Fire Fractal Cat

Zster comments on Dec 9, 2018:

Stuningly beautiful!

Does anyone do prime rib for Christmas?

Zster comments on Dec 9, 2018:

I always roast rib for the big day. I've smoked it before, It's been awhile, though. That photo is killing me, by the way...

We all need human touch.

Zster comments on Dec 8, 2018:

Cats. I am up to four.

[alovers.

Zster comments on Dec 8, 2018:

I had an older version. The cats used it so much that the mounting brackets eventually broke. I bought the version that you pictured. Still need to attach it.

Anbody done Ancestry.com?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2018:

Not the genetic testing, but the geneology, and yes. WAY worth it, to us. We got very far with a Swiss or Scots branch, like 900s.

Question 30: When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2018:

In front of my son at the end of "Infinity War" (while in the theater). By myself, likely one of many times in the car when a song came on XM Sirius, reminding me of all we lost when D died.

What’s are some Austin bands I need to check out?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2018:

I recently saw The Peterson Brothers as the warm up for Gary Clark Jr last month. If you're at all a fan of funky blues, you might want to check them out in their hometown... http://www.petersonbrothersband.com/meet-the-peterson-brothers/indexm.html

Question 29.

Zster comments on Dec 6, 2018:

When I was in highschool, I attended the para/quadriplegic olympics in my home town. The paralyzed athletes brought fancy ramp and rail systems to compete at bowling. Without any unusual challenges whatsoever, I slipped a ball off of my fingers on the drawback, tossing the rental bowling ball well behind me, with a VERY audible crash. It was like a cartoon gaff and was quite embarrassing in the crowded bowling alley!

Who should buy the condoms? (Hetero couple)

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2018:

Whichever wants sex, does not want a child or STD, or both.

How are you supposed to date when everyone you go out with thinks that they are the only one you're ...

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

I assume either can see other people unless the couple agrees to become exclusive. I see dating the way you describe, as a way to meet lots of people.

Is there anyone here who actually enjoys being older?

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

I DO!!! It's fun to have so much of my own "material" (first hand life experience) to draw on around the younger generations! Also, if I can drop the proportion of my days spent on earning a living, I've got oodles of much more fun stuff to spend time on.

Hello everybody i have just joined this group.

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

You know what? I think that Shrek was spot on... We are ALL (not just ogres) like onions. We add layers throughout life, all whille still retaining the younger versions of ourselves.

Hi, looking forward to have good discussion

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

About what? (You cannot dangle a carrot of that size and NOT be prepared to start discussing!) (;

Am I the only one who feels like America is totally losing it's sense of humor?

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

It depends what we choose to expose ourselves to. Yes, there is definitely a significant seemingly humorless proportion of the people. Yet... with the internet allowing regular folks to post their views (bypassing the network boardrooms in doing so), I have never been more titillated by the creativity of much humor available to us today!

I am leaving for Switzerland in June.

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2018:

I recommend taking the TGV (speed train) anywhere in France for a day. It runs through rural France which is very beautiful. If you enjoy art, give yourself the option of several days in the Louvre. There is way too much to see there in just one day.

You have to have seen "Dune" to understand this one

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2018:

Totally awesome!

Christmas is

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2018:

I'll jump at ANY excuse to gather with loved ones while enjoying great food! (: I cook all of the family favorites while having a blast with whoever wants to visit. We've been avoiding the commercial/religious chaos successfully for years.

A friend of mine i was talking to yesterday said to me, Sometimes its better for some peo to get ...

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2018:

I know some for whom that worked tremendously well. It makes sense to have some growth on one's own before pairing up. That said, I am glad that I did not wait too long as my husband's life got cut short. We did not delay or waste any precious time.

Friendship..

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2018:

I wish! I genuinely would like to have some male friends who would not press for more than friendship (sex, romance). My experience, so far, has been that many of my "friends" hang onto a hope for more when I am not headed there.

Family emergency going on.

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2018:

It's a precious gift! Mom and I have been close friends my entire life. She gets me in a way that no one does. We've grown closer with the loss of my father as I've been widowed for 12 years myself.

Question 23: How close and warm is your family?

Zster comments on Nov 29, 2018:

Wonderfully close and full of laughter. I feel as though I won the lottery in drawing the family that I was born into.

So how do all of you handle those annoying scam calls?

Zster comments on Nov 29, 2018:

It's really a sign of the times that I (of all people) don't answer anymore. I used to jump when the phone rings, chatty extrovert that I am...

"If I went around saying I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at ...

Zster comments on Nov 29, 2018:

Classic!

This is so me, who else can relate? ???

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

And I plan to keep on baking until the ball drops...

Roxy Music - More Than This I truly LOVE this song! [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

One of the decade's best! Beautiful!

