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Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 02, 2006 04:29
Now stand back and let me through. I have a job to do and I am a professional.


Just reading that post again - too funny. Boy, would I like to be a specialis in that kind of activity. Is there a training school I could go to? Perhaps an advanced course at Middle Earth Academy?

New Years' traditions . The Viking thing makes sense to me. Apparently in Ukraine it had to be a male, of any hair colour. I wonder why. Must do some research on that one, though my folks have no idea of its origin. Maybe some of the sites on Slavic Paganism will have info.

Got the new Enya album. Interesting - new language (Loxian) invented by her lyricist. Has a nice ring to it. Like the songs - even one in Japanese!

Well, it's already Professor Tolkien's birthday on the east side of the Atlantic. So, raise a pint to the genius who is responsible for bringing this fine fellowship together. :cheers: (Is it a tad early to be raisin' pints? Perhaps not for Hobbits!)
“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
MinasTirithMS
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 02, 2006 05:49


How much is that Ranger in the window?
The one with the kilt and chain mail.
How much is that Ranger in the window?
I do hope that Rangers for sale!



LOVE your little ditty, HT. I'm adding it into my LOTR scrapbook, if that's alright with you.:heart:

Like the idea of a tall ,dark (handsome and possibly "rangerfied") stranger coming into your house for good luck. Think I'll put out the welcome mat and leave the light on.

Banging on pots reminds me of one of my forbearers who began the Mardi Gras mystic societies. His name was Michael Kraft and he was origionally from Pennsylvania. Guess life in the deep south was boring, for he and some of his buddies gathered with cowbells, pot and pans, rakes and hoes (garden variety) and rose quite a racket on New Year's eve. They had so much fun, they decided to do it again on Mardi Gras. The name of that first parading society....the Cowbellion de Rakin society. True and factual story from 1830 that I lheard from my grandmother and verified at local museums.

Spent the day taking down Christmas decorations and watching ROTK. I get sad putting away Christmas; it's my favorite time of the year and I love the way the house looks at Christmas. ROTK helped my spirits lift a little. I think that I cry more watching it now than I did in the theatres. I so identify with Ewoyn (especially with the fallling in love with Aragorn part). Her many losses in life grieve me deeply and her fierceness/bravery embolden my heart. I'm exhausted emotionally. Perhaps I should watch Ernest Goes to Camp tomorrow.

Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 02, 2006 07:09
Today is a landmark day in Old Tom's online history. Today I finally got my DSL working! :disco:

...and I can finally see what swabby was talking about when he referred to balrog's avatar. (I figured it was a balrog, but all I could see was a small, fuzzy, non-animated block.) He's right, it's awesome! *Crack!*

I've been using dialup for years, then finally upgraded to DSL when I bought my new computer a few months back. The only thing was that I couldn't get it work, nor could the idiot tech support guys I spent numerous hours worth. Today, I finally got fed up and called my ISP provider to cancel my service. Boom! Quicker than you can say "Jack Robinson" I was hooked up with a senior tech support guy who took mere minutes to set me on the path to functioning highspeed internet service.

The tall and dark bit is supposedly because an unwelcome visitor would have been a Viking who were shorter and fair haired.
I guess you don't want me coming to your door then. I'm 5'6", fair-skinned, blue-eyed, and have dark blonde hair. With my long hair and beard I definitely look like one of your Norse types. Odin!
awelyn418
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 04:18
First a toast :cheers: to the professor and my husband who share the same B-day.

Scots so far the sweet little dog is doing great with training. I think I will sign her up for obedience training though.She won't come to me when I call. She is very loving and I am so glad I got her but obedience is good for you and your dog. My basset failed obedience or maybe I did not try hard enough.

I hope I can remember all the posts.

Yes, I thought Balrog's new avatar was fabulous too OTB and Swabby. Swabby your drawings give others so much joy too. I am in the process of making a wall downstairs into a LOTR wall. I will certainly have your drawings there and some collectibles my son bought me for Christmas. He knows how I love COE so he bought me Elrond and other Elves such as Legolas and Arwen.

We have a tradition at my house that on Christmas morning the children bang on pots and pans to wake the adults up and it is great fun for the kids.

Mith good luck on quitting smoking I quit years ago and I know you can do it. I will pray for you.

