
I happened to see the sun shining on this owl pitcher sitting on the hutch shelf and snapped a photo of her for the heck of it.
Never have I been happier to report that nothing interesting is going on around here.
I haven’t been anywhere in a week. Well, I’ve gone outside for walks in the neighborhood, but I haven’t been in a store or restaurant or medical office.
No haircut. No trip to the mall. No foray to the party store next state over. No shopping at the garden nursery.
Pretty much, NO to all the activities I’d planned for the end of March.
My calendar is empty.
Instead of fretting about the nothingness of now I’ve decided to focus on blogging.
To wit, I’ll be writing here in my usual way, trying to keep my posts short, snappy, sassy, stylish, smart. And any other positive ‘S’ word you can think of.
But writing and maintaining your own personal blog is only 60% of blogging. The other 40% is reading other people’s blog posts and commenting on them. Therein is the secret of blogging, truth be known.
And with that little bit of wisdom gleaned after messing around in the blogosphere for 16 years [anniversary this week in fact], I’ll hit publish on this post. No need to dither here when I’ve all of you to read and comment upon. Must share the comment love.
Yep, I’m looking at you, my fellow bloggers. Ain’t you glad?
I am happy too that there is nothing interesting is going on there. Nothing remarkable is going on here either so far this week! Whoo-hoo!
Speaking of owls I found with a friend a nesting Great Horned or Long-eared…have to figure that out soon! I can only see her face from the nose up. If the weather isn’t snowy or rainy I’ll go out to the trail and check on her again today and stretch my legs.
Happy commenting and blogging!
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Deborah, no better time to be unremarkable than now. I hope you get a chance to discern your owl friend’s lineage. I like owls, not as in I want lots of kitschy items with their images on them, but as in interesting birds who deserve respect.
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LOL! I nearly spit out my tea with your comment about not wanting lots kitschy items with their images on them! I have one made of seashells. No, my kitschy item is roosters and chickens! 🤣
I hope it continues to unremarkable there!
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I said that because if friends and family get it in their heads that you like a certain animal, then every gift and card for the next 10 years has that animal on it. Happened to me with cats years ago. All lovely items, thoughtful gifts– but enough already.
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Amen, Ally! I agree, and have also been on the receiving end of gifts that weren’t really. I’m not a collector of stuff … unless it’s something useful, like jewelry 😉
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Joanne, I’m right there with you. I appreciated that someone thought of me but… 🙄
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OMG! I got so many cat items as gifts (some of which were not tasteful at all) that I made up a basket (with the nicer stuff) for a charity chinese auction. There was a bidding war over it. One person’s junk is another’s treasure. Now we struggle with my husband getting guitar themed junk — like clocks and carpets. What that hay? Why would you buy that junk? I toss when no one is looking but my friends have noticed. At this point in life my excuse is “can’t take it to the nursing home!” Ok, maybe the nursing home is another 20 years off (hopefully) but it’s a good excuse.
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Kate, that’s a great excuse and I admire you for dreaming it up. Kudos. I like how you re-purposed some of your cat stuff for charity. That’s smart, too. I was not aware of guitar items but am not surprised that they exist. There’s always a market for something somewhere. 🙄
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You can get anything in tacky!
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Sadly, that’s true.
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Maybe casually mention your deep affection for wombats to keep it interesting?😁
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YES! That’s a wonderful idea. I like wombats so it would not be a lie. Bring me the wombats.
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We have Great Horned owls here! I figured it out by their calls at night, which I heard long before I ever saw them: “Who. Who. Who. Who.” But maybe the long-eared sound similar?
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How exciting Autumn! I suspect it’s a great horned, but it’s nesting in a broken branch with only part of it’s head exposed. I can’t see its throat or body to make a positive ID. I keep going in the late afternoon hoping it’s out and perched on the branch, but I haven’t been that lucky yet.
My book says Long Eared make a longer hoo call.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Long-eared_Owl/sounds
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Of course, every coin has two sides. Since this started, my inbox has been filling up exponentially, as people stuck at home post more often– sometimes, multiple times a day. I’ve been trying to keep up, but it’s gotten to the point where every day I get farther behind: so much so that I have no time to create my own new posts. Something’s going to have to give. I enjoy commenting and have resisted using the ‘like’ button as a sign that I’ve been around and read, but it may have to happen from time to time, since it would take six hours a day just to respond to everyone! If I were stuck at home, I might be tempted in the same way, so I’m not faulting anyone — just saying that a little distance between posts could be good, too. Instead of six feet, how about six hours? (Not you, not you…!)
