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

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

Music is dear to my heart and is a fabulous way to get to know a friend or relative. "Who do you like" gives us conversation in common and tells us a little about each person. Some of my favourites since childhood, unchanged, are: Corey Hart, A-ha, and Chris DeBurgh.

I prefer pop, rock, and melodic dance music (not too robotic or programmed). I add many old and new artists all of the time and love introducing people likewise. Just like books: the age of publication doesn't matter. There are always gems to acquaint new.

Just for fun: I divide a line for old and new Madonna music after her "Bedtime Stories" album. That was new compared to replaying so many of her standards during a delay of anything new. But the album "Ray Of Light" ushered in a whole new sound and attitude. Madonna was growing and made us music to dance along with it.

Here at last, since we love conversing about it, is a place to rave about Star Trek: its beloved actors, iconic characters, and enthralling range of television shows and films. I dub "Star Trek - New" the range of shows and films starting with the remake films starring Chris Pine and onward.

There are so many options of new life surging into this fan world, there is plenty of space (see what I did there) to divide it into old and new categories! I love Chris Pine and crew, love "Star Trek Discovery", and was unprepared to be so blown away by "Star Trek Picard". I intend to blog about this wealth of new adventures to accompany visually.

Thankfully, the futuristic, new territory of "Star Trek Discovery" season 3 was filmed long ago. I don't know why premiering it delayed so long. I only understood that they wanted the newest show, "Star Trek Picard", to air with some time in between them.

Here at last, since we love conversing about it, is a place to rave about Star Trek: its beloved actors, iconic characters, and enthralling range of television shows and films. I dub "Star Trek - Old" the range of all the shows and films: starting with the "Original Series" and stopping after "Star Trek Enterprise".

Since we love to converse about it so much, including in relation to literature: here is a place to dive in on favourite actors, films, and general celebrity news. Mixed or brief remarks work well here. If you foresee talking about a film a lot, go ahead and make its title or series name a topic.

Oh, the rest of our conversation is here! That is nice! Yes, Brendan Fraser is out of sight and we have discovered, he is sadly part of the "me too" Hollywood abuse, among men. I think he spoke up before this helpful movement and got blackballed. I may be mistaken. You didn't see "The Mummy" and other movies, ironically with Dwayne Johnson, just when he stopped being called "The Rock"?

I am a "Jumanji" fan too but Lord, do I have to make film and TV conversation threads, haha! Well, this all ties into Jules Verne. Did you not see "Back To The Future III", where Doc's kids are named after him? I agree with your Dad that anything can be called a classic, if it is beloved popular culture. My Dad loves films and music too.

We have exactly four milkweed plants there, so no worries, haha! We will be lucky if there are leaves left before they flower. My one question right now (until I have your e-mail) is: do they weave their cocoons right on those plants, or go elsewhere after they have eaten enough? The dwindling space can't last, can it?

Spirit leaps at butterflies wherever he sees them around. Sadly a "kill because it moves" behaviour. I hope that doesn't extend to eating them but I don't think so. I have found deceased, dear dragonflies. I will watch and deter Spirit as much as always.

I think our terrain must not be ideal for milkweed if it is new and sparse. What do they prefer? We are clay, sand, and marsh. I think bought seeds finally worked out. Don't worry, we would not pick special wildflowers like that.

Our girl, Petal, nibbles on the odd houseplant but it isn't a worry. There is rhubarb with giant leaves at our back door and neither Petal nor anyone has interest in it; also toxic. I will be vigilant around the milkweed too: if the caterpillars leave anything!

I suspect Petal is only interested in greenery when she is indoors. Her sister, Angel, is a bad one for peeing in plants during the winter, as if she misses using soil in the great outdoors. Cats are fun and intelligent, with their own personalities, which you have the gift of witnessing too.

How long is the caterpillar period? There were 4 at first, then they disappeared and I hoped birds didn't grab them. A day or so later, I saw tiny ones. Now a week or so after, there are 6 big ones. Are they the tiny ones already grown-up? I will let them live their own life cycle. I don't know what their eggs look like.

Yes, buddy reads in my small experience anyway, is about reading as you usually would. Pop in when you have time to say: "I made it to this page" and remark on something generic, until we see where everyone else is. Then we know which scenes it is not a spoiler to discuss. Wouldn't you say so, Kerri? Just let us know when you have the novel. We can easily read books on our own until then. We are going back to the 1800s here! Science fiction is rare for me but the movie has made me very keen.

Yes, I knew Michael J. Fox was in "Homeward Bound". My Mom had "The Incredible Journey" and you can bet that a short time after Conan disappeared, I needed to hear about 3 pets getting home. That they were only away a month does little to hearten me. Their success through the vast Ontario wilderness, worse than the nothingness west of us, is very heartening.

Just a note that I referred to Christopher Walken of "Blast From The Past" and "The Dead Zone"; not Christopher Lloyd. Again, I wonder about your age. I like knowing at what stages new friends fit into my life but also, why you only saw the "Back To The Future" trilogy so recently.

Yes, I knew full well that 2015 was "Back To The Future Day" and celebrated it! The second film is my least favourite because it is a carbon copy of most of the first. My brothers, cousin, and I know this trilogy by heart: my favourite of all time. Any of us could be a stand-in for any role in it and would leap at it gladly!