Neenime You and Scots have so much energy send some my way ok

Hello HT , nice little ditty. Old clothes and porridge huh and by the way what does porridge consist of?

MTMS sounded like a great church service and what a way to start the new year.

Have a great day you Tolkien fans,
Awelyn 418
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 05:22
Awelyn glad your'e enjoying your doggie. I visited a neighbour who got two puppies in Dec. and they are a wrecking crew! Chewing and jumping on everything in sight. She seems to have given up on controlling them.:dizzy: Man! Reminds me why decided to get an older dog! Hope the obedience training goes well and that you don't have a disaster area in the meantime.

Energy level? Yes, I guess it's pretty good these days. It really makes a difference when I manage my time and demands well and stop trying to do everything for everyone. I must confess that I have a lot of slug propensity in me. I could sit and read or dream for hours, but that doesn't so me much good. Have really made an effort to balance my life by adding activity that I enjoy. Hiking , dance and jogging are great and I actually have more energy for the quiter pursuits (if that makes any sense). Of course, I am blessed with good health (for the most part) and that makes a difference.

Here are my first attempts at photography. Thank goodness for the Program (automatic) setting - there is so much to learn! (The guy in the red parka is my hubby and patient teacher).

Old_Tom welcome to DSL. We, too had to harangue the local provider who claimed that there were no plans to do our semi-rural area for several years. It's great now. Enjoy.

Rangers at the door? I'd fall down in a swoon and make a right fool of myself. But perhaps he would be gallant enough to tend to me until I recovered my senses.

Back at the Mines of Moria things look OK so far. No disasters awaiting me. Planned a slow day to ease my way back in. SO far so good.

Have a good week everyone.
“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
Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 05:52
The Professor! :cheers:

Image

Very lovely photographs, Neenime.

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow!
Those glist'ning houses that seem to be built of snow;
Snow, oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow.

All we get around here is rain, rain, rain, rain! And we've had lots of it the past week or so. :dizzy:
MinasTirithMS
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 05:56
Old Tom, your fair-headed self would be most welcome at my door. If you happen to see a ranger upon the stoop, please push him inside the door when you enter.:love:

I raise my glass with you, swelyn, to toast the Professor and your husband on the day of their birth. :cheers:

Great pics, Neenime! Made me feel cold just looking at them, and that's saying something with the weather here in the 70's (F, that is). You are very talented.

Going out to look for Mardi Gras decor to replace the Christmas items. May even make my tree a Mardi Gras tree. :disco: I've got the beads and cups already. Guess I could find some more masks and buy some fresh moonpies.
MelianAnoriel
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 06:08
:cheers: I lift my glass along with you all....Happy Birthday Professor!
I've been away and busy, but how could I forget!
May this New Year bring many blessings ahead!
swabby
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 06:56
Some of us here in northwestern Arkansas are getting A little worried about the grass fires in Oklahoma and our own dangerously dry and windy conditions. We are over 12" behind on our rainfall, while old Tom in California is getting waterlogged. "Don't bogart that rain, old Tom, send some over to me."

HT, your "Ranger in the window" ditty is priceless! I guess everyone must know that tune, also.

Old Tom, congrats on your DSL, I've had it for A couple of years now. Also, don't feel bad about being mistaken for A viking. They used to single me out for extra scrutiny at airports, (in the early 70's) even when I was traveling under military orders. Could it be that my dark skin and beard caused me to be profiled? Like maybe they thought I was from the Middle East? I told 'em "Heck, I ain't no ay-rab. I'm from Arkansaw, caynt che tell? They never kept me too long.

The only Time I remember being woke up by someone banging on something was in bootcamp. There were A few times when the Company Commander would flick the lights on about 4:00AM and bang on A metal trash can. He fondly referred to it as "sh*t-can reveille". The funniest Navy wake-up I ever heard, though, was on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, CV60. Ordinarily, when were out at sea, A Boatswain's whistle would blow(over the ship's PA system) at 6:00 AM and then you would hear the words, "Now reveille, reveille. All hands heave out and trice up! The smoking lamp is lit in all designated smoking areas and the fantail is open for the dumping of all sinkable and non-burnable trash and garbage. Now, reveille!". That is how it normally went, but one morning I heard "Now reveille! Reveille! All hands, get your a*ses up!". I swear it's the truth.

