Hello {waves}

Mummy Az wrote:

> Hey, Anne Elizabeth! Nice to see you again.
>
> I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Alban Quivertail. He was quite
> the character.
>
> We lost our own darling Nimue-cat last November. She was sunning
> herself in the driveway (as was her wont in the evenings to catch the
> last rays of the sun) when a woman walking her dog off-leash walked
> by. Off-leash is permitted in our area as long as the dog is under
> control (how a dog can be off-leash AND under control is another
> matter). It ran into our yard and savaged poor Nim, who died shortly
> after. At least she didn't suffer long!

Speaking as someone who takes her dogs on two walks a day,
nine out of ten days, I HATE HATE HATE people walk their
dogs off-leash! The number of times I've heard: "Oh, he
won't hurt you" from the hapless owner of a growling,
ruffle-necked canine monstrosity who is menacing myself and
my small but macho idiot...

The idiot owners completely do not see the difference
between "he won't hurt me because he's my dog" and "he won't
hurt anyone". The former statement is usually true. The
latter? Pfui.

Needless to say, my idiots are always on leash. In part
because of incidents like what happened to your poor Nimue.
(That's awful! I'm so sorry.) Pepper won't hurt (calm,
non-aggressive, not too pushy) humans. Cats are... well.
Pepper stays on leash.

> However it so happens that in the April previous a sweet little
> black-and-white girl arrived on our doorstep. A tiny, sopping-wet
> bundle of fur that would literally fit in the palm of my hand! Like
> Valentine, she has amber eyes and she has a much bigger personality
> than one would have expected from someone so small. Mischief, as she
> is affectionately known, is one of the family now. We're pretty sure
> she is substantially Turkish Van as she fits all the characteristics
> of that breed (colour, coat texture, attitude). She is very much a
> Mum's Girl and will jump up on me at any time for a cuddle.

Hah! Canny, small, furry creatures seem to figure out
rapidly that the smart thing to do if you're homeless is to
find the nearest soft-hearted female lap and STICK TO IT.
The small dog who followed Pepper home last weekend has
followed that rule religiously, and it is working out well
for him. (Find lap, climb on. Find lap, climb on. If not
on, near. Look cute. Repeat.)

> Can you believe my Little Goddesses are heading into Teens now? Athena
> turned 13 in January and Ishtar turns 12 this coming Thursday. Athena
> is already taller than I am, and Ish is not far behind. Athena
> started Gifted education this year (doing years 8 and 9 in one year)
> which she is absolutely LOVING! For the first time in her school life
> she has to *work* for her good grades and she is doing really well.
> Ishtar changed schools at the same time and they are both very happy
> indeed at their new school The work is harder but the general school
> culture is a much better fit than the old one.
>
> I hope you stick around a little while.

Heh. Nice to hear that *somewhere* in the world there is a
youngling who appreciates that good grades you work hard for
are worth more than easy grades any breathing mammal could
"earn".

--
Megan
Journeyperson Dancing Barbarian
Keeper o' the FAQ: http://home.earthlink.net/~m_thomas3/abml/
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

>> Welcome Back!!
>
> Thank you. It's good to be back. {BIG SMILE}
>
>> <waves from behind giant book in corner>
>
> What are you reading? {curious smile, try to read title}
>
>
> Anne Elizabeth Baldwin

Oh everything ... and nothing ... I was eaten by World of Warcraft some time
ago.

I have a stack of things to read when the other addiction allows. Various
back copies of The Economist, Victoria, game manuals, oh and a very dusty
copy of Geometry Civilized that I may give up on.

The Bookwurm
----
Goddess of Libraries
Pedant in Chief
Keeper of the BotRoM
Sister Hand Grenade of Sweet Reason
Believer, Church of the Cosmic Muffin
<spam trap: remove fish from address>
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"Rhino7" <laney2.TakeThisOut@comfishcast.net> wrote in message
news:H_SdnbCFNqOucZ7VnZ2dnUVZ_oCvnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>> Welcome Back!!
>>
>> Thank you. It's good to be back. {BIG SMILE}
>>
>>> <waves from behind giant book in corner>
>>
>> What are you reading? {curious smile, try to read title}
>>
>>
>> Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
>
> Oh everything ... and nothing ... I was eaten by World of Warcraft some
> time
> ago.
>
> I have a stack of things to read when the other addiction allows. Various
> back copies of The Economist, Victoria, game manuals, oh and a very dusty
> copy of Geometry Civilized that I may give up on.