I will have a look at "Heartland" again soon and it repeats all the time. As long as I get outside for a while today. We are beginning to be able to pick our garden food! It has been herbs, salad, kale, and Swiss chard. It was peas and yellow beans for the first time: today, green beans.

I have wrestled with whether or not our neighbours are uncaring, or you know how you have had the same problem with someone for so long, they think you are just picky? I wish I felt comfortable having a clearer conversation with the ones on our east side. We hear every sound the dogs make: therefore move where you cage them, or bring them in the house quickly.

The ones on our west are trying to save a buck. They know an anti-bark training collar will do the trick but instead of seing where they can rent, or asking their sons to buy one as a gift; they left it at "can't afford it". It has gotten better on both sides and I have learned to have gratitude for every positive thing.

Jules Verne is the huge French author who not only wrote "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" but "10,000 Leagues Under The Sea", "Mysterious Island", and "Around The World In 80 Days". Kerri & I are huge Michael J. Fox and "Back To The Future" fans. You may recall Jules Verne being mentioned in the third film and indeed, Doc Brown and his wife naming their sons after this author!

You can get Jules Verne at any second-hand store and thrift shop but it is touch and go to find such places open, even in Manitoba. The minute I find out a few are open, I am bringing a mask and having a heyday.

Thank you for sharing your vacuum story. I need neighbours like that: where you say something once and they are immediately respectful. We have had hugely intrusive disturbances from a child of each dog family too. Yes, it is better than it used to be on all counts. In the city, you have to monitor your noise and you had a caretaker, building owner, and city laws to back you up if the lady had not been nice to deal with.

Our animal control law is new and only covers disturbance by dogs. How do you ask someone: don't they think their 9 year-old has grown-up enough to never again shriek every time she goes outside? The kids on the other side moved and I pray he doesn't blast a guitar amplifier ever again when he visits. Turn the speaker away from us was all we asked. In the country, people think it is the land of "do whatever you want". No, we are a community of neighbours affected by sounds the same way. Who doesn't let in a dog that wants to go inside anyway?

The whole personal story I told about saving the personal records he stressful week Conan went missing: imagine coming home from that important rescue mission, to find a baby missing? All I wanted to do was relax, after saying good-bye to our family home and feeling uncomfortably racing to save what should be. The ability to breathe right has been put on hold for a long time.

Your Great-Grandma would be pleased that your family values the wealth of personal records she persevered in making and storing for you. You know the work it took me, nearly alone in 6 days, to sort through everything to save what was important or useful.

You gave your impressions on "Anne Of Green Gables". Let us know if you have comments about what Kerri or I wrote. For example, I think it was overmuch for Marilla & Anne to be rendered poor, on top of losing Matthew. There could be great sequels of stories without making an excuse, as I deem this, to keep Anne in Avonlea.

Kerri made a remarkable point about not needing to worry about spoiling an orphan. I added: especially a child so clearly appreciative of everything. The natural reaction, without her good attitude, is to pamper an orphan to make up for years of going without. I think it was a mistake by Maud in portraying realistic human nature. Kerri does not. I think the added drama about a bank tanking with their funds was excessive. You and Kerri let me know. Authors aren't perfect. :)

Hi Leeanne! I am happy to share our road to vegetarianism, which started after the ascension of my childhood cat 14 years ago. It is a great story and I will make another topic folder for it.

Because I am in the minority against euthanasia, I am careful that no one interprets any intent to debate. The majority view is prevalent enough. Thanks for asking for mine. Our issue is people being so automatic about it, they assume it is the way pets "have to" die. It demonstrates a frightening lack of it occurring to them, that natural death knows when to arrive all by itself. There are a few rare situations I might respect. But this act is not conducted with rarety.

9 times out of 10, this decision rears in occasions when people would not decide the same with a human relative. Homeless or unidentified animals. The birth of offspring. The inferior, disposable attitude that is allowed by law, is what bothers us terribly. A life is a life; we merely have different roles, needs, and goals. We say: "If we would not order the death of a daughter or son, we will not with a pet".

I was disgusted by a guy where I worked, who ordered the killing of a cat they had had for years, just because his son had grown allergic! This is family: you deal, or rehome as an absolute last resort. A loved-one is not disposable!

A former friend of mine ended the life of a cat who thought of her as a Mother, for hissing and growling at her new husband, in their new house. She "had tried everything" and wouldn't give Sylvester to the friend who offered, because "he might bite the children". Death over "might"? I wouldn't blame the poor dear if he did bite: he was distressed! We overlook worse in humans! The hearty pre-teens didn't care if they "might" be bitten and have several cats. I wanted nothing to do with her again.

"Heartland" is on our satellite dish daily and the one I saw, had a husband and wife arguing over the usefulness of acupuncture. Meanwhile, a little girl did a jump race and fainted afterwards. It may have been from 2015. I see why Chris Potter left the "Good Witch" series: he is busy there!

Reading novels would be a longer investment of focus. I would rather catch another show on the satellite dish. I did see the aspect of a woman giving horses alternative therapy. If it is usually about alternative therapy helping horses, I would enjoy that, if it isn't "will they make it" in every episode.

