What people are dealing with?

Hathacat comments on Aug 22, 2018:

I try to say or do something nice for another person at least three times a day.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 22, 2018:

I don't even have to try. Just practice what I've been taught by my parents and be observant.

This is so true.

Barnie2years comments on Aug 22, 2018:

A civil discussion requires two people with actual, factual information to support their position. When it is fact against faith, there in no room for discussion. Peace is only agree to disagree and drop the topic.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Or not even 'faith' but emotions.

I saw a flag similar to this on Saturday.

Dietl comments on Aug 22, 2018:

https://eu.usatoday./story/news/nation-now/2017/08/18/thin-blue-line-what-does-american-flag-wit-flag-maker-condemns-use-white-supremacists-charlottesvill/580694001/

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Thanks for the reference. I guess I've been living under a rock. I never saw one before this past weekend. People can always misuse things and I'm sure there are some law enforcement officers who are members of the KKK and Neo-Nazis. It does give a wrong impression to us less educated.

I saw a flag similar to this on Saturday.

Rhetoric comments on Aug 22, 2018:

A certain irony, to be sure!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Have you seen a flag like this before? I never had. I initially thought it was a militant flag or something similar.

I still do. ???

jasen comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Of course, Classical and Jazz........

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 22, 2018:

@Sheannutt That works!

I still do. ???

jasen comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Of course, Classical and Jazz........

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 21, 2018:

@Sheannutt If you have a smart phone, you can listen to any type of music you want. Search the apps.

Mayonnaise VS Miracle Whip which is your favorite? (Mayo for me)

Paracosm comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Neither. Mashed avocados.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 21, 2018:

That sounds really good.

Just curious about your groups.

antitheism comments on Aug 21, 2018:

I am groupless. I think they divide people more than they bring people together.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 21, 2018:

I disagree. Guess I'm allowed to. Groups (in general) are for those who enjoy certain things, not exclusive but also not all-inclusive. I also like to post to general forums just to see if anyone is out there.

Just curious about your groups.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Currently, I belong to 14 groups and only receive alerts for 3. I often delete most of these groups and begin again. I own zero, which is the way I like it.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 21, 2018:

@Sheannutt I like your group as well. It's one of my three.

Refurbishing an old hot tub into a cooling tub 2010 in my backyard of the straw bale home.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

The progression of the hot tub and the wall together look great!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@Sheannutt You're hired!

Refurbishing an old hot tub into a cooling tub 2010 in my backyard of the straw bale home.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

The progression of the hot tub and the wall together look great!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@Sheannutt The tub is beautiful and the colors on the wall go great with the tub and tile work. Did you do all the work yourself or was it collaborative?

How fast can you guess these words?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

I missed them all. Guess I need to get my mind out of the gutter.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@Sheannutt If it was just the first word I probably would have come up with something different. The six together, nothing but sex-related. It was designed that way, I know.

I have decided to start a seed exchange/Plant with all the garden groups.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

I believe I'd stick with natives, heirlooms, and non-GMOs.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@kenriley I agree, as long as recipients know what they're getting.

Look who came to visit the northern girl all the way from Denver.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:

That's so cool on so many levels. I've planned on visiting some people from this site but nothing has worked out yet.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@MissKathleen Oh, I see. Looks like an ice-cream cone, which I love.

Yes it will with the right person that is.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

Percentage wise, I've been in more unhealthy relationships than healthy ones. How about you?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@mistymoon77, @ProudMary If they don't know you or your partner, then their remarks aren't worth listening to.

Yes it will with the right person that is.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

Percentage wise, I've been in more unhealthy relationships than healthy ones. How about you?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@mistymoon77 Yes, sometimes I'm on the verge of insanity, believing the outcome will be different even though I do the same thing :-(.

I have decided to start a seed exchange/Plant with all the garden groups.

Surfpirate comments on Aug 20, 2018:

I save my seeds too but only non-GMO heirloom seeds. I'm not sure how it would work if I had to send seeds by mail across the border to places outside of Canada.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@kenriley I use Seed Savers Exchange. You might want to check them out for some ideas.

Yes it will with the right person that is.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

Percentage wise, I've been in more unhealthy relationships than healthy ones. How about you?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@mistymoon77 I've found that you don't often know until you've lived with someone for a while. I'm great at making bad decisions!

