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 |   A Journal to impart knowledge and facts |
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July 22, 2015 I'm going to start today to record on a daily basis whatever happens to strike my fancy. So, it is a very cool breezy day. I just posted 5 short book reviews to The Monthly Reading Challenge. I'm suppose to put away some winter wood today from the woodpile outside but I'm playing hookey from work to write so starting this blog will get done. I'm having a daily fight with a flock of English Sparrows that are trying to take over my barn. They are making a terrible mess so they have to go. I have destroyed several nests so far they don't leave but they get out of the barn when I am around. I'm just starting the fight so I guess I don't know how far I have to go to discourage them. I'm trying not to spread myself to thin on WDC because I find so many things that are interesting here and I am trying to work on a new story. I really enjoy sitting at my desk with a cup of tea and reading blogs on WDC. |
| Revalee tore the page off the sticky note pad with zest. She slid her finger across the sticky part two or three times to make sure it stayed stuck to the frig. There, she thought, this week's chores are listed. I’m out of here. She closed the door, turned the key in the lock then pocketed the key. There was a snap in her step as she walked around the house and across the lawn. It was Monday morning close enough to dawn to hear the birds calling and cooing to awaken the world for another day. Today was her first day to try out a new daily scheduled run. Wow. The woods are cool this time of morning. As she entered the narrow path she planned to run down today. She picked up a slow jog. Glancing from side to side as she ran she wondered at the silence of the area..No birds seemed to be calling to the ones she heard in her back yard. No animals seemed to be skittering away as she passed along the trees and bushes that lined the edges of the path she was using. Her plan was to run to the bench she had placed as a half mile marker last week. It was one of the things she was eager to get started, running a mile a day. A half a mile out and a half a mile back. If I could stick to the plan for one week maybe it would be worth it to move the bench to the 3/4 mark for next week. Revelee ran and ran and ran some more. Finally she slowed to a walk. Could I have miscalculated how far a half mile is? She leaned up against a tree and took several deep breathes..It was darker in the woods now. Looking up she could see sky beyond the tops of the trees. Deep dark clouds were gathering up there. Where there was blue sky and white fluffy cirrus clouds before now the part of the sky she could see was grey and heavy with darkening cloud cover. I’m not going to let a few dark clouds stop me. I’m going to find that bench. She started off at a jog then picked her speed up to a faster pace. On and on she ran. She checked her watch. It had been another 10 minutes of running and jogging still no sign of the bench ahead of her. I really did not think it would take more than a half hour to run a half mile, she thought. She checked her watch. Sure enough I’ve been on the trail 40 minutes, I’ll just run out another 5 minutes and see if the bench is close. Jogging slower now; forward down the trail she came to a curve which she continued to follow, then she came to a large clearing. Nope, I’ve never seen this part of the trail before. I’m sure I’ve never been this far out before. Anyway, I need to get back this run is taking longer than I planned on for my first Monday of running exercise. Revelee turned around and started walking back the way she came. She continued to walk back along the trail listening to the sounds of silence in the cool green woods. Among the trees to her right she noticed a large shadow which seemed to be passing from tree to tree, traveling in the same direction she was going. Must be a deer, too big for a dog. She called out, “ Well just put up with me cause I’m on my way home,” Seeing the possible animal still moving parallel made her feel as if maybe she sould pick up the pace. She started jogging faster. The object also moved out faster still staying parallel, now she was sure she was getting closer to home and then she saw it, the bench. It was right in the familiar spot where she knew it should be. She slowly walked up to the bench. Putting her hand on the back of the bench she turned and slid down into the seat. It felt good to just sit here for a minute. Two chattering squirrels came down onto a high tree limb that was growing out over head. They sat and chattered at her in an angry way. “ Don’t get so excited,” exclaimed Revelee. “ I just bought the property and moved into the cottage. You are going to see a lot of me so get used to it.” At the sound of her voice the two furry red creatures scrambled down one tree, up another then leaped to a third tree and disappeared into the woods. Revelee stood up and jogged on down the trail. The shadow moved as if to intercept her. Standing directly in the trail ahead of her was a doe. It stood still staring directly into Revelee's eyes. The woman stopped and starred back. “ We can be friends, I guess?” At the sound of her voice the deer gracefully left the trail and melted back into the trees. When Revelee reached the place where the trail intercepted the yard she realized she was tired. There was a car she recognized sitting in her driveway. And, there was a 4-wheeler sitting behind the car. A woman and a boy were sitting on her front steps. “we wondered where you were?, said the woman. Hi. I’m Muriel and this is Brett my son. We own the property down the road adjacent to yours. I though we should stop and say welcome since you just moved in. Also, sometimes Brett uses your trails and we would like to know if he can continue to do so? Without appearing to take a breathe she continued. You might have missed your bench on the way out. Brett accidentally picked it up and took it home like he thought it was lost so I made him put it back. We really are sorry and want to be friends. Revelee replied, I need a cup of tea, do you drink tea? Come on in and we will get to know each other. I was wondering who lived in that house down the road. You too Brett, you don’t have to drink tea. I have some snacks around. As she talked she was opening the door the three of them entered the house. The End 1072 Word count by The Journal 7 |
