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BelleBayard
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on: March 21, 2017 09:14
Cloudy here the first day of spring, Ostara/Alban Eilir for pagan sorts. Six days and counting down till the big move. Not sure how much I will be on. Hoping your hubby does okay, awelyn. That's a painful thing to suffer from in my experience as a nurse.
Neenime
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on: March 24, 2017 12:16
Hello all. Glad to see everyone here.

Belle - how did the move go ? Are you settling in ?

Awelyn - I saw the posts on FB about your husband/ I hope that he is recovering nicely form his illness.

Gandolorin - the lack o precipitation is a worry. I hoe that you get the rain that you need for good water supply, to keep forest fires in check and to keep everything growing well. We rely in well-water, so poor precipitation becomes a worry for us. Fortunately, this winter, even though precipitation has been low, the temperature has been unusually mild., so our well is in good shape. I think perhaps the earth has not frozen as much as usual, so the water table is up pretty high.

ES - yes,I have been watching the crazy snowfalls in BC. You folks are not used to that, so probably most folks are not prepared with snow tires and shovels. I hope that tings have settled down. Are the dogs getting on well ?

Our little group is hosting Tolkien Reading Day at one of the local libraries this year. I have my costume ready and a new wig for the occasion. Really looking forward to meeting new fans of The Professor.

Wishing you all a Happy Tolkien Reading Day. Don't forget to honour the great man by reading some of his works on March 25th. The theme chosen ythe Tolkien Society (headquartered in Oxford), is his songs and poems .Perhaps we can share here, some of our favourites. I am planning to read the lament for Boromir at our gathering.
We will have readings, displays, quizzes, colouring pages, Elvish writing, maps, books, original art work, refreshments and draws. I am also bringing a Finnish pastry, in honour of the inspiration for Quenya.

MAe Govannen !

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. " Gandalf
BelleBayard
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on: March 24, 2017 04:33
Thanks, Neenime. I've not completed my final move yet. That happens on Monday (packing the truck), then driving to Colorado, then unpacking the truck and turning it in. Truly, the fun begins then with trying to figure out where to put what. May take a while. Take call!
Gandolorin
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on: March 24, 2017 06:04
Neenime said:
Gandolorin - the lack o precipitation is a worry. I hoe that you get the rain that you need for good water supply, to keep forest fires in check and to keep everything growing well...

We finally did get some precipitation for a few days, and not a downpour, rather continuous, if not very steady rain and drizzle. Going by some puddles I pass walking on the way to the office, it was a good amount in total. But the question always is, how far have we recovered from that blasted drought of 2015? There was an article in our regional newspaper recently that medium-term, say to 2030 or so, expected changes in weather patterns - getting more "digital", i.e. either prolonged dryness or excessive downpour - does not bode well for traditionally dry northern Bavaria, that is Franconia and especially Middle Franconia. We belong to the Rhine River tributary region, while "Old Bavaria" (traditional area ruled by the Wittelsbach royal house until that ol' Corsican gave them that rather crazy quilt of small-to-tiny whatever-doms making up Franconia, maybe today's Bavarian Swabia to the west and the Upper Palatinate bordering on the Czech republic to the east) belongs to the Danube River tributary region, which has much more precipitation. Transfer of water north in our direction has alleviated what could otherwise have been a more serious dryness situation for some decades at least. But the southern areas of Bavaria, traditionally wetter, have also had the problem that their weather has gotten more digital, so they are faced with the prospect of more serious flooding. Not necessarily more flooding events, but if, more serious ones. Like having three floods previously described as (once-in-a) century floods occurring within one decade. And with one of the world's largest Insurance companies, Allianz Versicherung, and one of the largest insurers-of-insurance-companies, Munich Re, both having their head offices in Munich, you have some worried people living in Munich.
And by the way, anyone needing information as to what the statistics on weather damages over the last X years are, and what may be expected, should just talk to the hard-nosed insurance statisticians worldwide. You don't find more clear-eyed, hard-bitten, numbers-crunching financial analysts anywhere because their company depends for its survival on realistic numbers, not dogmatism of any ilk.
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Evil~Shieldmaiden
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on: March 25, 2017 06:31
I'm happy to report that the snow has finally vanished and we've settled into more seasonal weather here. I've been busy doing yard work in preparation for transplanting some things in my boxes and buying my summer plants, although it's a might early.

