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Tuesday, May. 14, 2024

7:05pm EDT

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PORCH PONDERINGS

by QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

Rated: 13+ · Book · Biographical · #2198921

Norma's Wanderings around a small section of Montana

Well, hey there!
Welcome to Roundup, Montana! If it's a nice day, we'll sit a spell on my porch and talk awhile.

"All the resources we need are in the mind.” Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President of the United States of America.

Another quote I find interesting: "Creativity is intelligence having fun." Albert Einstein

What's on your mind today?

Signature for use by anyone nominated for a Quill Award in 2020

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Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

Schnujo is Late to Lannister

Apr 28, 2024 at 7:30am
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

I know carpal tunnel can be really bad. My friend's son has it really bad. At only 21, his hands were already numb because his dad wouldn't let him learn to drive so he couldn't go to the doctor and his dad wouldn't take him. He's finally moved out and learned to drive. His hands are better after he got a different job, but he's still got issues.

Have you tried learning to do speech-to-text? I hear it's quite a difficult transition for some folks, but once you get it, everything is a breeze after that. I keep meaning to take a series try at it. I did a few sentences one day, just to test it out, but didn't get too far. I need to really buckle down. It seems slower because the words don't appear on the screen as fast as when I type. But in the end, I can talk faster than I can type and I don't have to wait for it to catch up after ever sentence. lol I do need to figure out how much I can talk before it loses the thread, though.

But then, when writing fiction, I have to stop and think a lot, so it will probably be fine. lol I just need to do it enough that I feel comfortable not watching the screen anymore. I hear that's the real sticky point -- watching the words slowly appear as you are talking can be really distracting, so they recommend you don't do that. I will for a bit, just to get a feel for things and to satisfy my curiosity. But hopefully, if I take this seriously, I can let go of that need with practice and really get going.

Hmmm...I know I talk a lot. And I can talk while doing things I can't do when typing like getting dressed or making dinner or whatever. I wonder if I could actually finish a project through speech-to-text or if being bored sitting there typing isn't the real problem.

It's something to ponder and play with. Thank you! As usual, you've helped me with my writing YET AGAIN!

You're the best!

1 Like

QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

Apr 28, 2024 at 1:37am
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

schunujo I don't worry about NaNo or OctoPrep. I think that event is far enough in the future. I am bummed that I cannot garden this year. I've been typing and writing all this time with just one hand and three fingers so...

I am excited to get the pain level lessened. Then I found out from my daughter the other day that she suffers from carpal tunnel as well, but as is typical for her, she won't get it treated. The problem with that syndrome is if it gets too severe, you could actually lose total function of your hand. Now that is the worst case scenario of course. I am scared enough by that prospect, I'll endure a few more months of recovery pain to heal the problem.

QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

Apr 28, 2024 at 1:32am
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

Kåre Enga in Montana

When are you arriving back in Montana? And which airport? I'll be tied up for a few days after surgery. But I think once my husband goes back east to get our car, perhaps sometime in May we pray, I could make a road trip.

1 Like

Schnujo is Late to Lannister

Apr 25, 2024 at 7:13pm
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

Wow! You have so much going on!

I'm really sorry all of this is happening at the same time.

But I am super glad the doctor thinks he can fix you, even if you won't be good as new. But new things are too expensive anyway.

I'm certainly glad you'll be in much less (hopefully no) pain in the (hopefully not too distant) future!

I've also had times when a specialist told me I should have seen him sooner. Well, maybe if I hadn't been required to get a referral...

The surgery timing sounds pretty good with a 6-month recovery time. You'll be pushing it for NaNo, but I think you can do it. After all, I need my best cheerleader out there!

In truth, you have a big impact on my success in NaNo, but I could probably do it without you if I had to. Most importantly, I want YOU to be okay -- happy, healthy, and pain-free! If that means you miss a year of NaNo, so be it. YOU are more important.

QPdoll

Apr 25, 2024 at 6:00am
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

and Kåre Enga in Montana

I hope you both can find transportation on Monday! Good luck to you!

Norma, it's good you have your surgery scheduled. I think you'll feel so much better with pain relief. My husband had carpal tunnel surgery and he is happy that his fingers don't go numb anymore.

