For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Good morning to everyone on this very chilly Tuesday! We are still sitting at one of those -40s type of mornings once again. However, this is the last of that very cold weather for a while, tomorrow it is going to warm up considerably. Today it is supposed to be a high of -10F (-23C) and tomorrow it is supposed to be 25F (-4C) for a high. Hard to believe really. That will only be one day however, then it will cool off again Thursday, but not quite so cold as today.
The birds are very busy this morning, yesterday something scared them and there was not much action at all for grosbeaks, only a few were around for most of the day. Possibly that shrike was around again, but I never saw it. I did not see any blue jays yesterday either. Still, it is a very good winter for numbers of birds at the feeder, much better than last year. But it has been colder with more snow this winter, and that does make a difference.
Those suet cakes get so frozen hard in this weather that the little birds, like the nuthatches, really have to pound that suet hard to get just small pieces. But they do not give up, the reward is worth the effort. It is a beautiful, sunny morning however, even though cold. My heater is running a lot these days too, trying to keep my apartment warm. I noticed yesterday that people have been walking down the path to the river. So, if it really is going to be nice tomorrow then that is what I will do as well.
Have to take advantage of every nice day that comes along, we are not getting many since Christmas. I just went to replenish the feeder again, seems most of the evening grosbeaks have gone, there were still 4 of them out there, but still plenty of the pine grosbeaks. Plus redpolls, chickadees and nuthatches. And there is a hairy woodpecker on the suet right now, sounding like it is pecking on a board, that suet is so frozen. I need to make some more today too. I like to have extra on hand so I can fill the suet feeder quickly when the time comes.
There are 3 of the suet feeders, yet the woodpeckers all prefer going to the same one, although if that one is already in use they will go to one of the others. All the suet cakes are the same, it would be interesting to know why they choose the one. They are all fairly close together, two perhaps are more open than the third which is closer to another feeder. But I guess they have their reasons. It is cold out there though, a good day for staying indoors, drinking coffee and reading. More coffee anyone? Have a wonderful day and God bless!
Steve and Muffin. (top featured image is the path arriving at the river)
Β©2022 Steve McLeod.
How kind for birds you are, π amitiΓ©s pour Muffin and Steve !
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Thank you very much Francefougere! The birds are my little friends, I enjoy helping them through our long cold winter. I hope you have a very wonderful week!ππΊπββ
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Stay warm!!π₯Άπ₯Ά Keep Muffin on your lap for extra warmth!ππΊ Hi Muffin!π
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Oh my, it was a cold one all day!! At least it was sunny though, that was sure nice. Right now Muffin is warming my back…and getting a bit squished, though she doesn’t seem to mind, warm for her too!ππΉ
Meow,meow.=Hi human Dusty person.πΊ
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Hi Sweety πΊπ» are you keeping Steve nice and warm?π
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Meow,meow=He keep me nice and warm. I having evening nap now, maybe talk later, good night! Snore!πΊπ΄
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LOL π Okay.. you have a good nap..π΄π₯±
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She seems to be enjoying her nap. Amazing how cats can get squished like that and not complain. She isn’t getting hurt, but it is tight!π
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She trusts you.. besides, she’s got 18 claws and some sharp teeth to remind you she’s there.π€£π€£π€£
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That is very good points you make once again!π€πππ€£π€£
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Oh, those aren’t my points! Those are Muffins points!πΉπΉπππ
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That’s another good point!ππ
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Thank Muffin for those!ππ
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She decided to go to her bed in the bedroom for a while. Apparently we were talking too loud.π³ππΎ
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π¬π¬ oooops!
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Yeah, she was not too happy, but my back is in one piece anyway.ππ
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For now anyway!ππ I knew we were being too loud..π¬
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I think maybe it was the laughing.π²
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You’re always getting me in trouble!π€«π€«
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I try hard. I mean, not to do so!ππ
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Maybe you should not try to so hard??π€π€
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I might be able to do that. But I know you would want me to try hard and that makes me try harder than hard.π
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That is true I supposeπ€ππ€π€
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I’m glad you agree!!!!!!!!π₯³π₯³π€ͺπ€ͺπ€ΈββοΈπ€ΈββοΈπππππ
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Well I kinda had to this time!!π€π€
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Naturally!ππ
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Thank you for agreeing!ππ
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I knew you would!ππ
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Of course!
