Morning everyone!

It was a lovely day yesterday and promises to be nice today also. A little yardwork may be in order this afternoon.

This morning my local news feed had three interesting animal related articles. The first is that someone dumped a huge number of domesticated rats along Front Street in Harrisburg and in Steelton. Animal rescue is going nuts trying to find accommodations, food, etc. for them. They are trying hard to separate the males from the females to keep them from breeding in the wild.

Then there is the warning that rabbits are dying in PA from a rabbit hemorrhagic disease, the first time it has been seen in the wild in PA. The word is this disease is not transferrable to humans, but with other hemorrhagic disease, I don't trust that it won't jump from rabbits to other rodents or humans at some point.

And lastly, there has been a popular private hawk watching site near Carlisle at least 68 years (according to PennLive, our local newspaper). It has been transferred to PA Game Commission. I am trying to remember if I knew about the site, but mostly I think of Hawk Mountain which is also not far from here. What I absolutely didn't know is that Hawk Mountain is the oldest hawk watch site in the US and certainly didn't know that the Waggner's Gap Hawk Watch site is the second oldest site.

In the news yesterday evening I found out that Angela Lansbury has passed away.

There was also a warning that the flu season in PA is likely to be much worse this year than last. I still need to see about getting the COVID variant shot.

Last night I watched a short clip by someone explaining that the Mississippi is at low enough levels because of the drought to cause several spots to be shut down to shipping or barge size to be restricted. That and the talk of a rail strike (which I thought had been recently averted) will put a major crimp in shipping. The Mississippi handles a tremendous amount of domestic grain shipments. The upshot is that we may have to deal with even slower deliveries and more shortages over the not so nice winter weather season which is being forecast. If so, we can expect more hoarders and thefts in affected areas. I'm hoping for a better winter that the news seems to be pointing to.

Looks like the more we fix things the worse it gets.

MarsGal -  Thanks for the morning news update!    Honestly, it's interesting to read about things happening in the East, that we never hear about out here in the West.  The rabbits, the rats, and the Mississippi at low levels because of the drought?  That's a surprise . . .  looks to us in California, like you have constant rain and flooding going on in the East and Midwest? We're entering our third season of drought, with no rain predicted as far as can be seen on those satellite maps.  Warm and sunny today, with highs in the low 80's.     

Here is the clip I watched last evening about the Mississippi. I didn't realize the drought extended as far east as it has. Check out his maps. Where we are, we haven't had a lot of water, but it only had us on a drought watch in this area.

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It all sounds so glum, I am once again reminded to feel gratitude for the good years I have known and to try to elude worrying about what may be in wait for the human race.

I do like a world full of Kind people.  We should all love one another.  I cannot explain today's hatreds and divisiveness.

We have some rather scary weather headed our way, apparently.  I believe the forecasts I heard this evening (Tornadoes being the worst mentioned) were all about Washington, D.C. and heading North through Baltimore up to New York State and further North.  To hit here and do it's worst between four and seven tomorrow morning.  Well, I cannot control the weather. Daughter Debi was going to come over and watch the Hearing with me, but I have told her to wait and see.  I live in a condominium community, so will have no outside to pick up; but Debi & Steve have a substantial property that may call for a lot of cleaning up.  Well, most of the worst weather tends to actually take a turn directly North, and we don't get much really scary stuff.

I love Autumn as well, Sandy Dapph;  but it does give me a strong sense of the year closing down.  I think Spring still makes my heart appreciate nature more.  I expect that is due to all the lovely flowers showing off their loveliness.

What s struggle with myself, but I did it. Yea! I successfully navigated through the big sale on Amazon and other sites. I did NOT buy a new Paperwhite nor a new laptop, even though I really, really want to upgrade the Paperwhite and replace my dead laptop.

Today we have rain. What a surprise to see that it only got down to around 60^o overnight. Tonight we will be back down into the low 40^os, A night or so ago we had frost warnings.

did you buy anything on the big sale?  I almost gave in and bought a new computer.  But the angel on my shoulder said "no, no, no, not right now".  Even though the other shoulder's occupant whispered "buy, buy, buy".  Made it through another temptation!!! That was close!

[Marsgal and Tome, how did you put the initials where a picture could go?  I know how to change the picture but couldn't figure out how to do the letters.