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shoreacres, I take your point. I don’t follow many bloggers who post more than once a day. In fact most of the bloggers I follow post once or twice a week, like I do. If someone does post more than that I read one or two of their posts each week and call it a done deal.
I don’t consider commenting a quid pro quo proposition, but I do realize that by reaching out to other people via their comments I am creating a sense of community and I like that feeling. I’m not thrilled with the Like button, too. But I use it because that’s the way the blogosphere works now. There was nothing like that 16 years ago, I can tell you that.
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I try to be mindful of the fact that I’m blessed by being able to get out of the house, too. If I weren’t able to go to work, and didn’t have outdoor space easily available, it would be a far different thing. I might be that multi-poster myself!
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Yes, that’s a great point. If I had nowhere to go to outside and had lots of thoughts bouncing around in my head, then multiple posts each day might make sense.
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Slick to boot – you have brevity down to a fine art Ally Bean. I don’t know how she does it. Thank you. Take care be safe have fun and see you on the merry go round.
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Susan, I used to ramble more when I started blogging, but now I go with a more succinct approach to writing here. I figure the point of this blog isn’t to find myself or process my life, it’s to get people talking so why not get on with it.
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succinct ..smooth word
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YES! I didn’t even think of that, Susan. Good point. I’m rocking the ‘S’ words today. 🤓
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Hope you don’t forget smooth
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Oh, I like that one, too. I can be smooth… sometimes… sort of.
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So glad!
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Thanks.
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Sixteen years!!! Congratulations on your longevity!
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Joanne, thank you. I don’t know how I ever got the gumption to try blogging back then, but I did. Never thought I’d still be here today.
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I’ve been thinking the same thing about my blog. Apparently we have things to say 🙂
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Yes, that must be it. I long ago gave up on the idea of making any money from blogging, so now I chat here, start conversations, spread joy dammit.
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I agree with Jo – 16 years! WOWZA! Nothing exciting going on here, just a bunch of stressful work. Sean and I are working on taking care of one another – so thats been nice :-). Cheers AB!
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Pam, I’ve not been blogging every month of every year, there’ve been breaks, long ones. Also I’ve changed my blogs over the years, but yep– 16 years this week. I’m rather amazed.
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Firstly, congratulations on 16 years!🎉.
Like you, my calendar is now a bunch of scratched off activities. Work hours, babysitting gigs, wine nights have now been replaced with which closet I am cleaning out today😂. I suppose they had to be done at some point.
Cheers & stay well😘
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Lynn, thanks. I never thought I’d be blogging this long, but now that I have been I’m glad I took the risk to start one.
I’m into cleaning out the closets, too. But there are only so many, so maybe I’ll organize my sock drawer, rework the silverware drawer, or other fiddly activites. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Stay safe, be well.
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Congrats on sweet 16 years!
BTW: I like that 60/40 quote…
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Laura, thank you. I hadn’t thought of the Sweet Sixteen angle on this. I wish someone had told me early on that blogging is as much about paying attention to other people as it is about having something to say about yourself. 🙂
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Sweet sixteen! (the alliteration continues!)
Safe and sound fit the theme, too… for both of us.
Blog away, m’dear. We appreciate it more than you can know.
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Maggie, those are good ‘S’ words to add to the list. I don’t know how I got down this alliterative path this morning, but it seemed to make sense. Another ‘S’ word!
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Always enjoy hearing from you.
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As much as we bloggers say we’re writing for ourselves, as an outlet, or as a diary, or just as a way to remember…we really hope someone else is reading it. Comments are the desert of blogging. I love desert.
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Dawn, I gave up writing for myself years ago. I ran out of interest in myself! 😉 Now I write to start conversations. I figure that’s where the fun is. Well, that and commenting hither and yon.
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Not to mention meeting people you’d never have met otherwise.
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Exactly! That’s an excellent point. I’ve learned so much from bloggers and feel more whole because of it.
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Short, snappy, sassy, stylish, smart – I’ll add “sincere.”
You are among the 40%. #MeToo!
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Marian, you’re sweet. I am sincere so I’m glad it comes through here. And I hope when I comment elsewhere. I do try.
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You make the effort to personalize your comments, hence the sincerity of them.
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Thanks, Colette. I do try to reply to each comment in a friendly way. I figure if someone took the time to write a comment then I should take the time to reply in kind.
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I’ve been trying to keep my same blogging schedule of two days a week but the impulse to write more often is getting harder and harder to resist. For me it would be an act of avoidance because I still have plenty other things I could/should do that are more productive. It’s just so surreal. And that’s my ‘S’ word to contribute to this discussion.