My new neighbours.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:

They don't look very much like horses.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@graceylou Just joking ;-)

Look who came to visit the northern girl all the way from Denver.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:

That's so cool on so many levels. I've planned on visiting some people from this site but nothing has worked out yet.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@MissKathleen I've seen this before but don't have a clue what <3 means.

I'm having a party!

NothinnXpreVails comments on Aug 19, 2018:

LSD

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

Oh, it'll be a psychedelic party. Wish my name started with 'm'.

Look who came to visit the northern girl all the way from Denver.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:

That's so cool on so many levels. I've planned on visiting some people from this site but nothing has worked out yet.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@MissKathleen I'm pretty stubborn in some ways. I don't give up easily. I would like getting to know as many from this site personally as possible. So, I keep making plans.

Who is with me?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I'm in! Where to lay my head? ;-)

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@ProudMary That's cool/warm! I wasn't ragging on WV. I don't think any of us can claim innocence. It's just sad with all the mountaintop removal going on. Tennessee is probably a close second. :-(

Who is with me?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I'm in! Where to lay my head? ;-)

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@ProudMary That's one state that has truly been environmentally raped.

Honest discussion wanted

memorylikeasieve comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I don't really have a frame of reference for some of it. No-one's going to objectify something that looks like me. They never have. Then again, even if I were being objectified, I probably wouldn't recognise it. I have been known to stare at ladies I find attractive, but I never have the ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

I'm not objectifying you, but I find you very attractive.

Honest discussion wanted

stinkeye_a comments on Aug 18, 2018:

This is why I didn't post any photos here for the first six months. I feel like people see my body, and then they automatically, involuntarily stop looking (and therefore fail to "see" my personality, thoughts, etc.) Because what else is there? *I wish it were normal to love and celebrate *all*...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

I agree with your wishes. I have found thru personal experience that I might be drawn to a woman's physical beauty first and then later find that I don't even like the person's character. The same applies to this site. Your photo might make me look but it doesn't mean anything beyond that. I feel it's much more important to be honest, including photographs, than to mislead.

Wow I never knew this, how many have known this?

mcgeo52 comments on Aug 19, 2018:

So of course I didn't learn this until after they did away with plastic bags for groceries in California. They haven't completely done away with plastic bags, it is just that they have gone to heavier duty, reusable bags. By state law they have to charge you $0.10 per bag. That initiative ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

That's a great idea. Plastic bags (one use) should be outlawed.

A place I just have to visit! A solstice party, even better! Carhenge, Alliance, NE People ...

GreatNani comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Not sure what to say about that. I was at the real thing. That is rather creative. Maybe they can get some more money out of it

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@GreatNani I've been to the UK several times and haven't managed to visit it yet. Perhaps next time.

How about a tiny houseboat?

birdingnut comments on Aug 19, 2018:

Cute! Or something like this where you can live on the ocean indefinitely. "Solar, wind, and water power propel this capsule so it functions entirely off the grid. A hydrojet on the bottom of the UFO draws power from rooftop solar panels to transport the home, while wind and water turbines ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

Practically speaking, I believe that might work as a vacation place for one person in calm waters. They would have to be really huge to accommodate more people with room to grow enough food. It sounds like an idea that's still in its dream state.

Who is with me?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I'm in! Where to lay my head? ;-)

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@Sheannutt Yeah, you got that right. Here, the sun is strong enough, but the trees get in the way. No wind to speak of. It rains a lot so good water source but would need to treat. I think here might work. Did you have composting toilets in your straw bale house?

Treehouses can be wonderful, even when commissioned by God.

Donotbelieve comments on Aug 18, 2018:

sigh...dream house

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

It's almost big enough to hold your 20 kids ;-)

Treehouses can be wonderful, even when commissioned by God.

Paracosm comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Wow! I love treehouses. I think it's from watching swiss family robinson too many times as a kid. One of these days I'll get around to having one.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

If you build one this size, you could have a really BIG party!

Treehouses can be wonderful, even when commissioned by God.

Paracosm comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Wow! I love treehouses. I think it's from watching swiss family robinson too many times as a kid. One of these days I'll get around to having one.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@JustKip It's colossal, isn't it?

Photo of the day!

Buckeyeproud comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Love it

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

How could you not? :-)

Photo of the day!

Tomfoolery33 comments on Aug 18, 2018:

That's great!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

Made me chuckle. Just had to share.

Photo of the day!

Deb57 comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Action shot!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

Yes, looks like she's having a great time!

Photo of the day!