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Well, time for bed again.
Good night Dusty!πππ΄π΄
Talk tomorrow!π
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Good Night, Steve!π
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Good morning Dusty!ππ Where have you been all day?π€
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Right here.. all day.
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Feeling okay?π€π I didn’t see you on the list of readers for the mystery story today.π€
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I read it. Pretending to be married… two bakeries on either end of the street. Everyone went back home and are going focus on finding John in Panama. Did I miss something?
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Hehe, very good. I didn’t make it very clear, should have done better, that the other bakery is actually in a different town. Maybe I should correct that.π€ππππ΅οΈββοΈ
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It was the other direction on the same street is how I understood it. But I’m sure if I reread it you would be right and I just interpreted it wrong.
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No, it was me that didn’t make it plain enough. but I fixed the problem now. A little late, but it’s fixed.πππ³π
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My comprehension has always been bad. It happens alot to me. It creates real problems for me at work as I’m sure you can imagine.
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I’m sure everyone had the same idea. Now I mentioned it’s in a different town.
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Feeling really tired of the battles honestly.
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I kind of thought that might be the problem. Try not to focus so much on the problems. I know it’s easier said than done, but just think about other things and keep busy so you don’t have time to think about the problems.π
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Yeah
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Yep.
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You know even treading water takes a lot of energy and all one is doing is keeping your head above water. Eventually you’ll drown if you don’t get to shore.
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Yep, that’s true, that’s why we need to skip the treading water and swim for shore!πββοΈ
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I hope it’s not a long way… πββοΈ I feel I’m in over my head…. glurp…..
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Stop glurping, it will make you heavier!π²π€ͺπ
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That’s the last thing I need… I’m already too heavy!!π¬π
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Take deep breaths, it will make you feel lighter very quickly!π«
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My head is already too light…π€£π€£π€£π€£π€£π€£π€£π€£
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Just turn the switch to the off position!ππ‘ππ
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Some might it’s already turned off!ππ€£π€£π€£π€£
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Then turn it on again and everyone will be in awe over the lightbulb balanced on top of your head!ππ
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Yeah.. okay π‘ π‘
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Glad you liked the idea.
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It’s only because I didn’t have anything better…ππ
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Now that’s amazing!π³π³
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Not today it ain’t!πππ
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Man some days are just so hard…π
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Like I said, you have to not focus on the problems, I know that may not be easy, but it’s the only way.
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Alright.. alright.. I am just used to measuring things by visible progress.. thanks I’ll do my best…π
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Well, I’m tired, have to hit the bed early.
Good night Dusty!πππ΄
Sleep well.
Talk again tomorrow!π
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Yep.. sleep better tonight..
You’re a real trooper as my mother used to say!
Good Night
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I’m gonna try making a cup of tea π΅ π wish me luck I don’t spill it all over againπ π³
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Try spilling it on your feet instead. It’s easier to change socks!π€βππΉ
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Good thought! I’ll write that down! Be like Steve!πππ
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Socks are easier to replace than keyboards!ππΉ
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I know you speak from experience!! So I will try my best to only spill on my socks!ππππ¦Ά
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Yep, much better that way!π§¦
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I’m certain of that!!π
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So, how was your day?π€
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I had a whole bunch better day today.. I even got my walk in. Then I showered and realized I have bought groceries so the fridge didn’t have much to eat so I went over to the roadhouse for a Ceasar Salad.
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Hey, you should eat your own salad, quit taking Ceasar’s!
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His tastes better! Plus I don’t need to make it!!ππππ
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That’s a good point and a half.ππ
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I thought so tooπππ
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So glad you agree!
To continue…Women are better at showing emotions than men because men are taught that it’s a sign of weakness to show emotion, right from little kids it’s what they are taught.ππ
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Well that’s just silly π but I can see where it’s true..ππ
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Yep, that’s it for sure.ππ
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Why is it so hard sone days to believe you’re on the right path??Any idea?