Safe travels to you both!

1 Like

Kåre Enga in Montana

Apr 25, 2024 at 2:42am
In response to "Oscar and Tony and Grammy winner !!!"

I don't have to explain my trip back to Montana as you get the picture.

I've been stressed for so long...

I can relax at the hostel and in Seoul airport.

Need to arrange a ride home though...

I assume you'll not be available.

1 Like

QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

Apr 25, 2024 at 2:05am
In response to "Drama"

Elycia Lee ☮

Try cutting back your plants. Then try dusting them gently. They breathe through the surface of the leaves.
I found this on Google about rubber plants:
Water when the soil is almost completely dry. ...
Spray with a mister every few days, they like to keep their leaves moist.
Place in a bright room, but keep away from super sunny windows to avoid sunburn Between 15°C to 25°C is their optimum temperature.

Kåre Enga in Montana

Apr 20, 2024 at 11:50am
In response to "Drama"

I should be in Missoula May 1st. Chance of 20° or 70° ... sun, rain, snow, tornadoes, earthquake, Yellowstone blowing up?

Elycia Lee ☮

Apr 20, 2024 at 11:02am
In response to "Drama"

I never overwater them, but I think I'm underwatering them. The leaves are curling. When I put them out, their leaves burn. When I wipe them, lines appear on them... I really wanna start over, but I don't know how to... My rubber plants bottom stem leaves have dropped. Only the top is growing. For one of them, their baby leaf hasn't been growing for over 6 months now... Sounds like you've got quite the green finger there.

QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham

Apr 20, 2024 at 11:00am
In response to "Drama"

QPdoll

It was good to be out and work in the garden. We were both tired after, but that's okay. Digging in dirt always helps. There is always dirt in our lives. We have to dig up through it to get to the shining world on the other side.

1 Like

July 4, 2021 at 10:10pm

#1013061

30 DBC Prompt for July 5

I'm going to be gone tomorrow, we're going to hike a trail in the mountains. Then since we have to be in Billings Tuesday, we'll stay overnight there. So I thought I'd write to the 30DBC prompt.

PROMPT July 5th

You’re out with friends for the evening and have ended up at a Karaoke Bar. You’ve all agreed you will sing at least one song. What song will you sing? Why that one?

I don't do bars, I don't drink. So this would have to be a fictional character. Perhaps the character could sing 'Amazing Grace' or 'It Is Well with My Soul'. As I wrote that, I thought of the musical "Guys and Dolls". There is a character that resembles a Salvation Army worker. Jean Simmons plays her in the movie. So why not use that as a jumping-off spot for a fictional story? Hmmm.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guys_and_Dolls_(film)

2 Like • Comment

July 4, 2021 at 11:19am

#1013032

Home Run

We went to a concert last night. Lauren Mascitti of American Idol fame and Joe Nichols. It was the last night of the RIDE event here in town.

Great lot of fun. People eating, drinking, dancing, visiting with each other. Old, young, in between. Babes in arms and children running about. It rained earlier in the afternoon, thanks be to God! But the night cooled off and the fireworks show was astounding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4CZtOgYR-w = Lauren's song that touched my heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pWVQjfio14 = Joe's song that also touched my heart

Joe Nichols stated that 'home' is the most powerful word in the English language, per Shakespeare. I got to thinking of that.

Home means love, safety, peace, acceptance, and joy.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

3 Like • Comment • View 2 comments

July 3, 2021 at 12:50am

#1012954

Fireworks

Holy cow. It's like we're under attack. The fireworks are in full swing tonight. I know I whined about this last year. It's back again this weekend. Half a block from our home is a large school ground, a playground, that people use to launch their rockets and firecrackers.

What really makes me mad is the fact we are under a Stage II fire restriction in the County, but not in the city. Go figure. So the bombing continues unabated tonight. They have until 11 PM, then it is supposed to be quiet time. We'll wait and see if that happens.

