Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion
What are U doing today?
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What are U doing today? (Ongoing thread)
Linda wrote: "The book ad on the right of this page looks intriguing. "Skunk" a love story. Says: "As dark and twisted as it is tender and hilarious." Let's you read an excerpt - going to do right now! ..."
Below is a link:
Skunk A Love Story
Pontalba wrote: "LOL, we have the ungainly Brown Pelican. :)http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Louisi..."
Interesting! The webpage says:
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"The brown pelican was designated the state bird of Louisiana in 1966. Early European settlers were impressed with the pelican's generous and nurturing attitude toward their young, and the brown pelican has been a symbol of Louisiana since that time."
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Good reason! Thanks, Pontalba.
Below are links to a couple of pelican photos (with captions) which I snapped when I was in Florida in 2006:
http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/v...
http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/v...
That was exactly the part that struck me Joy, plus that it was noticed by the settlers to begin with is lovely. Considering the chaos they had to face settling into a wild place.
Re Joy's question about state birds, the cardinal is the state bird of VA. We have a mated pair that nest somewhere near here, so for the last few years we've occasionally seen them foraging in our yard or perching on a fence. They're a beautiful bird species, especially the males.
Werner wrote: "Re Joy's question about state birds, the cardinal is the state bird of VA. We have a mated pair that nest somewhere near here, so for the last few years we've occasionally seen them foraging in ou..."I've always loved the bright red of the male cardinal. Below is a link to a webpage at which you can listen to the cardinal's song and call: ====>
http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/birdson...
I see a word there that is new to me: "cabulary". I can't find it in any online dictionary.
Below is a link to the sounds of the chickadee: ====>
http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/birdson...
The following link lists other birds you can listen to: ====>
http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/index.php
I've always wanted to learn to recognize the sounds of various birds, but even though I have several recordings of various birdsongs, I've never seen anything better than the websites linked above, for learning birdsongs and calls.
Below is the page for the sound of the mallard: ====>
http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/birdson...
It's fun to watch our dogs are perk up at these sounds. :)
We need special days like the one you describe to get us through the not so special ones when we hurt. Take Care and read something wonderful while you wait to recover. nina
Nina wrote: "We need special days like the one you describe to get us through the not so special ones when we hurt. Take Care and read something wonderful while you wait to recover. nina"Well said, Nina. Tonight the kids took us out for dinner at a lakefront inn and restaurant. We had cocktails on the porch of the inn and enjoyed the view of the water. I'm going to miss the kids when they go home.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Werner wrote: "Re Joy's question about state birds, the cardinal is the state bird of VA. We have a mated pair that nest somewhere near here, so for the last few years we've occasionally seen them..."The cardinal's song is the first thing you hear in the morning hereabout and the last thing at night.The feed right outside my bedroom window, if the morning doves don't chase them away. nina
Nina wrote: "The cardinal's song is the first thing you hear in the morning hereabout and the last thing at night.The feed right outside my bedroom window, if the morning doves don't chase them away. nina "Yes, Nina, the Cardinals seem to be very wary and will fly away at the slightest sign of movement. I used to have a feeding platform outside my window. I was always thrilled when I saw a cardinal on it. I wouldn't move a muscle just so I could stand and look at that beautiful bird.
You're very lucky to hear the cardinal's song and calls so often.
Today is Friday and no camping plans due to weather forecasts of rain both Saturday and Sunday. Alas. I'm going to continue reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen (Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion - library group book). Then, since its cool enough outside I can work on the backyard - lots of rocks have exposed themselves!! Need to move some around and toss the others.
Hi All, I can see at least 15 Cardinals at a time on or off my bird feeder. Here in NC they are in abundance. The clicking noise they make can be very noisy at times. You are right they are a very beautiful bird.I just bought a humming bird feeder. Now that is entertainment!! You watch them all day long. I give them all names by the way they feed. This rally gives my day a BOOST!! which I need.
Keep reading and bird watching, Hugs,Dona
Linda wrote: "Today is Friday and no camping plans due to weather forecasts of rain both Saturday and Sunday. Alas. I'm going to continue reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen (Tuesday Afternoon Book ..."
at first I thought I wasn't going to like Water for Elephants but it grew on me and really thought it quite good by the time I finished. nina i think it would make a great movie.
