Cheryl B. Dale's Blog: RANDOM MUSINGS, page 5
July 29, 2017
MORE HOUSE WORK
We've been running like crazy from dawn till dusk. No time to keep up with my FaceBook friends or even enjoy TV at night. So this week, I'm putting in a picture of the truck we rented from Lowe's to transport our shelves we had cut that were too long for our little SUV. My guy really misses having a pickup, and he was excited to be driving one again.
And while we were there---I found a rug for our third bedroom that has wooden floors!
We were afraid we'd have to pick it up and take it home ourselves, but it'll be delivered to our door in a couple of weeks! Good old UPS!
We are hoping to be in the house next week. Still a lot of remodeling to do but at least we've got the basics done.
And while we were there---I found a rug for our third bedroom that has wooden floors!
We were afraid we'd have to pick it up and take it home ourselves, but it'll be delivered to our door in a couple of weeks! Good old UPS!
We are hoping to be in the house next week. Still a lot of remodeling to do but at least we've got the basics done.
July 22, 2017
WORKING ON HOUSE
Since our new house is an older 'new' house, we have been working on it. Some pix below:
Here's the man at Lowe's cutting new wire shelving for the closets:
And here are relatives using a saw to cut oversized shelves from kitchen cabinets in half so I can see what's on the bottom shelf below. Notice the lovely new rail on our lovely new deck. Thank you, Charles!
And here is Hector, painting the ceiling in the kitchen. Notice the gorgeous crown molding:
I think we're gonna like it here!
Here's the man at Lowe's cutting new wire shelving for the closets:
And here are relatives using a saw to cut oversized shelves from kitchen cabinets in half so I can see what's on the bottom shelf below. Notice the lovely new rail on our lovely new deck. Thank you, Charles!
And here is Hector, painting the ceiling in the kitchen. Notice the gorgeous crown molding:
I think we're gonna like it here!
July 15, 2017
FARMERS MARKET
We've been so engrossed in getting our house ready, I almost forgot to blog. Luckily, we went by a farmers market this morning while picking up my guy's photograph from the art gallery in a neighboring town. We parked and got out, but a sign was the first thing we saw:
Amid the booths, a couple were playing guitars and singing as buyers browsed. You might can make them out in the middle of this picture, where they had a little stage beyond the blue tent:
Then these baskets of homegrown, ripe tomatoes caught my eye. The smell wafted up to me and I was a goner I got in line to buy some.
And back home for lunch. Guess what we had? That's right! Good old mater sandwiches!
Yum! How I love summer tomatoes!
Amid the booths, a couple were playing guitars and singing as buyers browsed. You might can make them out in the middle of this picture, where they had a little stage beyond the blue tent:
Then these baskets of homegrown, ripe tomatoes caught my eye. The smell wafted up to me and I was a goner I got in line to buy some.
And back home for lunch. Guess what we had? That's right! Good old mater sandwiches!
Yum! How I love summer tomatoes!
July 8, 2017
JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONS
All across America, people celebrated the Fourth of July last Tuesday. I was a little disappointed at the lack of hoopla here in our new home. I'm accustomed to a lot of activities on the Fouruth, but here, the fireworks display was on Saturday before the Fourth.
The county we lived in ten years ago, went all out -- hosting a festival, dance and other activities at the fairgrounds.along with a splendid steam engine parade. The island we just left enjoyed a golf cart parade with veterans showcased, as well as the Sunshine Craft Festival before fireworks that evening.
But this time, we had to settle for a simple reading of the Declaration of Independence. My Indivisible chapter hosted it. Maybe a hundred people showed up, with a local author giving a quick review of Georgia's three representatives. George Walton was only twenty-seven when he signed while Lyman Hall was fifty-three. Both men later served as governors of the state and had counties named for them. (During Hall's term, the legislation creating the University of Georgia was passed: it is the first university in the country chartered by a state government.) Button Gwinnett, alas, had failed at business and farming before getting into politics. He might have done well politicking except that he died about a year after signing the Declaration. Seems he got into an argument with another notable Georgian that led to a duel, and they shot each other. McIntosh survived his wound; Gwinnett did not.
After the brief history lesson, several members (along with their children and grandchildren) each read a sentence or two of the document. When it began describing King George's terrible actions, I couldn't help but think they sounded awfully familiar. A lot like what this President has been doing, as a matter of fact! I later heard that NPR's tweeting of the entire declaration outraged this President's supporters who thought NPR was maligning him.
Finally, three naturalized Americans gave short summaries on what being an American meant to them. I was reminded again that all of us, unless we are pure native Americans, were immigrants or are descended from immigrants.
