C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

I had a wonderful time! Used book shopping galore! We walked around nature and had lunch with a view. I **finally** have book #2 by Clive Cussler: "The Mediterranean Caper"! I can finally move that stack of soft and hardcovers by continuing the series and have the first book for another!

I bought spare copies of "Where Nests The Water Hen" by Manitoba's Gabrielle Roy and "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. I was ready to read both of these recently and don't see where I put them. Therefore I can read them any time and give the spares as a gift, or sell them. Ah, the triumph of great book sales and nice day trips!

I wish we had had your rain, Kerri, because we hastened to water transplanted trees and potted flowers now that we are back. It should arrive by tomorrow. It is clouding over and has the appearance of raining tonight but we keep getting skies like that! The tadpole ditch is very dry. It is a good thing Ron dug a good deep hole there two years ago, which is quick to fill with our hose and rain. We only run the hose when we are home, awake and it is on for a few hours now.

While we were out, the second Monarch hatched; good for her! Too bad we missed it. I forgot to look at the chrysallis this busy early morning. Ron says it was green. I was sure the first was black for about two days. Maybe from heat this one hit the hatch stage quickly. I should see her around her pod side of the house tomorrow. The first Monarch visited the north side of our house where her pod is. God speed to them both.

I will finish "The Dog Who Rescues Cats" first. It is very good and will not take long. When Kerri's rainstorms cease, she will tell us how many books she is finishing. No doubt, you are reading something too. I will be in Ontario tomorrow! Nowhere near you but a fun, beautiful, peaceful sojourn.

Kerri, black bears are unaggressive, except if stressed out around their young. Of course never approach wild animals, unless they need aid. Black bears can be watched at a distance in peace. One was near our bird feeders a few years ago and we cautiously got close to remove them and cautiously backed up and put them away.

Kerri, I wish your wonderful post about blue birds and chicks were here for me to find! I would love to know their names and look them up. It is wonderful to see wild turkeys and their poults, you bet! As well as eagles, rabbits, and hares. I have only twice seen a rabbit here, odd compared to Canadian cities. Their tracks go alongside the ditches in winter because they eat small trees those seeds wash up there. But they are wise to stay away from cats and dogs.

No Manitoba snakes or insects are dangerous. Of course you get rid of of mosquitoes and woodticks as fast as possible. Yes, ducks are beautiful. I am not near water but there are endless little lakes and marshes the first few minutes of driving east.

I lived in the city most of my life and there are plenty of wildlife to enjoy, including deer if you knew where to look. But naturally, Kerri and I are describing special wildlife that it warms our hearts to share. I couldn't obsere deer raising fawns and gathering as much as they do in my country home. I had one special, close encounter in my last apartment and we feed house sparrows from a plate on our balcony.

I wondered why you collect eggs and chrysallises that you find? Do they have challenges leaving them where the caterpillars laid and made them? It is wonderful that you saw a swallowtail metamorphose! It was very good timing to learn about butterflies from you just as we recognized our first milkweed plants, all eaten.

Since caterpillars have to be other places, we are grateful for those two chrysallis to watch. Two days ago, I witnessed my first hatched butterfly! I took photos of the black chrysallis where I could indeed see her wings, as you said.

We checked several times and on our way to town, she was hatched! I went inside for my camera and photographed that beauty with her pod. It was precious how this big, beautiful, graceful butterfly hung onto her pod as the home she knew so far. She would discover within 4 hours that she had the whole sky to explore and flight at her wingtips, anywhere she wants. The pod was empty when we returned but she has been around our yard yesterday. She rests on the pine tree above her rebirth pod.

I knew you would appreciate that I know and enjoy some talent from your part of the world. Crowded House is one of the bands that were on the air when I was growing up!

It is nice that you took a peek at Chris DeBurgh! I would have suggested something I liked best but naturally, you were curious about his most mainstream song. He is well-loved in Ireland obviously and well-known in Britain. For mysterious reasons that Chris always thanks us for: his second album, "Spanish Train And Other Stories" was 'a monster hit' in Canada. He is always wanted for concerts here, no matter when his last radio hit was.

You probably know artists who are all over the place with their style too, like Sia. For a nice rock number that was very famous in my childhood, try "High On Emotion". For a taste of how atmospheric Chris is, see the video of "Don't Pay The Ferryman", another hit. For his folk vision, listen to "Spanish Train". My whole family loves that!

Respects to Geiger, whenever it was. My Mom ascended 6 months ago. Soothing words about her matter. She will wish all of us her "Happy Birthday", like always. Thus, she is smiling at Spirit on his birthday today. She is in my photo with our Conan.