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Jean, I wonder how many other bloggers are feeling the same way as you. I agree that all of this is surreal, and maybe that means if you feel the desire to post more frequently you should. As a result of this pandemic I’m finding myself less inclined to post but am making myself do it regardless. However, if I should become possessed with thoughts and words, I’d probably share them here. 🤷♀️
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Serious congratulations are in order here – 16 years in the blog sphere is definitely worthy of celebration. Cake is mandatory! Keep writing and I promise I’ll keep reading.
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Deborah, cake! Yes, I need cake. Must make a cake to celebrate. Great idea, not to mention it gives me something to do today. Thanks for reading and commenting here. I appreciate your interest.
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I’m glad to hear that your blogging activity will take the form of reading and commenting on other blogs and not necessarily posting more to your own. I can’t keep up with bloggers who post too often! I follow blogs that post consistently but infrequently and write thoughtful posts. I let others go. My sanity demands it.
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Arlene, I limit who I follow to those bloggers who make me smile or I learn something or challenge me to do better. I used to follow way too many people and felt overwhelmed, but over this last half a year I’ve reduced that number, choosing to focus on bloggers who are genuine and seem to take an interest in something other than themselves. That’s my key to blogging sanity.
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Sounds like an excellent plan.
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Thanks. A woman has to know her limits!
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I joked about this a couple of comments ago but the engagement in your comments section is something to be proud of. You have this amazing back and forth that I strive to have someday. I already have an amazing relationship with my commenters/readers/friends…..they are all of those things and more to me. But you are the definition of blogger that for me at least. is what I want to aspire to be.
I didn’t want that to sound sappy so maybe I will throw in an inappropriate word.
Crap. Poop.
Or two.
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Writer McWriterson, I am shocked I tell you, shocked, by your choice of language, young lady. 😉
Thank you for the big compliments. Truth be known I like replying to comments here because I never know what someone is going to say, meaning I have to be on my toes to answer appropriately. I figure this is a great way to keep my brain working, like those word puzzles on your phone only more interactive. And much more fun. The things you people tell me, oy vey. 😳
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Super! 😯
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Well don’t get too wordy here, but thanks. 😉
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I thought of a few more S words for your posts ~> sophisticated . . . suave . . . sometimes silly.
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Nancy, those are good ‘S’ words. I can definitely be silly, occasionally sophisticated, but I don’t think I’m suave. But maybe I need to read the definition of it before I commit one way or the other.
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I love your owl pitcher. Owls are such a great subject to paint. There’s something about their big eyes, like they have a secret. Can’t believe you started blogging 16 years ago. How fast the years fly by! Glad you are staying safe. Trying to help out our oldest son, a paramedic, with babysitting. He’s exhausted!
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Beth, I like that little pitcher, too. Mom had a collection of pitchers, some of which I have. So when I saw that owl pitcher I thought of her and bought it. Are you supposed to be near children? Are you not under stay at home orders like we are?
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We are not under stay at home orders here. The restaurants are take out only, churches do not have services, but some stores are still open. The kids haven’t been anywhere, just their house and ours. B takes all clothes off in the garage before entering the house and showers, then washes his clothes before touching the kids and wife.
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Interesting. We’re all living different lives now. Stay safe, be well. Hi to all!
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Congratulations on the blogoversary, Ally! 16 years is quite the milestone. Here’s to the next 16 years 🥂.
I agree with you about the commenting and I think your percentages are correct. Now, off to read and comment on more blogs!
Deb
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Deb, thanks for your well wishes. I’ve changed blogs and focus and writing styles over the years, but I’m still here. As for 16 more years… well, we’ll see… 🤔
Yes, please run off to read and comment elsewhere. Gotta share the comment love.
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Ally, Happy 16! I haven’t been around for all of them, but I’m glad to be here!
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Thanks, nance. You’ve been around longer than I have, so I’m glad we found each other.
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Happy day, ABean! Sixteen years goes by in a blur, doesn’t it? With the exception of being outside on our patio and around the yard, I haven’t left our neighborhood since March 16th. It’s been wonderful not commuting through the “hood” to get downtown to my day job, in the dark. I roll out of bed and I’m on the clock at 6:00 a.m. with no stress from the crazy drivers on the road. It’s hard not seeing my parents, but I’m sending my mother daily videos and calling twice a day.