So, the city sent a notice. But the first one stated no fireworks allowed after July 2. Then immediately they changed their minds and released new rules. Here's a copy:

Fireworks in City of Roundup
Per information provided by the Mayor and City Council of Roundup
Fireworks are allowed in the City of Roundup July 2nd Until 11:00PM
NO Fireworks allowed on July 3rd except THE COMMERCIAL SHOW FOR RIDE WILL REMAIN JULY 3RD WITH FIRE TRUCKS ON SITE.
Fireworks are allowed July 4th from 8:00pm until Midnight
No fireworks are allowed on July 5th
Firework stands will remain open and Fireworks can be sold until July 5th.
REMINDER: MUSSELSHELL COUNTY IS IN STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS. FIREWORKS ARE NOT TO BE USED IN THE COUNTY.
(AS POSTED BY EDITED POST FROM ROUNDUP CITY)

First of all, fireworks stands, there are two, are still open. Even though we are in a drought and we've already had a good size fire. We cannot have fireworks on July 3 or July 5. But fireworks can be sold until July 5.

Does anyone else notice some incongruity here? And I'm not the only one that has expressed confusion about this.

Oh well, at least I don't have a dog cowering in the corner anymore. Just 20 more minutes. Then maybe it will be quiet. Until 4:45 when the corner house lets their barking dogs out for the morning.

I think I'll go find some cheese for my whine.

1 Like • Comment • View 1 comment

July 1, 2021 at 10:16am

#1012841

Day 1 of Blogging in July

Another hot dry is in the cards for us today in Roundup. No rain, lots of sun and an excessive heat warning is the weather forecast. Oh well, this is summer. This is the weather we longed for in the winter when it was -30°. Be careful what you wish for.

But there is a Stage II fire restriction in place for the county of Musselshell. No this, no that, but essentially no open flames or any activity that would cause a spark. A fire last week scared plenty of people. It went from 20 acres to 200 acres in a few hours. Of course the dry hot wind didn't help any.

I wish they would enforce this restriction in the city. Fireworks stands are open, fireworks exploding around us at night. We pray someone doesn't try to burn the town down.

Today I start a new journey. I am on the judging panel for the 30 Day Blogging Challenge group. I've participated many times and find it a fun challenge for myself to blog every day to a prompt.

Today's was:

Have you ever been the recipient of, or observed the kindness of a stranger? Tell us what happened.

I thought back to a time when I was newly separated from my first husband. He left me with two children and no car. Friends we knew through his work, he was a pastor, heard of this. They gave me a car. Someone else gave me some cash as I left church one week.

You always should be kind and think of others. As it says in the Bible, James 1:27: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

There is no greater blessing than to be giving to those less fortunate than you.

Like • Comment • View 2 comments

June 27, 2021 at 7:27pm

#1012632

Water as it pertains to Melons, Swimming, Fire

We are dry in Montana. No rain for some time. So some yahoo east of town decides to use his chainsaw. Now normally that is not a problem. But when the grasses are dry, the air is dry, the wind is blowing 15 to 20 MPH, perhaps you should reconsider using a tool that could cause sparks.

So a fire started. A small fire, manageable under normal circumstances. 15-20 acres. But in a few hours it was 250 acres. The fire siren sounded at least 4 times yesterday. All hands on deck! The volunteers, the state fire people, the federal fire people all converged on this one fire. All because this person used a chainsaw.

Last night I was checking my Facebook page and saw that my friend Cheryl was asking if someone was going to Billings. If they were, could they pick up 20 watermelons. Well, that got my attention. She was cutting up watermelon for the firefighters. Watermelon is hydrating finger food. She had purchased about 20 here in town and needed more. So I sent back a message, 'what else do you need?' Cheryl called me in 2 seconds.

Come on hubby, we're going over to cut watermelon for the firefighters. We walked to the senior center and cut watermelon into chunks and put into them into 120 baggies. Enough for that night's meal. Then we cut more for the morning. We butchered at least 25 melons. A messy job that 5 of us did in a few hours. Then we had bags of watermelon rinds. What to do with them? Shame to dump them. So we called a lady with chickens. 'Come and get these.' Which she did. Happy chickens for sure.

Today we met again and cut up 10 more melons with the caveat that we may be needed later. The Catholic Church is doing the main meals, but Cheryl thought the senior center could at least do this. Then just a while ago she called and released us from further melon mauling. But maybe tomorrow more cutting is needed. No worries, we can help.