McCartney became 20 last month. Today, Spirit is 16! We love both our boys, who moved with us to slow internet zone a decade ago. Marigold was a pregnant foster who never saw the shelter she was slated for, because we kept her and all of her babes. Yvonne, please send me all the "cat came home after 3 years" stories you know of, in books and in person! My e-mail is this: RiedelFascination(at)Gmail(dot)com.

It means a lot that you have been in my quiet group all these years. Yours are among the best in the businses. I like that it isn't too crazy to manage but certainly, do go to an effort to get a few folks talking and to provide outlets they enjoy

Thank you again especially for the condolences about my Mom. She too is praying for Conan's return to us and watching over him safely. Perhaps your Trudy is also an angel to guide him as well. I am here for you, in your recent loss. Missing them takes me a couple of years. Your friend, Carolyn.

Financial crisis drives most stories. I revelled in Anne's not being about that. Anne at university would be fabulous. She needed no pretext to forgo the scholarship, for stories of "hardship at home".

Matthew spoke up well enough with men and a few ladies. Loyalty to the bank founder knowing their Dad made him hesitate to switch. Irresponsible to not move half their dollars, when the news warned about the bank's instability.I grant that it crashed quickly. Knowing he ought to have heeded Marilla in her first conversation about it is why he had a fatal heart attack. She problaby would have convinced him, if there were time, in another cautionary talk.

I revisited and highlighted Kerri's great point a lot, about there being no concern about spoiling an orphan. But if a need for clarifications arise, Kerri, your internet is easier to work with than mine! We said Marilla worried about spoiling the child with praise and a few frills. It was nonsense, with Anne so grateful of the smallest things. Without her special personality: we said most people feel inclined to go out of their way to shower security, outward affection, and a few treats on an orphan.

I think there is a small disconnect between not reading the book recently and possibly acquiring some impressions from television portrayals. It would take a great actress and writer to avoid Marilla coming across as strict instead of reticent. All she was was reticent in the novel: not much for hugs and had a skewed religious interpretation that praise and compliments weren't good for people. I would not love a book about anyone who was strict, any more than I want to read about too much hardship. I look forward to the sequel and hope there are many more beautiful moments within.

I hope I answered everyone's questions and leave you to anything else you want to say. I have other folders for our other wonderful variety of subjects. Let's move animals, plants, music, films, TV, there. Please see two photographs I took, in the group album of Canada's Walk Of Fame. Kerri, don't miss my note, I think in "Star Trek - Old".

I don't remember a horse being mentioned but saw the GQ article too. The assault seems to have been "inappropriately touched on the rear". It is definitely unacceptable but I am confused about being traumatized by that. Maybe there was a creepiness in the atmosphere that is hard to convey? I guess calling out that creepy groping guy made people uncomfortable hiring him, which is an outrage and sad. You seemed to know more than I did. Thank goodness it is encouraged to speak-up now.

The article reveals that Brendan was mainly distressed about his Mom just going to Heaven, at what would have been my age too and reeling from his divorce. Very heavy losses to experience but his Mom had just died! No one wants to lose their Mom when we are only age 47. I feel for him and wish he had cancelled the interview. It would have felt better to share about his Mom, which is why I do; except it would have been impossible to do so soon without crying. So he felt uncomfortable. I get it and hope he feels much better now.

I hardly know Sissey Spacek. "Carrie" is one book and film that seems too awfully mean to read or watch. But I am glad this makes you more excited about "Blast From The Past". I am surprised Netflix doesn't have that film. The blu-ray is only $15 CDN at Amazon Canada and is on my list!

I am a big music fan who loves discovering and being introduced to songs all over. So I have slightly heard of Split Enz, the Finn Brothers, and Tim Finn. Now that you mention Crowded House, yes! I hear you on loving every association a favourite singer makes (like the members of A-ha in solo projects).

I was not a Crowded House fan who knew anything about them but bought their music when I was a kid! I know them as an Australian band: is that where the other members are from? Oh yes, rest assured they were huge here and had to have been all over the world. "Don't Dream It's Over", "Better Be Home Soon", "Chocolate Cake".... They are records and tapes. I will see if I have a compact disc and explore Neil's other bands.

Chris DeBurgh is a giant Irish music legend, hugest in the 70s and 80s. I suspect he hasn't had been mainstream worldwide lately because he is hard to categorize. His most famous song is the ballad "The Lady In Red", so he is thought to be a balladier. However he has a lot of pop, rock, and folk music. I would call him a folk musician and he is referred to as "the storyteller".

My parents love him in common with me and my first time seeing him, I brought my Mom! He took many years to return to our fair city and I brought both of my parents, just in autumn 2015! There is a photo of me with my parents downtown.