Mazzy Star - Fade Into You [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

This one takes me places. Love it!

Any fans of Kongos or Borns in here?

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

LOVE the KONGOS! https://youtu.be/Gz2GVlQkn4Q

The Kinks - Destroyer [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

Heard this live twice and loved it!!! Thanks for the flash back!

Toilet Paper direction perference?

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

I actually have exact same cat factor as you do. So, I place it all around the bathroom, to keep my cats guessing.

Do you consider yourself to be weird? I am, but don't care.

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

Yes, and my weird parents are fiercely proud of my weirdness...

Hello ladies.

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2018:

Another fan of funk??? We seem to be few and far between... I never learned any specific dance style to go with Funk music, but would love to! Sadly, I live pretty far from the Rockies to actually meet for dancing. Drop me a line if you would like a friend in funk (almost said "funk buddy", thought it might be misconstrued). I'd love to chat about bands, tracks, etc...

Does anyone have Bengals? We do and they’re GREAT! Sue

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Pictures??? I've never had any, but saw them come through the vet clinics that I worked in.

What are we doing for this heathen bullpit thing we call christmas, a celebration only for the weak ...

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Ummm... having fun while not attending church or spending ourselves into bankruptcy?

The Holiday Season

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Of course! I love having time off work to catch up on some rest, cook special dishes, and gather with family. We decorate, exchange gifts... just basically have fun for a week or two. We avoid religious and consumeristic aspects as much as possible.

Pictures from my daughters garden on Thanksgiving. The colors were beautiful ❤️

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

So beautiful!!

While you might roll your eyes over this now, wait 10 years and see if it isn't true.

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Funny, that the physical aspects are not as intriguing for me as the possibilities for discussion. Depending on how well the AI algorithms are written, it might be fun to chat with a bot even now. At the rate that my loved ones have been sickening and dying, such might be what I am left with some day.

Why Do You Love Music So Much?

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Literally, the voices of many whose lives have ended, live on. It's sometimes painful listening at first (for me), but grows sweeter with time.

Any Outlander fans?

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

I had a mad Jamie crush back in the 90s when he was a mere book character... The casting director did a pretty decent job for the TV series. Our (the book fans') standards were probably pretty impossibly high to even remotely meet. (:

Clive Standen from Vikings. Enough said

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

There are many in that series, both male and female who are gorgeous. That's a terrific shot!

How does the person you ended up with compare to who you thought you’d end up with?

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Better in almost every aspect (looks, build, academic success, occupational success, confidence, charm, wit, etc...). Decades later, I STILL can't get over the shock that he was actually attracted to plain old ME.

Good morning and Happy Saturday!

Zster comments on Nov 24, 2018:

Reminded me of this gem:

My son the rock star, songwriter, lead singer, guitarist for Lovely the Band.

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2018:

Holy crap!! I just heard "Broken" on XM-Sirius and loved it! I snapped a quick capture (attached) with my phone in order to tell friends and family to check it out. Each who has listened has likewise loved it. Congrats on your kid becoming a star!

Alright, the results from your salmonella turkey and ecoli salad should be in.

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2018:

My turkey was a Butterball (heard that it was Jennie-Os affected by the recall). I do not menu lettuce salad on Thanksgiving, but have a nice head in the fridge. We all seem healthy enough!

What (in hindsight) are the most idiotic things you've done for a relationship?

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2018:

I foolishly obeyed my insecure ex's rules to keep him assured of my loyalty and fidelity. These included wearing my hair up or covered, dressing down, not talking to guys or having any male friends. We even went through a spell where we could see other people, but agreed to only do so platonically. We were young (17-21), but the whole thing was pretty stupid. I cannot believe that I put up with it as I did, let alone comply. It's super embarrassing now.

Cat obedience school...

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2018:

Sooooo true! You should see how I jump to meet my cats' demands!

Anybody cooking tonight?

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2018:

I've been cooking all day. We just took a break for oyster stew with Quaker corn bread. I still hope to bake pumpkin pie, load the bread machine, and get the smoker ready before hitting the hay. I prepared the cranberry sauce, greenbean casserole, and sweet potato casserole already and confess to getting a bit tired.

Do dogs know when it's Xmas?

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2018:

Mine sure understood that good things were in those pckages under the tree. She did not understand that there was a specific day for opening them though. ANY day was fair game, apparently.

Question 12: If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it ...

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2018:

Shape shifting! That way, I could fly, breathe under water, etc...

That kinda day.

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

That is a very legit way to make chili in the midwest. My mom always put macaroni in it. I tend to like mine with angel hair and sour creme. Skyline makes great $ selling it that way: https://www.skylinechili.com/ways.php

Have you "cut the cord" or do you still have cable?

