Just some of my favorite pics of my favorite dogs playing in a flooded field, today after work.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 27, 2018:

And a great time was had by all!

I'm in a tent in the Smokey Mtns park as I write this.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 26, 2018:

I had to look on a map. Have fun and be safe.

As I was finishing packing the car for a weekend hiking trip, I realize I forgot my sleeping bag.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Sounds like you were stoned. Everyone has those moments.

Savannah Riverfront at night Summer 2016.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 26, 2018:

It's on my list! 10 pics ... extraordinary! Thank you both!

Anyone here hike all or large portions of the Appalachian Trail?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 26, 2018:

I've hiked 2/3rds of it, from GA to NY. It's not something you just do. It takes a lot of planning and flexibility and cooperation from someone who is not going. Mail drops are critical. Also practice. Get in shape. Practice with a 35lb bag on your back. Plan on starting slow, maybe 8-10 miles a day. Rest every fifth day (pick a #). Some parts are easier than others. I hate the PA rocks and there's a lot of PA on the trail. Maryland is easy and might be able to hike 30-40 miles in a day. You need to know yourself because it's very possible/probable to get lonely if you're hiking by yourself. I liked the trail and want to finish it.

Do you like it when your partner is the dominant one in bed, or do you prefer leading things?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 26, 2018:

I can't say I know many men that like 'blue balls'! It's nice when we 'switch' it up. Surprise me! I've got surprises too.

I had a choice of things to do tonight.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Mall art wins every time!

How about folks posting a building in the area in which they live?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I've never been there. Perhaps I drop by for a pint on my next UK bike tour.

That invigorating moment and you see that ball of lightening before it explodes

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Sounds ominous.

Small moth on screen

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

That's one of your favourite ones, isn't it, at least it looks similar to the one you've posted before. They seem quite adept at camouflaging.

So something has been bothering me the past couple of days.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Your approach leads to a sane personality.

Here's my final post featuring a railway station, for now.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

It looks very gay (happy)! Do you have a pub collection as well?

Heat wave strikes the Arctic, and the climate enters the Twilight Zone

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Maybe not as serious as the weather, but maybe as immediate: https://www.npr.org/2018/07/24/627505327/meet-the-woman-who-put-plastic-waste-on-the-map

BERLIN -- Summer 1994

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

These are some pics I took in Autumn '16

Salcombe, Devon, England - under the arches.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Beautiful! I miss those tight walkways.

Some photos from my visit to Brighton at the weekend

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Cool location. My daughter would want to spend the entire time on the bungee chords.

One of my favorite photos.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Fantastic! Love the greens!

BERLIN -- Summer 1994

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Absolutely love Berlin!

Railway stations in Europe offer a wide variety of architectual styles.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 23, 2018:

You had me all pumped for more European train stations!

Crab spider with green bottle fly

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 23, 2018:

You must be the former National Geographic photographer they were talking about.

Just a bunch of trees.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 22, 2018:

I've seen this somewhere before.

What do you "think" of - Open Relationships?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 22, 2018:

They're definitely not for everyone. I believe an open relationship requires a whole bunch of maturity, especially if you really care for 'the other' person.

I've been walking along this road for a few weeks now.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 22, 2018:

Wow, it's one of those roads your going down and thinking, when are they going to bush hog this down?

Every time I think I'm ready to start dating.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 21, 2018:

When it becomes soup, you just have to lay back and float.

I don't usually post private matters, but this will be an exception.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 21, 2018:

Very good for him! I learned a lot about myself on the AT. Now's the time to do stuff you've put on your bucketlist.

The railway station at Canfranc high up in the Spanish Pyrenees was the second largest station in ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 20, 2018:

The train station looks impressive!

We don't like the term 'beaver' ?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 20, 2018:

I'll try to remember that!

Only one word.☺

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 19, 2018:

Relief

Some of the neat moths that came to my lights last night.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 19, 2018:

They are really gorgeous!

Liberal Redneck - Vlad n Donnie 2gether 4ever - YouTube

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 19, 2018:

What would your papa say? I had totally forgotten about the possible dirt from his mancave. I was innocently thinking it must be some more hotel deals!

It has become more than abundantly clear that Donald Trump is a lying, corrupt, morally bankrupt ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 19, 2018:

I didn’t/don’t support him and have enough shame to run a bus.

Woman crashes wedding. Hillarious [youtube.com]

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 18, 2018:

Someone had a good sense of humor!

What would you do????

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 18, 2018:

Get out of debt.

Last bee hotel post! I'm sure everyone's more than glad.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

Looks great! Good location. Looks very sculptural.