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Jill, your response to the work at home lifestyle is the same as Zen-Den’s. No commute, no need for business clothes, just get straight to work. He seems to be thriving, oddly enough. I can imagine how awful it must be to not be able to see your parents now that you really want to see your parents. The video idea is brilliant, and I’m sure the phone calls help you both. Still, weird times.
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I feel the same as Zen-Den, ABean. It’s been such a nice change. It really is less stressful. I’m not an employee who needs to be micromanaged and I’m certainly not going to be cleaning my house while on the clock! My mother keeps asking me when we’re going shopping again…this is all confusing for her.
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Oh, I can imagine how confused she must be. I mean, I’m confused and I’m allegedly still aware, but for the elderly who knows?
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Sixteen years?! Wow. Just wow. Your blog is older than my spawn! But what a great way of staying connected during quarantine.
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AutumnAshbough, that’s how I’m envisioning this quarantine. I figure if I can’t see people in real life, I’ll direct my social energies toward the blogosphere. Not like I’ve been neglecting this part of my life, but maybe now I’ll be less scattered about it. We’ll see.
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Sixteen years! And I only discovered you in recent months. Finding an enticing, new (to me) blog is always a gift. Connection is so important, and this blogging community offers us safe and entertaining connection (without dressing up or combing our hair).
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Donna, I’ve been around a long time but I’m no good at self-promotion, so people find me and think I’m new. My bad, I suppose. I’m glad we connected and agree with you about the safety within this corner of the blogosphere. [I’ve had some less than friendly experiences along the way in different corners.] You make a great point about how dressing informally is the done thing when one is a blogger. No wonder I like this!
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My goodness, it does impress me when you have so many comments in just a couple hours. Stupendous! And congratulations on the Sweet Sixteen blogiversary!
I agree that blogging involves investing time in reading and commenting on other blogs – and what makes it especially rewarding, because it IS developing relationships with others who write. It’s communication, critical.
Love the little owl pitcher. I have a couple owl things, but don’t need more!
Stay sane!
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Eilene, I’m grateful to all the people who read and comment on this blog. I write this blog as a labor of love in the sense that I talk about stuff and then let the commenters take it away. Over the years, commenters have gotten wonderfully wordy, and slightly wacko. I like that.
You’ve said it well. Blogging is about developing relationships and that’s the rewarding part of it. I’m not sure I realized that when I first started blogging. I have learned because I can be taught.
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16 years is a long time to be blogging…. congrats! So can you tell young whelps like me what it was like back in the days of chiseling blogs onto stone editors?
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evilsquirrel13, that’s about it. We had chisels and we had stone and we had to walk uphill through 3′ of snow– both ways. It was a tough life.
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Although I have nearly nothing to blog about, I also have lots of time to write, and it helps me. Thus, I’ve been cranking out lots of posts. My calendar is just as empty as yours!
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Margaret, for me April is blank, too. It’s odd to look a month and see nothing on it, even for me an introvert! I haven’t felt like writing much, but I do feel like this is the time to comment willy nilly everywhere spreading the blog comment love. It does fill in the hours.
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I must admit my blogging passion has taken a hit with this whole mess the world is in right now. I finally forced myself out of it by poking fun at said mess. It wasn’t much for engagement quality, but at least it was something. Silly of me, though, to not get back into the blogosphere since engaging with blog buddies is the BEST way to not feel so stir crazy when I’m otherwise cooped up. So, nice chatting with your AB. I hope you’re well and hanging in there! You seem to be taking the isolation like a champ!
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Betsy, I’ve made a conscious decision to engage with the world via blogland. I could easily withdraw and not be heard from again, but that doesn’t seem like a mentally healthy way for me to survive [and thrive?] what I’m calling Sequestered Life. This isn’t at all the spring I was planning, but for the moment at least blogging is something positive to do that I can control. Stay safe, be well.
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Roger that! I’ll get my virtual butt back out there. 🙂 🙂
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OK. You do that– and if you don’t that’s alright, too. It’s not like any of us have a blueprint for what to do now. 🤷♀️
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True. I think drinking is involved, however. Heineken for the win? 😉
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Always!
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No news is good news these days… and blogging is a wonderful way to pass the time. I think I’ve been doing it for 13 or 14 years. Not sure, as it was on a few different sites. I do like WP though, the scheduling feature rocks.
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Rivergirl, I started on Blogger, toyed around on Typepad, then ended up on WP. I still have to try the scheduling feature that makes you the blogging dynamo that you are.
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I tried Blogger years ago, think I still have a page there… but never really liked the platform. I started on Yahoo 360, then did Multiply, Mash, and Blogster. They all died out from under me… which doesn’t bode well for WP. I might be a curse!