I know what you mean about catching the wrong introduction and I am nothing, if not fair. :) If it isn't for me, that doesn't make me less proud that it is a lovely depiction of priarie Canada. Well, Alberta differs from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which is why I treasure shows that depict us, even more sparingly. The rest is in the next comment box.

Hi Leeanne & Kerri! I would like to start "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" after the book I am reading. Above, I estimated by Monday. But if "The Westing Game", which I savoured and bought new, is my cup of clue-solving tea like I hear it is, I would excitedly finish it quickly. I am thrilled you want to join us, Leeanne. Let us know when you can obtain a print or e-copy.

Kerri, I said I was surprised by how much I liked the sequel with Dwayne Johnson, since Brendan did not continue as the Dad protagonist. I specified that it looked like it was going to be silly (giggling pecs). Brendan had stopped acting due to being blackballed by Hollywood, for speaking up about past above, if I understand correctly. Leeanne, I have no idea of your age but he is a well-known Canadian star, with a place on the Walk Of Fame in Toronto. He did all those "Curse Of The Mummy" action films, even though he is the cuddly, comedic type.

American Christopher Walken is a huge mega star, one of the greats. My favourite of his is in "The Dead Zone" by Stephen King but he is famous for so much stuff that not all of it is my cup of tea. Sometimes a hero, sometimes a bad guy; he can play anything. He is in one of the most famous "Saturday Night Live" classic skits ever made; which even I know, who never watches that show. Look up the expression "More cowbell"! Even Howard Walowitz immitated Christopher Walken during one of the D&D game nights on "The Big Bang Theory". Anyway, that scene in "The Dead Zone" chills me, the way he screams. The protagonist (I have and must read Stephen's novel) can tell envision an important part of a past or future by touching someone. A man insists on sending kids outside to play hockey on an iffy day. Christopher's cry is a poignant movie moment: "The ice is going to break!!!"

Yes, you guys should easily find "Blast From The Past" anywhere really. I never think of downloading from the internet because I can't have things like Netflix and YouTube would just be too much for the slowest internet speeds of dial-up. I would buy the blu-ray from Amazon Canada. But if you can grab it on-line like Kerri is, do Leeanne. I am glad your Mom loves it. I am sure my parents saw it too; just the sort of good-hearted, creative film we love. The protaonist is like an eager newborn baby exploring the world for the first time, who is suprisingly skilled at all kinds of things you don't expect; thanks to his parents not wasting time in that underground shelter under all their years of quarantine. :-) Feel good fiction at the max and yes, Kerri: perfectly timely to be inspiring right now! I must look at the price of that blu-ray.

Sorry about the horses in the rain, Kerri. We are having rain again but need it. It means no threat of forest fire and our garden being taken care of for us, instead of using the hose, less adequately than rain amounts to. The tadpole and minnow ditch is full again.

I meant to tell you Ron recognized Monarch caterpillars and milkweed plants outside this very office window. I get to witness them working in their various stages, for the first time! The plants, without flowers yet, had not been there before but knowing they weren't weeds, I left them. Suddenly Ron recognized them. We tried planting milkweed a few years ago and I guess it can be awhile before they take. One cat kills butterflies but fortunately, this is a northwest house corner that he and all the cats seldom use.

The mention of Canada's Brendan Fraser supplies me with a nice segue into a recommendation and inspiring conversation that I have been very eager to propose. During a time of a world quarantine, there is no more relatable movie than: "Blast From The Past"! It also stars Christopher Walking and Sally Fields as the parents.

How many of you know this film? It is about an American family in the 1960s, when a threat of war spurred many to build backyard bomb shelters: steel rooms stocked with years of food, medical supplies, and amenties. The scientist Father believed that the ground would be contaminated by a bomb for about 25 years and set a timer to lock them in. There was no war but a crashed aeroplane scared them into taking residence.

One aspect of this California film really makes it a compelling conversation piece about what to do with time. It is quite a study in the human ability to focus and learn, if we give ourselves that chance. The Mother goes into a 25-year quarantine pregnant. Their son has never seen the Earth! He learns about the sky and the ocean from books!

It is enthralling to watch the Mom teach the boy manners and etiquette and professional dancing. It is invigorating to watch the Dad teach him German. This is the perfect film to demonstrate for us plainly: what can we learn, now that we have ample time?

It need not be all YouTube videos. We can put aside our computers and develop skills for ourselves. Reading more of my books, all physical copies, is one thing I do. Food and flower gardening is another. We finished them, including my flowerbeds. Rain came right afterwards and all of those seeds are set in motion!

This is an invitation to members and future friends, to join us with Jules Verne's classic story! I am going to read a couple of other novels before I begin. I will slate "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" for after the week-end. If you have a copy, can obtain it, or already read it: please jump in anytime.

I enjoyed the Brendan Fraser (Canadian!) film and was surprised to like the Dwayne Johnson sequel years later, which I thought was going to be too silly. It is high time that I try on the classic novel itself for size!