In regards to the drawing prints that I have given to A few of you, it is always A great honour and joy for me to know that someone is enjoying my work. For forty years I drew and painted pictures that almost nobody saw, but now my little LotR drawings are being seen everywhere, and I love it! More times than I can count, people have told me "Oh, you should sell those", but that just wouldn't be "me". I don't do art for money, I do it because it fulfills A need inside of me, and it is the sharing of it that gives me A payback. It is not all generosity on my part, I'm sure. I read A book one time about why it is that people write stories or do art. I think it was called "The courage to create". Anyway, the author theorized that we do those things because we're trying to achieve A kind of "immortality". We know our works will outlive us, and people will read our stories, sit at A table we made or look at our artwork long after we are gone and in some small way, by thinking about us, we get to live again.
Who is likely to remember any of us after two or three generations? When everyone who knew us is dead, how is anyone else to know about us? The only other thing I can think of that will remind others that you ever existed, other than your "Works" that you've left behind, is your tombstone.
I'd better stop talking about that now before I get too wound up. I'm afraid I read A lot of books (mostly in the 70's and early 80's) that delved into things that some people wouldn't want to know about, so now I'm glad to be consumed with Mr Tolkien's books. Later my friends, Swabby
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 07:55
swabby That was a good story about Reveille! I'll bet that got their attention!

Don't be so quick to dismiss your reading preferences. I get the feeling that there are few deep thinkers in our midst. You certainly have MY invitation to expound on those themes.

FYI -the great psychologist Carl Jung thought that creativity was one of the basic life impulses, along with hunger, sexuality, aggression, and religion. He went way beyond old Sigmund's rather limited worldview. (I always wondered what MRS. Freud had to say about all that business............)

MT thanks for the kind words about the photos. I think I am going to enjoy this new activity. I usually express myself in words and more recently in dance, so this will be something new. Feel free to download the images for desktops if you feel so inclined (that goes for everyone).

Awelyn and balrog your cool new avatars inspire me to change mine. Maybe later today when I take a break.
“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
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 09:00
Old Tom: I was thinking of you when I was watching all the rain you were getting on the nightly news. I'm glad to hear that you haven't washed away. It would be nice if you could send a little of that in the direction of the PoG. It is SOOOO dry here that houses are settling due to the ground shrinking.

I'm on DSL as well and love it. My son was a *bit* miffed when we got the DSL AFTER he left home. He sure tied up the phone lines while at home. It was after he left that the spousal unit started going online and found out how frustrating it was with the old dial-up line. Then of course we "needed" it. LOL I would maybe like to step up to a cable modem but far too much of my money goes to Time Warner as it is. I have issues with monopolies and don't wish to encourage them.

I just got a new computer today. Yay! My old one was so frustrating to use anymore paired with the fact that it was running Windows '98 and I was finding that software was becoming an issue. So I stimulated the economy and bought a very nice new one with a glorious flat-panel monitor. I've been lusting for one of those since we got them for school. Now I just have to set the darned thing up. I'll do it after P/T this afternoon. I'm giddy!

Neenime: Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! It makes me weep for the lack of scenery here on the PoG. Now, if you're into stubble fields, we have those aplenty.

Must be toddling off to read The Hobbit until it's time for me to go get stretched in all directions. Ahhh, it hurts so good don't you know.

Enjoy.
HeriTavaril
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 09:27
:heart:Hello Everyone

MT I would be honoured if you use my little poem in your scrapbook.

Old Tom and anyone else here

If you turned up at new year I would welcome you with open arms regardless of size, hair colour hairy feet or anything else.

Porridge for those of you who want to know is oatmeal boiled up in water or milk and then seasoned with salt or sugar. The old fashioned Scottish way is of course water and salt (we don't believe in enjoyment over here!)

Just a silly thought what about an FOF version of the Wizard of Oz with Aelwyn as Dorothy and her new little doggy as Toto? Would Swabby and Old Tom want to be her loyal friends tin man scarecrow etc? Any takers for other parts? Of course we have no wicked witches here.

If this is how my mind is working this early in the year I fear there is little hope for me!

Love to you all

HT
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 09:40
OK, first: :cheers: to the Professor!

