I offer an alternative perspective from my little corner in the US. A lot of madness has stopped since November 4. The armed Venezuelan gangs have left what used to be quiet, safe neighborhoods in North Austin. The crime is down here. The late night slinking of people who silently slip away in the wee hours of the morning in our apartment complex through a revolving door of one apartment, has stopped. Gas prices are down. The national debt, insanely out of control, is being tamed. I feel way safer riding alone in the dark and early morning hours than I have in years. Our police, the ones I see and talk with weekly, are more relaxed, friendly, and helpful. The security guards at our favorite grocery store are more relaxed and the reason(s) for them being there have diminished. Austinites are more courteous, friendly and helpful, than they've been in a long time. Manners are back in style. Change can be challenging. Perspective helps to move onward. The light shines brightly in my little corner.
Even living here in Ohio, I strive to limit the cacophony and remove myself from the "maddening" crowd, putting energy in supporting marginalized community. How I would love a walk on the beach right now but content myself seeing the first of the crocus and daffodils blooming and the first tender leaves of the rhubarb !
I think what you're doing is the right thing. As was said, cherish ourselves and keep strong for the revolution. Your revolution and mine may be different but the principle is the same. Take care and enjoy that rhubarb.
Love your description of the various greens, the luscious fruit and even the autumn cleaning. It is quite meditative. Lovely for my first morning read today.
I echo the thanks of others for puppy porn! I can’t get enough. We were just visiting friends with a lovely dog and I don’t know which of us was more content to be gently petted/petting!
As always, I really enjoy seeing the images you post here Prue! I am stunned at the pup's size now - he is starting to look so mature, his handsome, raffish face particularly.
(And that cake looks like something I would LOVE!)
I also agree with your observations about your rather splendid cairn and all its symbolism - balance is definitely what we all crave.
Oh Sue, I'm so sad! He was show-trimmed today and he's not as raffish!
Our breeder has asked us if we could show him just once and if she can use him as a stud when he matures. We agreed to the showing, my husband will do it and I'll prepare him (I learned what to do today) but whether he's neutered or not depends entirely on his attitude as he matures. If he becomes bull-ish, he will be neutered. At the moment he's very sweet. He's a bit smaller than his Dad who won champion Jack Russell at a state show today.
We invited him into our family as a companion, not a show dog and that's all I ask of him into the future. And I want his haor to grow back!
Understand completely!! At least hair grows back though and he’ll always be handsome. (Also if you explain to him about the options, I’m sure he won't opt for bullish behavior lol)
I hear your frustration, Prue, and your relief at being farther away from the chaos than some of us. You are not wrong to be grateful for that. Gratitude could go a long way toward shifting much of what is wrong here and elsewhere.
I am just so sorry. I did not vote for this. More than half of this country did not vote for this.
When you wrote Pimple on a Pumpkin, I thought it might be a reference to a certain someone. Maybe it was.
Fang is precious and determined. We need more of that. The cake looks incredible. The cairn is a beautiful reminder of something we can do.
I burst out laughing, Elizabeth, because whilst I might think the inexorable and orange Trump is indeed the evil Giant Pumpkin, no - I just meant my little island is a little pimple on the pumpkin of the globe. Truly, I give up at what he and his malicious cronies are attempting and am now trying so hard to tune to other things. To helping those innocents who matter in this whole wide world. For me it has to be donations to war torn countries - Medicin Sans Frontier (https://msf-au.raiselysite.com/donate)
for what they do in Gaza, Ukraine and other bloodied sites. Making hearts for comfort for those in need. And being there for my friends. So little in the scheme of things.
My little hairy pup is so good - today we went to watch his Dad win Champion Jack Russell again, and so his line's credits are now assured. Our breeder wants us to show our chap in April (good for her bloodlines) and so my husband may have to do it. I will prepare the pup's coat as best I can. I had a basic lesson in thinning and trimming today.
Thing is I like him rough and full of character so it would be a one off.
I had slipped out of the Substack reading habit for a wee while it is so lovely to read that you have yourself a new wee doggie. He looks to be a wonderful character.
I hear you on the need to take a step back and largely ignore the news, we have to give ourselves a break don’t we. I agree with your thought that we have become immune to things and that apathy rolls in, me thinks that is a desired outcome.
Doing what we are doing is doing something we are preserving ourselves so we are strong and ready for when there is a need for us to step up. We can be part of a quiet revolution and eat your wonderful cake.
Jim used to have a lovely miniature Schnauzer. He didn't moult, so needed clipping regularly, and he and Jim used to have a fantastic routine. They'd both go out into the garden and have some really super bonding time while Jim clipped and primped him to perfection - he was always absolutely beautifully turned out, right down to his beard and his lovely eyebrows.
The cake looks incredible!
I hadn't ever heard the term 'pimple on a pumpkin' before - it's lovely!
Your cairn is a work of art. Do you know the work of Andy Goldsworthy? Amazing rock art.
Ooh! Puppy dog after his first trim looks adorable. And yes, bursting into tears at a Qantas ad is so relatable. They are very clever at making us feel stuff!! No place like our wonderful home.
Very cute puppy. I envy your physical distance from the utter madness that is happening at our neighbours.
It's heaven-sent, Alice. Truly.
thanks for the puppy spam,
I offer an alternative perspective from my little corner in the US. A lot of madness has stopped since November 4. The armed Venezuelan gangs have left what used to be quiet, safe neighborhoods in North Austin. The crime is down here. The late night slinking of people who silently slip away in the wee hours of the morning in our apartment complex through a revolving door of one apartment, has stopped. Gas prices are down. The national debt, insanely out of control, is being tamed. I feel way safer riding alone in the dark and early morning hours than I have in years. Our police, the ones I see and talk with weekly, are more relaxed, friendly, and helpful. The security guards at our favorite grocery store are more relaxed and the reason(s) for them being there have diminished. Austinites are more courteous, friendly and helpful, than they've been in a long time. Manners are back in style. Change can be challenging. Perspective helps to move onward. The light shines brightly in my little corner.