Thank you for the hugs and sympathy about my Mom and support to Conan. We are certain he is alive through our spiritual faith and try to stay positive about waiting and trusting 3 years to get him back. His Mom, Marigold, has early age kidney failure at 10 but she is doing very well on medicine and renal maintenance food. Our McCartney is a vocal, expressive, fun age 20 last month and today is our Spirit's 16th birthday.

I am so very sorry about Trudy. I don't know how cancer is fought in animals and can't imagine the shock at finding that. You would have tackled kidney and other problems. Did she not drink excessive water or drop her appetite? My prayers to keep you through a hard time of healing and missing her terribly. Thank goodness she made it to Florida with you, so you have memories of her there.

I am glad Kit and Cookie adapted to your move, however bad the virus scare in Florida. Safety and peace to you and your husband there: that is why you chose it! Naturally a place like New York was bad too but you were familiar with the people and place.

You know what? My Mom would laugh, that we are discussing her in a topic called "Schitt's Creek". Her year was like that with medical ups & downs. They took forever to figure out they were mini-strokes and I don't know if they would have stopped striking, even on blood-thinners. It is the happiest, of golden places she is in now, for her to entertain everyone with her humour and good, strong, heart. She knows I have friends near and far to sustain me along a good life in my time. Sincerely, Carolyn.

Yvonne, this is not my year, having nothing to do with the virus as even a top 5 issue. 5 years ago, you supported me so well over Love's young passing from heart failure. You might know his brother, Conan, has been missing for 3 years at the present. 6 months ago, my Mom went to Heaven! Mini-strokes that kept occurring. Friends, books, comedy shows, and gardening are giving me the positive atmosphere I need so much. My other cats at home too, of course.

I wanted to let you know this news as a friend. I certainly remain game to talk about pleasant and light things as well. We are always happy when our American neighbours and those further afar discover our literature, musicians, and actors. Hugs, Carolyn.

Hi Yvonne, long time! How are you? Ah, how nice that we can add American friends to the list of those who love it. I am still on dial-up internet where I live rurally, so Netflix is not an option. I am a collector type who would rather have blu-rays, CDs, and physical books anyway. :) I'll bet TV will be more affordable after we can use Netflix.

I might have heard of Schitt's Creek before the great Eugene Levy visited Kelly Clarkson's talk show. However, that is where I learned it is a Canadian institution created by his son and joined by his daughter. Knowing the great Catherine O'Hara is in it as well made it a must see. It is compelling that my friend in New Zealand loves it and so does Elton John. Then again, he is married to Canadian producer, David.

After seeing several episodes, the earliest and most recent, I like it. Now I look for it on satellite dish every time it appears. Thank you Kerri, Kelly Clarkson, and Eugene Levy!

We have enjoyed chatting about television shows and need a forum dedicated to that. Here is a place to converse about television shows generally. If hearty follow-up ensues, please feel free to create a topic thread in a show's name.

Hi Leeanne! I knew Michael J. Fox voiced "Homeward Bound" but have not seen it. I said I read my Mom's paperback of "The Incredible Journey". It was comforting in terms of how well cats survive even better than dogs. However, it was not comforting enough for people missing cats more than the month that trio was. Gosh, a month felt like a nightmare at the time and by now, a year would have been great.

"The Cove" was not a book. We have such delightful movie and television conversations that I made topic folders for them yesterday! I said I could not bear to watch anything like "The Cove": an animal rights documentary.

Kerri pointed out the oddity of adopting as siblings instead of as a wife & husband. Nothing to do with the clear premise of expecting a boy. Kerri's question was whether or not agencies used to discourage anyone but wives & husbands to adopt children. I said no, as long as candidates were not single people. She made a good point about the extreme load of children likely making agencies less picky.

Marilla & Matthew would have treated a boy like a son. They chose that gender for the help but would have fallen in love with him. They discovered Anne to be indespensible as well. Are you going to reread the first novel before we indulge in the sequels?

Very simply, the bank Matthew used collapsed and I guess, could not pay back client's funds. I am so tired of stories of people struggling financially. I loved "Anne Of Green Gables" for being a story about a happy family's hopes, goals, and dreams. Losing Matthew suddenly was enough hardship. I looked forward to stories of Anne in university. But let's see what Maud did with the sequels.

Feel free to add your opinion now that you know what we meant. Kerri is still adding hers on this last point too. Have a lovely week-end.

On a home wilderness note: I have found a second monarch butterfly chrysallis outside this room! Also yesterday, a snake was suntanning on our sidewalk; something I have never seen garters do here! Later, two lady turkies brought their baby poults to tour our yard and browse for food! Generations of turkies have grown-up taking a walk to visit us. We are so glad they feel comfortably safe bringing their children here and repeating the family circle like this.