Donna wrote: "Hi All, I can see at least 15 Cardinals at a time on or off my bird feeder. Here in NC they are in abundance. The clicking noise they make can be very noisy at times. You are right they are a very ..."Donna, I wish we had as many Cardinals here in northern NY as you do in NC. We do have a few hummingbirds who drop by to drink from the flowers on our back deck. They seem to like the flowers called "Million Bells".
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en...
We have the hummingbirds too, I absolutely adore them! They like any kind of trumpet flower and red especially attracts them.
We had dozens of hummingbirds last year & very few this year. Most seem to be transients. Knowing how they like trumpet vine, I've planted a couple around. Only one really took off well for various reasons, but it's grown 6' or more this year.
Today I'm watching the TV coverage of the memorials for Senator Ted Kennedy. I also watched the "Celebration of Life" memorial service last night at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. So many beautiful eulogies!http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/29/us/...
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/08/...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/us/...
Jim wrote: "We had dozens of hummingbirds last year & very few this year. Most seem to be transients. Knowing how they like trumpet vine, I've planted a couple around. Only one really took off well for vari..."My sister gave me some seeds to plant trumpet vines. Not sure they will grow in my yard. Need to find an area with some sun (lots of tall pine trees surrounding my house). We have about 5 or more hummingbirds this year. Just one feeder which is being shared by hummingbirds, bees and racoon(s). Bees are getting to the feeder since the racoon keeps taking out a flower - making the hole accessible to the bees.
Take the feeder in most nights but last night it was raining.
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Donna wrote: "Hi All, I can see at least 15 Cardinals at a time on or off my bird feeder. Here in NC they are in abundance. The clicking noise they make can be very noisy at times. You are right th..."Donna, you are very lucky to be able to see that many cardinals at once. I get excited when I see 1. None visit my house. My neighbor down the street has a pair of cardinals. The suet feeder is near their living room window. When visiting my neighbor we watch the cardinal and other birds at the feeder.
Linda,Bees AND ants.
I'm going outside to read even if I have to kill someone to do it. LOL
Jackie wrote: "Linda,Bees AND ants.
I'm going outside to read even if I have to kill someone to do it. LOL"
We should add racoons to that. Bees, ants and racoons.
Hope you got to read today. It was an odd weather day. First frew hours were welcoming, next few seemed it would pour any minute, then changed to blue skies and nice.
I'm going to do some reading now, on the couch, with a throw over me. House is a bit chilly.
No, hardly got any reading done. This is why I stay up til 5 or 6 AM. And of course, as soon as one neighbor completes some kind of early morning construction project, the other starts! It's 3 now, so it'll be a late night for me. I do enjoy reading late at night, mainly because everyone is asleep and no interruptions! I was chilly today too, I had to put on sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. Well, it beats that disgusting humidity we had.
We move the hummingbird feeder around between several spots to keep the ants away. We had to toss an old one & Marg found some that were better about keeping bees out. I don't know how bees can manage it, but they squish their way in through the smallest openings, don't they? It's incredible. And then they drown. Weird beasties.Luckily, coons aren't something we deal with often. Just the one this year. They're a real pain. They like our peanut butter feeders best. Seed feeders next.
Jim wrote: "We move the hummingbird feeder around between several spots to keep the ants away. We had to toss an old one & Marg found some that were better about keeping bees out. I don't know how bees can m..."When the hummingbirds leave we feed the other birds. Suet and seeds. Then, on a daily basis, one has to deal with the squirrels. Even if you feed them with their own food, they cannot resist the suet. LOL!
Squirrels are one problem the dogs wish we had. They like squirrels, almost as much as bunnies!Well, I joined Facebook. How weird.
Today, I'm going to take a walk in LGV by lake and beach then stop at the library. Nice fall walking weather.
Today, I finally decided to join Facebook. I've been resisting invitations for ages, but it's amazing how many people I've reconnected with. People who don't answer emails, but do answer FB posts.
Jim wrote: "Today, I finally decided to join Facebook. I've been resisting invitations for ages, but it's amazing how many people I've reconnected with. People who don't answer emails, but do answer FB posts. "I joined a few weeks ago under an alias. I just don't see what all the fuss is about this site where one feels quite exposed (even in incognito).
That's the main reason I've never joined, Linda. Apparently a lot of folks feel differently. Email has been fine for me, but some of the folks don't email back. They do FB, though.
I tried Facebook. Didn't enjoy it at all. Deleted my membership.