Taking recommendations for my next “legal” state road trip...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

Colorado is probably the closest. California probably offers more ‘opportunities’. If you’re ever up for an illegal road trip, drop by Chattanooga.

Show me yours I'll show you mine!

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

Quite a garden!

@Admin.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

I, as well, have been able to do this ever since I've had the app. Is it different for Australians?

Hello everyone.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

Greetings. I don't know any Greek, but I dated one once.

I am new here, as an introduction I took two photos in my garden.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 14, 2018:

You have a good size garden. What are the stakes for in the first photo? Do you run string between them?

This pretty much sums it up! <giggle>

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I hadn't thought about it that way before, but fairly accurate.

The rest is up to them.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I tell my friend sort of the same thing. You don't pick friends, they pick you.

When you find one of your cannabis grinders you lost in your vehicle glove box and find weed in it ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Time for the 'happy dance'!

What size bed do you prefer?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I sleep on a full, but by myself. A queen or king would be nice for two people. My preference is the ground with a sleeping roll under my sleeping bag.

Backpacking in the INYO National Forest -- John Muir Wilderness.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Your flipflops on top of your backpack look like a teeny weeny snowboard. Cool photo.

This is a great time to try Mind Your Own F king Business. [youtu.be]

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I needed that today. But they weren't nice people, so maybe not.

A friend posted this on FB and I couldn't resist commenting on it.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I have faith and I didn't even know it! I'm certain that an ideal partner would be ... well, ideal (at least that's what I'm hoping for) and gravity keeps me on the ground while I breathe this almost invisible air (I live in a city).

More lizards and their friends

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

They are really cool. Friends of yours?

I love all languages! I am fluent in 4 (,italian, french, spanish, english) i would love to learn ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

No, sorry. I don't speak/write Italian or Spanish, but I speak/write adequately in English. I agree, even if one doesn't speak another language, one needs to get out and see at least part of the unknown world.

More pictures of my wife's handiwork in the back yard

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Fantastic! Looks like you found a winner!

Heatwave reveals a hidden neolithic monument in Ireland

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Yea! Newgrange has siblings!

"Conservatives are an extinct species" - John Irving

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

The word 'conservative' has morphed over the years. My mom (almost 90) has said many times, "it used not to be such a negative word." Conservative at its root is not so bad; to want to keep what you have ... to conserve.

[ted.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

This is an aside. The website I would like for you to look at and possibly respond to is this: https://agnostic.com/group/CriticsofCapitalism/post/128483/hahaha-loves-these-cartoons-https-www-youtube-watch-v-3h8o7v-wxwq?cid=544817 Watch the video, if you dare, and see the education analogy it uses to make his point. He is naturally very combative (the guy that made the post) so if you don't want to reply, I understand. I, unfortunately, don't know when to keep quiet.

I propose we have a “Gathering” once we reach 50,000 members.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I love it. Would love to actually put bodies and voices (opinions) together.

What has been your favorite book, app, or other tool for learning a new language (or practicing one ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Of the programs I have tried, I like Rosetta Stone the best.

Spice Rack

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

How 'bout seasoned salt?

Proceed with caution.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

I love it when people take illiterate signs literally.

I am an Arabic language teacher at a major university in Detroit, the idea that the Arabic language ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Still working on my German. I'd like to learn Russian and Mandarin as well. May I please live until I'm 120 so I can learn Arabic as well?

Oh my ........ [youtube.com]

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Wow, I can relate. Don't know that I've ever been as high as he though.

Ants face through an electron microscope.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

That is so very cool! I didn't think they looked so likeable.

Some of my recent sculptures (DOVISART.com)

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

Nice! FYI: I'm fairly lazy and believe it or not, there are even lazier people than I here. Post a link. You'll get more replies. Even better than a link: photographs.

Dating Site Don'ts

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 13, 2018:

It doesn't seem to matter on how I perceive them. it does matter how they perceive me. I must be doing everything badly.

I do not use these, how many of you do?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I almost always do if they are available.. Faster then the average checkout line and I pack my own bags (the way I want them). I always take my own canvas bags, as well.

We are welcoming @OlderMusicGeek to our midst!

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Welcome 'the older geek who likes music'!

Bee hotel - test fit of cedar fence post sections. Looks like I'll need less filler than I thought.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

And bees use this how exactly?

Opposition to Breast-Feeding Resolution by U.S. Stuns World Health Officials

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Not surprised. Trump doesn't believe in science. It gets in the way of making (that somehow seems like the wrong word) money.

A recent sighting.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Good thing you spotted it!

Bee hotel update: Shade roof attached and polyurethaned.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I'm excited!