Is that last one the big book you have here, then? The rest don't sound
all that large. {SMILE, wink}

I'm nominally reading _Lord_of_the_Rings_, Julie E. Czerneda's
_A_Thousand_Words_for_Stranger_, and John Flanagan's _The_Icebound_Land_
now. Practically, I've spent more time poking around the internet than
reading this past weekend. Currently I'm trying to decide which host to get
a second blog with. {Smile}


Anne Elizabeth Baldwin


> The Bookwurm
> ----
> Goddess of Libraries
> Pedant in Chief
> Keeper of the BotRoM
> Sister Hand Grenade of Sweet Reason
> Believer, Church of the Cosmic Muffin
> <spam trap: remove fish from address>
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"Mummy Az" <manth RemoveThis @westnet.com.au> wrote in message
news:big504hlspop7imv6of3mao920apfv16aj@4ax.com...
> Hey, Anne Elizabeth! Nice to see you again.
>
> I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Alban Quivertail. He was quite
> the character.
>
> We lost our own darling Nimue-cat last November.

I'm very sorry to hear that. {sympathetic look, HUGS, SQUEEZES}

> She was sunning
> herself in the driveway (as was her wont in the evenings to catch the
> last rays of the sun) when a woman walking her dog off-leash walked
> by. Off-leash is permitted in our area as long as the dog is under
> control (how a dog can be off-leash AND under control is another
> matter). It ran into our yard and savaged poor Nim, who died shortly
> after. At least she didn't suffer long!

Oh dear! That's a terrible way to lose a cat! {concerned look}

It's also one of the reasons Valentine is an inside-only cat, just like
Alban was before him. So far, Valentine has only gotten out once, and he
seemed as upset about it as we were. Fortunately, he doesn't seem interested
in going out again. {Smile, cross fingers}

> However it so happens that in the April previous a sweet little
> black-and-white girl arrived on our doorstep. A tiny, sopping-wet
> bundle of fur that would literally fit in the palm of my hand! Like
> Valentine, she has amber eyes and she has a much bigger personality
> than one would have expected from someone so small. Mischief, as she
> is affectionately known, is one of the family now. We're pretty sure
> she is substantially Turkish Van as she fits all the characteristics
> of that breed (colour, coat texture, attitude). She is very much a
> Mum's Girl and will jump up on me at any time for a cuddle.

She sounds like quite a character. {Smile} It sounds like she's doing her
best to keep her home and her people happy. {BIG SMILE}

> Can you believe my Little Goddesses are heading into Teens now?

{blink} They're really growing up fast! {Smile}

> Athena
> turned 13 in January and Ishtar turns 12 this coming Thursday. Athena
> is already taller than I am, and Ish is not far behind. Athena
> started Gifted education this year (doing years 8 and 9 in one year)
> which she is absolutely LOVING! For the first time in her school life
> she has to *work* for her good grades and she is doing really well.

Oh good! I'm glad she likes the challenge. {SMILE}

> Ishtar changed schools at the same time and they are both very happy
> indeed at their new school The work is harder but the general school
> culture is a much better fit than the old one.

That's important. I'm glad the change in schools is working out so well.
{SMILE, BIG SMILE}

> I hope you stick around a little while.

I'm hoping so, too. Prospects look good for that, thankfully. Dad FINALLY
got us DSL last December. It's enough quicker than the old dialup, I can
spend significantly more time looking and reading, and less time waiting for
something to come up. {SMILE}


Anne Elizabeth Baldwin

> Mummy Az
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"Tristaan" <tristaanus.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:7hm604pa84do9674a8q5f83e4b703m9g1l@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:12:36 -1000, Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
> stomped through my brain with:
>
>> Now... is the bar I need to check into still the OEI&U? Or has the name
>>changed again? {smile, SMILE}
>
> Nope, still here. Belly up and name your poison...

Do you have a tea-version of Julie E. Czerneda? I finally discovered her.
I'm just over half-way thru _A_Thousand_Words_for_Stranger_ now. {SMILE}

> Good to see you back!

Thank you. It's good to be home. {Relieved smile, Sigh, BIG GRIN}

> Tristaan (semi-lurking, too... note sig change... there's a
> story there if you read back over past posts...)