Its a gorgeous Fall day here but we've been so dry and hot that leaves haven't turned and sound as if they're crackling instead of rustling in the wind.

Dil loves to shop on Amazon butI haven't explored the possibility yet.Maybe I'll get her to help with Christmas shopping.

Mary Page -  Like you, I'm grateful for all the good years in the past, and feel fortunate that I lived the majority of my life in what I consider to be better, happier times. 
Now hatefulness is the norm, and there is fear and divisiveness everywhere.  I also wonder how much worse things will become in the near future, but I'm glad I won't be around to see it.

MarsGal and Tome - I also looked at the big Amazon sale.  I was seriously considering buying some pricey tech Christmas presents this year for grandchildren.  I decided against it because of not being knowledgeable as to what "brands" they preferred?   I hate to give money or gift cards, but that's the safest way to go.

Callie - When Oldiesmann upgraded S&F last year, my name suddenly appeared with the initial M.  I didn't have a picture before - just a silhouette.  So now, all those who didn't have or don't want a picture, will have the initial of their first name.  You could send him a message, and he would probably post an initial for you?

The initial just showed up, Marilyne, guess because I didn't have a picture to put there. (don't know how to do it)  Anyway, is there an Email address for Bubble?  I thought I had it, but can't find it. I'm going to look one more place to see if I saved it in some strange folder.

Send me a message and I'll pass it on if you can't find it in her member's page.

Orange is not my favorite color, but that is what I got.

I placated my urge to buy something by doing my online grocery order yesterday. My last order was not that long ago, but the cat litter was out of stock, so I am trying again.

It looks very wet out this morning, and it comes with fog. Temp is currently 47^o.

Good Morning frome the
very rainy,  rocky coast of Maine. 

Somehow I missed the Big sale at Amazon.   But I
will go looking for it   

I find myself sinking into a low grade
ongoing depression caused by the horrible news
that is all around us.   

I wonder if we are going to survive it all and end
up as a strong democracy that we thought
that we had until he who's name can't be mentioned
decided to Challange us all.

I find it hard to smile these days and that is not
like me at all .... fingers crossed, hoping for the
best now,  still, of course. 

Peace to all
Sandy aka sandy/dspph.   

Patricia, I found her email on the member's page, and sent her something. I know she is probably still busy with holidays.  So may hear from her at a later date.

I'm glad you were able to find it. Just remember the time difference.

I did hear from her, and she sent me something to look at too!

Today, Oct, 17, marks 33 years since our last major earthquake in Northern California.   Lots of small and medium quakes since then, but nothing to compare with 1989.   We were living here in this same house back then, so of course remember every detail.   The epicenter was only 7 miles from us, in the mountain range between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz.

Every year since then, we are reminded of the day, with old TV footage, newspaper stories, etc.,  but now the focus has shifted to the fact that we are 10 years or so overdue for the next Big One.   Lots of "hot spots" all over California, and this is one of them.   The infamous San Andreas Fault.

Bland and sunny weather in the low 70's, predicted for today.  So far our trees have not begun to change color, and leaves are still intact.  We should be getting our first early morning frost, by Halloween.   Hoping all is well with our Bait & Tackle friends, and that we'll hear from some of you today?          

33 years ago --- WOW. I must be having fun because it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Maybe the good old earth has settled down for a while and will give everyone a break.

Rick, there was a quake equally as bad in Southern California,  about three years after the big one here.   That's about 350 to 400 miles South of us, so we didn't feel it , although it was on the same fault line - the San Andreas.   So the next one will occur either up here or down there??  We try not to dwell on it.
    

Too bad it is cloudy up there today, but yesterday the color was gorgeous at the ship sites, Algonac, Marine City and the Soo Locks. I was enjoying the cam view of Sault St. Marie with its colorful houses and foliage, purple, red, orange and yellow. Lovely when the sun was shining. https://www.youtube.com/c/StreamTimeLive

Hah, look what I just found - a live webcam, well two actually, on Machinac Island. Here is one. https://www.wmta.org/live-west-michigan-camera-gallery/chippewa-hotel-mackinac-island-west-michigan-live-camera/

I am sheepishly coming in tonight to say HELLO and let you know I am still alive and kicking.  No need to try to tell you what all has been going on, other than to say we have been very busy. 