My friend and her dog are back from Arizona and we've started our regular walking routine which has been good for both of us and the dogs. Fortunately, the rain holds of for periods during the day and we've been able to manage to fit walks in between downpours.

I'm relaxing this weekend, after a very busy week so I'll wish everyone good weather, and good company.

Namaste
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Gandolorin
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on: March 25, 2017 09:08
This night is when we in the EU get forced to reset all of our watches and clocks and stuff to that brain-dead bureaucratic idiocy called DST.
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Neenime
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on: March 26, 2017 09:37
Gandolorin- i see that you are not a fan of the time change. Many here grumble about it as well. I am resigned to it and grateful for more light in the sky in the morning.

The trend toward more violent weather changes is a worry. Here in the Western world, we have many products and services that can alleviate some of the troubles ( generators, sump pumps, good infrastructure). I really feel for those in developing countries who have next to nothing and then get hit hard. Then the lack of roads and service makes recovery even harder.

ES- i am sure you are glad to be done with the snow. Ours is still here, but gradually melting. Now it's pothole season. They wreck our tires and car suspensions and jolt our bodies. Grrrrr. Will be glad when warmer weather settles things down.

Awelyn- I hope that your husband is continuing to improve.

Our Tolkien Day was quieter than usual, but we had a lovely time. I was disappointed that holding the event in a public library did not entice more visitors. This year some of us submitted our own poetry and our Mistress of Quizzes will publish them in our Facebook page and make a little booklet for prosperity. I won David Day's book TOLKIEN's RING, illustrated by Alan Lee. It looks at various mythological influences in JRRT's works! Right up my alley !


Wishing you all a restful Sunday evening and a wonderful week.

[Edited on 03/27/2017 by Neenime]
“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. " Gandalf
awelyn418
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on: March 26, 2017 02:57
Hello husband's doctor wants a pancreas specialist to monitor the cysts a so they have seen dilated ducts. Not sure what that means but we are going to St. Louis
,Mo as soon as we can get an appointment.
Gandolorin glad you did get some rain. Es glad the snow has stopped and things are back to normal. Belle have a great adventure and I hope everything gores smoothly in your move. Neenime thank you for asking about hubby. He is doing fine on his diet. But has a sinus infection but is on antibiotics. Have a good week.
Gandolorin
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on: March 27, 2017 04:13
I should have kept my yap shut! nothing but sunshine during the day since Friday afternoon, forecast for the next 7 days is for mostly sunny with occasional showers (which usually means anywhere in Bavaria except here). The §$%&߀@#µ drought is back!
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vicarcat
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on: March 27, 2017 09:35
Awelyn I hope all goes well for your husband... I've been gone too long I know.
awelyn418
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on: March 28, 2017 09:51
Oh No Gandolorin I hate that for you but sometimes weather forecasters can be wrong. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Vicarcat oh my goodness it is so good to see your post. Did you read Belle is moving to Colorado as we speak. She is so excited and happy that her dream is coming true. Thank you for the well wishes for my husband.
I am not a fan for DST it messes my dogs and grandbabies schedule awfully. But I guess we will adjust. Have a good day.

[Edited on 03/28/2017 by awelyn418]
Gandolorin
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on: March 29, 2017 10:04
awelyn418 said:Oh No Gandolorin I hate that for you but sometimes weather forecasters can be wrong. I will keep my fingers crossed.