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Hmmm. Duly noted that you are here and WP may be the worse for it. Although I’m thinking that your cursed blogging days are over and you’ve found your forever blog home.
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Let’s hope so. But once I get comfortable, it’s usually the kiss of death for a site.
You’ve been warned!
😉
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Yes! I’m with you… nowhere for 10 days and proud of it. I’ve felt the need to blog more myself, and also making time every day to read blogs that I haven’t kept up with in a while. I think it’s all part of our collective need to feel less alone. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
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Audrey, oh you’ve outdone me for staying inside the house; I’m only on day 8. This past week I’ve begun reading and commenting more freely on blogs because it seems like a grounded and generous thing to do when our world is upside down and our lives are in stasis. We all do what we can in our own ways.
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The good thing about being a blogger these days is our lifestyle really doesn’t change that much. I would like to buy a new pair of lounge pants and slippers! And relatives who have birthdays coming up are going to have to wait for a present as my favorite shops are closed. Always look forward to your posts!
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Jan, my blogging lifestyle is almost the same now as it was before except that Z-D is working from home so he’s a new variable. And more bloggers are posting lately, so that’s a new twist in my attempts to keep up with people. But wearing comfy clothes and slippers has remained the same in spite of the pandemic. 🤔
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Happy 16 years. I have seen an increase in posts lately but like you, if someone has more than a couple a day I usually only comment once. The A to Z is going to take up my April of course but I decided not to try and do the April Love prompts that I have done occasionally in the past. Enough is enough. I am grateful that you take the time to read my drivel.
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Janet, I comment on other blogs as often as I can but I do live a life beyond blogging. Shocking, I know.
I like everyone, but that doesn’t mean I like everything everyone writes every day. Nor would I expect all my readers to like everything I write every time. I figure blogging is a two-way street so as we drive by each other wave *hello* from the comment section when you can– and I’ll wave back when I can.
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Oh yeah, owls are a new delight of mine too but no, I don’t want a bunch of them for Christmas 🙂
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Exactly. One is cute, many are clutter.
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I’m happy to hear that there’s nothing exciting going on. These are surely times when no news is good news.
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Dan, so true. Makes for dull days, but that’s ok.
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Congrats on your 16 years! My email inbox has been a bit more clogged with blogs posts lately too. If someone posts more than 2 posts a week (3 if they can write that many posts a week and still be interesting), I change my settings so I get their posts all at once on one day. That way I can read just one or two and comment. Your owl pitcher is adorable but I’m glad it’s not mine. It’s the type of possession that is too darn cute to ever get rid of despite wanting to clear out clutter.
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Janis, I’ve never gotten blog posts via email. I use My Feedly to follow blogs so I go there when I have the time and read what I can/want. I don’t read everything everybody writes but I do try to comment on the blog posts that I read. The owl pitcher is really cute. Thanks. She looked especially good in the sunshine.
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I am am glad! Damn, that’s a long time. I know you rejected the label in the past, but I once again crown you Dean of the bloggers here. Happy anniversary! – Marty
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Thanks, Marty. I cannot believe I’ve been at this as long as I have. That wasn’t my intention when I started, but here I am. I don’t know how much longer I’ll do this but you can’t say I didn’t give it my all.
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Wow! Congrats on 16 years, Ally! I feel like a baby blogger next to your teen years. 😀
I haven’t been anywhere either. Just outside for a walk and to start my car to look like I was going somewhere. 😀
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L. Marie, thanks. I figure that while I never intended to make a career of blogging, I should share what little I know about it. Write some, comment often. Blogging reduced to its essence. I hadn’t thought to start my car and that’s a good idea. Will do that stat.
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Yes, we give a hoot about you and your “s”tupendous blog, so this is why we gather here. That’s a long time Ally – congratulations on 16 years of blogging. I’m only at the seven-year mark myself. I hope you have fodder and photos for at least 16 more years of blogging.
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Linda, thanks. Another ‘S’ word to add to the list! I don’t know that I plan on blogging for another 16 years, but if I do I hope you’ll be around to comment here. Deal?
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Sounds like a plan to me Ally! Yes, do add “stupendous” to your list of “s” words.
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OK then. Duly noted. 🙏🏻
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Congratulations on 16 years of blogging. Wow! That’s a long time! Of course, a good writer never runs out of words, and you’ve proved the point.
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Anne, you flatter me. I didn’t start out to be a *career* personal blogger, but I guess I found my place in the world. 🤓
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You have a BIG place in the blogging world!
