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Post by quinning on Jul 23, 2019 13:20:44 GMT -5
I feel like I lost a few boards since I started to use the recently updated list? Anyway, hope it's okay to do a not-writing-related thread, though perhaps I should just go read through the monthly threads. IDK man.
So, for me, we've been he*kin' busy!
In June we did a two week trip through Scandinavia and Germany. We had a 12-hour layover in London, spent 4 days in Oslo, 4 days in Stockholm, a morning in Copenhagen, a morning in Hamburg and 3 days in Munich! Whew. It was a great trip and we loved everywhere we went. I am envious of the public transit and the ability to walk just about everywhere you need to go. Also, I cannot wait to go back!
This month was eaten by kids going and coming from various camps, soccer tryouts, and whatnot. Our pear trees produced a bumper crop this year (for three year old trees) and once the pears all ripened I peeled and chopped and cooked to make pear butter.
It was 2 hours of peeling and chopping and cooking and 12 hours in a slow cooker to produce .... drum roll .... one half pint jar of pear butter. <sad trombone> Don't get me wrong! The pear butter is delicious and I am very proud of it, but the volume was somewhat disappointing! I think I started with 3 pounds of pears? Anyway, that was it for the English pears. Now I wait for the Asian pears to ripen and then I have to decide what to do with them.
Squirrels ate what few peaches were on the trees, so that was disappointing.
So, what are you all up to this summer?
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Post by Daniel on Jul 24, 2019 8:16:37 GMT -5
Our summer is begin dominated by the refinishing of our log home. It's a huge job that will take two or three weeks to complete.
For the past few days, they've been media blasting the logs to remove the old stain. They are using an abrasive product made from crushed, recycled glass that can be scooped up, screened, and reused (if anyone would be willing to go to the trouble). I've personally scooped up two large wheelbarrows of the stuff and screened it for the workers. Only the north wall of our house is chinked, so some of the media blasts through on the other walls into the interior of the house. We've had to put up tarps along several walls to keep glass dust from getting everywhere. That makes it hard to get air through the house on warm days. Thank goodness it hasn't been too hot here up to now.
The next step will be two coats of stain followed by two coats of sealer. Trying to work with all this noise and people tromping around making the dog bark has been a real treat. It's going to be a long few weeks.
Meanwhile, our boat has been giving us trouble, making it difficult to escape to the lake. I have a plan for dealing with that, but it will take a good block of time to go down to the marina and troubleshoot.
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Post by reveries on Jul 24, 2019 9:05:48 GMT -5
It's horribly hot here, so I feel like I'm being gently cooked in a slow oven.
I realize that it's far hotter in many other places, but I'm not good with heat. I'm not that good with cold either. Ideally I need somewhere with an all-year-round moderate temperature and no spiders.
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Post by Miss Terri Novelle on Jul 24, 2019 9:41:03 GMT -5
We've had periods of heat and then cooler weather, and it's been sunny most days, so I've struggled with the urge to see if I could drag my kayak into the back of my car and go take a paddle up the river.
We've been out on the boat once during which time Erin and I got a ride on Big Mable which is a towable float thing that looks like a big chair. It was a lot of fun even though our tow rope is not quite long enough. It's 30 feet, which you'd think would put you a fair distance behind the boat, but we were still taking heavy spray from the motor so it was hard to see where we were going, or when we needed to lean into the ride. On top of that, the lake was choppy, so we were bouncing up out of the water a few times, and the buckle of my life fest pegged me in the bottom lip.
I've made notes. Next time, leave that buckle undone, I've already bought a 60ft rope for next time. And there will be a next time because that was a ton of fun even with all the obstacles.
We've been kayaking a couple of times, but the water temps were exceptionally slow to increase this year due to colder than normal temps through most of June.
Other than that, I've been working. I got behind on this last book and I've spent more time inside than I wanted to. I got out this morning, though, and watered and weeded the garden beds that went in a little too late this year because we moved them a fair distance and expanded them by double. But, we have tomatoes setting on and peas to pick today. There will be plenty of radishes, and the carrots look to be doing okay. The rest, well...we'll see.
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Post by kateelizabeth on Jul 24, 2019 12:26:05 GMT -5
I've been doing a lot of reading, resting and laundry. I'm writing again, too, little by little, between fantasy and contemporary romance.
My son-in-law is stationed for another few weeks in Ethiopia, where they've had yet another uprising in the past day or so, so they've cut off internet and cell service. He and the others were in contact with someone with Zika, but haven't tested positive so far. They've been sick with other stuff. Some have also had malaria. The mosquitoes are everywhere and they've run out of bug spray. Ah, the military life.