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I don’t know. As they say in the old country, “your neighbors stones are always prettier than your stones.”π€
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They’re not stones… They’re minerals compressed into stonesπ
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I don’t agree with that!! My stones are pretty attractive!π Just sayin..π
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Have a good day?
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Yeah, it was a great day! πAlthough I only got about 4 hours sleep, so I’m tired.π₯± But I did manage a walk to the river which just about finished me, but it was so nice though.ππΆββοΈπ²πΆββοΈπ²
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Great! I’m glad you were able to get out and exercise. That’s important! Good for the mental health. And physical health too
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Thank you. How about you?π€ Did you get out for your walk?πΆββοΈπΆββοΈ How was your day?π€ Anything exciting happen?π€
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Nope… no walk nothing exciting not even anything boring… did something stupid though. Spilled a hot cup of tea all over my work table and keyboard.. otherwise a rather mundane day.
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Oh my, hot tea is not good for keyboards. You really shouldn’t do things like that. The guy with the snowmobile went down the path again so walking was okay, but…
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Yeah, well like I said, I was stupid… I shouldn’t have set it where I did. Glad the trail was packed down for you.
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Yes, it was nice, but, the part that cuts off the path to the river is only a foot path and only one person, it looked like, had gone down the path. Okay going down, but coming back up was a real workout, there was a foot of snow on that part of the path. So it really wore me out big time. Sigh. It started snowing not long after I began my walk, just a finer type snow but it was really coming down until I started back, then about half way back it basically stopped.
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Walks in the falling snow are peaceful… things are so quiet..
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Yep, that’s true. But it was problematic for my camera which was starting to get wet, so I put it under my jacket. Makes it hard to get at though if a sudden picture presents itself. A cute fox was following me for a while, guess the path is a good place for him to walk also! Especially with the deep snow.π
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They don’t like to work any harder than needed either. Though they are pretty lite, weight wise..
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Yep, even the deer like to use the path. Even with the foxes long legs, that snow is still deep for them, they just kind of “swim” through it. He barked a few times too, so nice! But he was always hiding behind things so I couldn’t get a picture. Perhaps another time.π€ππ¦π·
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They are the skidish type. It’s fun to watch them hunt voles in the snow. They can jump pretty high.
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Yes, it is amazing how they jump into the snow like that, and they seldom miss too!π
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Yep that’s right!! They’re silly creatures to watch.
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Silly creatures to watch not silky. I can’t even spell anymore
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I kinda figured you didn’t mean silky!π
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I’m glad you understood that.
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Most definitatively I did so do that so I did.π
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I felt like I needed to correct the silky part.. sounded kinda stupid.π€ͺ
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Okay, I changed it for you, now it says silly!π
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Thank you… at least you know how to fix stupid!π
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Did you just call me stupid?π€π€¨
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Nope! Just how I spelled silly… and you knew how to fix it..
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Oooooooooooh! That was easy.π€―
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See how good you are at it?π
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Right! I knew you could do it!ππ€
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Right… right..π
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Isn’t that supposed to be “right, left, right, left”? Or is it “left, right, left, right”?π³ I wonder why they said that at all when they are just going in a straight line?π€π
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Did you know you can make a left turn by turning right three times? Just another bit of useless information stuck in my head..π€ͺπ€ͺ
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Is that some kind of new math?π€
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Nope, I learned that in New Jersey. There are no left turns there. To go left you go thru the intersection turn right then go another block and turn right then one more block and turn right and you are then going left from the intersection you started at.
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It would be simpler, shorter, less gas wasted, less wear on the tires to just turn left at the intersection.π€
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I told you it was useless information!! But thems the facts…π€ͺπ€ͺ I’m just glad I didn’t have to drive!
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Such a strange place.π€π
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I won’t argue that with youπ€ͺπ
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Good thinking.