Thank you, Mary. it's always valuable to hear observations from other quarters that the media don't report.
You're welcome!
I’m a tad behind on reading posts while we’re tripping round, but adored this.
Thanks Jo. I've been LOVING your pics from the Old Country!
Awww thanks….
Even living here in Ohio, I strive to limit the cacophony and remove myself from the "maddening" crowd, putting energy in supporting marginalized community. How I would love a walk on the beach right now but content myself seeing the first of the crocus and daffodils blooming and the first tender leaves of the rhubarb !
I think what you're doing is the right thing. As was said, cherish ourselves and keep strong for the revolution. Your revolution and mine may be different but the principle is the same. Take care and enjoy that rhubarb.
Love your description of the various greens, the luscious fruit and even the autumn cleaning. It is quite meditative. Lovely for my first morning read today.
I echo the thanks of others for puppy porn! I can’t get enough. We were just visiting friends with a lovely dog and I don’t know which of us was more content to be gently petted/petting!
It's very soothing and when the love is exchanged, it's palpable. I've missed it so much.
Have a lovely break O/S!
As always, I really enjoy seeing the images you post here Prue! I am stunned at the pup's size now - he is starting to look so mature, his handsome, raffish face particularly.
(And that cake looks like something I would LOVE!)
I also agree with your observations about your rather splendid cairn and all its symbolism - balance is definitely what we all crave.
Oh Sue, I'm so sad! He was show-trimmed today and he's not as raffish!
Our breeder has asked us if we could show him just once and if she can use him as a stud when he matures. We agreed to the showing, my husband will do it and I'll prepare him (I learned what to do today) but whether he's neutered or not depends entirely on his attitude as he matures. If he becomes bull-ish, he will be neutered. At the moment he's very sweet. He's a bit smaller than his Dad who won champion Jack Russell at a state show today.
We invited him into our family as a companion, not a show dog and that's all I ask of him into the future. And I want his haor to grow back!
Understand completely!! At least hair grows back though and he’ll always be handsome. (Also if you explain to him about the options, I’m sure he won't opt for bullish behavior lol)
Peaky Blinders?
LOL!!! We must love our Terrier-ists!
We do. It's the new resistance!
Good idea, Sue! Let him know what’s in store if he doesn’t cooperate, lol!
Ha!
I hear your frustration, Prue, and your relief at being farther away from the chaos than some of us. You are not wrong to be grateful for that. Gratitude could go a long way toward shifting much of what is wrong here and elsewhere.
I am just so sorry. I did not vote for this. More than half of this country did not vote for this.
When you wrote Pimple on a Pumpkin, I thought it might be a reference to a certain someone. Maybe it was.
Fang is precious and determined. We need more of that. The cake looks incredible. The cairn is a beautiful reminder of something we can do.
Thank you, Prue.
I burst out laughing, Elizabeth, because whilst I might think the inexorable and orange Trump is indeed the evil Giant Pumpkin, no - I just meant my little island is a little pimple on the pumpkin of the globe. Truly, I give up at what he and his malicious cronies are attempting and am now trying so hard to tune to other things. To helping those innocents who matter in this whole wide world. For me it has to be donations to war torn countries - Medicin Sans Frontier (https://msf-au.raiselysite.com/donate)
for what they do in Gaza, Ukraine and other bloodied sites. Making hearts for comfort for those in need. And being there for my friends. So little in the scheme of things.
My little hairy pup is so good - today we went to watch his Dad win Champion Jack Russell again, and so his line's credits are now assured. Our breeder wants us to show our chap in April (good for her bloodlines) and so my husband may have to do it. I will prepare the pup's coat as best I can. I had a basic lesson in thinning and trimming today.
Thing is I like him rough and full of character so it would be a one off.
A show quality Fang! Love it! :)
I had slipped out of the Substack reading habit for a wee while it is so lovely to read that you have yourself a new wee doggie. He looks to be a wonderful character.
I hear you on the need to take a step back and largely ignore the news, we have to give ourselves a break don’t we. I agree with your thought that we have become immune to things and that apathy rolls in, me thinks that is a desired outcome.
Doing what we are doing is doing something we are preserving ourselves so we are strong and ready for when there is a need for us to step up. We can be part of a quiet revolution and eat your wonderful cake.
'...we are preserving ourselves so we are strong and ready for when there is a need for us to step up. We can be part of a quiet revolution ...'
Perfect.
PS: So glad you've returned to S'Stack for awhile.
Oh! Digging pup! GORGEOUS!
Jim used to have a lovely miniature Schnauzer. He didn't moult, so needed clipping regularly, and he and Jim used to have a fantastic routine. They'd both go out into the garden and have some really super bonding time while Jim clipped and primped him to perfection - he was always absolutely beautifully turned out, right down to his beard and his lovely eyebrows.
The cake looks incredible!
I hadn't ever heard the term 'pimple on a pumpkin' before - it's lovely!
Your cairn is a work of art. Do you know the work of Andy Goldsworthy? Amazing rock art.
I need Jim to do our chap. I just get gnashing teeth whistling in the wind. And will check Andy Goldsworthy.
I'm sure he'd travel to undertake the task, Prue! Shall I send him over? xxx
Yes, please.
✈️
So wish I could find the laughing emoji! XXXX
Ooh! Puppy dog after his first trim looks adorable. And yes, bursting into tears at a Qantas ad is so relatable. They are very clever at making us feel stuff!! No place like our wonderful home.