at one wedding with a couple that were my sisters friends. They had amazing voices. It turned out they were from New York and were cast members of Hair on Broadway.
There were people from everywhere and all walks of life.
Was an interesting time.

2023-12-30 23:37:15

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@npub1eav…g6f3
There was a lighthouse and a giant wood cross. It was the perfect spot.

2023-12-30 22:09:50

On the way home, I stopped at the top of the hill to see the big waves coming in. The ocean is pretty wild.
This stop used to be a Christian hippy commune back in the day. Now, it is a small park with no buildings, a few trails, and random flowers where the gardens were.
My sister and I sang at a few weddings here when I was a young teen.
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2023-12-30 20:52:19

We all got some sleep last night.
We needed it.
We are keeping busy, and I am downright perky because we need the positive vibes.
Summer can out perky me any day, so I left her to cheer up her pal.
Good morning, Mastodon.
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2023-12-20 01:09:32

We are on a roll today.
Our replacement starter for the riding mower showed up and fit perfectly and even started.
Summer said, "Good job."
There was no sunset tonight, but we watched the daylight disappear from our warm spot by the window.
Cuddles and facelicks are Summer's relaxation techniques.
It works. We are relaxed.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/610/068/324/640/613/original/d649ef63201c60be.jpg

2023-12-18 18:44:05

So proud of my husband today.
The VA is making him go for another zillionth appointment so they can decide he isn't really disabled again.
They wouldn't talk to me, so he had to call to make the appointment.
I heard him standing his ground that whoever he sees has to wear a mask. He said he won't be exposed to Covid for this, so they have to accommodate him, or he won't go. He was firm, and after he said he is immune compromised and Covid could kill him, they finally agreed.
Masks should be common sense when meeting with someone with non hodgkins lymphoma.
He did good.

2023-11-26 19:24:36

Today is my day to dig up dahlias.
Summer loves, loves to garden, and is an expert excavator.
She also loves to retrieve the boxes the dahlias will rest in for now.
I'm not sure why she gets to ride in the wagon when she has more get up and go than I do, but no reason why not either.
Couldn't ask for a better garden helper or her more formal title as Director of Garden Operations.
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2023-11-26 01:08:48

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@npub1xsy…cevg
Don't encourage her.

2023-11-26 00:42:38

I reminded my daughter about caturday and got an earful about Byron's most recent escapades.
He is eating everybody's food, pushing important items off the counters, and partying all night long.
She might deserve it because she was such a handful as a kid.
#Caturday
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2023-11-21 01:14:11

Summer is sticking to me like glue since I got home.
We went out on the deck, in the cold, to wait for the sunset to decide if it would reward us with color. Waiting was a good call.
Now I just need to convince her I am fine so she doesn't have to lick me even more.
My husband has volunteered to cook his super special stacked enchiladas tonight so I don't have to cook. The only thing I need to do is fry the eggs to go on top because he can't flip eggs without breaking them. He rarely cooks anymore, so I appreciate the gesture.
We are finally feeling all right here on the Redwood Coast.
Peace.
#Sunset
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2023-11-07 22:23:42

My husband always says, "Oh no", when I say this, but I have been thinking.
Every time someone toots a response to one of our Summer pictures with news or a story about their pet, I show him the photo and read the toot to my husband.
We both love seeing and reading about happy pets.
Summer loves whatever we love.
If you have a photo to share of your Summer, don't hesitate because it makes our day.
#DogsOfMastodon
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2023-10-28 21:42:11

Today, I spent some time talking to my daughter, who is a recent breast cancer survivor. It makes my heart happy that she is feeling healthier and, in her words, cheerful even.
I was very young when she was born and we grew up together.
She received a scholarship to spend a year in Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange when she was 16. I wanted to visit her in Germany during her last month before coming home, so I saved $300 and used my air miles for a plane ticket. No credit card or backup plan.
We wandered all over France and Germany, mostly seeing anything that was free. We did pay to go to the Louvre, though. It stayed with her that I was so fixated on this magnificent sculpture. So when we got back to her host family, she gave me her sketch to remember our trip. We flew home with $5 left between us and the experience of a lifetime.
My daughter's vision of Winged Victory: Nike of Samothrace.
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2023-10-15 15:26:54

Summer wants to know why I think she might be the one leaving dirty paw prints. She says it could have been anybody.
Hmmm
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2023-10-04 18:13:29

My husband's first cancer diagnosis was in 2006. There have been several recurrences and a couple of new cancers since.
It never occurred to us that these health issues might be related to his deployment to Vietnam until I heard a plea for volunteers for our local veterans Stand Down and went to spend a weekend hearing what other veterans were going through. I learned a lot about agent orange and burn pits.
I also became an enthusiastic volunteer and was president of their board for three years.
If you have a Stand Down in your area, they are worth supporting. If you are a veteran, attending is something to consider. I have to say my husband was supportive but never attended himself. I quit the board after getting them on their feet financially.
This weekend is our local Stand Down, and although I am not involved, I wish them much success.
This was me promoting the 2015 event, which was my last.
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2023-09-24 20:50:34

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@npub15te…wdn7
Sending positive vibes.

2023-09-24 18:32:00

Sometimes, when you should be doing housework, a dog sits on your foot, so you have to reconsider. After analyzing the options, I decided to read my book for a few minutes.
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2023-09-19 02:34:18

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@npub1c5c…644a
I love backpacking along with you through your photos.

2023-09-18 22:52:14

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@npub1xsy…cevg
This kitten was rescued from the most dire circumstances and landed in the perfect home. It was a win for everyone.

2023-09-18 22:39:59

Today has been a little discombobulated.
I have been working on getting glasses for my husband long distance. Finally, after two trips to town with different lenses, he can see!
I stopped by to see the grandkids and to drop off cheese enchiladas for their dinner.
I even got to see Byron for a minute when my middle grandson brought him outside.
Don't tell Summer, but Byron is pretty soft.
I decided I deserved a treat after all that, so I tossed a banana in with some ice cream and milk. The banana was to make it healthy, of course.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/111/088/544/741/178/414/original/bb61953e20be7354.jpg

2023-09-15 14:33:50

Early morning, I tried to get my husband out the door to his MRI. Our closest hospital wasn't an option, so he has a little bit of a drive. He moves at his own pace even when I nudge.
Summer says, "I don't understand why I have to stay home?".
Making him cinnamon bread French toast when he gets home.
Good morning, Mastodon.
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2023-09-14 03:05:34

The rest of the story.
This afternoon, I was trying to keep an eye on Summer, who was chasing a gopher and be present for my grandson who was fixing my laptop and backing up my phone.
It sorta registered when my husband put on working clothes that something was up.
Our next-door neighbors were working on replacing a fence that doesn't border our property. My husband was watching when the neighbor laid down in the field.
So away he went to help.
He was able to get the fence at least closed up for now. I was concerned, but he said he had to help. It seems the heat got the best of the same neighbor that complained about the garbage bag on our house.
I am happy that we aren't in the emergency room and that my husband is ok.
He is a good neighbor.
Glad this day is done, whew.
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2023-09-07 23:54:23

Every so often, Matt Beard comes up with a painting that is a total surprise.
Named On Geological Time, this desert scene is gorgeous.
I love it but don't own it.
Sadly.
#MattBeard
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