If you people are back in the Mines of Moria, I definitely feel that I'm back in the pits of Angband... The first two days at work this week have been unbelievably busy, and the rest of the week will be even more; the whole organisation of the institute changed, and the new arrangements have brought a lot of extra work. So, if I don't post for a couple of days, it's just because I'm too tired to think of anyhting. :sleepy:

SE, it's so nice to hear from you!

Mith, congratulations for your decision to give up smoking!

HT, LOL for your Ranger ditty!

Neenime, such beautiful winter landscapes! You've got more snow than we do at the moment!

Awelyn, your new dog sounds like a sweetie! And your and balrog's avatars are great... :evil:

swabby, that "reveille" story was hilarious. And don't be too shy of anything you've read in the past; I often think that, I myself read much "deeper" books in my younger years, even in my teens.

Old Tom, congrats for getting DSL! I've been on DSL for two years now, and it sure makes things a lot easier (and even cheaper in the long run, for us at least).

:hug: to all that I didn't mention by name, and have a great Tolkien's Birthday!
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 09:58
Old_Tom, Morwin, and others thanks for your appreciation of my fledgling photo attempts.

Actually we have a lot less snow now than we usually do. It's been an unusally mild winter so far. Those of you suffering from rain or dryness, please feel free to visit my virtual Winter Wonderland any time.

Morwin sorry that your return to work has been so harried. I hope you at least get a chance to "lurk" every now and then, to boost your spirits. I know that I do that when I am too busy to write.

Porridge yummmm. My mom used to make it pretty bland, but hubby and I like to fancy it up with cinnamon, nutmeg and diced apples or raisins. He has taken to heating leftover quinoa for breakfast, also adding the aforementioned garnishes. Quite tasty, I must say. Nice , slightly nutty flavour and dead-easy to cook! *pssst, for those who don't know , quinoa is a grain perfected by the Incas that is the world's only (I think) known whole protein in plant form.*
“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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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 12:25
Neenime, what beautiful photos. We have had one little snow and I miss it. So, thanks for sharing the photos made me feel a little better.

OTB thank you for sharing the photo of the professor. He was quite distinguishing was he not?
AM glad to have you back.

HT I'm off to see the wizard, the beautiful wizard of white. How funny I have always wanted to be Dorothy. My dog would be perfect.
Morwin sorry you are having to work so hard.

I don't know about porridge but I love oatmeal. MTMS, your mardi gras tree sounds like fun and then you can ease into valentines day.

Thank you to all who like my new avatar. I don't know if I am satisfied with it.

I have cable internet and it is great also. It is fast and I like fast.

I have to go back to work. I will try and drop by later.

Awelyn 418
swabby
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 12:32
I forgot to wish JRR A happy birthday. Happy Birthday Prof!

HT, I would be glad to play A supporting part to Dorothy and Toto, but you forgot to mention the lion. I would probably make A good scarecrow.

Glad you all liked the reveille story. I've got lots of those "salty" sea stories like that, which are not be confused with fairy tales. Fairy tales always begin with "Once upon A time", and "Sea Stories" always start with "Now this ain't no sh*t"

I knew that porridge was oats. Oatmeal was my Dad's favorite food in the whole world. That and the sweet potato. He swore by those two, and he lived to be 91. Swabby
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 02:42
Adding my birthday toast ... *raises glass* To the Professor. :love:
MinasTirithMS
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 04:10
Perhaps Old Tom can send some of those showers he has going on over his way over to your neck of the woods, swabby. Put away the marshmallows on the coathangers and make sure that the hose is attached and gas is in the car. Wouldn't want things to get too hot for you.

Love those new avatars, balrog, awelyn and Neenime. Almost makes me want to get a new one myself.

In casting your Wizard of Oz production, I think munchkin is the proper role for me. Can I have of those huge lolipops? Perhaps you should consult Pete Jackson on this, HT.

Going back to work is a drag, even under good circumstances. I'm sorry that things are rough for you, Morwin. I must trudge back tomorrow and am not looking forward to it. At least the kids won't be there and I can get the mounds of paperwork and room arrangement done. I might even get to eat lunch out!!

I did it! There is a Mardi Gras tree sitting in my living room. I must say that it looks festive. I topped it with a silly hat and draped gold,green and purple beads all over it. There's also some garland of the same colors around it as well. Now all I need to do is find the masks hiding in my closet and maybe scatter some moonpies (chocolate) in the branches.
balrog
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 05:08
Hi everyone.