We are currently doggie sitting for Dr. Dave.  He and the kiddos are in So. Cali visiting friends for a few days.  This is the first time that Mönch, the Bernedoodle  has ever been to our house.  Our Smokey Cat is not thrilled to have them here, but they are all doing well together.

Good to see that you all seems to be doing well.

Thank you MARSGAL for sharing the videos on Mackinaw.  Good to see the places I saw n person.

Sleep well.

Jenny

Not much to report.  Got a lot of work done yesterday preparing for the winter weather to come.  Gutters cleaned of leaves and debris.  Much too big job for Bob these days, but it has to be done.  Hoped to get the Halloween Decos out but ran out of time....or maybe it was steam🤪🤪🤪


We need to run some errands today and I need to get a move on.

Enjoy your day....🦋🦋

Jenny

Good Evening,

It's been a pleasantly busy month but I don't have much to show for it. Have been reading posts and silently commenting but am usually on my Tablet and don't like tapping that keyboard instead of using touch typing on this computer.  Then I get sidetracked by errands, Domestic Duties, desk work, business/"maintenance" medical appointments and various repairs needing attention.

Marsgal  I haven't had much time to watch ships but, when I have, it seems as if the cameras are on automatic.  That's kinda boring.

Marilyn, obviously, I figured out how to change the picture but never did see the initial as a choice.  That's okay. I can now "play around" with themes, etc.
Re: the earthquake 33 years ago. My son was, at the time, working in the Hertz department that connected with the various rental places around the country.  I remember his saying that the frantic calls from your area began coming in right after the quake but although he could hear them, they couldn't hear his reply.  It was a traumatic time for all of them.

.#1 son/dil have - over the past week - made 101 jars of jelly and still have more to go!!!  Flavors so far are: Peach, Peach Amaretto, Peach Bourbon, Peach Blacberry and Spiced Rum Peach.
Report is that they still have to make Blackberry and Watermelon Lemonade (I have NO idea what this one is!!!!!).
When they finish - their Christmas "shopping" for friends and family will be done.
This is the dil whose cancer has returned.  I haven't had a report on what treatment she's currently having but, obviously, her energy level has returned.
She's also been going to the OSU football games.

Re: temperatures:    Last weekend, we had a Hard Freeze - 28 degrees.  This weekend the forecast is for 90 degrees tomorrow and 89 on Sunday.  It is also terribly dry with humidities of 15%.  Obviously, 44 of the 77 counties are under a strict Fire Ban.
I think Patricia19 is sending us a Major Arctic Front - which is supposed to arrive some time on Monday.  Apparently, Hurricane "Rosalie" is coming over Mexico and will meet the MAF somewhere over Oklahoma. 

Onward and Upward

I have to agree with you Callie. The moderators are all volunteers I believe. They don't see to have as much time or dedication to keeping a live presence on the sites. Also, it seems to me that the conversations aren't as interesting. But then, I miss "W. A. Steiner" since he passed away. He had to be the most amazing and dedicated camera operator I have run across on the StreamTimeLive sites. He set a high bar for sure. Still, there are a few of the of the original (or almost original) moderators showing up, like "Tom", who do a good job when they can be up online. I don't spend as much time watching as I once did either.

Well, the big news here right now is that I just got my new, first ever, smartphone. Now I have to figure out how to transfer my stuff info from my old non-smartphone to it. I have been assured that I will not lose my accumulated minutes of talk time. Once everything is up and running, I will think about getting a data plan, but for now I will be limited to text and voice.

Callie,  MarsGal  and Jenny . . .   Good to see  messages from all of you, since I last checked in.   I'm also burnt out on the boat cams for now.  Still a couple of my old favorites that I look at, but I don't spend as much time as I did before.   

MarsGal -  When MaryAnn was still here, there was a lot more enthusiasm for the cams.  She posted in B&T a number of times during the day, and called our attention to upcoming arrivals and departures.  At the time, Paul Tregurtha, was my favorite, and she always kept me apprised as to where he/she was, at any given time.   I loved it when "he" came through the canal and the bridge went up, and all the bells and whistles sounded.   The enthusiastic crowds were always there to watch and take pictures.  I also liked to follow the Marine City cam, and the moderators there.  I think W.A. Steiner was one of them? 