Condor5 comments on Aug 18, 2018:

That's one dancin' dawg.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

That sounds like a Georgian response! ;-)

Photo of the day!

moonmaid comments on Aug 18, 2018:

My, my i don't know that I've ever seen one of those

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

She looks very similar to one of my neighbors.

A place I just have to visit! A solstice party, even better! Carhenge, Alliance, NE People ...

Paracosm comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I think I've spent too much time with children lately because this made me think of lightning mcqueen.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Paracosm Oh, I understand now. The Cars version of Stonehenge!

For those of you who would like to have an Agnostic Meetfest.

GreatNani comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Looks exciting! :)

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

I think we'll all have the time of our lives!

For those of you who would like to have an Agnostic Meetfest.

JustKip comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Yeah...I'm out

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

Ah, come on. It's going to be a BIG party, similar to Burning Man.

For those of you who would like to have an Agnostic Meetfest.

pixiedust comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I always wondered what the centre looked like and now I know :-)

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

Looks pretty sparse, doesn't it?

For those of you who would like to have an Agnostic Meetfest.

Hitchens comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Looks great..but they will need more seating. ?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

I guess it all depends on who shows up!

A place I just have to visit! A solstice party, even better! Carhenge, Alliance, NE People ...

GreatNani comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Not sure what to say about that. I was at the real thing. That is rather creative. Maybe they can get some more money out of it

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

I'm not sure who did this. Guess I should find out. I haven't had the chance to see the original yet ... still on my bucket list. This is definitely closer though!

A place I just have to visit! A solstice party, even better! Carhenge, Alliance, NE People ...

Paracosm comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I think I've spent too much time with children lately because this made me think of lightning mcqueen.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

I had to look that one up. Not very good with names. I'm not sure what made you think of that, but hey, our minds sometimes work in mysterious ways ;-)

Has anybody ever tried this for strawberries?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I like it! I haven't grown strawberries yet; hopefully next year. I really like vertical gardens and this sparks my imagination. Thanks!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Sheannutt When I'm building something that helps sometimes just to get a general idea. My ideas general change often and I've found that I can work out a lot in my head. That doesn't help anyone see what's in my head though.

Has anybody ever tried this for strawberries?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I like it! I haven't grown strawberries yet; hopefully next year. I really like vertical gardens and this sparks my imagination. Thanks!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Sheannutt I would if I could take a pic of my thoughts. Most of the visuals that swirl around are never recorded, at least not until I make them a reality of sorts.

In support of the intelligence community that is challenging Trump's action and of the retired ...

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I agree with your thought pattern. I don't think Trump, his family, or associates will take notice though. I just hope the US can survive until after the midterm elections when we'll finally be able to get him and his cronies out of office. They should all go to jail, but I doubt that will happen.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@wordywalt I just don't see that he has that much common sense. He is in it for himself and his ego. I'd be very happy for him and most of his family and all of his cronies to spend the rest of their days behind bars. Oh, dreams are made of these!

Farmville, how is this entertaining or fulfilling?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I've never played this, but there was a time my kids really got into it. Growing your own is tons more rewarding!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Leafhead I believe you and I must share some common genes.

I truly love my iguana...... Hey Rita! Get away from my curtains......

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

They look huge but cool!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@AmiSue That is truly amazing! I had no idea that they got so big.

Taken out the old door in the straw bale home, reframing and putting in the new.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Great that you had such an able-bodied assistant. Looks warm and welcoming. I have a double sliding glass door that I need to do something similar to. I don't have a straw bale house though :-(

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Sheannutt Well, all the projects I have might be a bit boring. I try to pick and choose.

Has anybody ever tried this for strawberries?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:

I like it! I haven't grown strawberries yet; hopefully next year. I really like vertical gardens and this sparks my imagination. Thanks!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Sheannutt It's not vertical, I know. But it got ideas swirling around in my head.

I love coffee!!!

MissKathleen comments on Aug 17, 2018:

LOL...you been hanging out with @germangirl90439 too much, sis.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 18, 2018:

@Sheannutt ;-)

It is amazing what some people can do with a tree.

kenriley comments on Aug 17, 2018:

I'm comparing the size of the tree to the house, it looks like it would be a tight fit to go up in it. not that it can't be done. Anyway it's really cool looking.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

When I visited an older brother when I was in HS, he would say, "Let's get small."