I would like to raise my glass :cheers: to "The Professor" for giving us a lifetime of reading. We wouldn't be here if he didn't write those books.

I also would like to thank all the stories and pics. They were great. Especially the one that OTB posted on "The Professor".

I think my avatar is great. Believe it or not I do get like that once in a blue moon. My temper does flare. I also like your avatars too, neemine and awelyn.

If my avatar is in question about my temper, I would like to play the Wicked Witch of the West. I would be great.

Well, I have to do some work on my computer so I will go and have a drink for the Professor and call it a night.

namarie
Miththoliel
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 03, 2006 07:40
Yah for Tolkien, somehow I feel forever indebted to him. Where would we be without Middle Earth (and Rangers)? White shores and beyond? Elves, dwarves and hobbits (did I mention Rangers)? My Precioussssss! Forgive me but the lack of nicotine is making me whacky.

Neenime, your photos were awesome. Thanks for sharing with us!

Balrog that is a cool avatar and goes perfect with your name.

MT, my Christmas tree is still up. Perhaps it could be a Mardi Gras tree with a few adjustments. I just don't want to let go of Christmas just yet.

Well it is getting late, just wanted to say hello & :hug: & :love::heart: to everyone here.
swabby
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 03:33
The only private space A sailor has on A US Navy ship is his bunk, which is called A "rack", and is an oblong box slightly bigger than A coffin with A thin mattress on the bottom and A sliding curtain that hopefully conceals the occupant. They are stacked three high and referred to as bottom, middle and top racks. There may be 50 to 100 of these in one small "berthing compartment", so you might imagine how cramped it is to live in one of these for months at A time.
This story is about A sailor who liked to sleep in the buff with his curtain open. Needless to say, those shipmates who lived all around him got tired of him doing this and decided to break him of the rude habit. A plan was hatched and executed with great success. A small noose at the end of A 3 foot length of string was carefully slipped around the offending sailor's private member while he slept. At the other end of the string was A shoe. One of the sailors hit the sleeping nude with the shoe, which caused him to immediatley wake up, realize that he'd been smacked with A shoe, and angrily (and forcefully) throw the shoe back.:cry: It was proven that day that gravity can be overcome under certain conditions. Swabby

[Edited on 4/1/2006 by swabby]
BelleBayard
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 03:46
Ouch! Heh... I can see something like that happening. Well, I didn't get to wish the Professor happy anniversary (as they call it in the UK), but I definitely thought of him amidst the flurry of modern life yesterday. Without him, our world wouldn't be nearly as rich. I think of him as the father of fantasy today, if you wish to call it that. I like to think of it as a primordial memory he put down on paper.

Neenime, those pics are awesome. Cold, yes, but also incredibly beautiful. Rained some over the past couple of days, but not nearly enough to replenish the water supply. *sigh*

All my friends here, thank you so much for all your insights and sharing of your lives. :hug:
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 03:54
Mardi Gras trees, new avatars, stories, the Wiz, new pets - my the new year is starting with a flurry of creative activity. We may be over 40 but there's no moss growing on us, by golly. We are a happenin' group

balrog you - a temper? Naaaaaw. You must be thinking of someone else. But seriously, we all have a dark side, I guess. Better to own up to and have fun with it than to get ambushed by it.

I wasn't able to toast The Professor at the appropriate time. I DID, however, wear my Gandalf broach and The One Ring all day, in his honour.

At that hour I was embroiled in a spirited discussion about making liaisons between world religions, "quantum theology" and stuff like that there. Have been offered a very exciting opportunity to submit articles for a web site on the new spirituality , re-visioning Christianity, reconciling the masculine and feminine images of God and the transformation of humanity (I can see some LOTR connections there). All themes that I am excited by, in my own totally amateur way.

Wow, another creative opportunity. This is shaping up to be some year. Wonder whether I will have time to work for a living!

Mind you, I will ALWAYS have time for FoF. You're all a source of inspiration and utter enjoyment in my life.

OK - speaking of work for a living - best get to it before I get myself into trouble................
“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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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 03:57
Hello Ringers,
OTB, I bought the movie Ringers and it came on J.R.R Tolkien's birthday.So, I watched it. I thought that was appropriate way to celebrate the professor's B-day. I found out there are people more fanatic than I am about Tolkien but we all at FOF are definitely considered ringers. It was very good and it was funny and had some of the actors from the movies talking and sharing and that was great.