Facebook has a weird draw, it become addicting. I hate it, yet I'm there everyday, LOL
Joy H. (of Glens Falls) wrote: "Linda wrote: "I'm an avid bird watcher and even got my husband hooked. Cardinals are beauties. We visit Ferd's Bog whenever we go to Limekiln (NYS campsite). http://www.nybirds.org/Articles/ferds..."Joy, i looked up the state bird list and the one for KS is the Western Meadowlark. It was chosen in 1937 by the school children in KS. It was the second most popular bird in the US; cardinal is number 1. The state bird of MO is the bluebird sharing that title with NY. nina
Today, I'm painting the front porch. If time permits, will paint the steps too. Weekend weather looks promising. Going on line shortly to see what camp spots are available. Many campgrounds close on Labor Day; others stay open until October 11.
And, I may cancel my Facebook account. Afterall, I'm incognito and don't see much value in this site.
It was worth creating a FB account just to shock my children & get in touch with a few people I haven't spoken to in years. I think it will wear out quickly though.
Jim wrote: "It was worth creating a FB account just to shock my children & get in touch with a few people I haven't spoken to in years. I think it will wear out quickly though."I hear 'ya! And sometimes you just don't want to be "found"
- On another subject - just booked a campsite at Limekiln Lake for the weekend. Yippee! This is the campsite near Ferd's Bog which means we'll do some bird watching. And, without mosquitoes - a definite plus.
I'll bring my book "Water for Elephants" and some magazines. I can smell the campfire already!
:)
I just found a good article regarding facebook - which states some of the reasons not to put yourself "out there" http://apps.grouptivity.com/socialmai...
from today's timesunion.com
Nina wrote: "Joy, i looked up the state bird list and the one for KS is the Western Meadowlark. It was chosen in 1937 by the school children in KS. It was the second most popular bird in the US; cardinal is number 1. ..."Nina, thanks for the info re the Western Meadowlark. I went to Wiki and found the following facts along with a photo. (It's a very pretty bird.):
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"The Western Meadowlark ... is a medium-sized blackbird, very similar in appearance to the Eastern Meadowlark. Adults have yellow underparts, with a black "V" on the breast...
"... This is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, a very popular bird. We don't have them here in NY.
Linda wrote: "... just booked a campsite at Limekiln Lake for the weekend. Yippee!"Linda, how long a drive is it from LG to Limekiln Lake?
How come they don't have mosquitos?
Are you using your RV?
Have a good time. I've found that there's no better way to relax than to be at a campsite. No dressing up is necessary and most folks who go there are down-to-earth and have no pretensions. Wish our RV were road-ready. You make me want to take off in it to a local campground on LG. Nice thing about the land-based campsites is that they still allow dogs.
Yeah, I'm thinking of getting off Facebook, too. Everyday my Home page is filled with messages from people I never knew I ever knew.
I swear, i expect Kevin Bacon to show up anyday, along with Hoffa.
The last draw may have been yesterday when some friend of a friend of a second cousin of a son of a sailor posted a COUNTRY MUSIC VIDEO on MY page.
There are some crimes for which there is no clemency.
Linda wrote: "I just found a good article regarding facebook - which states some of the reasons not to put yourself "out there" http://apps.grouptivity.com/socialmai... ..."
Linda, thanks for the link. Interesting article.
I felt very vulnerable on Facebook, especially because of it's widespread popularity. I know we're "out there" by being on Goodreads, but the Goodreads members on the whole are a more specialized group of people and I feel that the odds for danger are less at GR.
Another thing about Facebook (correct me if I'm wrong), many of the Facebook members may be newcomers to public online groups. It's a big novelty for them and they think it's fun. IMO, folks who have been using public online groups for many years (like myself) aren't as thrilled with the novelty of the idea. We don't want to waste time "poking" people. We're interested in having stimulating conversations.
Furthermore, online users who have been communicating online for years, probably have better typing skills and can carry on a better conversation via the keyboard. Newcomers online may not have the keyboard skills for this and the short posts at Facebook may be ideal for them... not as frustrating as longer posts might be.
I could be wrong. Are there any thoughts on this from the group here?
FB has its issues. Hackers have scammed passwords out of it & such. Any info you put on any of these sites is available to Google & can be looked up. For all that, one of the pieces of security that you have is that there are millions of others to choose from. You also have to realize that most of your relevant information is available for free in a web search & if it isn't, almost anyone can get the info by paying a few bucks. Many local government offices were forced online without proper protections being given to the information or what information was published. It's pretty scary if you look into it.