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

Cut the cord a long while back. Got sick of paying more and more for worse and worse programming.

Anticipating the obligatory Thanksgiving meal.

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

It's just the kids and I, with enough food to sustain us for a full week without additional cooking. (:

What is the most interesting thing you have seen from an airplane?

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

Firework shows from above them. (We flew over July 4th weekend).

Who is the best friend you ever had?

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

My late husband.

It is that time of year and so here is where to tell us how you prepare your gobbler.

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

I've been smoker shy since I skunked a huge costly load of beef jerkey a couple of years ago... That said, I AM having to smoke a bird this year. My smoker has no thermometer, but, if into the "ideal" zone, tends to work well. I mostly struggle with keeping the coals going. This time, I am using a charcoal chimney which should allow me to pour in plenty of heat. FWIW, I've smoked dozens of turkeys over the years very successfully. I cook it in a charcoal Brinkman over a loaded water pan, with the bird herb rubbed and veggie stuffed. Once I had smoked turkey, I could never go back to a plainer bird.

Does the weather affect your grief?

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

The cool down, color change, and scents of autumn always remind me of our short cancer battle, even when I do not consciously calendar watch. In that sense, weather is a bit of a trigger.

Hey folks, I hope everyone has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

When my loss was new (30 Oct, 2006), I felt anything BUT thankful in Nov... For a few years, we escaped to a beach rental. They are rather inexpensive and uncrowded that time of year. After a few years, we started missing the turkey. We eventually got back to celebrating. I've got everything lined up for a tasty spread this year. Come what may, I hope that you and your daughter enjoy your time together.

Question 15: What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Zster comments on Nov 19, 2018:

Getting our kids raised, by myself (husband died from cancer when they were little). I am amazed by the the fine people they are turning out to be!

Question 14: Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time?

Zster comments on Nov 18, 2018:

For years, I've dreamed of not having to work in the company machine. I felt compelled to until my kids get through college and I reach my retirement goals. I am going to be giving it a try soon, courtesy of corporate cutbacks!

WHO ELSE DRIVES AN HOUR OR MORE TO WORK?

Zster comments on Nov 17, 2018:

I drove 50 miles to work at my previous job. I honestly enjoyed the time to either rev up for work or to cool down after. The drive was mostly rural and lovely. Doing so in the snow was why I moved to Georgia.

Do you consider your job?

Zster comments on Nov 15, 2018:

I work between an office and a research lab, Biosafety Level 2, so it HAS to be super clean.

Question 9: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

In chrono order: Being born to my parents. It's made for a loving and humorous journey. I won the lottery! That D was actually attracted to me. He could have had ANY lady. I was so weird... odds were against my settling down. That I birthed not just one but two truly amazing human beings. I love them more than can be said...

Question 7: Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Nope. I don't want to know. The way people text and drive around here, it seems possible to go THAT way. Grr...

I almost forgot today's question.

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Mind!! My bod at thirty was NOT what I wanted to carry forward. That said, I am not sure what use a youthful physique would be with a mind like a sieve.

Question 5: When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

This morning! I am ALWAYS singing (when alone, human-wise). I also sang to my cats this morning. They seemed intrigued.

Question 3: Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Never. That strikes me as odd. I am pretty off the cuff regarding conversation. It does not always serve me well.

Question 2: Would you like to be famous? In what way?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

No. I dislike having attention focused on me. If I had to be known for something, I woukd like to be known for kindness or humor. Lord knows, I would never be famous, in a positive sense, for either my singing or dancing. (;

Question 1: 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Lin Manuel Miranda. He is so full of love and positive energy. I would love to get his input regarding much that is happening these days.

[equalskiesmedia.com] radio station... Native Music.. for those who are interested

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Thank you for sharing. I particularly enjoyed the Welcome and the Blessing. The flute piece was beautiful, meditative.

Do you ever feel like you're absolutely alone?

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

Not so much, with the internet and my menagerie of animals for company.

Is it right to feel paternal over a pet?

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

And my scaled babies (and yes, strangely, ALL bring out my maternal side, to an extent): Seven, Siri, Cool, Cali, and Luna. Luna is Seven's ACTUAL mother. Not that California Kings are particularly parental...

Is it right to feel paternal over a pet?

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

My furred babies: Bailey, Supernova, Jack, Jasper, and Warren

I turned down a guy for a date late last night at the market.

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

My cart is usually full of produce and cat litter... I must be screaming "oodles of fun!" ?

Up a little early, so still groggy while I wait for my coffee to brew.

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

My "early" on day like this is likely later than yours. That said, I AM awake before the cats... It's got to be a tea day for me. The local grocery had NO whole bean coffee yesterday!

As an adult I can quite literally do whatever I want to.