"Blast From The Past" from 1999, is one of my favourite films! I have not seen it in years and incorrectly pictured one actress as "Sally Fields". The Mother is Sissy Spacek. The Father is Christopher Walken, the helpful friend is Alicia Silverstone, and the hero is Canadian Brendan Fraser. Have a look in this group's photo album, for the photo I took of his Canadian Walk Of Fame star!

In brief: this film is about being quarantined but using that time in the wisest way imaginable. A baby is born and grows up in a 1960s bomb shelter. Luckily, he has smart, keen, educated parents who spend time with him on a wholesome variety of skills.

They stocked it with educational and entertainment material, along with food, medical, and comfort supplies and they sure did put it to good use. Please see this film, as an inspiration and prompt, to grow and succeed at things we would love to do.

Many of us treasure, admire, and love city and country flora and wildlife that abounds, in our diversity of places all around the world. Some of us assist the tadpoles with hose water when a week is dry and some of us even get to behold the metamorphosis of butterflies! It is time we have a folder for a wonderful variety of updates. Name your region, climate, and passions!

Natural to us and regularly seen are whitetailed deer and wild turkies. Both species of Mothers are showing us their newborn fawns and poults now! Seldom seen at our home are black bears. Only once, I saw a Mom and her 3 cubs dash through our yard against the forest. Once our birdfeeders were visited by an well-grown juvenile. We only hang them outside by day.

The province of Manitoba abounds in so many birds, insects, and amphibians in addition to these gorgeous mammals; that individual topic threads might be in order.

I seldom see garter snakes but today, there was one sunning on the sidewalk in front of our house! I had only glimpsed one but them feeling through grass. I wish I knew which way this friendly guy went, because he disappeared when I was gone for a minute and might be in our front flowerbed. I don't want to surprise him or myself.

Yesterday, Ron showed me for my first time: a caterpillar chrysallis! It is their name for a cocoon. This one is of the great monarch. It is on the side of our house, right beside this room. Fellow-Canadian Leeanne told me today, what to watch for. I see the sweet little caterpillar tucked inside the bright green pod! I wish him a wonderful life journey! Note to indoor people: it only took a short tour outside our house to behold all this glory.

Many of us garden for food and are flower lovers. Many more of us treasure, admire, and love city and country wildlife that abounds, in our diversity of places all around the world. Name your region, climate, and your passions!

Southeastern Manitoba is in "Hardiness zone 3". Nearly being in Ontario seems to make a nice difference. We can plant by May 25, although it was hot and then frost appeared last this year. We can freeze at night in September, or stay warm into November. It is a bitch where there is both: a freeze in September, in a season that was otherwise warming and growing into autumn.

I grow anything that has time to bloom in our season: some fruit, herbs, a ton of squashes, lettuces, carrots, peas, potatoes, and corn. Just ask and I have probably planted it. I love planting flowers galore too, hanging and at ground level, in a wonderful variety of our home flowerbeds. The work, seeds, and time spent are worth it. I gather my own seeds wherever I know how.

I love to see life starting from seeds and considering purchasing plants a missed experience. I do not believe in eliminating any plants, no matter if it would let the rest of the row grow larger. Every seed, every plant, every life is valued by me and I cherish watching each of them appear, thrive, and grow.

Flea beetles have been a problem but we are getting a handle o n it with "Diatomaceous Earth". The powder gives small plants far more time to recover without flea beetles, than a spray. Even more important, "Diatomaceous Earth" is no threat to good insects.

Kerri, the name of the first film, where I recommend being introduced, is "Star Trek The Motion Picture". I explained doubting the 1960s show's old technology and early viewpoints of what outer space might be like, would give a good impression of the love and thrill the shows became. They got very good starting with the films and by film #4, you will feel thoroughly clued-in and invested. I, myself, have only seen a few original shows and am a major fan.

Please do me a solid never join those annoying, uninformed people who keep calling film #4 "the one with the whales". Lord have mercy, the title is: "The Voyage Home", because it is a modern, 1980s, hilarious trip to Earth! It is the most relatable Star Trek film ever made for these reasons.

While films #1 and #2 are to catch the cast from the beginning, "The Voyage Home" continues very closely from film #3. Spot underwent a resurrection in the previous film, which explains why they check on his memory and regular behaviour in the sequel.

Something interesting just occurs to me! In the very new shows "Star Trek Discovery", the ship doctor and in "Star Trek Picard", Jean Luc Picard experienced the same thing! The environmental or artificial resources are different.

Man, do you ever have fun catching-up to do: anyone not into Star Trek yet. Just please start with original characters and cast to understand the root's flavour. I look forward to seeing you enjoy this detail, jocularity, and sharing: when you at last enter this topic.