As to the weather forecasters, they've been babbling about "nice, sunny weather" and such. I've become somewhat of a curmudgeon about sunny weather, more precisely lack of precipitation, though with tongue slightly in cheek. Except when the forest fire warning levels go up ...
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awelyn418
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on: March 29, 2017 10:55
I hope you do get rain soon Gandolorin and I do understand your attitude regarding sunshine.
Well, I wonder where Belle is now. Have a great night everyone. Dimple I am missing you. I hope everything is okay with you and yours.
awelyn418
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on: March 30, 2017 11:02
Just Browsing seeing who is here and wishing you all a goodnight.
Gandolorin
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on: March 31, 2017 03:10
Yesterday's newspaper headline: "Lack of precipitation exacerbates carp breeders' problems."
The region here is known for its fishponds in which mostly carp, also some trout are bred for consumption. Anyone directly affected by rainwater (un-) availability will be commenting in no uncertain, and very likely not PG-13 compatible, terms on the "nice, sunny weather". Image
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awelyn418
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on: March 31, 2017 06:48
Gandolorin. I can imagine. I so hope you get some rain soon. We have ponds like that in my area but people pay to fish in them for food. It has been many years since we have had a drought here but years ago when we did thay shut down the ponds. We are having sunny (sorry) weather and very Spring like in my area. But it was storming three days ago. We have problems with tornadoes in Missouri. Do you have them in Germany? Well, I am going to get ready for our weekly visit to our favorite Mexican restaurant. I have a mango margarita there it is my favorite margarita. We then go to my sister's and play cards or dominoes and share a bottle of wine. Tonight it is dominoes. Have a great weekend.
awelyn418
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on: April 02, 2017 01:52
Well, I did not do April Fool's pranks as I usually do as I slept in on Saturday. My husband repaired our refrigerator and it works perfect now. I was so proud of him. I read a lot this weekend. I saw Beauty and the Beast today and really enjoyed it. Monday is upon us but I was productive with house cleaning so my grandchildren will come to a very clean house. We are having rain now so I am off to bed to listen to rain on my roof. Have a great day tomorrow.
awelyn418
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on: April 03, 2017 09:21
Oh my goodness we have had so much rain today I am afraid there may be flooding. I saw a strange sight a few minutes ago it was pouring down rain and the sun was shining brightly. I hope everyone had a good Monday. It is time for my evening meal. I am having Brussel sprouts but my husband abhors them. I will have my meatloaf and mashed potatoes with them. It is a diet meal from nutrisystem. I have lost weight very small portions but my doctor wants me to lose weight. Have a good night.
awelyn418
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on: April 09, 2017 12:50
Hello ,where is everyone. It was a beautiful Spring day today. Well since I posted last I almost got the tip of my right index finger pinched off in a folding closet door. It is okay but not a pretty sight. I hope you are all doing well and I hope Belle is settling in and adjusting to her new home. Have a great week,
Gandolorin
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on: April 11, 2017 04:22
We could certainly use some of that rain you had last week, awelyn! Probably not all of it, sounds torrential. And our drought certainly does not compare to the five years California was fried by, but then we're a shade north of the contiguous (or lower) 48 states of the US, we are not supposed to have Mediterranean climate! Fire risk levels have reached stage 4 of 5, groundwater levels are at record lows (winter was way too dry), and farmers in the region (and the fish breeders, as I mentioned before) are anxious about how the precipitation situation continues to develop.
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Evil~Shieldmaiden
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on: April 12, 2017 05:18
We've been having typical wather here with a mixture of sun and showers. The temperature has been a bit below average but it hasn't affected the spring blooms.

I've been laid low with the worst cold I've had in years. It has finally started to clear up, but I'm still experiencing some fatigue. Hopefully I'll be seeing the back of it soon. Oscar and the cats have enjoyed every opportunity to cuddle, but they have finally decided they've had enough and have abandoned me .

My neighbours have been awesome keeping the larder filled and exercising Oscar and I am very grateful and lucky to have such considerate people around to help me when I need it.

Enjoy the rest of your week, FoFers!
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BelleBayard
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on: April 12, 2017 11:34
Officially in Colorado now and trying to establish residency. Says on the DMV website you have to be a resident for 90 days... Hmm... I've owned the house for 2 years, but not lived here. I wonder if I have to sit around for 90 days and then scramble to get my driver's license and license plates transferred from California to Colorado. We shall see. On another note - past two weeks we had snow, but today and the day before it was sunny (with snowing at the same time day before yesterday). It's beautiful up here, but will take time to acclimate.
awelyn418
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on: April 12, 2017 02:59
Gandolorin I am so sorry you have not got your rain. Anyone that complains to me about to much rain I mention your situation and tell them to stop complaining. I hope you are feeling so much better ES and glad you have such good neighbors.
Belle so glad you are enjoying your new home. I hope you get the residency thing worked out and good to see you back.
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on: April 13, 2017 07:59
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Happy Easter to everyone in the FoF Club. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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Gandolorin
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on: April 13, 2017 09:16
We finally had some rain today, only about an hour, but better than nothing. Easter weekend is supposed to rainy, a prospect that probably puts me totally at cross purposes in my reaction to it with 99.99% percent of my co-inhabitants!
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awelyn418
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on: April 14, 2017 02:50
Happy Easter to you ES. Glad you did get some rain Gandolorin. I need to get in bed so tired. Goodnight.
BelleBayard
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on: April 17, 2017 10:17
Ow... Second migraine since I moved. First time out of bed today after taking my meds. Ah well... It's gorgeous up here. The smell of pines still amazes me whenever I go outdoors. Spring is definitely here, though we're supposed to get snow Friday. LOL That's the Rocky Mountains for you! Loving it here.
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on: April 18, 2017 03:10
I'm glad you're having spring-like weather. We're being blessed with sunny weather here, although it's been cooler than usual.