So far I've poked back far enough to discover you recently lost your
mother. {pause} I don't quite know what to say, so... {HUG, SQUEEZE, BIG
SQUEEZE, GREAT BIG SQUEEZE, GREAT BIG LONG TIGHT SQUEEZE, GREAT BIG LONG
TIGHT ROCKING SQUEEZE, CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE, CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE
CUDDLE, CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE, CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE, CUDDLE
CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE SQUEEZE, CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE
CUDDLE CUDDLE CUDDLE GREAT BIG SQUEEZE, GREAT BIG LONG TIGHT ROCKING
SQUEEZE, ANOTHER GREAT BIG LONG TIGHT ROCKING SQUEEZE}


Anne Elizabeth Baldwin


> --
> Beware Spam Trap!: "us" is an "ogre"
> *******************************************************
> Ogre-Monk, AIM TristaanOgre
> "So good-bye for now and I'll see you again
> Some way, some how
> When it's my time to go to the other side
> I'll hold you again and melt at your smile
> Now I have all the ones that I am with
> You taught me not to take for granted
> The time that we have to show that we care
> Speak into their lives and their hearts while they're here
> And say I LOVE YOU!!"
>
> ~Disciple "Things Left Unsaid"
> *******************************************************
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"
<"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:q7adnSyWObX1RJ_VnZ2dnUVZ_q2hnZ2d@earthlink.com...
> Mummy Az wrote:
>
>> Hey, Anne Elizabeth! Nice to see you again.
>>
<snip lost cats and leashless dogs>
>
> Needless to say, my idiots are always on leash. In part because of
> incidents like what happened to your poor Nimue. (That's awful! I'm so
> sorry.) Pepper won't hurt (calm, non-aggressive, not too pushy) humans.
> Cats are... well. Pepper stays on leash.

That's because you are a responsible dog owner. {SMILE}

>> However it so happens that in the April previous a sweet little
>> black-and-white girl arrived on our doorstep. A tiny, sopping-wet
>> bundle of fur that would literally fit in the palm of my hand! Like
>> Valentine, she has amber eyes and she has a much bigger personality
>> than one would have expected from someone so small. Mischief, as she
>> is affectionately known, is one of the family now. We're pretty sure
>> she is substantially Turkish Van as she fits all the characteristics
>> of that breed (colour, coat texture, attitude). She is very much a
>> Mum's Girl and will jump up on me at any time for a cuddle.
>
> Hah! Canny, small, furry creatures seem to figure out rapidly that the
> smart thing to do if you're homeless is to find the nearest soft-hearted
> female lap and STICK TO IT. The small dog who followed Pepper home last
> weekend has followed that rule religiously, and it is working out well for
> him. (Find lap, climb on. Find lap, climb on. If not on, near. Look
> cute. Repeat.)

{Chuckle, SMILE} Yes, four-foots are very good at that, aren't they,
Valentine? {SMILE}

:::Well? It works! {eager kitty look} Tho I did that with the Daddy, and
not just the Mommy and the Girl. After all, if a kitty has three people,
they should all get some kitty-time each day. {satisfied kitty look}:::


Anne Elizabeth Baldwin

:::Valentine:::

<snip good, happy students>
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

On Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:11:16 -0700, "m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"
<"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote:

>Mummy Az wrote:
>
>> Hey, Anne Elizabeth! Nice to see you again.
>>
>> I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Alban Quivertail. He was quite
>> the character.
>>
>> We lost our own darling Nimue-cat last November. She was sunning
>> herself in the driveway (as was her wont in the evenings to catch the
>> last rays of the sun) when a woman walking her dog off-leash walked
>> by. Off-leash is permitted in our area as long as the dog is under
>> control (how a dog can be off-leash AND under control is another
>> matter). It ran into our yard and savaged poor Nim, who died shortly
>> after. At least she didn't suffer long!
>
>Speaking as someone who takes her dogs on two walks a day,
>nine out of ten days, I HATE HATE HATE people walk their
>dogs off-leash! The number of times I've heard: "Oh, he
>won't hurt you" from the hapless owner of a growling,
>ruffle-necked canine monstrosity who is menacing myself and
>my small but macho idiot...

<nodding> We don't have dogs (Ross doesn't much like them) but if we
did the dog would NOT be off-leash in a public street. In a dog-park,
maybe (there's a park nearby that has certain hours for off-leash
walking) but not on a public street. Just as with a toddler, it only
takes your attention being away for a second and a dog can be off! I
don't care *how* well-trained and obedient your dog is, they can and
do get distracted.