"Your bad luck will make for a great story tomorrow.” Let this Friday the 13th quote inspires your entry.![Merit Badge in WdC Positive Influence
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I love your Blog Entries. I want to give you this Badge. Enjoy the WDC 24TH Anniversary Celebration. Always: Megan](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/community-WdC_Positive_Influence.gif) HI!I did not know it was Friday the 13 until I read the prompt for today. So far just a normal day overflowing with things to do. Our weather is giving us lots of sunshine the last several days. My container garden is reaping squash, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. If you are an herbalist. We have borders of goldenrod in full bloom along the edges of the hay fields. This does remind me though that I read an article once about September 11. The article said September 11 is a day for a lot of historical good and bad things to happen. 1783 Benjamin Franklin wrote, " There never was a good war or bad peace". I guess the truth might be Friday the 13th is just another day, remembered, because of a bad reputation. ![Merit Badge in BCoF 2
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| Prompt: Dreams What do you think about dreams in general? And if you wish to elaborate, what recurring themes or symbols appear in your dreams? Are there any patterns you can identify? Hi! What I think of dreams in general? I think there is too much superstition attached to dreaming. Do you know there are books written about and people who can teach you to spirit walk and control your dreams. So, my question is what is a normal dream and what is a dream controlled by someone spirit walking into your reality? I read a lot of  . Many nonfiction subjects are more interesting than fiction. Happy dreaming. Stay away from nightmares.   |
| Alas, I know very little about the Muppets. I certainly don't know enough to choose a favorite. I do encourage my parrots to watch Sesame Street. When my cockatoo started watching the program, it was actually not very fond of the Puppet part of the show. Just liked the music. Have you ever heard a parrot sing? Not necessarily melodic. I find it comforting that they like my guitar playing well enough to sing along. My big bird did become more of a fan of Sesame Street as years move on. I often buy children's books from Amazon to read to my pet population. This has caused Amazon to place a children's section on my kindle and often ask who is watching a movie, Me or the child listed on the kindle. As I have dogs, cats, and birds I don't ask which child they are referring too or explain the situation. Life's little oddities are extraordinary. Have a smiley day. |
In today's environment I'm told hate, emotionalism and frustration are everyday norms, or are they? Some people simply accept these actions of others and other people challenge the behavior. Which are you and why? What do you think will make a difference?  Hi!We are getting ready for winter here so we will be snug whatever the weather throws at us. I think this environment of emotion has been run through this country before. So, basically, I just take one day at a time. And ignore most of the hype. We still need to just pay the bills, wash the dishes do the laundry and other non-ending daily grind. People are responsible for the way they face each day and how they meet the people in their circle of life. Sometimes I get nasty and yell a lot. It just means I'm venting. I have a right to live on this earth. I learned this when I was attacked while trying to just make it through a day. I'm older now know I have to watch out for the crazies and dodge the kukus. Hope everyone has a peaceful holiday. I vote for more holidays. |
| Prompt: By the dark of the moon. Write about this in your Blog entry today. Hi I have questions about the moon is the moon the same size as the sun? I am reading Enoch and it says in the book that the moon and sun are the same size. NO time to research or look up facts. Bye!! . |
| Let this quote influence your entry today: One evening in August you have an errand outdoors, and all of a sudden, it's pitch-black. It is still summer, but the summer is no longer alive.” Tove Jansson Greetings from Apondia: We had a Wi-Fi event. We have been on the same system for a lot of years. It finally could not take the last heavy rainstorm and simply stopped bringing in a signal. After a visit from a friendly technician, we are up and surfing on the web again. Before that my computer simply stopped booting again.  No idea why  So, I am on K's computer today. WHY I stand pondering the weather. It is only 5 p. m. The glorious picture window is showing the force of the winds. Looking at the  on the wall, then out the wide picture window. Such blustery winds revving up were not blowing only a few minutes before. Rushing the dogs outside to give them a chance to do their business if a storm is blowing in from the west. The dogs returned quickly with tails between their legs rushing through the door. Even turning with a whine to look behind them. The car is sitting out. It needs to be put in the garage. With keys jangling in one hand, then stumbling down the porch steps in a rush. Should have brought a flashlight, it's pitch dark out here. Fumbling to sort out the keys and get the proper one in the ignition. No. That one does not fit. The air is black. Need a light!! Car started, what a relief. Lights are not functioning. Oh! They are turned on just not penetrating the dark heavy air. Gratefully, the garage door went up. Now, it won't come back down. Flipping switches for garage lights, they don't work, and door will not descend. Leave it! Get back to the house. Outside the wind has shifted. It is gusting up to 65 mile an hour from the East. Aahg! That tree shifted when I leaned against it. Grabbing a branch that lay on the ground to use as a crutch is helping. Good thing the garage is only a few yards from the house. These steps are slippery because of the pelting rain. Glad I made it back to the house. Never saw it so black outside before. THE END |