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

Meme0309 comments on Aug 17, 2018:

So invasive down here in SW FL. I worked as a park ranger for FL DEP and we did a lot of removal of mon-indigenous plants and this stuff grew in Mountain sized areas

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

Well, you must be intimate with the stuff then. It's a lot of digging!

I love coffee!!!

MissKathleen comments on Aug 17, 2018:

LOL...you been hanging out with @germangirl90439 too much, sis.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@Sheannutt 3/4, OK, So I can't be as crazy for you as I had initially thought ;-(

I love coffee!!!

MissKathleen comments on Aug 17, 2018:

LOL...you been hanging out with @germangirl90439 too much, sis.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@MrLizard @ 21/2 Germans out of 2 Germans. Pretty good math!

I love coffee!!!

MissKathleen comments on Aug 17, 2018:

LOL...you been hanging out with @germangirl90439 too much, sis.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@germangirl90439 I already know that! I'm sure @MrLizard thinks so as well.

I love coffee!!!

MissKathleen comments on Aug 17, 2018:

LOL...you been hanging out with @germangirl90439 too much, sis.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@Sheannutt I didn't realize you were German. I like you even more!

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Oh yes, I remember from my days in Alabama. It does its best to cover and smother everything it can reach.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

Yes, it's hungry!

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

freeofgod comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Excellent. The thing about kudzu is you can't really grasp it's impact until you've driven through a region that has been swallowed by it. Houses, trees, electrical poles. Anything in it's path. It's like a giant monster that's swallowing the earth.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

It's in parts ... here and there throughout the city. It grows on wires over roads! Amazing in its own way. It looks pretty cool if you don't know it's invasive. I've seen entire sides of mountains covered. I'm sure you've seen similar.

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

Cast1es comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Japanese revenge after Hireshimo (sp) and Nagasagi (sp) .

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

Just a little before all that went down. Perhaps foresight?

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

Sheannutt comments on Aug 17, 2018:

That is great information about your area and I love the photo.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

Thanks. You rarely disappoint!

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

CrazyQuilter comments on Aug 17, 2018:

During my course in plant ecology, learned of many such ignorant introductions of plants that later became ecological disasters. Saw some similar mountains of lantana in Australia. It's the only plant growing as far as the eye can see, killing the eucalyptus in some places.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

Yes, thank God for the ignorant and near-sighted.

A kudzu 'farm' in Chattanooga, Tennessee Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States ...

Cast1es comments on Aug 17, 2018:

That would have been during the dust bowl era , when droughts caused the soil to be so dry , the topsoil blew away . Sounded good then , a Royal constant fight now .

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

As far as I know, the Dust Bowl was in the western states. But hey, people are constantly making mistakes and screwing the environment. Just another very obvious error!

I hiked the Cascade Falls near Blacksburg, VA last yr.

Jthurston2 comments on Aug 17, 2018:

It's been way too long since I got to see Virginia.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@AncientNight Some people are just born lucky!

Spent the last weekend visiting Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountain again.

marksam8484 comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Looks awesome! I have done some spelunking at Carter caves in Kentucky. It has some interesting tours, however my favorite part are the cave systems you can get a day pass and explore all on your own. Spent a lot of time there as a kid and I still love it, recommend to anyone!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

The Mammoth Cave complex is also a very good one to explore. They normally have a knockout Christmas party there!

Basswood carving.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:

What does the sign say? He/it looks cold and insecure. What were your thoughts as you were carving him/it?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@LB67 Thank you for being open and vulnerable by expressing how you feel. It takes a strong person to do that. I truly appreciate it and I will try to be more 'thoughtful' with future comments.

Basswood carving.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:

What does the sign say? He/it looks cold and insecure. What were your thoughts as you were carving him/it?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 16, 2018:

@LB67 I understand your reaction, although I did not intend for it to be taken that way. Art, for me, is the most beautiful when it expresses something deep from within the artist; that can be screaming, pain-ridden, crying, laughing, whatever. I apologize that my comments caused you any type of discomfort. I obviously need to be more careful with them.

Whether I ever get the opportunity to build a home with natural materials, I'd at least like to try ...

Surfpirate comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Best get cracking then, time is a wasting.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 16, 2018:

@CelticFire I collect wine bottles from a neighbor. They drink a lot more than I could ever dream of. I'm hoping to incorporate them into my kids' playhouse.

Am I the only one who feels like a social misfit?