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Thank you.
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16 years! That is commendable! Congratulations. I always look forward to reading your blogs Ally.
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Joni, thank you. I hadn’t realized this anniversary until I was looking through some old files [because that’s the sort of thing I’m doing now] and decided to mention it here. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
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If only I had the time to read every clever comment on your blog, Ms Bean! I get to about 40 -50 then scroll quickly to the end. I do agree that commenting makes for a significant portion of blogging if you want to make it work. Some folks don’t get that and it is a little disheartening to read a clipped and robotic, “great post” from a reader or “thank you,” from a blogger you have taken time to read and comment on their posts.
Congrats on the anniversary. Although I sort of knew this secret of you being a seasoned and accomplished blogger from our recent discussions. How long are you in self isolation for?
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Amanda, I’d never expect anyone to read all the comments here on this blog. I’m as amazed as the next person by my gentle readers’ clever | informative | encouraging | hilarious comments. I love them all and try to reply to each comment on a timely basis. Sometimes immediately, sometimes within a day or two. Depends on how busy I am.
I totally agree: it is a little disheartening to read a clipped and robotic, “great post” from a reader or “thank you,” from a blogger you have taken time to read and comment on their posts. I’m also disheartened by a lone emoji used as a comment. I sometimes end a long conversation with an emoji, but never use one in place of a wordy comment.
We’re in self-isolation living the Sequestered Life until maybe the day after Easter or maybe the beginning of May. How about you?
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We are still not in complete lockdown but it is encouraged. Schools finally are closed from Monday to all kids, except those who have parents working in the health sector emergency services. I still have to go to work along with many others who can’t WFH!
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Yes, I know you’re still in the thick of things. I’m sure your willingness to work is appreciated and that you’ll take care as you do so. Still, the fact that I even have to say that makes me sad…
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I know right?
Why, why, oh why didn’t our PM bite the bullet and lock us down? Apparently, prayers still work better, in his mind.
Everyone is ready for a lock down – they have been hoarding for weeks. We need to do this?
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You said it. Decisive action then, healthier people now. Doesn’t seem like too much to ask from a leader, but current circumstances prove otherwise. 🤨
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I sometimes wonder by what miracle, slight of hand or corrupt practice these leaders got to be where they currently are. Boris, the Don and our mug don’t have umblemished track records. A good leader can make such a difference and inspire people. Look at New Zealand’s example or the Singaporean leadership. It may not be perfect, but it is decisive.
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I’m right there with you about wondering. I’d guess that history books 100 years hence will have the rest of the story, but in the mean time we suffer, don’t we?
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Unfortunately so. Democracy is a flawed beast.
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Terrific news, Ally. I am not yet tired of the nothingness; just happy to be healthy and that it’s spring and not winter. Stay cool, kid!
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Pam, we’re looking forward to spring so that we can work in the yard. But until the weather cooperates I’m going to comment willy nilly across the blogosphere. There are worse things to do with my time. 🙄
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Going outside to do a little gardening right now, Ally!
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Uh huh. Aren’t you lucky? Enjoy. 😉
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🥰
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Congrats on your sweet 16! I’ve been doing it off and on (mostly on) since 2001. Man, I feel old now…
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Swinged Cat, I haven’t been here every month of every year since 2004, but I’ve been here most of them. If nothing else, I’ve learned a thing or two since then, hence my willingness to share a bit of blogging wisdom every so often. Case in point.
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Love that sassy owl. She makes me happy. As do you.
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Thanks, Marian. I’m blushing here. The owl, not so much.
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The best part of blogging is the conversation in the comments. I am doing a bit better at the commenting part than the writing part. Still writing too much in my head but I’m always glad to see you post. I should probably reach out a little more since being trapped at home gets old fast.
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Zazzy, I agree that the real fun of any blog is in the comment section. I didn’t realize that at first, so I waited around like a wallflower hoping someone would stop by to comment. Eventually I caught on that if you want a bloggy friend then you have to be a bloggy friend.
In the last couple of weeks I’ve commented beyond my usual bloggy friendships and left comments on some posts by bloggy acquaintances. I cause no harm as I comment, but I do notice how someone replies. It’s been interesting to see who has engaged with me here– and who has not. 🤔
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Happy 16th Blogging Anniversary, Ally. 16 years is incredible. I seriously doubt that I even realized that blogs existed 16 years ago! 😀
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Donna, thank you. I became aware of blogs through academic channels then discovered people were writing personal ones, so I went for it.
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Don’t forget this s-word: sophisticated!