On green DUI or exposure second-hand smoke and impairment, here is an article on a test we did.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Good read! I hadn't heard about the 'limits' before. Politicians want to make things so difficult.

Yesterday as I left vegas to drive to Albuquerque a storm was brewing.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Have fun!

Ramsey State Park, Illinois. Another beautiful state park.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Looks like you opted for a tent instead of your trailer?

I have bees in the zinnias and the okra is blooming!

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

You must have also gotten a late start on your garden.

Strange food combo.?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I can't think of one, but I've never been pregnant before. Women who have been or are pregnant can come up with some pretty strange combos.

Hahaha... loves these cartoons... [youtube.]

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I don't want to engage in your argumentative dialogue. But I do have a 'valid' point to make. Does the teacher not have a responsibility to the students to engage and encourage the? With a good teacher, there is no reason why most if not all the students would not receive an 'A'.

My game is art in all forms! Even cooking and gardening, I am a painter, ceramic designer, and ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Hello and welcome!

A pair of Goldfinches on pest control duty this morning, working the sunflowers in the garden.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Very nice. Wish they ate more.

[huffingtonpost.com]

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I'm not sure he can read beyond a fourth grade level, so I'm sure visuals help.

The first harvest of garlic from this morning, about 175 bulbs were ready to be pulled, washed and ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I have to give it to you, you don't go part way!

Thanks, I'm learning...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

That's the common name for them. Now for the real quiz. What's the scientific name?

[youtube.com] Does this old timey stuff count? Just hits home this morning.n

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Yes, a classic!

Robo-bees...that sounds like a fantastic idea.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

Isn't that they way they plan new products? Solve a perceived problem while causing a more serious one. Keeps the economy going!

Winter sunshine, rubber trees & bamboo at the river.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

The rubber tree is a majestic looking species! Is bamboo native to Australia?

1519 days after successfully escorting metgasco off the land: bentley of the northern rivers, nsw, ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

I had the same question as @farmboy2017. But you have already answered it once. Once was probably enough, don't you think?

This one sadly didn't make it, so we'll never know what it wanted to become. too cold winter nights?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 12, 2018:

It looks like a woolly caterpillar. Is that specific enough for you? I have a silver bullet in my gun. Ask @insectra!

Where I belong?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I could stay there for a couple of hours, maybe.

For my world travelers: [scmp.com] Come see me on the Island of Hainan.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I'd love to go. Have not been to that part of the world.

[ted.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

My mom was a teacher, so I get to hear the ends and outs of our local education system. They are beginning to make changes, but very slowly. We've needed an education revolution here in the states for a long time. European and especially Scandinavian countries are always ahead of us. Why don't we pull our heads out and accept that someone might do things better than us? Lead on!

Testing out the new website colors! After a lot of work, we are rolling out the ability to change ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I like the idea. The green looks a little disgusting though (in my opinion).

Sometimes I think we atheists/agnostics put just a bit too much importance on some "religious" ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Bless their pea-pickin' hearts. I've had discussions along those lines before as well. There are a lot of words that some seem to run away with. I mark them down as baby atheist. They enjoy talking about churches and religions because they are still very close, in that they haven't gotten it all sorted out in their heads.

James Abbott McNeil Whistler American, 1834-1903 Nocturne in Black and Gold - The Falling Rocket ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Whistler's mom is a classic. I'm sure most people are familiar with it.

Given the anarchic destruction being wrought by Trump, it is time for all members appointed members ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Keep holding your breathe. Bad people don't see themselves as bad. They are in it for money and fame. We're just a speed hump.

Today with three women we hiked a 10.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Beautiful country.

Why yes... btw, got my internet back.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Love it when someone shows humor.

It keeps happening. Lol. I’m actually cleaning the BnB....this is how I multi-task

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

You'll be happy with me. I'm going to try baking some zucchini loafs tomorrow.

If there was one around when I went camping yes I did.?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Lots of times. We have a couple of overgrown outhouses nearby.

Love those blackberries, I used to as a and I still do?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

And I still do.

Being too intelligent might make you a less effective leader | World Economic Forum

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

That must be my problem. I don't take the IQ thing without several shakes of salt, but I thought the average IQ was closer to 120.

Morning gardeners, Day 16 trip the garden.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Bountiful!

Finally got my tomatoes transplanted! Have to have them up on the deck so the deer won't eat them ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I must have a deer that crosses my yard on occasion. It doesn't bother my tomatoes, but it loves nibbling on my asters.

Is love the motivator of empathy or is empathy the motivator of love?

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I would say love is the motivator. Empathy must be a by-product.

They may be smelly but they are a great little animal.

AstralSmoke comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Found a photo. One of my albino raccoons and my albino skunk.