KateZilla comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Yes similar here too. Up at 4am then all the things you said. My social life consists of grocery shopping.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 16, 2018:

I've heard that's a great place to meet people. Unfortunately, hasn't worked for me though:-(

Wow a house in a tree.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:

And here's a trucktree!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 16, 2018:

@Sheannutt Me too. I was trying to find out where your house was. Found an image, but said 'unknown location'.

Wow a house in a tree.

Bjy001 comments on Aug 15, 2018:

This is awesome! Love it. Any idea the location?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 16, 2018:

If I had to guess, I would say near Nepal.

My favorite Phlox doing more than its share.

SukiSue comments on Aug 15, 2018:

Love mine too! But the two killer cats next door have killed every living thing that's come through. My only hope is that they soon get old and let things be.I miss the beautiful Wildlife that would come through my yard, particularly the butterflies and hummingbirds. ☹️ Why can't people keep ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 15, 2018:

@Surfpirate great idea!

What is your favorite photograph of you when you were a child?

Sheannutt comments on Aug 14, 2018:

I believe I was 4 years old here my grandfather built this little train.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 15, 2018:

That's a fantastic photo. You look younger than 4. You've kept up with that strategy!

"Cherokee Trail of Tears" beans These have turned out to be a very versatile bean.

HeathenFarmer comments on Aug 15, 2018:

Do I understand you correctly; you co-plant tomato sand these, so that the beans support the tomato plants? Interesting idea if so.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 15, 2018:

Yes. A support system such as bamboo or wire screen is still needed. The beans wrap themselves around both, tying the tomato plants to the support system. Here's a photo showing the beginning of the process.

Found this moth today.

Insectra comments on Aug 13, 2018:

That's the streaked sphinx (Protambulyx strigilis). What a beauty!!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@Insectra Yeah, I've been to PA a couple of times ;-) I've also been to Florida.

No photo, BUT, I found this critter on my windshield leaving a heavily-wooded event in West Central ...

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:

I've never seen one before. The Monkey Slug Caterpillar has a very interesting camouflage.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@seaspot_run I believe you ... I guess ;-)

Abingdon's Library is thrilled to have author and journalist BETH MACY speaking on her book DOPESICK...

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Have you read it yet?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@BookDeath I'd have to order it. I couldn't endure the impatience of a fast reader behind me. ;-)

I would love to build an outdoor kitchen like this one, nothing better than cooking outdoors.

Eldovis comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Yes! It's the best , to a good outdoor quality life! My garden patio:, bread oven,and grilling, and cooking counter

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

That looks great!

Yin Yang ❤ Two forces in the universe, according to a Chinese theory: yin is the passive, ...

xyz123 comments on Aug 13, 2018:

I like this. How did it come about? Put a stick in the ground -- straight up (about 6-8 feet high). Every morning and evening put a small stone where the 1st and last shadow of the stick appears. Do this for a year -- also implies flat land, not mountainous. The stones will form the Yin-Yang symbol....

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

That is very cool. I didn't realize it was tied to the movement of the earth and the sun.

So.

Sheannutt comments on Aug 13, 2018:

I have never grown tomatoes from a seed, I used to buy tomato plants from a nursery. The one I like is called Early Girl they do really well.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@Surfpirate I use Seed Savers Exchange, a mail-order company. They have a wide variety of seeds and seem to be top-notch.

Found this moth today.

Insectra comments on Aug 13, 2018:

That's the streaked sphinx (Protambulyx strigilis). What a beauty!!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@Insectra For me, staying in PA would be a better option.

Nothing better when you're camping.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Any sort of musical instrument makes the night special!

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@Sheannutt That's absolutely fantastic! Glad you have a musical family.

Please can anybody translate this?

I_dont_know comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Okay, let me try this. Zucchini, potatoes, and ?, jalapeno, "bell"(?) peppers. How did I do?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

Maters equal tomatoes.

Another chapter on, "being embarrassed to be an American lately ..."

TheAstroChuck comments on Aug 13, 2018:

Groan. We should make a bunch of bumper stickers that read: "Can you believe this crap?" and place them on the vehicles expressing such gibberish. For the vehicle pictured there's plenty of room on the bumper for 3 stickers with large letters: "Can you" "BELIEVE" and "this crap?"

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@TheAstroChuck It might be worth taking a chance. I need to come up with a good generic all-purpose bumper sticker, or stumper bicker as my friend and I like to call them.