My in-laws celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary a couple of Saturdays ago. It was so lovely. At least 200 people showed up and most stayed the whole time.
We're getting a new driveway, concrete this time. It will be nice to get rid of the potholes!
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Post by quinning on Jul 24, 2019 15:10:13 GMT -5
Our summer is begin dominated by the refinishing of our log home. It's a huge job that will take two or three weeks to complete. For the past few days, they've been media blasting the logs to remove the old stain. They are using an abrasive product made from crushed, recycled glass that can be scooped up, screened, and reused (if anyone would be willing to go to the trouble). I've personally scooped up two large wheelbarrows of the stuff and screened it for the workers. Only the north wall of our house is chinked, so some of the media blasts through on the other walls into the interior of the house. We've had to put up tarps along several walls to keep glass dust from getting everywhere. That makes it hard to get air through the house on warm days. Thank goodness it hasn't been too hot here up to now. The next step will be two coats of stain followed by two coats of sealer. Trying to work with all this noise and people tromping around making the dog bark has been a real treat. It's going to be a long few weeks. Meanwhile, our boat has been giving us trouble, making it difficult to escape to the lake. I have a plan for dealing with that, but it will take a good block of time to go down to the marina and troubleshoot. That sounds like hell. Seriously. My MIL has a log home and Mr. Quinn and I both shook our heads when we saw it new, because all we could think about was the refinishing and I had no idea it was so intense! Yikes! Good luck with the boat. Hopefully you can get it going again and enjoy an escape to the peace and quiet of the lake. |
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Post by quinning on Jul 24, 2019 15:11:56 GMT -5
It's horribly hot here, so I feel like I'm being gently cooked in a slow oven. I realize that it's far hotter in many other places, but I'm not good with heat. I'm not that good with cold either. Ideally I need somewhere with an all-year-round moderate temperature and no spiders. You should move to Guatemala or Costa Rica. Probably Costa Rica would be better. The mountains there stay at a pretty lovely 68*-78*F year round. And if you so desire you can be at the Pacific or Caribbean coast for beach time in 3 hours or less. Politically stable. Low barrier to ex-pat there. Universal health care. We are seriously considering it as a retirement plan. |
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Post by quinning on Jul 24, 2019 15:14:50 GMT -5
We've had periods of heat and then cooler weather, and it's been sunny most days, so I've struggled with the urge to see if I could drag my kayak into the back of my car and go take a paddle up the river. We've been out on the boat once during which time Erin and I got a ride on Big Mable which is a towable float thing that looks like a big chair. It was a lot of fun even though our tow rope is not quite long enough. It's 30 feet, which you'd think would put you a fair distance behind the boat, but we were still taking heavy spray from the motor so it was hard to see where we were going, or when we needed to lean into the ride. On top of that, the lake was choppy, so we were bouncing up out of the water a few times, and the buckle of my life fest pegged me in the bottom lip. I've made notes. Next time, leave that buckle undone, I've already bought a 60ft rope for next time. And there will be a next time because that was a ton of fun even with all the obstacles. We've been kayaking a couple of times, but the water temps were exceptionally slow to increase this year due to colder than normal temps through most of June. Other than that, I've been working. I got behind on this last book and I've spent more time inside than I wanted to. I got out this morning, though, and watered and weeded the garden beds that went in a little too late this year because we moved them a fair distance and expanded them by double. But, we have tomatoes setting on and peas to pick today. There will be plenty of radishes, and the carrots look to be doing okay. The rest, well...we'll see. I love toobing. We don't have a boat BUT we have what I think is better - FRIENDS with a boat. I love going with them to the lake. Also, I am jealous of your garden. Our tiller was kaput this spring and by the time Mr. Quinn got it up and running it was way too late to plant. But I SWEAR next year I will have a garden again! |
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Post by quinning on Jul 24, 2019 15:17:59 GMT -5
I've been doing a lot of reading, resting and laundry. I'm writing again, too, little by little, between fantasy and contemporary romance. My son-in-law is stationed for another few weeks in Ethiopia, where they've had yet another uprising in the past day or so, so they've cut off internet and cell service. He and the others were in contact with someone with Zika, but haven't tested positive so far. They've been sick with other stuff. Some have also had malaria. The mosquitoes are everywhere and they've run out of bug spray. Ah, the military life. My in-laws celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary a couple of Saturdays ago. It was so lovely. At least 200 people showed up and most stayed the whole time. We're getting a new driveway, concrete this time. It will be nice to get rid of the potholes! Do we have a book rec thread anywhere? We should start one. The issues with Zon's recommendation engine are well documented and I like to pick up what others recommend. Yikes on the military adventures. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for the men and women that tolerate all of that on behalf of others. Send my regards? Congrats to the ILs. That is a LONG time. Hoping Mr. Quinn and I make it that long. |
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Post by Suzy on Jul 24, 2019 16:00:59 GMT -5
Thank you for starting this thread and for breathing new life into the pub. Brilliant idea!