Leeanne, I am sorry you had a COVID19 scare! It is something, God willing, you can get over at home. I would rather not deal with a hospital. But I don't know with whom you live and whom you see. I see my Dad, his brother, his son and Grandson, and my brother and sister-in-law. My uncle lost his wife the year before my Mom, so they are widowers together and my brothers and cousin are missing our Moms at the same time. The fear of having symptoms after staying in a public environment makes sense: to confirm you do not have COVID19 and don't need space from whomever shares your home or "social bubble". Be well, Leeanne!

There is no rush. I like having topic threads for personal and general news and will make some to chat about televisions shows, films, music, etc anytime we like. I was just being a competent hostess and to complete my thoughts about Anne. It is natural for thoughts, opinions, and feelings in life to mix with discussing books. When we are done, we can continue support and feelings about life outside this thread.

The ass who borrowed one of my diaries, has no power over what I do. I mean it is ample and I am thankful for my memory, for continuing to talk with my Mom, and for having her writings. I could not vent or commemorate any more details than I do in letters, e-mails, and internet forums. You know what I mean?

A reminder of relatives or occurrences when we are little or haven't met them, is different. I am glad you were reminded of your Great-Grandparents and even better, to have the treasure trove of well-labelled family history that you do, Leeanne!

One thing I balk at, a separate topic, is the stringent line at which organizers demark "hoarding" or "needless" and the idea that spartanism is a virtue to be coveted. I wonder if your Great-Grandparents used to get flack for keeping all the papers, boxes, and bags that they did. They would positively glow now, knowing how much they are treasured and appreciated.

My Mom's loyal effort to keep childhood mementoes and things of interest for us, did get away from her. It is hard to see into numerous packed items. She asked for my help and when I made efforts a few months before moving, she got distracted giving us food and visiting, or Ron wanted to go home after a couple of hours. The only thing Mom could have done better was look every 10 years at what belonged to my brothers and me. I would have taken my items years ago and the same for the boys, to reduce her stack. When they had to move to an apartment this day in 2017, I had to drive to the city every day to make sure that 40 years' worth of things that should be saved, were saved.

This was of course without having any idea that my Mom would not live much longer. I couldn't bring things home in bulk to work on later, without having a truck at that time. Ron & I fit whatever we could in two cars and had to sort on the spot. I sped under the threat of my brother and sister-in-law wanting to throw things out and my Dad's useless emotional state. My Mom had to set-up the apartment with him. She needed me and I did not let her down. After finally being done after 6 days of the stress and nonstop work, hardly eating or peeing; I came home to hug my cats and feel relieved. Looking through what we brought home was going to be fun. I had ample closure with our family home and had saved just all I could carry.

I called it quits at 3:00AM, July 13, 2017. I had already brought the burial cross of our childhood cat to stand in my own yard, next to Conan's young brother. Imagine getting home at 4:00AM to find Conan gone. I didn't dream it would take 3 years to get him back. I will take that blessing however it arrives! Thank goodness for my spiritual faith (outside of religious rule) and trust that God helps us in ways we don't foresee. This very stressful situation provided the unusual explanation for Conan's absence.

It is human nature to panic that he might have died. It took a lot of talking, praying, analyzing to realize there are many places cats can be. Later, various spiritual insights confirmed he has not perished. Our indoor cats with outdoor priviledges hated being cooped up while I wasn't home and I didn't make it clear to Conan that it was going to stop that day. He took a vacation and the Lord only knows what delayed him from being back yet. But the terrible moving predicament and confinement gives us a reason for a cat who loves us very much, to take a trip. We know he will be back and adding your prayers and encouragement is even more helpful. I look forward to the story of miracles that I will inspire everyone with. Prayers have been answered all my life so I know they are the real thing. Thank you for adding your hearts and voices!

Hearing about a young death has hardly any consolation, except that your school and community remember that dear girl. They are revered and loved in your hearts and souls whether or not you knew them. It shows the power of that little child's soul to touch all of you. I wish it had stayed in her body far beyond 7 years. But if we can be thankful for little else: see the evidence that no soul is small or insignificant! Mentioning her existance continues to touch us. It is my motto for feline family whose lives came to their conclusion: that we will keep loving and talking about them long after the duration of their biological lifetimes.

That is the gift of physical mementoes. My Mom eventually had to go, physical-wise but I have all sorts of objects and belongings that last longer that our lifetimes. I can still touch and read things she touched and read. I gradually gave her back a lot of keepsakes and papers after my Mom moved. Unfortunately, it means I am getting it back all over again from my Dad, with continued reassurance that my brother and no one be allowed to declare it is disposable! But it made my Mom happy to be able to look over a lot of her keepsakes again. I am glad she got to see things that had been packed for decades, labelled carefully like your relatives are good at too.

One glance at a TV show probably isn't a fair gauge but the episode I caught of "Heartland" did not seem to be for me. I don't believe in killing animals period: neither euthanasia nor eating them. I am extremely uncomfortable with those things and it is hard to find a horse show that isn't about a fallen racehorse or vets artificially ending a life. Especially, one group of characters seem to sell cattle for beef. If there were any way to just enjoy ranch animals without the racing or food industry, I would love it. This doesn't stop me from being glad to hear about the show inspiring you and that it is a successful Canadian production. See, you do have favourite things! :)

Yes, self-respect and admiring beauty everywhere are the best things "Anne Of Green Gables" teaches! Standing up for yourself doesn't always return the results we want but respecting ourselves is the point. Sometimes the best we can do is know we voiced what we will and won't tolerate. Neighbours noisy dogs are an example. Country living should be peaceful and fairly quiet! It took a lot of guts to finally say something to each side of neighbours (we are in the middle of two pairs)! It didn't solve the problem all the way and we are uncomfortable with those neighbours. I feel disappointed, when I hear COVID19 stories about neighbours helping each other and liking each other. I am there if they need me but talking to them creeps me out. Trying a second or third time to describe how badly we are affected sounds like the same complaint to their ears and does not seem to get them to view it seriously.