Another event this weekend in town is the swim meet. Roundup has a children's swim team. This weekend is a meet with several other teams. There are dozens of RVs and tents set up near the community pool. Big doings.

There was also a Constitution and Freedom of Speech gathering Friday night near the pool and city park. We have a very nice stage the community can use. Several pastors spoke, along with a gentleman from the Montana Family Foundation. It was an interesting discussion about the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and Freedom of Speech as it pertains to Christians.

Small town Montana. Always something happening. Some good, some bad. But all are involved somehow.

Queen NormaJean II GreenEyes

2 Like • Comment • View 1 comment

June 26, 2021 at 12:58pm

#1012568

Freedom

Last night hubby and I walked over to the city park. We listened to a program about the US Constitution and Freedom of Speech as it pertains to religion. I was skeptical before we went, how good could this be?

A lady from Melstone, a tiny town east of us coordinated this. She had a gentleman from the Montana Family Foundation as her keynote speaker. Then four pastors from the community had the opportunity to speak. There was also some music.

A good statement came from one of the pastors:
God gave us freedom, it is ours and no one can take it from us. We have to surrender it.

Other information we learned from the representative of the Montana Family Foundation:
No longer can the government close churches but let liquor stores, as well as other stores, remain open during a pandemic.
Religion is an essential act.
Montana will not let transgender men compete with women in sporting events.
Pandemics do not cancel the constitution.
Healthcare sharing ministries are legal.

With all the strange goings-on in our country right now, I was blessed by this gathering. I believe in God. I also believe in the freedom of religion granted to us by the constitution. We are free to worship as we see fit. I pray no one ever takes that away.

As we head toward the 4th of July, may we remember the sacrifices others have made to keep our country free.

2 Like • Comment • View 2 comments

June 23, 2021 at 11:53pm

#1012431

Wednesday

Today is a cooler day. We still need rain, however. When we were in the thrift store this afternoon, I peeked out to find a tiny bit of rain falling. It was just enough to dampen some dust. Almost as soon as it fell it evaporated.

Hubby made it home from the East coast okay. That was a relief. I enjoyed my time alone, but it was good to have him back.

At the Chamber of Commerce meeting last night I had to hold my tongue. Does anyone else have a hard time not telling people they need to do their job and quit whining? Well, it was one of those meetings. I'm not a Chamber member. I attend on behalf of my SE Montana tourism group. So I really shouldn't say much, but I have a problem when someone doesn't do what they're assigned to do. Like the person who is to keep the Chamber website current. 'I have too much work, I work at my business, I have a family, blah, blah...' Then ask for help! Assign someone else to do that!

I finally told a friend nearby I had to just shut up, or get in trouble and get beat up by this woman.

Has anyone else followed the fun on the Banana Blog - "Invalid Item"

. Seems there is a retirement party for Richard ~ Shenanigans INC.

. It's been a real blast to write some fun stories, some fun posts. Thanks Elycia Lee ☮

.

I'm catching up on some paperwork for my non-profit group, the MUD campaign. Such an unfortunate name. Anyway, we had a meeting on Tuesday to rally the troops, pay the dues, and check for participation in the 2021 campaign in the fall. Now I have to rewrite some copy on the flier that gets mailed out, contact the printer with the changes, get the direct mailing information updated with the post office, then gather everyone again in September for the mass mailing. Fun and Games!

But all that can wait til after the 4th of July celebration in Roundup. It's coming up next week. Fireworks. You'll read some complaints. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.

Queen NormaJean II GreenEyes

3 Like • Comment

June 20, 2021 at 4:39pm

#1012232

JAWS

It's a cloudy, cool day here. We got about 1/4 inch of rain last night. Not enough to do much. But that's okay. Perhaps the gray clouds I see on the horizon will bring some moisture.

I wanted to do nothing today. Watch a movie, just do nothing. But DirecTV had no offerings I cared about. And I don't want to pay for any. So I looked through the ancient archives. Seems I have JAWS on VHS. I do have a player, a VHS and DVD player. So JAWS it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaws_(film)

I have seen this so many times. So now I watch this with an eye of a storyteller. The first scene with the girl sets the tone. She swims toward a buoy, and at one point her leg in the water makes you think of a shark. But if you've never seen this before, that doesn't register as such. And then the music. John Williams did the score, as other memorable movie songs. You can hear just the first few notes and immediately know which movie. Just like Beethoven's famous 'ba, ba, ba, bum'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-fFHeTX70Q&t=826s You hear and know that is Beethoven.