The gathering lasted less than an hour and was held in the lovely yard of a local restaurant. As far as I know, it was the only acknowledgement of how America came to be.
Here are some photos, courtesy of my guy.
This is the crowd gathering:
Some people had to sit on the ledge:
Others had to sit on the pavers:
This is the beginning of the line of readers:
If I remember correctly, this was the last reader:
And I believe this is one of the naturalized Americans:
The county we lived in ten years ago, went all out -- hosting a festival, dance and other activities at the fairgrounds.along with a splendid steam engine parade. The island we just left enjoyed a golf cart parade with veterans showcased, as well as the Sunshine Craft Festival before fireworks that evening.
But this time, we had to settle for a simple reading of the Declaration of Independence. My Indivisible chapter hosted it. Maybe a hundred people showed up, with a local author giving a quick review of Georgia's three representatives. George Walton was only twenty-seven when he signed while Lyman Hall was fifty-three. Both men later served as governors of the state and had counties named for them. (During Hall's term, the legislation creating the University of Georgia was passed: it is the first university in the country chartered by a state government.) Button Gwinnett, alas, had failed at business and farming before getting into politics. He might have done well politicking except that he died about a year after signing the Declaration. Seems he got into an argument with another notable Georgian that led to a duel, and they shot each other. McIntosh survived his wound; Gwinnett did not.
After the brief history lesson, several members (along with their children and grandchildren) each read a sentence or two of the document. When it began describing King George's terrible actions, I couldn't help but think they sounded awfully familiar. A lot like what this President has been doing, as a matter of fact! I later heard that NPR's tweeting of the entire declaration outraged this President's supporters who thought NPR was maligning him.
Finally, three naturalized Americans gave short summaries on what being an American meant to them. I was reminded again that all of us, unless we are pure native Americans, were immigrants or are descended from immigrants.
The gathering lasted less than an hour and was held in the lovely yard of a local restaurant. As far as I know, it was the only acknowledgement of how America came to be.
Here are some photos, courtesy of my guy.
This is the crowd gathering:
Some people had to sit on the ledge:
Others had to sit on the pavers:
This is the beginning of the line of readers:
If I remember correctly, this was the last reader:
And I believe this is one of the naturalized Americans:
July 1, 2017
RALLY FOR HEALTHCARE
As many of you know, the last election was upsetting to me. I had so many friends and relatives who were vehemently for Trump, I halfway expected the conman/charlatan to win but I still hoped. Afterward I was proud to be one of the millions who marched for women's rights, making an uncomfortable but unforgettable trip to DC with other like-minded women and men. Back home, I joined some resistance groups.
When we moved, I was fortunate to find an INDIVISIBLE chapter in our new town. This past week, we joined with two other groups to protest against the unconscionable healthcare bill -- WEALTHcare bill, as some of our number call it in reference to the big tax cut it gives the wealthiest one percent and insurance/medical corporations -- that McConnell is pushing in the Senate.
We met in front of the University Arches and for an hour held our signs and listened to some firsthand accounts of people who will be hurt by the bill. Several of them were there for their children. It's heartbreaking to realize these kids, through no fault of their own, will be the real people to suffer.
So here are a few pix from the rally, courtesy of my guy: And yes, it was quite peaceful because liberals generally abhor violence. Heck, I don't even like to get into arguments.
This one was in the beginning when we were gathering (I'm hiding behind my sign, as usual):
This was taken after our INDIVISIBLE banner got there:
And here is a wider view:
And one last shot as we aimed our signs at downtown traffic. This one was taken just before a nice policeman instructed us to leave a pathway for pedestrians walking on the sidewalk and through the arches. Being law-abiding citizens, we of course obliged.
Many people don't realize it, but nearly half the babies born are paid for with Medicaid. (We had pro-life people protesting with us, because a baby legally declared a person at conception means our responsibility to it is just beginning.) Besides childbirth, about sixty per cent of people in nursing homes are covered by Medicaid, many of them who've exhausted their savings.
No matter what Republicans say (they are blatantly lying in order to sell their healthcare plan), people are going to be hurt if it passes.
By the way, I'm not a Democrat. I'm a proud Independent who has voted for Republicans in the past. I used to believe a man's character was more important than his party but now I'm having to rethink my views.
When we moved, I was fortunate to find an INDIVISIBLE chapter in our new town. This past week, we joined with two other groups to protest against the unconscionable healthcare bill -- WEALTHcare bill, as some of our number call it in reference to the big tax cut it gives the wealthiest one percent and insurance/medical corporations -- that McConnell is pushing in the Senate.
We met in front of the University Arches and for an hour held our signs and listened to some firsthand accounts of people who will be hurt by the bill. Several of them were there for their children. It's heartbreaking to realize these kids, through no fault of their own, will be the real people to suffer.