I sent animal control to talk with one family. Even that isn't setting them as straight as it should. Last night, one east dog barked for half an hour, through our bedroom wall. When that happens, I can't read a book in the comfort of my own room. Who isn't careful with their dog after receiving formal complaints several times? They either have music or TVs going in there and don't hear there dogs for awhile, or have no concept of stopping a dog quickly to not intrude on neighbours. Anyway, I took months to work up the courage to talk to each family and was proud I had tried. Sorting out issues in a family or couple can take bravery and patience and be turbulent. The same unresolved complaint can fail to be understood seriously enough among people we love too.

We live in a beautiful, small home and harmony must be presevered within and all around it. There is only so much one should divulge in public, so I invite you to e-mail me one of these days. Love, health, and peace to you all, my friends! Carolyn.

The last things I have to say about Anne Shirley are that she was exuberant about things she was passionate about like any of us: usually beauty and gratitude. She was not viewed as too talkative by good conversationalists. Anne quieted easily if she was asked and loved listening to what other people said. Like anyone, there were some subjects she did not want to broach, like Gilbert or the care given her by well-meaning foster families. I hope films and TV shows don't depict a blabbermouth.

I love the point that there should be no fear about pampering an orphan. Anne continued in her gratitude and love of every pretty view, moment of friendship or love, and gift. There was a difference between expecting her to wear the clothes patterns of a 60 year-old and Marilla's claim of excess. Basic fashion consciousness, just to participate in the general looks of our time and geographical location, does not equate chasing trends.

The only observation I add is that it was enough of a struggle for Matthew's life to ascend. I loved that this wasn't another story about a farm family struggling to live. The part about a bank failing was a superfluous addition to hardship, was depressing, and I am sorry to see it. There would be a fun enough story of family and discovery with Anne going to university. A reason for her to stay in Avonlea didn't need to be concocted.

I will leave you dear ladies to answer and thank you for creating fun conversation topics with me. I guess readers of our folder will scroll through personal life and TV shows but real life is why we are here too and I have cherished all of it, when we needed it.

I have become familiar with "Schitt's Creek" enough to like it. This being Canada, various episodes air every day. I am curious to know how a New Zealander learned of it. I am enjoying "Corner Gas" reruns too and see that they went up to 2009 at least, continuing in an animated version. Yours warmly, Carolyn.

Hi Kerri! You remembered today! Thank you! Ron is my common-law spouse: my guy and best friend either way. Outside of e-mail privacy, I'll simply say he communication and emotions need better handling. Yes, he is supportive, sweet of you to check. He always reminds me Conan's disappearance happened to him too. He views them as children like I do, even though his parents are in a very different world.

Thank you for remembering it is 3 years and making me feel reassured and supported about it, dear Kerri! Leeanne is wonderful as well. There are storms today so I don't know how much I will check in. I am glad I was up early, to get hugs from Ron before he went to work. Perhaps knowing it will rain or storm, half of the cats wanted out this early, instead of going back to bed after breakfast. Once Ron's vehicle was clear, I let them out and came to look for the two of my friends boosting my spirits. :)

I started today communicating with Conan, as I learned in a workshop years ago. By now I don't follow exact steps and bring him into my mind and soul my own way. Surely that works as well and is best. I spoke for an hour about why, although we want him to be safe, alive, healthy, and happy: that our sorrow, pain, worry, and waiting doesn't go away until he is back home with us. I talked at length about what is going on with the family and why he should travel now. Then I said I would listen to what he had to say and do my best to receive his information.

The nutshell is that the people he is with aren't tattoo savvy, even though I think it is a really obvious tattoo and that they should just ask anyone they know how to use one. Thank you for looking into it. Yes, having a microchip is enough and people argue that it never fades. Tattoos have to be good from the beginning. I have trouble seeing small print now that I need reading glasses and a cat would have to be approachable. But I am glad I got you interested in looking into this. Legible or not, it is valuable to see that a cat has a family. It is easier to get close to read a tattoo with bright light behind, or let a camera zoom in on it, than driving an unfamiliar cat to a vet. Of course you have to keep the microchip and tattoo attached to current phone numbers and e-mail addresses, which you bet we do.

Conan reassured me he wants to return home to us, even though he is with kindly people lately. He forgets the time in the summer. When he is pining to come home, the season is wrong for travelling. He knows he will have to make a move now. This is what I got. In animal communication, you have to rise above hoping you aren't merely seeing or hearing what you want to see and hear.

Yes, there are nature signs and maybe my Mom will have a word with me today. I am encouraged by everything you are saying to me, about your whole letter; not just this. Thank you for being a wonderful friend in a way that every soul needs: lifting me up, having fun, and talking about entertainment and other things. I also love learning about you and am here for you.