Congrats on 16 years. That’s as long as I’ve been a teacher (second career). Yikes!
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The Travel Architect, thanks for another ‘S’ word to add to the list. In some ways keeping a blog has become a second career for me, now that I think about it. Congrats on being a teacher for 16 years. Now that’s something to celebrate!
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Thank you!
Last night we picked up Chicago-style pizza and I cracked a treasured $65 bottle of wine to celebrate not 16 years of teaching, but that I made it through my first full week of online teaching. Actually, that starts on Monday, but I think this week of prepping for it might end up being more of a challenge than the teaching itself.
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Your dinner sounds perfectly heavenly. I think you earned it. Online teaching would do me in, I’m sure of it. But you’ll do great! [positive vibes being sent your way]
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Happy anniversary, Ally! No wonder your posts are so…(insert all of those S-words). You have had a while to perfect your technique. And I think your ratio is about the same as mine. Nothing interesting to report here either, but I will still write about it next week.
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Laurie, I never intended to keep a blog for as long as I have. You’re right that how I write/who I am now is vastly different from what I wrote/who I was then. My writing style has loosened up along the way.
I rarely proffer advice about how to blog, but those ratios were one of my biggest *ah ha* moments along the way. If you want comments, give comments to others almost as often as you write about yourself. Generosity of spirit, you know.
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I found exactly the same thing, Ally. One blogger recently remarked about how many comments there were on one of my posts. I wanted to tell her that I respond to every comment (if possible). You have to give what you want to receive.
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That’s my approach as well. If I miss replying to a comment it’s because I’ve had difficulty with the WP platform, not because I’m ignoring anyone. Wouldn’t want to do that.
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Happy 16 years to your blog soon. That is a very cool owl. And I am glad to know your stay at home time is going okay!
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Markus + Micha, thanks for stopping by to comment. I like that owl, too. She looks especially good when the sun is shining on her. Stay safe, be well.
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Thank you, you too. The sun is actually what I miss most from this quarantine. There is nothing like a nice morning or afternoon walk.
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I agree. *sigh* I suspect we’re all going to appreciate our days outside more after all of this is behind us.
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I will keep coming to read your short and snappy posts, which usually make me smile, and often make me think. Your blog, Ally Bean, is really quite spectacular, no events necessary. 🙂
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joey, thank you. And I shall continue to read your blog that makes me smile and think.
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I love sharing comment love and finding new blogs 🙂
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I do too. I don’t always have the time, but when I do I enjoy connecting. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
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I6 years!
That’s impressive.
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drtanya, thank you. I didn’t start out to be here this long, but I am. Go figure.
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Welcome dear.
I have been here only two years and it has added so much to my life. I was just overwhelmed thinking how many friends, how much known, and how much writing ability you must have accumulated in 16 years.😍
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Yes, it’s been wonderful. I am lucky to have found blogging and stuck with it. Hope you have a similar experience.
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I hope so 😍
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Love the owl pitcher. It is so cheery. I enjoy both posting and commenting. The blogging community is wonderful – and I’ve learned so much from others in the community across the years.
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Sheryl, I feel the same way. I’ve learned about so many ideas and situations via blogging that I’d have not known about if I didn’t keep a blog. It’s cool.
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This is one of those rare times when “nothing” is the best thing that could be going on! Thanks for sharing, and for keeping up your blog!
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Ann, so true. I’m proud to admit that we are boring. Never has such a statement meant so much.
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Ally – it is always a delight to stop by and see what you’re up to. I’m thankful for your spot in the blogosphere – you and your posts make me smile, thank you!!
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Thank you, Shelley. I do try to keep things light here. I could go deeper, darker, but to what end? I figure why not be in the moment and get a smile out of it.
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You are inspirational as well as delightful!
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Hey there, Ally. Not a whole lot shaking at my abode either. I’ve been working on the Sunday crossword puzzle in the New York Times this morning. Will go for a walk, and probably to the supermarket. And will continue to worry about the state of the world.
Neil
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Neil, yes the ability to do not much of anything without complaint is what makes for a good topic on a blog post. Weird times.
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I imagine there’s a profound Buddhist saying about the importance of nothingness. Alas.
But what’s captured my attention here is the conversation on the 40-60 split you mentioned. Oh my! I can’t imagine how you possibly have the time.