Here in Ireland it's balmy but not too hot. Mixed weather with showers and sunshine. Swimming every day at our nearly deserted beach (well kept secret--shhh) . Cool, crystal clear water and warm sunshine, sand between my toes- heaven. I think Ireland will become a haven for people who want to escape the murderous heat of the continent in the summer, which seems to be the new normal, sadly.
We will have to leave our little beach hut for a while next week to collect our son's dog while they're away. Then back here with dog for another ten days. Not too bad though, even if he's hairy. Hopefully not too many wet days, as the smell of wet dog in small cottage is a little whiffy.
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Post by djmills on Jul 24, 2019 16:02:29 GMT -5
Middle of winter here, but this week we had spring days, 20 - 26 degree Celsius. I have 2 narrow veg gardens weeded, but the large one, 3 x 3 meters is full of weeds between the sweet potato runners and climbing beans. I will pull most of the weeds over the next two afternoons. Also picking and juicing mandarins from my cousin's back yard.
I have also been busy knitting jumpers, vests, berets, gloves, etc on my knitting machine. Just finished a vest and sewed up yesterday.
Also chainsawing, splitting and stacking wood. Then any time left over, I work on the plot of my current story, which is almost ready to write the next few scenes. :-)
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Post by Miss Terri Novelle on Jul 24, 2019 16:47:02 GMT -5
Our summer is begin dominated by the refinishing of our log home. It's a huge job that will take two or three weeks to complete. For the past few days, they've been media blasting the logs to remove the old stain. They are using an abrasive product made from crushed, recycled glass that can be scooped up, screened, and reused (if anyone would be willing to go to the trouble). I've personally scooped up two large wheelbarrows of the stuff and screened it for the workers. Only the north wall of our house is chinked, so some of the media blasts through on the other walls into the interior of the house. We've had to put up tarps along several walls to keep glass dust from getting everywhere. That makes it hard to get air through the house on warm days. Thank goodness it hasn't been too hot here up to now. The next step will be two coats of stain followed by two coats of sealer. Trying to work with all this noise and people tromping around making the dog bark has been a real treat. It's going to be a long few weeks. Meanwhile, our boat has been giving us trouble, making it difficult to escape to the lake. I have a plan for dealing with that, but it will take a good block of time to go down to the marina and troubleshoot. Did they at least put down tarps to make it easier? |
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Post by scdaffron on Jul 24, 2019 16:59:33 GMT -5
Did they at least put down tarps to make it easier? Yes, but they haven't managed them well. And there also was rain. Let's just say Daniel has figured out about 15 ways the process could be improved. (Once a systems analyst; always a systems analyst.) Right now, everyone has disappeared to go get still more sand from town, so it is mercifully quiet  |
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Post by Miss Terri Novelle on Jul 24, 2019 20:18:49 GMT -5
Bahaa. I love that. Is he telling them how? That's fabulous
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Post by Rinelle Grey on Jul 25, 2019 2:13:18 GMT -5
Cold here in Brisbane, except for yesterday, when we went strawberry picking, and it decided to hit 27 degrees. If there’s one thing about Australian weather it’s the inconsistency!
Getting lots of peas from the garden, though I probably should water them if I want that to continue. Not much else growing right now. The cockatoos are eating all our mandarins just a smidge before they’re ripe enough for us to pick. Probably should cover the trees, but oh well...
Super busy with homeschooling life. The kiddo has decided she wants to be a dancer, so we have ballet etc lessons 3 times a week, and huge expenses with end of year concerts coming up, but at least she’s enjoying it.
And writing, what’s that? Not really happening much right now, although I do feel that it might come back soon...