I am sorry about your two friends. I would gladly listen if that is a private thing for e-mail sometime. A friend, even though we were out of touch, died by suicide at 40 and that felt very wrong and young too. 16 is just heartbreaking. When you reach 40 you will find out that you are still young, strong, and beautiful and are barely getting started on the life to live ahead of you. From that moment on, I stopped feeling funny about that age and decided I should enjoy it. I should enjoy getting to keep adding to my age; appreciate it, to properly respect those who are no longer alive.

Thank you for reinforcing that I ought to trust my inner voice and signs from God and nature and communication from Conan. Thanks to me airing out what I needed to this morning, opening a channel for him to speak as well, and receiving reassurance from you and Ron this momentous morning: I will be all right today!

Ron says not to focus on anniversaries because the world doesn't go according to that. He isn't dismissing the way I think; merely not to be disappointed and that we are glad to have our son back any day. He is right but I said I would appreciate encouragement on such days because I do think of certain days as important or sacred; the way my memory records them. I see Conan sitting where he sat and looking and what time it was. There is no better sign than the encouraging response from you, in time to greet my morning.

I promise I will finish the Anne conversation in another message soon. Today, if weather allows. I can't blow another dial-up modem while we count on it for our only internet access and it is quite a drive to get another one, from one store we know of in the year 2020. I only have one more note to make and am seeing if Leeanne has anything to add.

If I can't find "The Joy Luck Club" shortly, I am sure we are good to go on "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" any time. "Aunt Dimity And The Deep Blue Sea" is excellent and will zoom by. Whether I indulge in something else next, is up to whether or not you have an opening to start Jules Verne. Much love and gratefulness in return, Carolyn.

P.S. You know that it is Conan in my main photo with my Mom & I, I wonder? That is one of our dear boys, the one for whom we are praying and of whom we are speaking. :)

Prayers and encouraging stories about getting Conan home are appreciated and needed. It isn't only his 10th birthday that I want him home for. I hoped you would see the detail that there is a great desire to have him home by tomorrow, because it would mark 3 sad years. As I told Leeanne, him being being alive and well is half of the prayer. He must be back, so this is over and we are never again in pain of separation. I won't move houses even if I wanted to, wondering when Conan will reappear or be seen in the region. Life paused, 3 years ago tomorrow. I need to unstick the button and have my full life and self back.

I am not giving up on him but must not lose any more time, nor have him with people so long, they don't think of us looking and waiting for him. Yes, someone more proactive can help with is photo or tatoo and he can walk back home as well. It is the right season. After all, this is when he took his vacation. I have no debt he wisely felt the need to stay safe by being somewhere else until now, or got father away than he meant to.

Guys, I am freaked-out that you don't know about tattooes. In Canada, you get them free when cats are spaid & neutered: going on for decades. Yes, seeing a cat tattoo instantly shows that he is somebody's boy. Although I don't know where he is, there is no way any agency or person killed him because he was "unidentified" or whatever stupid excuse some people and organizations use for killing. I can also tell he has not been taken to a vet.

If a cat lets you hold his ear and read it, you can look-up a tattoo chart and find out a lot on your own. The first letter tells the year of the tattoo, a good indicator of age. The next two tell which clinic registered him: the place where you get the phone number or e-mail address to return him!!!! The other three numbers identify the precise cat tattooed that year.

Saying he has a tattoo even if you can't read it helps a lot too and whether or not he is neutered. I have had many calls and e-mails about similar cats and am stunned that those well-meaning people didn't think to narrow those two basic things down for me. I checked out two places for months until I learned that they were seeing a different cat. In animal rescue, these are the first things you look for: markings, gender, tatoo or not, neutered or not.

Or you take a photo and include it with the e-mail. A face shot is best but even if it is from a distance (two people did), we can tell it wasn't Conan.

About writing, I had diaries as a child. Some stupid fuck who was supposed to be my friend stole it and read it. Even though that ass clearly is no issue anymore, journaling more details than I already remember is not for me. I really felt boosted by Leeanne's support, prayers, and care for grieving friends. All the e-mailing and written conversing I have done are enough, believe me. I was a penpal before the internet was invented. I already wrote my ass off about life details and don't need to write a surplus. Indeed, I am blessed my Mom did a lot of writing for me. Even better to receive it from the source!

Most importantly, I view myself as having a continued relationship with my Mom, even if I can't see her. I grew up knowing physical death doesn't end an existance. I don't feel as if my Mom is gone; just a little out of reach. But when Conan's brother Love, died, I felt sick for weeks. It felt like the university had the most terrible glitch and it shouldn't have happened. With my Mom, I don't regard it as something that is over and I know better with Love too. Young death is very hard to accept. I still talk with her, listen for her advice and presence, and feel that it is ongoing. It isn't only having a great memory and mental snapshots. :)

Speaking of trying to tune into spiritual things: I have been encouraged from the heart-wrenching day that our Conan vanished, that I should "wait". God and sometimes Conan telepathically asked me to trust that he is well and we will get him back "even if it takes a painful wait". I use animal communication to connect with him from time to time. Sometimes I get external signs, like suddenly seeing orange in nature, just when I needed encouragement.