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Yeah especially tonight… I’ve already got upset π‘ at me.π
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This was supposed to read ” got you” upset with me…π
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How strange.π€
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Things were that way… just a bad all around. I’m glad it’s over.. it belongs where I left it.. in the past
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Day a bad day sorry here I go again with the spelling. Maybe I should use the voice type function instead? It couldn’t be any worse!π€ͺ
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Day? I didn’t even see the word day.ππ
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Exactly! Cuz I forgot to type it in the sentence!π€ͺπ
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So, technically it wasn’t a spelling mistake.π
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Well more like an omission but not on purpose.. let’s be honest… I’m old and forgot to add it!!π€«π€«ππ
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Okay, I’ll agree with that.ππ
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Which part?π€π€¨ππ€π€π€
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Well, that is very true too!π
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Now that’s not lime you to dodge a question….π€¨Muffin got your tongue??π€π€π€
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I answered your question.ππ
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How many shirts do you go through a day??π€π€π
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I generally just go through doorways, I get tangled up trying to go through a shirt.ππΉ
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I thought with your tongue hanging out so much you soaked through your shirts and then it drips on your socks??πππ€π€π€
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haha, that’s a good one!ππ I don’t get it, but it’s a good one!π€£π€£
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I sure Muffin will give it to you!!π€π€π€π€π€ So don’t worry you’ll get it!π€π€π€πππ
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Are you trying to say she drools?ππΎπΎ
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Nice try!! NO!π
I said your tongue hangs outπππ
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Good thing you clarified that. She was getting kind of upset. She’s fine now though.ππ
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Lucky for you!ππ
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I wasn’t worried, I was on her side.πππ
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Thanks for bus ride!πππ
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I don’t ride buses.πππ
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Neither did I….
It ran me over! π π π π π π
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hahahahaha!π€£π€£π€£ I don’t get it.π€ππ
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Keep it up and you will…π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨π€¨ππππ
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Huh, how about that, I have to wait yet. Sigh.
Oh well, time for bed, I think I need more sleep, or something.π€π
Good night Dusty!ππ΄
Sleep well, but not in it.
Talk again tomorrow!π
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Good Night bus driver π
Sleep Good! Talk to you tomorrowπ₯± π΄
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Good shrinking.
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Yes I know!!π€ͺπ€ͺ
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I received the verdict on the reasonable accommodation request.
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And the verdict was….?π€π€
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Work from home. But… they approved only 6 months. But! I can reapply for another 6 months at a time. So by June 15th I have to reapply. So good news I guess! I wanted a year but at least they gave in a little.
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Hey, that’s good! 6 months is better than no months for sure! I’m sure they will keep approving, they just don’t want to do too long at a time in case your condition improves.
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Yeah, that’s what my boss said to. So yeah.. it’s all good! At least I know I can let my roots take hold.. even if they don’t approve again I would still not go back. I would just quit. π
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That’s the way to do it! Now you can relax and enjoy things better!ππ
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Yep, now I need to do some searches and find a few things that I can take part in.
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A reading program at the library? Course on how to fix computers? Join the local senior’s club?
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You had me right up to club part!ππ€¨π€¨
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Don’t like that one? Cooking class? Learn to sew? Knitting? Volunteer at the local humane society and take dogs for walks?
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I’m not sure where I would get all that time.π€
I would do the dog walking but then I’d get attached, and the landlord would boot me out!
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This is getting hard.π€
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I was thinking of something I could go to a couple days a week. You know different things. Just to get out. But I have to plan it around my exercise or I’m gonna be in poor shape. It is soooo hard right nowπ₯΅ my legs are just not cooperating..
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Well, my suggestions still fit, they have classes for all those things, normally in the evenings. Except the dog walking thing.
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Yep.. and I will look into them. The reading club might be interesting?π€
Although my comprehension might cause an issue. But it could only help improve it.
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Exactly, that’s what reading clubs are for, to help improve our minds. They can actually be fun.
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I’ll look into it. I’m certain there’s a library near here.. the school is only two blocks away.
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You’re bound to have a good library there.
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I’m sorry I was so difficult last night. When I get like that I usually don’t talk, cause I’m afraid I’ll say something bad. But when I talk to you, I just seem to want to talk… how do you do that?π€
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That’s a good question, I like good questions, good answers are good too, too bad I don’t have many of those.π³πππ
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Maybe let’s not push the last part… it seems to work the way it is.ππ
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Now that’s a thought I can think about!π
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Yep, a beautiful little animal.π¦
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So did you fall on your walk?π€π
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Nope, but that foot path part was very hard walking, especially coming back since it is all uphill. I basically had to use baby steps to keep from slipping. I didn’t want to hurt myself again. But my back is sure complaining right now!π³π¬π²
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It’s good you made it without taking a fall. Even though you’re tired you made it. That’s really good. Especially considering the past two winters.