MTMS Mardi Gras tree sounds very creative. What is Mardi Gras all about,do you know the history?

Mith, I use to feel such sadness when Christmas was over but I don't anymore. I still don't have all my things from Christmas put away though.

Hello Rosie, as she rushes by, dragons are very fast you know.

:wave:

Well, Swabby I think I will start eating more sweet potatoes and oatmeal I like them both. Your stories brought back memories of my son when he was in the Army. The one thing that use to make me so angry when my son was in the army is how they yelled and cursed at them I guess to toughen them up but it was hard to see them do that to your child. I have a little bit of rebellious nature at times and when they would do that to my son I would be come a Balrog.
My son tried to explain to me and he said the army made him the man he is today but it was still difficult for me.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in southeast Missouri. Today is suppose to be just as nice. We need rain though so OTB send me some rain too . The temperatures are like Autumn weather.

Well, I am off to work. I will drop by later.
Awelyn 418

:heart:
Morwinyoniel
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 05:58
It may be that I'm just so tired that I laugh at anything, but swabby's story about teaching manners to the offending guy simply cracked me up.

And, what's the hurry with throwing the Christmas tree away? Our tree is still so good that we're going to keep it at least for another week.
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 04, 2006 08:01
Yeah - let’s keep the pretty things up. There’s Ukrainian Christmas (Jan 6 -9), Ukrainian New years (Jan 14th), Chinese New Year (Jan 29), Islamic New Year (Jan 31), Imbolc (Feb 2)………………….. What the heck, let’s decorate and party all year!
:disco:

Youch! That’s a rough school at USN! That's funny in a twisted sort of way!

Our society's toughen them up mentality always made we wonder. It sometimes seems like institutionalized abuse. It’s control of behaviour based on domination and fear. IS that really the only way to create strong, capable people? Has anyone read Sam Keen’s book FIRE IN THE BELLY? It’s all about how men are battered and shamed into line by society. It really grabbed me and gave me a more compassionate understanding of what my husband, sons, brothers and father all went through. Frankly, I am not convinced that it is wise.

OK - that threatens to become a soapbox issue, so I’ll ease up for now.
“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
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 02:43
Got to get us up farther on the page you know! We can't be slipping downwards!

The weather's been very un-PoG-ish lately. While it's been a bit cloudy and gloomy the actual temperature is quite nice. Yesterday the staff at school..all four of us...took our lunchtime walk around the perimeter of the schoolyard. I even went without my coat. Of course I had to be aired out, so that helped.

We...read: me...had a microwave incident in my classroom. I put the popcorn on for 30 seconds more than it should. Amid the roiling yellow smoke issuing from the microwave, I pulled this smoking char of what was left of my low-fat popcorn snack. I got the full blast of the smoke as it came out. So the rest of the day my room reeked as did I. The poor physical therapists. I smelled like a fireman just coming back from being on call. ROFL Maybe that's why they worked me so hard although that was good and my neck is feeling quite nice today. Almost normal. Yay!

I got the new computer up and running finally. That's after crashing it right after I had gotten everything loaded and having to start from scratch. Then it came preloaded with Norton's Internet Safety. That thing gave me fits! It wouldn't let me go anywhere...even to my beloved FoF. So off it went into the wastelands of the recycle bin. One Norton's is enough I think.

Well, must go and get ready to toddle off and warp..I mean...shape young minds. Have a good one all!

:disco: Feeling SO good today.
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 03:56
The Smoky Adventures of Scots56! Too funny. Maybe the physical therapist wanted a gas mask? Glad that you're feeling better. I have a recurring neck/shoulder injury that sometimes makes my life quite painful, so I fully appreciate the relief of getting 'straightened out". My chiroporactor is a goddess!

Hi everyone - I hope you're all well and surviving the return to the Mines of Moria. This is like Friday for me because tomorrow is Christmas Eve according to the old Julian calendar , which many traditional Ukrainians still follow.