I did yesterday! There is an orange wildflower behind his brother's resting place, that I had not seen there before. This colour is rarer. It is saying "Don't give up! Keep believing in your faith and miracles and in your gut"!

I need this with tomorrow's sensitive date and while having relationship stress. All couples have rocky roads but I could do without it at two of the most difficult times in my life. Thank goodness Marigold's health is good and stable. Thank you, Kerri and Leeanne, for being bright supporters and my human outlet. With gratitude, Carolyn.

Yes, I am fluent in French and in university, majored in Spanish. The Latin languages are easy when you know one of them. Canadians are so well exposed to French everywhere they go and on everything they buy, that most understand a lot of it; even if they wouldn't put together words to speak it.

I gave our discussion of Anne Shirley thought. I think the shows Leeanne remembers better than the novel, must have made Anne seem excessive. It occurs to me that she was never uselessly chatty. She knew how to express herself very well when she conveyed gratitude or admired beauty. That is why Matthew marvelled at her: he could hardly express his simple wants and needs. Marilla was too busy to go into detail on wants and needs, except in her inner reflexions. Maud made her very expressive therein.

If anyone entered a conversation, Anne let them have their say. I feel sure that she was never aimless. She just knew how to describe what she felt and believed gratitude and admiration should be defined aloud. In any time period, there are expressive and reticent people. I hope the TV shows or films that I watch capture that Anne expressed beauty and gratitude. It would be a mistake to make her look like a bubble head without a point.

Kerri's remark got me thinking too! Why would anyone worry about spoiling an orphan? Anne was so glad for things so basic, like a pretty view to look at! A home she would stay in! A normal person would bend over backwards to give Anne things she had lacked.

From the beginning, Matthew said: "A home is something we can do for this girl. Maybe it doesn't have to be about how a boy could help us". When Matthew noticed that Anne dressed differently than the school girls, he refused for her to do with less.

What did you conclude, Kerri? Did Maud make a mistake in portraying a natural tendency? Was Marilla's behaviour laid out illogically? Why think fancy dresses were "unnecessary"? Was it an excuse to use her dressing patterns? Didn't everyone have the mindset that you have good clothes for special occasions? Marilla had a beautiful brooch and good dishes for guests. Expecting an 11 year-old old to wear the dressing patterns of a 60 year-old, when it wouldn't be hard to add a few frills, makes no sense to me.

Thank you for your condolences about my Mom's ascension. Thank you for praying that pain of separation is eased for our family. Thank you too, for joining the prayer that can come out the way we hope: the return of our Conan. Yes, I have complete faith that he is alive and well. That is a pain of separation until he is back with us.

Of course you would hate to be separated from your cat. This terrible predicament has nothing to do with letting anyone down or poor care. My babies were indoors the week I helped my parents move in Winnipeg. Conan took a vacation, even though none had ever done this, because he was hardly going outside. I don't let them out when we aren't home and he didn't know this was the final day of this unusual arrangement. Once a cat takes a trip, there are all kinds of delays to observe to stay safe and they can't travel in winter. This is Conan's window of time right now: to come to us, or show himself to someone more resourceful and proactive.

I have an exceptional memory, like Sheldon Cooper. I remember what I want to, what is important, and things get into mental snapshots: like Jim's & Pam's wedding on "The Office". I can see my conversations and visits with my Mom. I remember where Conan stood the last time I saw him, 3 years ago, two days from now. Do I ever need peace and friendship this touchy week! I remember my last day with his brother, Love, who died 5 years ago. My mental snapshots are strong.

Also: my Mom left a lot of writings! Simple casual notes, record books about us as children and later, cards.... I have these valuable physical connections to go through slowly at my leisure. Whatever belongs to my brothers, I send to them. Although scattered and not retained by me: my reviews, Goodreads conversations, and e-mails have been my journals and outlets.

Thank you for the wonderful memory of your Great-Grandfather. You were a child when he died, thus promptings about things you shared must have felt like being gifted with a piece of your past! No wonder you cherish it. Thank you for your compassion, respect, friendship, prayers, and belief in miracles dear Leeanne. Kerri and other friends have been a Godsend too.

I was uncomfortable sealing a microchip into my cats and like ear tattoos better for other reasons. It is a great comfort knowing Conan has his clear, obvious one and eliminates many discouraging possibilities. I believe he has only run into elderly people not knowing how to use it, or perhaps not seeing it if he is primarily taken care of outside of a house. The season is right to walk to someone else who does take notice. :)

I like the tattoo better than the microchip because you see it and know this is someone's cat. Even if you can't read it, you can eliminate millions of similar cats by saying in a store poster or on-line posting, that "such-and-such cat in this location has a tattoo". A microchip does not show the less intrepid person that this cat has a family and you can only read it if you drive the cat to a vet.

Ron & I were done speculating and measuring options a long time ago. We have done everything we physically can. Citizens all over here and the internet know to watch for him. All we ask for now is stories about "I know about a cat people got back after X years" andf or everyone's prayers to join us. Let us help guide our Conan safely home.