So here are a few pix from the rally, courtesy of my guy: And yes, it was quite peaceful because liberals generally abhor violence. Heck, I don't even like to get into arguments.
This one was in the beginning when we were gathering (I'm hiding behind my sign, as usual):
This was taken after our INDIVISIBLE banner got there:
And here is a wider view:
And one last shot as we aimed our signs at downtown traffic. This one was taken just before a nice policeman instructed us to leave a pathway for pedestrians walking on the sidewalk and through the arches. Being law-abiding citizens, we of course obliged.
Many people don't realize it, but nearly half the babies born are paid for with Medicaid. (We had pro-life people protesting with us, because a baby legally declared a person at conception means our responsibility to it is just beginning.) Besides childbirth, about sixty per cent of people in nursing homes are covered by Medicaid, many of them who've exhausted their savings.
No matter what Republicans say (they are blatantly lying in order to sell their healthcare plan), people are going to be hurt if it passes.
By the way, I'm not a Democrat. I'm a proud Independent who has voted for Republicans in the past. I used to believe a man's character was more important than his party but now I'm having to rethink my views.
June 24, 2017
PHOTO FUN
We're about to close on our house. Next week, as a matter of fact. Since the termite bond covered re-treating and repairing termite damage, all is fixed and we are good to go. So since we can't start on the work we want to do (replacing patio and bedroom French doors, remodelilng the bathroom, taking down wallpaper, et cetera), we've been kind of hanging around.
My guy got a new camera this past week so we went to the Georgia Botanical Gardens to try it out. He got some great pix, as usual.
There were several beautiful blue dragonflies and here's one on a pitcher plant:
Then he found some bees:
And when he leaned over to shoot a water lily, I couldn't resist taking a picture of my own. "Don't let me fall in," he said. Like I could stop him if he started to fall! And naturally my phone photo isn't nearly as sharp as the ones made with his new camera. But I thought it pretty entertaining!
I expect that once we close on this house, we won't have too much time for fun excursions for a while.
My guy got a new camera this past week so we went to the Georgia Botanical Gardens to try it out. He got some great pix, as usual.
There were several beautiful blue dragonflies and here's one on a pitcher plant:
Then he found some bees:
And when he leaned over to shoot a water lily, I couldn't resist taking a picture of my own. "Don't let me fall in," he said. Like I could stop him if he started to fall! And naturally my phone photo isn't nearly as sharp as the ones made with his new camera. But I thought it pretty entertaining!
I expect that once we close on this house, we won't have too much time for fun excursions for a while.
June 17, 2017
HOUSE INSPECTION
So after moving to a new town and learning our way around, we think we've found a place to live. After being in a tiny apartment for three months, we are ready to get into a house! Not only do we need to stop stumbling over each other, but it's summer and my guy needs a place to grill.
After discovering houses in our price range were selling so fast we didn't have time to make an offer, a new one came on the market that we offered on right away. When our offer was accepted we had the house inspected.
My guy wanted the crawl space looked at and specified a thin inspector because the opening was only twelve inches high! And the main inspector was a small woman who certainly knew her job. Here she is, outfitted to go under the house. See the narrow white rrectangle at the bottom? That's where she had to enter!
And here is a photo of her entering.
Evidently, the space itself, once she got in, was about a foot and a half high. But she stayed under nearly an hour, going over every inch. I don't think I could have done her job if my life depended on it. I kept thinking of snakes and spiders and all that dark, claustrophobic area.
Anyway, she found leaks and termites but nothing structurally wrong. So we're waiting to hear what the termite bond covers and then we'll go from there.
I still shiver, thinking about her job!
After discovering houses in our price range were selling so fast we didn't have time to make an offer, a new one came on the market that we offered on right away. When our offer was accepted we had the house inspected.
My guy wanted the crawl space looked at and specified a thin inspector because the opening was only twelve inches high! And the main inspector was a small woman who certainly knew her job. Here she is, outfitted to go under the house. See the narrow white rrectangle at the bottom? That's where she had to enter!
And here is a photo of her entering.
Evidently, the space itself, once she got in, was about a foot and a half high. But she stayed under nearly an hour, going over every inch. I don't think I could have done her job if my life depended on it. I kept thinking of snakes and spiders and all that dark, claustrophobic area.
Anyway, she found leaks and termites but nothing structurally wrong. So we're waiting to hear what the termite bond covers and then we'll go from there.
I still shiver, thinking about her job!