I started seven years ago and like you, have experimented a bit: themes, pace, length. I believed I had something to say, and I wanted to challenge my readers to think anew. I took four different blogging workshops (Kristen lamb, Jeff Goins, Dan Blank; one of them twice; I forget which). None of them talked about the fact the it’s mostly other bloggers who read blogs. So this 40-60 split is a different way of approaching blogging for me. One I must give some thought to. Thanks for that. And congrats on your 16 years. You are a pioneer.
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Janet, there are workshops on how to blog? I didn’t know that! I knew there were websites devoted to blogging how-to advice. I just picked up blogging as I went along, for better or worse. Made lots of mistakes, but I learned from them, having evolved into who I am today.
As for the time I invest in blogging, I decide at the beginning of the week how much free time I’ll have that week. Then if I have 10 hours to be here I’ll write and reply to comments on my blog for about 6 hours, I’ll read and comment elsewhere for 4 hours. It’s a general rule of thumb that helps me stay balanced and engaged in blogging. Some for me, some for you.
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Oh there are indeed. Lots of money out there to be made by preying on the insecurities of the neophyte. I commend you for just diving in. You have certainly found your niche. What attracted me to your blog was your voice. Confident and clear, even when you write on “nothing.” I must find that Buddhist saying!
What I’m chaffing against is the quid pro quo philosophy that (seems to me) would result in an isolated bubble of bloggers only. You’ve got me rethinking why my friends and family rarely read or comment on my blog: They are not bloggers. My one son is really rather snide about it all; I ignore him. My other son used to read it regularly (he even commented on my post about breastfeeding!) Then stopped as life took him in a different direction. So yes, using them as my sole data points, it does seem to be a world unto its own.
All I can say for sure is that I look forward to your posts each week. And I am very glad you are one of my regulars.
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I hadn’t thought of the money angle on the workshops, but you’re right. And to think I give away my blogging wisdom for free!
I don’t know that I’ve ever thought of blogging as being in a bubble. FB yes, Twitter yes, but blogging is open to the world, available to anyone via the internet. In the same way that you could pick up a newspaper and read it, regardless of where they were in the world or whether you wrote for a newspaper.
As for people in real life snidely mocking my blog, they have. I’ve never hidden the fact that I write a personal blog. If someone chooses to make fun of me for being here, sharing my life, then so be it. That’s their karma, not mine.
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I read that 2020 was going to be the year of the (old school) blog. I don’t know that corona is my preferred way to bring that about, but I’ll take the joy where I can find it.
Also: your owl friend is cute.
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Katie, no kidding? 2020 was predicted to be the year of the blog. Welp, that sure seems to be happening in my corner of the blogosphere. The people are writing posts like they have nothing else to do! 😉
I like my owl friend, too. She’s in the kitchen overseeing what I cook and bake. We’re buds.
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We’ve been ‘in’ for 15 days now. During that time, I’ve been to the grocery store twice and recycling once. Definitely nothing going on here except a lot of sorting and some sewing. Gardening is out because of the weather, but I did read that a local nursery has curbside pickup if your order is placed on line. The challenge I have is getting motivated because one could just sit down, read a book, take a nap and who cares because we’ve got 35 more days of this in NH. As for the owl, I have a chicken who could be a distant cousin in my kitchen. 🙂
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Judy, it’s weird when going to the grocery is the highlight of the week, isn’t it? The last time I went I couldn’t get in and out fast enough; I usually like grocery shopping but not any more. Thanks for the tip about curbside pickup for plants. I’ll look into that. Heaven knows I’ve got the time to drive anywhere to get some pretty plants.
I bet your chicken is cute. I don’t know why this owl charmed me into buying her, but I’m glad that I did. A bit of whimsy in the kitchen is good.
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Congrats on 16 years!! Outside of a daily walk, I think I’ve only been to the grocery store once. My hair appointment was set right when social distancing was beginning so that was canceled. I’m sure my hair will be looking pretty crazy by the end of this. 😉
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Amy, since I wrote this I went to the grocery which made me a little anxious. I hear you about the hair appointment. Same story here, mine was cancelled due to the self-quarantine rules and now my curly hair is growing wilder and wilder every day.
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16 years! Congrats! You have me beat by 4 years! So happy you hopped over to It’s Just Life to see what is going on in my world. Love your blog!!!! Thanks again!
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Beth Ann, thank you for stopping by. I’m glad I found your blog, too. It’s interesting how so many of us have been here forever, but are just now finding each other. Meant to be, I suppose.
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Ally, many congrats on your 16th anniversary – long may you be here to educate & entertain us in blogging land.
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Thank you, Deb! I don’t know how I’ve managed to stick around this long, but I have. So happy to have met you along the way.
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You too Ally 🙂
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