May he not linger where he has enjoyed hospitality. May he have the courage to return to the original family he loves. I am certain my Mom and his brother, Love pray along with us from Heaven. Come on, Conan! Let us stop at the 3 year mark and be happy and relieved! May his 10th birthday be in person with his Sisters and us! Love, Momma and everyone who knows you and me.

Leeanne: I don't suppose in our recent friendship, you know I am getting through the hardest time of a girl's life. My Mom did ascend to Heaven just 6 months ago. I am sure she is helping us with our missing cat, whom we pray is back with us this week.

We are certain through various signs and sources, logical and spiritual, that he has been alive all this time. Someone finally needs to use his tattoo, take his photo, or he might feel comfortable finally walking home. Enough is enough and emotions are high because next week would be 3 years that we have seen him. We know how much Conan loves us. It isn't winter and Conan isn't going to stick with nice people indefinitely.

And in September, he and his Sisters will be 10 years old. I do not want to celebrate the attainment of double digits without him. I do not want to miss any more time without him. But Ron & I have been very brave about doing everything we can and sitting patiently too, to wait for this last prayer to be answered favourably.

You meet me at a good time for friends, like Kerri, to keep me cheered-up and brave. I have heard a lot of "cat came back after years' stories and those encourage and keep our faith the best. Coronavirus doesn't crack the top 5 things I am concerned with. But it is all going to be all right.

Kerri, I know you check for more than one update but am making sure you saw messages #32 & 33. They replied to everything you had to say on them. :) They caught-up your input, expect the most recent, which I will get to when time is freer soon. You raised a fantastic comment I hadn't thought of: no fear of spoiling an orphan. Last night, I thought of a great question for us three to ponder, arising from it! :)

Leeanne, for me who likes being cozy at home, even if I weren't behind on planting flowerbeds, Canada Day is celebrated in the heart. My Mom taught me the tradition of singing "O Canada" at noon and I got Ron to do it, outside looking upon our lovely Manitoba forest. He has given up thinking I am weird and goes with my whims, haha. For a joke, since I went to French Immersion schools, sometimes I suggest singing it in its original language, French.

"Heading up to give the horses hay"? You are again writing as if I knew you had horses! Where are you, on a ranch? I knew you were a horse fan but access to feeding them: how lovely! My friends' sons and Grandchildren have horses and took equestrian lessons. I ride once every few years at a lake resort and love it.

I love your new discussion points, Kerri: so striking of new things to say no matter how brief. I will finish by answering Leeanne's input to our conversation, from message #22. Then we are all caught-up and we are up to answering these new follow-ups. I am still busy and am glad to have summed everything at last.

It has been too hot in Manitoba to plant our flowers, believe it or not. The cats have water everywhere on their excursions outside and sleep in the grass or under our parked vehicle. I bring the babies in frequently for breaks and meals. Mosquitoes are bad too but I will dash outside and plant some things today, for there is rain forecast tonight, for 4 days. We reached +36 C yesterday, which is 97 F for our American friends!

>My mother is obsessed with Anne, which explains why I found so many books about Anne and her author. My Dad thought Anne was "too plain" so they added Lee to it to make it Leeanne.

I hope you had a lovely camping vacation trip and Canada Day, Leeanne. I replied to this, except to ask about "found". Is your Mom no longer among us, or do you mean you saw Maud's books around the house regularly?

>I've always loved Anne as she can find beauty in almost everything. She's also very dramatic and I always think of her when I act the same way.

Yes, beauty in almost everything is her best trait and I am happy to say, I am the same! I recognize every new plant and flower bud around me, the tadpoles, frogs, and toads, special insects, how our garden is doing, the leafing of our trees.

I only know Anne now but will consider her drama. However, most of the time, her reactions were justified. She started with extreme situations, like needing a good family as a home! Then naturally, commonplace struggles and discomforts of life must be avoided or handled: like not allowing a teacher to pick on her. I was glad the neighbour advised them to let Anne stay home from school until she was comfortable attending. Mainly Anne stood up for herself, which I wish I had done better as a youngster.

The stress of possibly not attending a picnic, when it was her first and only an annual event, made sense too. She had not lost Marilla's treasured brooch and was put in a position where Marillia decided she must have been guilty and required her to confess or not join the picnic. I was glad she apologized for mistrusting Anne's word and never did again. (Is is "distrust"? I am unsure of the correct use).

Honestly, I think the occasions were seldom, where Anne reacted excessively. Perhaps when barred from visiting Diana. We as adults know they would see each other soon. However, that was another instance of Anne being blamed for naught and Marilla marched to her aid, which was good.

In my review, I thought Anne only appeared too talkative because we saw her with poor conversationalists, like Matthew and Marilla. Around good ones like the neighbour, Diana, and the minister's wife the flow seemed equal, didn't it? In the same way, I think Anne's reactions for circumstances were mainly acceptable; that in most instances there was a mistake or misjudgement that any of us would protest ourselves.

To your new points soon with pleasure, Kerri. You know, I didn't think of it but it occurred to me when I recall that Leeanne's Dad thought "Anne" sounded plain. My middle name is "Marianne". My focus is always on the first, M, part of my name because it is after one of my Grandmas. 1908 is ahead of all of my Grandparents' time, so we are reading a good old chestnut indeed. It feels current enough.