June 10, 2017
ART GALLERY
The county next to us has an art association my guy recently joined. They were having an exhibit of members' works so he was able to get a photo in. The building is a schoolhouse built in 1902, recycled as an art gallery. Here's the outside:
Members displayed all kinds of art, from paintings to photography to jewelry to pottery to books. Some were quite amazing.
These are a couple pix of the inside. First, a small gallery:
Next, the large gallery:
And here is my guy's photograph:
Great place but they definitely need a better hanging system. They have to drive nails to hang every show!
Members displayed all kinds of art, from paintings to photography to jewelry to pottery to books. Some were quite amazing.
These are a couple pix of the inside. First, a small gallery:
Next, the large gallery:
And here is my guy's photograph:
Great place but they definitely need a better hanging system. They have to drive nails to hang every show!
June 3, 2017
BEAR HOLLOW ZOO
Exploring our new home, we found a great park almost in town. The Bear Hollow Zoo is comprised of 225 acres in woods and wetlands, and it offers a home to over twenty-five animals unable to go back into the wild. Many are injured in some way, but there were a few orphans saved and raised by humans (leaving them unable to survive on their own), and a couple of instances where the animal refused to go back into the wild. Following are some pix my guy took:
Here's a hawk:
Notice this owl has only one eye:
The noble-looking bald eagle has a wing injury and can't fly:
The bobcat is named Katie:
Here is the male of the orphaned black bears. Two others are sisters and are several years younger.
This turkey was fascinating! He strutted around like he owned the place, spreading his tail feathers and ambling toward us from behind his fence as if calling for attention. Handsomest bird in the zoo!
This placid deer kept the arrogant turkey company in their large enclosure:
And just to make us feel at home after leaving the island for the hills, the alligator had its own pond:
The zoo is free and the walking is easy! I think we're going to like it here!
Here's a hawk:
Notice this owl has only one eye:
The noble-looking bald eagle has a wing injury and can't fly:
The bobcat is named Katie:
Here is the male of the orphaned black bears. Two others are sisters and are several years younger.
This turkey was fascinating! He strutted around like he owned the place, spreading his tail feathers and ambling toward us from behind his fence as if calling for attention. Handsomest bird in the zoo!
This placid deer kept the arrogant turkey company in their large enclosure:
And just to make us feel at home after leaving the island for the hills, the alligator had its own pond:
The zoo is free and the walking is easy! I think we're going to like it here!
May 27, 2017
CANOPY
Once again we went to an exhibition of young aerialists from the Canopy studio here. As I sat watching, I thought how much like a gym it is. Though mostly for women/girls, more boys seem to be getting interested in the acrobatics part.
Anyway, it was fun to see the students perform.
The first act was a troop of older boys who did calisthenics and trapeze exercises to music. They were quite good, but I failed to get a picture of them. Too bad, because there was a floor-pounding sequence that was quite exciting. Afterward, the older girls demonstrated their abilities. This particular act featured six girls on what looked like a metal gate-like structure. They hung and swayed and climbed in perfect harmony while we watched from below:
This act garnered the most applause though it was not nearly as high off the floor. I believe the acrobat is from Canopy's Outreach program, and she did an amazing job. The other students seemed so proud of her, clapping and hugging her afterward. Notice she has her teacher on the side coaching and encouraging.
There were other acts, but the less experienced acrobats had to wait till the next day to have their moment in the spotlight. These younger students (I'd guess anywhere from four to twelve) were just as entertaining as their older colleagues.
Hard not to marvel as the strength and grace of all these students!
PS - If anyone wants to help Canopy's Outreach program that enables kids (who normally couldn't) to participate, donations are always welcome.
Canopy Studio
160-6 Tracy Street
Athens GA 30601
Anyway, it was fun to see the students perform.
The first act was a troop of older boys who did calisthenics and trapeze exercises to music. They were quite good, but I failed to get a picture of them. Too bad, because there was a floor-pounding sequence that was quite exciting. Afterward, the older girls demonstrated their abilities. This particular act featured six girls on what looked like a metal gate-like structure. They hung and swayed and climbed in perfect harmony while we watched from below:
This act garnered the most applause though it was not nearly as high off the floor. I believe the acrobat is from Canopy's Outreach program, and she did an amazing job. The other students seemed so proud of her, clapping and hugging her afterward. Notice she has her teacher on the side coaching and encouraging.
There were other acts, but the less experienced acrobats had to wait till the next day to have their moment in the spotlight. These younger students (I'd guess anywhere from four to twelve) were just as entertaining as their older colleagues.
Hard not to marvel as the strength and grace of all these students!
PS - If anyone wants to help Canopy's Outreach program that enables kids (who normally couldn't) to participate, donations are always welcome.
Canopy Studio
160-6 Tracy Street
Athens GA 30601