| Prompt: Pets and Animals What is your relationship to your pets if you have any? And do you like animals in general? Blog City: I cannot answer today's BCoF question because I don't know the answer. I have 3 rescued dogs, 3 rescued cats, and a cockatoo, a rescued Senegal, and 3 rescued parakeets. I have always had pets and livestock. I don't keep livestock any more. Watched some of the Equestrian events, made me wish I had a horse again. Once, years ago, I went to the woods and sat under a tree beside a little stream. Two chipmunks came and played on my outstretched legs and feet. A doe deer came and took a drink on the other side of the stream. She stood watching me then meandered into the trees. We always have deer eating under the apple trees in the front yard. Animals think. They think or have habits like whatever species they are. I like all of them, We have wild rabbits living in the yard, and not unusual to see a woodchuck, or squirrels, or neighborhood cats. At night there are owls that fly in and sit in the trees. It's a farm so lots of wild life living in the nearby woods. My parrots sing along when I am practicing my music. If we have a bad storm with thunder and lightning I play music to keep them all calm and peaceful. We have a new game called Doggy Olympics. I throw toys for both younger dogs at the same time they bring them back. Christmas I bought this funny ball. It makes oinky noises when it rolls. Drifter and I play soccer with it in the living room. I grew up with pets. I lived here as a child and here I still am. I was on Facebook yesterday and saw an elephant mimicking a man. . The man had a drum and would play it several strokes with drum sticks. Then the elephant would play the rhythm on the drum with its' trunk. Have you ever heard the song, "Bless the Beasts and the Children"? Always an adventure. I slowed down in July. Very hot weather Making some changes in the house and just keeping everything clean and cared for has been keeping busy. Plus I am reading a lot this summer. God Bless you all for still being around when I am able to get online to visit. |
| Prompt: Tornado warnings. Storms. Power outages. Have you experienced these this summer? Write about this in your Blog entry today. Hi from Apondia. There are more tornado warnings around then I ever remember from 30 or 40 years ago. They have always been a possibility but more rare than now. As a teenager I was visiting an Aunt and a tornado blew by us. The tall trees were bent clear to the ground. The actual tornado came down a ridge and demolished a neighbors barn. We watched it cross the road and go down into a lower part of the ;landscape. It missed my aunts house when it changed directions and we watched it go. A couple weeks ago a storm blew across my farm from the west to the east. It was high winds and heavy rain. I thought the maple tree in the front yard was damaged but, later on inspection there were some smaller limbs down. No major damage to the tree. The rain was so thick you could not see across the yard to the road which is about 500 yards away. Some of the rain storms we are having are extreme this year. Much more powerful than ordinary. As for power outages they are few. Even if the power goes out so far it has been for short periods of time. I keep my kindle, phone, and power storage full just in case. Also have battery operated strings of lights that can be hung in an emergency. Also have some lights that are operated by solar. They can be purchased around here for $1.00 in the dollar stores so I keep a couple handy. Will usually run for 12 hours on a charge. WE used to have heavy snow storms in the winter. We have not experienced one for at least 5 years. There is a lot of extra electricity in the atmosphere. It keeps everyone on edge. Really heavy foliage in the woods. The apple trees are full of apples. MY WIFI doesn't work if the rain is heavy. It surprises me how much we might miss if we can't run our tech now. Just yesterday I was thinking about how different life is now from 15 years ago. I can stock up on Kindle books and read through most storms. I'm going to say bye now. It is suppose to rain this afternoon. The sky is overcast but no rain yet. |
| Prompt: Scammers and Hackers What do you think of today's scammers and hackers? As species, are we losing our moral hold on life? And/or write about a time you or someone you love was scammed. Hi From Apondia!I'm 79 so I guess I don't yet believe we are losing our moral hold on life. I think it seems that way to younger people. I have seen this kind of evil raise up against the World before. It is a pretty regular occurrence just not in every place at the same time. Now, it is especially a strain because of the uncertain political outlook within the USA, Russia, and Israel. With in the USA we maybe should be happy, that anyone and everyone is voicing their views and dissatisfaction. It means the freedom of speech is still in palace. The new violence is unfortunate. Even that has occurred at times when extremism was trying to take over the USA. Spain, France, and the United Kingdom also have had a bout with violent extremism in the last few years. And Russia attacking Ukraine is just wrong. Often it is the political scene that is raising the ire of many people.in the USA and abroad. I once read that Jewish people have music they can play to help peace take control of some types of unrest. If that is true it would be nice if it were playing the music everywhere on the earth. After all this Polly Anna writing I have to say I wonder why some of the world leaders don't think more of what kind of impact some of their decisions make on the general populations of the world. The people who count every day are the ones who get up feed the family breakfast make sure the children go to school and do homework. People who fill the garbage collection jobs and the car mechanics jobs, street sweepers, building janitors, farmers who plant, harvest and market the food crops, fireman, policemen, nurses, doctors, dentists. Life for a multitude in a country take many types of maintenance workers to keep a country running at it peak production ability. We are right to be concerned and to voice those concerns; it keeps people vigilant. Praying for peace does not hurt either. I wish every church on the earth would pray for peace on a specific day at a specific time Christian, Muslim, Jewish, anyone who believes there is only one God. . |
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