Basswood carving.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:

What does the sign say? He/it looks cold and insecure. What were your thoughts as you were carving him/it?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@LB67 I can see the Gauguin connection. His figures could seem detached, removed. I like your piece and wasn't being critical. Just trying to verbalize my first impression. :-)

Another chapter on, "being embarrassed to be an American lately ..."

TheAstroChuck comments on Aug 13, 2018:

Groan. We should make a bunch of bumper stickers that read: "Can you believe this crap?" and place them on the vehicles expressing such gibberish. For the vehicle pictured there's plenty of room on the bumper for 3 stickers with large letters: "Can you" "BELIEVE" and "this crap?"

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 13, 2018:

I like your strategy. I've seen a lot of cars that would benefit from added bumper stickers. I wonder if it is illegal adding bumper stickers to cars? They probably wouldn't notice ... right away.

"Cherokee Trail of Tears" beans These have turned out to be a very versatile bean.

Sheannutt comments on Aug 13, 2018:

What beautiful looking beans.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 13, 2018:

Thanks, Sheannutt.I can always count on you for a comment :-)

This is my moonflower.

Sheannutt comments on Aug 12, 2018:

That is a beautiful flower.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 13, 2018:

@Sheannutt well thank you, ma’am.

Today I was listening to ABC morning program and an interview with good old KellyAnn Conway.

PalacinkyPDX comments on Aug 13, 2018:

She's on my list of proximity-to-Trump unwatchables. Regardless of Trump, she's a scary, disturbing person. Could you imagine being stuck having her as your mother?! A bigger question is, why lazy media people bother interviewing her as though they're going to actually get usable information?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 13, 2018:

Oh no! That would be horrible!

This is my moonflower.

freeofgod comments on Aug 12, 2018:

Moonflowers are one of my favorites. I think I solved the riddle of vine or redbud on the park trail. It's the largest, oldest, redbud I've ever seen. Probably 45 ft tall. Massive leaves and pods. And there is a vine of some kind growing along a portion of it.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 12, 2018:

That is huge!

This is my moonflower.

Sheannutt comments on Aug 12, 2018:

That is a beautiful flower.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 12, 2018:

It's surprisingly showy. This is the first evening I remembered to photograph it. It blooms late evening and through the night. By morning, the flowers have collapsed.

So, I wasn't sure, yet again, where this would be most appropriate.

SukiSue comments on Aug 12, 2018:

If I've overindulged then put on a few pounds, simply cutting down on or out carbs does the trick. And very quickly too! 3 oz of meat twice a day - chicken, turkey, lean beef, sea bass, or cod. ( I use nuts and seeds.) green beans broccoli cauliflower lettuce cucumbers Tomatoes radishes, asparagus ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 12, 2018:

@SukiSue Looking good.

Seeking info about elevation-sickness PREVENTION... any tips or tricks that worked for you?

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Train at high altitudes before you go on your trip.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 12, 2018:

@Soarfeet Sorry. I don't know of a magical pill.

Found this today. Thought I'd share:

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 11, 2018:

It sounds sort of like my thesis show.

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@BookDeath I'll have to piece it together for you.

Hyles lineata, the White Lined Sphinx Moth, aka Hummingbird Moth.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 11, 2018:

That is really beautiful. How large do they get?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@Leafhead I'll take your word on that!

I thought this group might appreciate this mural. This is not my photo, I found it on the internet.

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Wonder if they have bug problems?

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@LB67 Maybe, but it's not a very good advertisement nonetheless ;-)

It all began in 1917 when a KY coal miner asked our traveling salesman for a snack “as big as the ...

MrLizard comments on Aug 11, 2018:

They're fun to eat from a nostalgic point of view. They're really not all that well made. I have a friend who has a yearly Trailer Park Holiday Party where they serve many interesting dishes and snacks, including Moon Pies and Yoohoo Martinis. (The Yoohoo martini's are actually pretty damned ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@MrLizard Will do. Thanks for the invite!

It all began in 1917 when a KY coal miner asked our traveling salesman for a snack “as big as the ...

MrLizard comments on Aug 11, 2018:

They're fun to eat from a nostalgic point of view. They're really not all that well made. I have a friend who has a yearly Trailer Park Holiday Party where they serve many interesting dishes and snacks, including Moon Pies and Yoohoo Martinis. (The Yoohoo martini's are actually pretty damned ...

AstralSmoke replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@MrLizard I'm almost always up for a road trip!