At the sighting of the evening star, we will gather at a table set with some straw under the cloth, to remind us of Christ's humble begnnings. There will be a place setting for the departed members of our families. The meal of 12 meatless dishes will commemorate the 12 apostles (not sure what that has to so with the Christmas story, but that's the meaning I've been taught). After that, it's carol singing and midnight liturgy. Tomorrow it's another family feast of turkey, cabbage rolls, pyrohy (dumplings filled with potato or sauerkraut or cottage cheese or plums), borscht, mushrooms. Hobbit-type food from the good earth.

Many of our rituals have a pagan origin, according to what I am reading. Might share some with you if I run across something interesting.

I will be remembering each of you in my prayers and thankful for the gift of your presence, for the gift of Prof. Tolkien's imagination and the many other things that make my life so rich.

Veselykh Svyat (Happy Holidays)
“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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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 05:31
Scots and you just can't get the smell of burned popcorn out of the room . Well, did yor smoke alarm go off? It is great that you are feeling so good.

Neenime what fun that you get to prolong the holidays and the food sounds wonderful. I love cabbage rolls.

I am trying this new avatar for a bit. I am not really satisfied yet.

I had an adventure the other day. My neighbor was burning trash in a burning barrel. First let me explain about the burning barrel. We have old metal barrels that are sold for burning trash if you live in the country. I know it is not good for the environment but that is not part of the story. Back to the story the wind was blowing at 30 miles an hour and he was burning trash. Pretty stupid or maybe careless anyway I heard all this barking. We have a policeman who is on canine duty and he has a beautiful black German Shepherd named Argo who is our official drug dog where I live and he was barking. I went to see what was going on and the neighbor had left the trash and the wind blew it in Argo's yard and it was on fire. I started screaming for the neighbor and could not get him. I ran back to my house and grabbed a bucket yelling for help at my house. My daughter had her music to loud and my husband was sleeping from working the night before. I ran with the bucket now filled with water and threw it around Argo's kennel and his owners little girl opened the back door I said honey close the door and get your mom or dad.I ran back inside yelling fire! fire! Argo is going to burn up please help me. My family came running at my screams. By the time we came out the neighbors were out and my husband hooked up our hose and I brought a shovel. The fire had spread to my back yard. I was beating at it with the shovel and my husband was spraying with water. My daughter's job was turn on the water.Thank God it was just a grass fire. We all put the fire out and I was shaking but grateful that everything was ok but our black yards. Sorry this was so long but Scots burned popcorn reminded me of this adventure.
Have a good day.
Awelyn 418
BelleBayard
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 06:44
Eeek! Good heavens, awelyn! That's just scary. Thank heavens that dog barked else it might have spread even more. *sigh* Some people just don't think, do they? Glad it turned out okay, but what a scare.

Scots, that smell is really pervasive, isn't it? My son burned popcorn in the microwave to the point he melted the clear plastic window on the door. Goodbye microwave. It was so bad there were flames. Fortunately, he was a smart kid (this happened at least six years ago when he was 12) and took the kitchen extinguisher to it after unplugging the microwave. Phew! That was definitely unpleasant.

Neenime, can't help wondering if some of that is part of a celebration not only of Christ's birth, but of his life and teachings. After all, His ministry really didn't last that long before he sacrificed himself. His apostles spread his word, making certain that his teachings would not disappear. Thus perhaps in the Eastern orthodox tradition Christmas is more a rejoicing of the word of Christ, not only his birth. Does that make sense?
swabby
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 07:54
Neenime, I think you already know that I don't relate to all that "tough guy" stuff like A lot of men do. It seems to me that A man can be "masculine" but still be reasonable and compassionate. If I choose to be merciful and forgiving of someone who has offended me, then I see that not as weakness, but as strength on my part. If I allowed my animal impulses to dominate my intellect, that would be showing real weakness in my view.

Over-nuked popcorn, Check. Smell lingers for days, check. Since most of you are women, I dare not tell of Mrs Swabby's adventures in the kitchen and why I, not she, does most of the cooking. (The fact that I know how to cook and she doesn't is only one of the reasons.) This might be one of those life-examples where the male is at A disadvantage and cannot speak the truth without getting dog-piled by the girls.

I'd say you saved the day, brave Awelyn. My hat and my cork are off to you. Swabby knows something about the destructive power of grass fires, but I'll refrain from telling another one of those "Little 5 year-old Swabby behaving badly" stories. Let's just say that when I saw trash burning, I could not resist poking at it with A stick.