The town is mad, a big tourist season is about to start.

Money is the object for these islanders. I find a correlation between this and the towns in Montana. Out of state tourists in 2019 spent $3.76 billion here. http://www.voicesoftourism.com/tourisms-value. The feeling now is 'Come, spend your money. Then go back home."

But the word is out, Montana is a wide-open pretty awesome place to live. Housing is hard to find. People cannot find a house to buy. Rentals are pretty much non-existent.

Back to the film: It was dated 1975, 46 years ago. But the story seems timeless. Hometown folks against the scientist that comes to help. Current police chief from NYC sparring with the local politicians. Then man versus nature, always a good theme. Think of Moby Dick.

In four years, I'm sure there will be a big shindig to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first summer blockbuster.

Right now I'm going to watch Stephen Spielberg's fun movie.

Queen NormaJean II GreenEyes

3 Like • Comment

June 20, 2021 at 12:00am

#1012193

The Bird Cage

Tonight on Montana PBS is 'The Bird Cage'. This 1996 movie stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Two gay men pretend to be a married couple for their son's future in-laws. The Bird Cage is the name of the nightclub that Robin Williams owns and where Nathan Lane performs as "Starina". It is in South Beach, Miami.

These two comic geniuses make this movie. Hank Azaria also stars as their houseman. So hilarious. Gene Hackman and Calista Flockhart also star.

So this comedy explores family, all the dynamics. Gay family vs. heterosexual family. What happens when they clash?

Good stuff.

2 Like • Comment • View 4 comments

June 19, 2021 at 12:16am

#1012128

Friday Night Music

As I write this, there is a soprano on PBS singing wonderful music by Rachmaninoff. But somehow I can't stop looking at her dress. It's a beauty in black, with sequins or some sort of sparkly stuff but then there is this wonderful white triangle of fabric. The contrast of the black and white is just amazing. Music is amazing. I love classical music. But then, I love all music, most all kinds.

Today I seemed to be busy. I puttered all morning. My husband is still with his family in Virginia so I'm in charge here. Again, watering the outside thirsty plants. Then it was over to the museum for a few hours. But I had to cut it short to get to a dinner by 5:00PM.

RSVP, the volunteer organization, had its recognition dinner tonight. Since I am on the advisory board, I felt it important to be there and 'show the flag', so to speak. There were quite a few volunteers and family there. One person got recognized for all her hours, over 4,000, in her lifetime. Another lady, Florence, whom I love dearly, got a special award. She is 98 years old and volunteers every day still.

It was a fun event. I sat with some friends, we always laugh a lot when we see each other. The dinner was okay, again food I cannot eat. But I did enjoy some fresh fruit and some mashed potatoes.

Now on PBS there is a show about Itzhak Perlman, the famous violinist. It begins with him playing the national anthem at a Mets baseball game. Then it jumped to his apartment, I'm sure it's an apartment if it's in NYC, and he is playing with a pianist and a cellist.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itzhak_Perlman

#AmericanMastersPBS

Perlman has had polio since the age of four and now moves around in a wheelchair. He plays a violin made in 1714. A Stradivarius violin, over 300 years old. How amazing is that! In this age when we can't wait to get the newest and latest gadget, this man plays an instrument made three centuries ago. Before electricity, before cars, before central heat, before the USA, even before Mozart and Beethoven.

They show a video of this man, age thirteen, playing on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was magic. He was a virtuoso even then.

When I hear this man play the violin, I am so moved, to tears at times, and it always has been this way. It is as if he is touched by God. The sound is so pure, it is almost as if it isn't real. It is hard to believe anyone can take the raw materials of wood, catgut, and horsehair and transform those into musical notes inspired by the angels.

'Art is a reflection of the artist,' stated his wife, Toby. 'Out of our dreams something important happens.'

4 Like • Comment • View 1 comment

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