Arnie wrote: " Yeah, I'm thinking of getting off Facebook, too. Everyday my Home page is filled with messages from people I never knew I ever knew. I swear, i expect Kevin Bacon to show up anyday, along wi..."
I hear ya, Arnie. Who need this? As I said, for some people, the novelty may be key to enjoying Facebook. To others, the novelty has faded and we look for more in-depth communication.
As for myself, I've been having general conversations at various groups online since 1995. I've decided that focusing on books (with some tangents) is the most enjoyable type of conversation for me. So I'm sticking with Goodreads. I'm still keeping up a bit with some quality newsgroup friends, but am not doing as much posting there as I had.
We're all at different stages of development online. For some people, sending email junk (the spam type) is still fun, but I never really enjoyed it and find most of it a bit sophomoric. Some old friends are still enjoying sending out that junk. So I accept it because they are old friends and it's their way of keeping in touch, I guess. For one reason or another, they haven't moved on to better use of the Internet.
Jim wrote: "FB has its issues. Hackers have scammed passwords out of it & such. Any info you put on any of these sites is available to Google & can be looked up. For all that, one of the pieces of security that you have is that there are millions of others to choose from... "Jim, I guess what your saying is that there's some sort of safety in numbers. Yes, large numbers change the odds. Still, I worry.
I know what you mean about the availability of info on Google. One time I was trying to remember somebody's name and I decided to put some search words into Google. Presto. Not only did I find out his full name, but I also found out how much he had contributed to a political campaign! LOL The info corroborated with other info I had. So I knew I had the right person.
JimI have my account set to private, only friends can see or post on my page. Is it still vulnerable on a google search?
I don't have my location posted at all. And I don't keep any sensitive info there. Mostly I play games. I rarely communicate with anyone except a handful of real friends who I communicate with in e mail anyway.
I used to belong to Yuwie which was great and I met a lot of great people with like interests and I'm still in contact with them. Yuwie started getting viruses, I have a great program so my computer was never at any risk, but I didn't want to go to a site that had such things.
Goodreads is where I spend time communicating with people since books are my favorite subject.
Jackie wrote: "JimI have my account set to private, only friends can see or post on my page. Is it still vulnerable on a google search?
I don't have my location posted at all. And I don't keep any sensitive ..."
I don't really know, Jackie. I think you're pretty safe or as safe as you can be, but search engines crawl pages on the web & can often find stuff you'd be surprised about. All it takes is a person to connect a page to a page they have access to & suddenly private stuff is public.
I agree with Joy & worry some about it. Not as much as some because I read a lot about security breaches & have an inkling of how many good targets there are out there.
For instance, one county (I forget where) just had to be sued to put any kind of security on their website. I think they were required by local law to publish all real estate transactions or something. The problem was they published EVERYTHING about the transaction; full names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers & ALL.
Seem too stupid to be true? Yeah, it does, but we're talking government & the law. It doesn't get much more unrealistic & blindly obtuse than that.
If you want to see what is known about you, go to:
http://www.google.com/alerts
There you can set up search term & have an email sent to you daily with links. For instance, search your full name with one search, nickname with another, screen names with others.
Since any search of my last name brings up Sara & Kyle, I put a '-kyle, -sara' after searching my last name. That keeps stuff with their names out. It's interesting what shows up. For instance, I used to see my Goodread's posts show, so I set better privacy on them. Now I see my Amazon reviews show up.
Luckily, there are more famous people with my name, so I don't show up on searches too often. It's odd, but occasionally a program I wrote for Novell will still push my name up to the top. Usually the mayor, lawyer, vet & others that share my name top the list, though.
This is all so interesting. I'm going to check it out.
Maybe I'm paranoid, but why do I suspect with things like Facebook we're helping to fill in the NSA's data bank?
Linda, how long a drive is it from LG to Limekiln Lake?How come they don't have mosquitos?
Are you using your R..."
Will take 1 1/2 pulling an 19 foot rv camper.
Mosquitoes will be little to known due to the cool weather. In the heat of summertime, one needs to spray themselves completely with some sort of bug spray when going to Ferd's Bog.
Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group
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Is Ferd's Bog in Old Forge, NY?
http://sethbinnix.blogspot.com/2008/1...
I've never been to that part of the Adirondacks.
As for birds, I love them too, especially the spunky black-capped chickadees. I always get a thrill when I see a cardinal. I'd love to see more bluebirds, the state bird of NY. I wonder what other state birds we could mention (e.g., from KY, KS, and LA, etc).