Callie - glad you remember our massive 1989 earthquake here in the San Francisco Bay Area.   There are so many Natural disasters happening in the USA every year, that many are forgotten over time, unless you were there to witness the destruction.   Here in California, we have earthquakes and wildfires!  Other sections of the Country have the  hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.   Always some catastrophe that we have no control over.
Keep us posted on how Mandi, is doing with her treatment plan?  Hope she will remain strong and healthy for many years ahead. 

Jenny - Good to see you checking in, and keeping us updated on all of your family members.  I meant to tell you that our youngest daughter is moving to the Palm Springs area, in November.  I remember when your son and family lived there for a short while, when he worked at one of the golf clubs.  They liked it there, and I'm hoping she will like it as well. 

Time for more coffee and some breakfast.  Hope to hear from everyone again today . . . which includes  Mary Page, Tomereader, Sandy and Rick . . . and anyone else I didn't mention.   Memory is not so good anymore. 
 

Well, it is a no go on the smartphone. It works fine until I try to use the phone or text function, then it refuses to connect. I was talking to three different people. The last one, higher up the chain, had me do a factory reset which accomplished nothing. Then he says, he had done all he can from there, and maybe it is a bad sim card. They (TracFone) won't send a replacement sim card, so I have to go buy one just to see if that is, in fact, the problem. Of course, since they transferred everything from my old phone to the new, I no longer can use the old one. Not happy, not happy!

MarsGal,
Is it possible it takes some time before you are "activated" to make calls?  Did you try your old phone? Maybe the transfer of service didn't happen.  Who is your service provider?

MarsGal, are you dealing with a Tracfone?  Last few years I've been going to Walmart & have them update (buy the year & minutes from them with whatever discount or whatever you call the extra minutes from them with whatever code I can find on the internet)...and do the whole transfer for me. I have so many minutes stacked up because I don't turn my phone on unless I want to use it & because I have an iPad at home connected to wi-fi (I did buy the regular key pad for it).... I am so "connected" I couldn't hide from a mouse. We've been rolling minutes over since we got the Rialta back in 1998 & have thousands including the texting & data. The iPadPro is cellular since my daughter had a chip or whatever it's called that she wasn't using. They have extras because they still furnish phones for their 2 youngest kids & my understanding is they had to buy in "pairs". Anyway, all thru the years I've ordered Tracfones & minutes online, got all those free phones & then we got the flip phones. When my husband died the kids thought I NEEDED a smart phone & I've gone thru about 3 or 4, never found one I liked so will use the iPadPro instead of phone when I can.. at home I have 5 landline portables & that's what I use all the time.

My son laughs about how many minutes/text/data I have stacked up but I still look for the best deal for the money every time I must roll over for the year! Just Google tracfone promo codes & I take a photo to show the people I buy from at Walmart & they do the whole thing for less than online plus often bonus minutes. I keep a lot of the old phones  charged up for emergency 911 calls, understand they are still supposed to do that even if not on any service plan. Probably more than you wanted to know but "me 'n tracfone" have been together for a lot of years!

The phone. Okay, it is Tracfone I am dealing with. The CSRs all seemed to think it would only take a few minutes. The last rep I talked to didn't do much, said he was as far as he could go with it and suggested, yes, Walmart. I won't be able to do that until next week, though, because this week is pretty much filled with appointments. I was surprised to learn that even though Verizon bought TracFone, they do not service them. After the phone CSRs gave up, I decided to leave it on for a few hours and eventually plugged it in to recharge. Next time it checked, there was a notice of an update from Motorola to the operating system waiting for me to okay. I did that and left it go again for a while. I am not going to mess with it much today because I need to do some yardwork that never got done yesterday.

I think that it is alwaays best to go some where
where I can talk directly to the person
helping me.   They usually can get things up and running
easier then I can ... I use my cell phone all the time,  but
I do have a land line from Spectrum that I can use in case
of emergency when I might have a problem with my
cell ..   

I bought a
Jitterbug Smart3 phone for only $75.   
And it is awesome ..   

Can't complain about that.    It uses my wifi
when I am home which gives me unlimited talk, and text
and access to the internet for only $42 a month.   

life is good.
Sandy