Another quick but true Navy story. One particular ship I was on had really awful food. I'm not sure why some ships had pretty good food and others didn't, but this one was terrible. One day, as I sat in the chow hall trying to figure out what they had put on my plate, I looked up on the bulkhead and saw A plaque. It was an award for "Best large mess* afloat", and it was dated the previous year. I casually said to the young sailor who was sitting across from me "Boy, I guess things have really gone down hill since last year", and motioned toward the plaque. This kid, who I then noticed was scarffing down his mystery food with apparent relish said "Oh, I don't know, I think this is pretty good. My mother can't cook this good." Later, Swabby
*navy jargon for "dining facilities"
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 08:09
Awelyn thank goodness you were on the ball. Why did that neighbour leave the fire unattended? Just not wise at all.

swabby you must know that I consider you an example of an enlightened man! You've managed not to be controlled and limited by that old definition. And there are many like you - thank goodness!

Belle you could be right , as far as a Christian interpretation. I think Eastern Christianity tends to be more broad in its view and less focussed on the individual life of and personal relationship with Jesus. That's more of a Protestant thing (post-Luther, post-reformation).

I see from my current readings that straw spread in the house and other rituals seemed to come from the pagan belief that this time of year related to the Underworld. By that I do not mean Hell as Christians have imagined it. It was a place where the power of the world resided - the power of the Earth and the power of animals to provide life-giving food. That power resides in a hidden form when the fields are covered with snow and needs to be honoured and perhaps coaxed out of hiding in time for spring.

There are several Winter Solstice/Christmas rituals that involve making noises like animals and predicting how good the next harvest wouldl be by how many air holes were in the bread (and how thickly it was sliced) etc. "Fascinating" as my old friend Mr. Spock would say.
“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
Morwinyoniel
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 08:22
Scots, I agree that sometimes, Norton is even a bit too good. This computer came also with Norton preinstalled, but I had all too much trouble with it; I think it did let me to CoE and some other boards that use phpBB, but I couldn't post on any UBB boards (and I was fairly active on a couple ones). So, I very soon changed to F-Secure, with which I've been content.

Neenime, that modest way to celebrate the "old" Christmas sounds lovely, probably a lot what it was like in the ancient times.

Awelyn, you were really brave in such a scary situation. It could really have turned serious if you hadn't paid attention to the dog barking and taken action. And, may I say that the neighbour of yours that left the burning barrel unguarded is dangerously stupid? :angry:

Hey, swabby, mastering the art of cooking is by no means gender related. My own dad is a much better cook than my mom, and my mom has even confessed to me that she doesn't like cooking at all so, she gladly leaves it mostly to her husband. And, I'll have to say that, Mr Morwin has prepared quite a few good meals too, although his own dad firmly stayed out of the kitchen...

[Edited on 5/1/2006 by Morwinyoniel]
awelyn418
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 11:06
I don't know if I consider myself brave. I only did what any other animal lover and good neighbor would have done.

Swabby my son and his wife take turns in the kitchen. They take turns reading bedtime stories to the children. My son fixes breakfast all most everyday. I did love to cook but not anymore with just my daughter and my husband here. We all have crazy schedules and are not home very often at the same time. So, I will gladly let anyone cook in my kitchen.

Oh my goodness Belle it is a good thing your son did not panic and kept a cool head.

My Norton will not let me chat on COE. Does anyone know how I could chat but still be protected from viruses.

Hi Morwin What is F-secure? I agree he was stupid. I have not seen my husband so angry in a long time. He said have you lost your mind. The neighbor said I just left it for 3 minutess.We looked at him with scorn.


I have go back to work I will try to drop by later.
Awelyn 418
BelleBayard
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part IV
on: January 05, 2006 01:16
Awelyn, my hubby used to swear by Norton, but after all the trouble we had with it, he's gone back to McAfee. I prefer eZtrust Antivirus (you can download a trial version and buy it later). Norton has too many conflicts with Windows and is indeed TOO protective, preventing a person from doing many things that should be safe. I don't know what F-secure it, never heard of it, but there are other programs out there that aren't so conflicting with doing anything else when the virus scan runs. I've had eZtrust now for over a year and I'm very happy with it. I can barely tell when it scans in the background and have been alerted appropriately when visiting a site without it slamming the brakes on.
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