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Post by djmills on Jul 25, 2019 3:52:51 GMT -5
I agree with Rinelle, "And writing, what’s that? Not really happening much right now, although I do feel that it might come back soon..." However, I have finished my writing income and expenses for tax purposes. Yes! Now, to get the plot/chapters sorted and I might start writing again next week, I hope. Of course, I still need to type up process steps for my heir, and what my executor needs to do when I die, and update my will. But that can all wait until I get writing again in the mornings. And, I need to take an hour or more each week day to draw again, getting into the mood for creating more covers. :-) And think about creating spreadsheets on all my IPs as suggested by Kris Rusch for licensing characters, world, plots, etc if one of my series takes off. If you want to read about it, her articles start at kriswrites.com/2019/06/26/business-musings-rethinking-the-writing-business-part-one/ |
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Post by Daniel on Jul 25, 2019 7:57:29 GMT -5
Bahaa. I love that. Is he telling them how? That's fabulous I know better than that. Disorganized people usually don't appreciate receiving unsolicited advice on how to be more organized. So far, I've limited my "suggestions" to specific actions in response to specific problems. For example, I got out my 8' tripod ladder when their 6' step ladder was clearly too short for the spot they were working.
Also, when they were running short on sand, I got out a bucket and piece of 1/8" screen to collect and filter the 2" layer of sand deposited on our concrete porch. One would think that the crew would happily borrow and use these tools, but when they were recycling more sand later on themselves, they used a more direct approach and ended up plugging up their sand pot (the thing that feeds the sandblaster) with a rock that cost them at least a half hour of work.
When it's my problem to solve, particularly on a repeating basis, I try to figure out the most efficient way to solve it. Most people don't seem to bother.
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Post by quinning on Jul 25, 2019 12:13:49 GMT -5
Thank you for starting this thread and for breathing new life into the pub. Brilliant idea! Here in Ireland it's balmy but not too hot. Mixed weather with showers and sunshine. Swimming every day at our nearly deserted beach (well kept secret--shhh) . Cool, crystal clear water and warm sunshine, sand between my toes- heaven. I think Ireland will become a haven for people who want to escape the murderous heat of the continent in the summer, which seems to be the new normal, sadly. We will have to leave our little beach hut for a while next week to collect our son's dog while they're away. Then back here with dog for another ten days. Not too bad though, even if he's hairy. Hopefully not too many wet days, as the smell of wet dog in small cottage is a little whiffy. SO jealous! If/when I visit Ireland I want to come visit you and your secret beach - dog or no dog! And the murderous heat - I couldn't believe the HIGHS I was seeing out Paris and London - just insane! It was making me cringe to see those temps because one thing we recognized being there in June was that even the lower-ish temps they had then were still too much given the lack of central air (or any A/C at all). We can handle 40*C here - not that it's easy because in Texas we expect it - but to date we haven't had a high temp day over 100*F this year which is highly unusual. The high today is 92*F. That's way lower than normal for this time of year and definitely a weird weather pattern for us. Good luck with the dog and hopefully mostly dry days! djmills Wow! You're busy. What a knitting machine if you don't mind my asking? Rinelle Grey We have the same struggle only with soccer. When does your school year end? I noticed over the last couple of years that my writing tanks in late spring and summer only to pick back up in the fall. Not coincidentally, that coincides with end of school year activities, break and then picking back up when school starts. Even though they're homeschooled and so here all day, having that schedule and more control over my time helps with productivity. Doesn't stop me from every year throwing my hands up about this time and declaring myself a failure as a writer and wanting to throw in the towel. Ugh. I've been reading Kris' blog posts but I am admittedly struggling to follow. Now that there's more than one I think I should go back and re-read the series of them because it is undoubtedly good content. Even if it is hard for me to think that anyone at any time in the future might ever want to license any of my work... |
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Post by djmills on Jul 25, 2019 17:20:47 GMT -5
quinning, I have a Singer Memo-Matic 323 and ribber. When you read Kris Rusch licensing blog posts, think of Harry Potter add ons like lollies, wands, etc, or think of super hero action dolls, other toys, mugs, pencils, etc. :-)
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Post by elephantsbookshelf on Jul 28, 2019 8:52:05 GMT -5
We've gotten through a recent heat wave in New Jersey. It's still hot (high 80s, Farenheit), but a week ago we were in triple digits.
My daughters' summer "fun school" programs are finishing up, and life will get busier for a month while we try to keep them from being so bored they start breaking stuff or each other.
From a writing standpoint, I'm trying to refocus on finishing one project that has actual deadlines attached rather than trying to do five projects simultaneously. We'll see how that goes.
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