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Yes, hopefully I can try again Friday, it is supposed to be nice then too, though not as nice as today. Made it up to 19 today.π
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Very pleasant
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Yep, Friday should see some sun and a high of 8F.π
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The sun will feel good then.
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Yes, especially if it’s not windy!π
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At least the sun is getting higher in the sky again.
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Slow but sure the days are getting longer, by about an hour in the evening, about half an hour in the morning I think.π€
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Sounds about right..
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Yep, I think so too!
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Those birds are no doubt very grateful to you
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Perhaps so, at any rate they are eating well.π
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Thatβll help them through the cold winter
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Yes, it does make a difference for sure!
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That’s a nice weather πto stay warm β¨ Enjoy the warmness even if it is for a day πall the suet are same, maybe to their eyes they prefer good shape it seems π€ͺ these days I’m getting more hit, I got up from the bed take my phone, swing my arms and get hit on the wooden corner ‘Ouch!’ walk out, hit my right shoulder on the door, I sigh and walk out of my room to hit my big toe to the chair that was on my way πππ what a morning it was for me. Be grateful for the beautiful morning, don’t behave like me, it pains π€ͺπ€£π. Have a lovely day.
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You’re starting to sound like me Simon!π€£ That’s bad, very bad! Don’t hit yourself like that, it’s a good way to get hurt and that’s not good. Oh, don’t kick chairs with your big toe, kick chairs with your little toe, that’s why we have little toes.π€ͺπ€―π² You kick table legs with your big toe.π³π Try to remember now.π€ Oh, and get more sleep.π΄π Have a great day Simon!ππ
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That was two days ago, my little finger turned red π you know how it felt, drat… I had no words except Ahhhhhh π. Today it was awesome, nothing much except I hit my forearms multiple times π I think I should sleep more π spending some time writing my new story πππ andd… the boys made me bath twice with their urine falls π€£π€£. . Have a great day you too Uncle Steve, hope you had good sleep π
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Hahahahaha!!π€£π€£ You gave me a good laugh!π€£π€£ The joys of being a father! I’m sure you will have many more such joys ahead!ππΈπΉπΉ Have a wonderful day Simon! And try to get some sleep.πππ΄π΄
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I can foresee with my cousin brother his kid is about an year old and he shares all he go through and I’m prepared π ha. It was a safe day I didn’t hit much, I must hit the bed now, else I’ll be damaging myself more π . I’m glad to make you happyπ₯° Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday mrng.
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That’s good, you know what to expect, except it will be double! It was great day all day long!ππ€ΈββοΈππ I’m tired, but it was a great day. Hope you have a fantastic Thursday Simon!ππ»πββ
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Thats right uncle Steve, getting prepared for that π should burn my little belly fast π I foresee I cannot workout for years πThank you Uncle Steve π₯°
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I hope you get your walk in tomorrow!
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Thanks Jim, so do I!
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I think Simon is becoming like you !…great pics again Steve !…It was -35 early this morning and with the wind chill it was -47…suppose to be much warmer tomorrow…keep warm and sleep well !
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Yes, I noticed that too about Simon! It was a cold one today for sure, all day long. Had to turn my heat up too. Have a nice night!ππ»ππ΄π΄
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Message sending, un expected error came !! βοΈ
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Hi Steve and Muffin! I’ve got to know something. Was it 40 degrees F or C? Here in Kentucky, USA we are freezing our socks off b/c it’s in the 20’s F! Blessings!
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At -40 it is exactly the same for degrees F and C. The only time the two temperatures are the same. We might actually get up as high as 20F today! Looks like we will be getting a little break for a few days from this bitter cold! God bless!
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I didn’t know that! Your “warm-up” is our bitter cold! Stay warm and say “Hi” to Muffin!
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Yes, it shows the differences in different parts of the world. And really, in a straight line you are not that much further south. Have a great day Cindy and God bless!ππΊπββββ
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