You have my sympathy on your migraine, Belle. Hopefully, you won't have any more now that you're more settled.

I've finally overcome my virus only to be brought down by seasonal allergies. My neighbour has hazelnut trees and they carry a wicked amount of pollen this time of year. This too shall pass.

I'm off to take Oscar for a walk. Enjoy your week everyone.
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Gandolorin
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on: April 18, 2017 04:05
Easter weekend, finally some useful Image Image Image

But then last night into the morning, it hadda snow??? The weather just does not know moderation anymore! Image
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awelyn418
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on: April 19, 2017 02:58
Gandolorin well at least snow will give you moisture when it melts.
Belle sorry about your migraines but so happy that you love it there.
We had rain Easter but the sun came out about 5 wasn't to bad a day. I turned 65 yesterday and had a very nice birthday.
ES sorry about your allergies but so glad for your Spring weather.
My husband goes to a huge hospital in St. Louis ,Mo. tomorrow for tests and a possible surgery. It is a big city and we live two hours away so will be getting up very early. I will keep you updated. Have a great rest of the week.
Gandolorin
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on: April 20, 2017 05:13
Image awelyn!

And for your husband Image
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BelleBayard
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on: April 21, 2017 02:47
Ditto on the well wishes all around, awelyn! Okay, so it's late April and we just had another couple of inches of snow. Not that cold. But, living at 8,600 feet tends to make it be winter-like longer than lower elevations. It's beautiful with the dusting of snow on the trees and ground. Lots of black-billed magpies and crows and a few mountain chickadees to view from our windows.
Gandolorin
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on: April 21, 2017 05:09
Belle, at over 2600 meters, I'll venture a wild guess that winter hogs a hefty slice of the year!
Black-billed magpies, you say? I'll be taking a closer look at ours next time I see them.
As for birds, they have definitely started mobbing each other here by now. Magpies getting on ravens' nerves, blackbirds on each others, and what I believe to be a variety of thrushes - slimmer than the blackbirds - who gang up on all birds of the raven family - ravens, crows, magpies, bluejays - by "strafing" them while giving out "rrrrr - rrrrr- rrrrr" sounds. They can get into a serious "not amused" mode, they can.
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BelleBayard
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on: April 22, 2017 01:16
Don't know about the other larger birds, but ravens and crows predate on chicks of smaller birds, hence the aggression with the smaller ones. There are two kinds of magpies that I know of, black-billed and yellow-billed. Would be interested to know what kind you have, gando.
Gandolorin
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on: April 22, 2017 11:44
The magpies are currently being uncooperative towards satisfying my ornithological curiosity.

As to those thrushes, I don't recall having seen them when we moved here in late 2008. So they may be new "neighbors", having discovered our area as useful for their nesting. That would also perhaps partially explain why the ravens, magpies and Eurasian jays (not bluejays, as I once mistranslated) have reduced their visits here. I think I once saw those thrushes - a larger number that usual - even gang up on a bird of prey until it decided that life was less stressful elsewhere. And talking about bird of prey, yesterday a bunch of ravens, cawing all the time and thus receiving reinforcements, "strafed" a tree just a little inside the forest's edge. Didn't see the target, but most likely it was a buzzard or hawk, or a smaller falcon. Mature peregrine falcons usually scatter raves like a jet fighter attacking piston-driven propeller planes.
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