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

I am greatly enjoying an unstructured weekend at home with my son who is visiting from college. I cleaned up my animal areas yesterday. I am not sure what we will do today. All I know right now is the menu.

Trumplethinskin says he's going to stop funding for the California fires because of mismanagement, ...

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

He is a truly horrible person.

“Nature doesn't ask your permission; it doesn't care about your wishes, or whether you like its ...

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2018:

I've heard that "The Brothers Karamazov" is excellet. I hope to get it read. I enjoyed "Crime and Punishment" a lot more than I expected to.

Foghat - Slow Ride [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Serious rock!! Takes me back to pretty darned young.

Jist chekkin'....

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I can totally relate! (Jasper, Jack, and Nova)

Cat Logic

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

They also have trouble telling TIME for some reason. Breakfast has NEVER been served at 4AM in this household. (;

Cats Who Like Heavy Metal

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

OMG! The deathcore entry is killing me!

How do you celebrate holidays as Atheists?

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

We cook and eat! (desserts, special main dishes, etc...). We also do some low key gifting, and have a music mix that we ONLY get out from Thanksgiving day +1 to New Year's. Mostly, we relish not having to attend work or school, rest, and enjoy each other's company.

Stages of happiness... with Sumatran whole bean coffee from the rich volcanic shores of Lake Toba.

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I just tried Sumatran for the first time, ordered it as my usual espresso roast was on back order. I can not believe I've missed out on such rich flavor until now!

My cousin wanted this, I thought I'd share.

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Love it!

Coffee gives you energy ☕☕☕?

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Yes!!!!

Bad weather.

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Made me choke on my coffee!!!

Anyone a fan of The Great British Baking Show?

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I've binge watched all available seasons, as soon as each comes out. I miss the old cast, but enjoyed the new members this latest season.

So I'm driving 40 ft 15 ton yellow vehicle and I get cut off in morning rush traffic by a SUV with a...

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Hmpf... looks like god created man in his own image after all! If that's how god drives, I sure see lots of human drivers who emulate his style.

Still gross to hear it, for me anyway. Lol

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

OMG! That's a fabulous new context for that clip!!!

The Aliens land from millions of light years away.

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I'm thinking that they just might be right!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

"Peeve" would be a GREAT name for a pet! (;

Has anyone seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet?

Zster comments on Nov 10, 2018:

Yes! It was very well done! It was nice that it was about the band, not just Freddie. The music took me straight back to my middle school through undergrad years.

then there's this cheeky fellow, one of a whole tribe of eastern water dragons, basking in the sunny...

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Wow!!! We hada Water Dragon as a pet. I would love to see the tribe if you can get more than one in the photo frame. (:

Have any of you dealt with alcoholism?

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2018:

See a doctor and do it right. There is zero shame in it being on your medical record, compared with never quitting. Like you, I drank daily for decades and started every single day with nausea. I quit (alcohol) at age forty. In my mid 50s, I look and feel much more youthful than many my age. My father lived to age 76 after quitting alcohol in his fifties. My only sibling and sibs by marriage have not quit. All three are currently dealing with life threatening health problems (cirrhosis, heart failure, pathologic fractures) that will likely cut their lives short. It makes the family horribly sad, but we each get to make our own choices.

What do people assume about you before they get to know you? Are they right?

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Either that I am promiscuous or stupid. Neither is true.

Already getting tired of this fucking Xmas music they play where I work.

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2018:

It's a bit too early for my taste. Also, holiday music spans a wide spectrum of all sorts of genres. It does not HAVE to suck, but businesses sure do possess a knack for selecting a narrow range of the worst, and repeating it endlessly.

Has Anyone Seen Bohemian Rhapsody?

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Saw it a few days ago and loved it! Lots of great music. I enjoyed the balance of coverage between Freddie and the band.

My 18 year old voted for the first time today! Couldn’t be prouder!

Zster comments on Nov 7, 2018:

Mine did, too! (also in GA)

YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE IS: EXECUTIVE (ESTJ-A) What's yours? [16personalities.com]

Zster comments on Nov 7, 2018:

Very ENFP.

What's a NSFW fact about your family or a family member you wish you didn't know?

Zster comments on Nov 7, 2018:

Ugh, molestation of several young kids by certain uncles and older male cousins. A four year old cousin was molested in the same bed that I was feigning sleep in. I was six and terrified. I told my mom in the morning. She believed me and followed up, but that resulted in our being ostracized from family, including the mom of the four year old. Now, the victim says that was the start of YEARS of sexual abuse for her.

Who Were You In High School?

Zster comments on Nov 7, 2018:

Honors student (STEM and writing), band geek, visual arts. I marched to my own drum and was surrounded by fellow band kids and artists who relished being odd. I had good times, but have zero desire to revisit it. No reunions, thank you.