>The idiot owners completely do not see the difference
>between "he won't hurt me because he's my dog" and "he won't
>hurt anyone". The former statement is usually true. The
>latter? Pfui.
>
>Needless to say, my idiots are always on leash. In part
>because of incidents like what happened to your poor Nimue.
> (That's awful! I'm so sorry.) Pepper won't hurt (calm,
>non-aggressive, not too pushy) humans. Cats are... well.
>Pepper stays on leash.

Good for you. Our cats stay mostly within our yard - and Nimue was
*sleeping* in our yard when the dog got in. The only thing I am glad
about was that I had taken the girls off to Scouts that night so they
didn't witness it. And the owner was honest enough to check with our
neighbours when we were likely to be back and came back to own up and
apologise. Our neighbours had taken care of her body and cleaned up
so we didn't have to deal with that, either. Great neighbours!

>> However it so happens that in the April previous a sweet little
>> black-and-white girl arrived on our doorstep. A tiny, sopping-wet
>> bundle of fur that would literally fit in the palm of my hand! Like
>> Valentine, she has amber eyes and she has a much bigger personality
>> than one would have expected from someone so small. Mischief, as she
>> is affectionately known, is one of the family now. We're pretty sure
>> she is substantially Turkish Van as she fits all the characteristics
>> of that breed (colour, coat texture, attitude). She is very much a
>> Mum's Girl and will jump up on me at any time for a cuddle.
>
>Hah! Canny, small, furry creatures seem to figure out
>rapidly that the smart thing to do if you're homeless is to
>find the nearest soft-hearted female lap and STICK TO IT.
>The small dog who followed Pepper home last weekend has
>followed that rule religiously, and it is working out well
>for him. (Find lap, climb on. Find lap, climb on. If not
>on, near. Look cute. Repeat.)

Mischief, in the manner of Turkish Vans, has grown rapidly. She now
weighs around 5 kg/11 lb but still thinks she can sit on Mummy's Upper
Shelf! Even a Good Firm Bra does not supply a stable enough shelf for
5 kg of furball so my arm has to get into the act as well. Do you
know how HARD it is to drink a cup of tea with a large ball of
black-and-white fluff sitting one's chest? Especially when the head
of said ball of fluff has to check out the contents with each sip?

>> Can you believe my Little Goddesses are heading into Teens now? Athena
>> turned 13 in January and Ishtar turns 12 this coming Thursday. Athena
>> is already taller than I am, and Ish is not far behind. Athena
>> started Gifted education this year (doing years 8 and 9 in one year)
>> which she is absolutely LOVING! For the first time in her school life
>> she has to *work* for her good grades and she is doing really well.
>> Ishtar changed schools at the same time and they are both very happy
>> indeed at their new school The work is harder but the general school
>> culture is a much better fit than the old one.
>>
>> I hope you stick around a little while.
>
>Heh. Nice to hear that *somewhere* in the world there is a
>youngling who appreciates that good grades you work hard for
>are worth more than easy grades any breathing mammal could
>"earn".

Both of my girls were bored to tears with the lessons at their old
school! They were just so far ahead of most of their classmates that
they were completing their work in less than half the allotted time,
then getting out books and reading them. Great for their literacy
skills but not so good at getting them excited and engaged with their
classroom.

At the new school they soon discovered that they can't work at the
level they are used to and expect good marks. They were shocked at
getting Bs and Cs for the effort-level they were used to putting in.
Fortunately they have both taken the attitude that this means they
need to work harder - great way to prepare for their future University
studies.

Az
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

Mummy Az wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:11:16 -0700, "m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"
> <"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>>Mummy Az wrote:
<snip tragi-cat story>
>>Speaking as someone who takes her dogs on two walks a day,
>>nine out of ten days, I HATE HATE HATE people walk their
>>dogs off-leash! The number of times I've heard: "Oh, he
>>won't hurt you" from the hapless owner of a growling,
>>ruffle-necked canine monstrosity who is menacing myself and
>>my small but macho idiot...
>
> <nodding> We don't have dogs (Ross doesn't much like them) but if we
> did the dog would NOT be off-leash in a public street. In a dog-park,
> maybe (there's a park nearby that has certain hours for off-leash
> walking) but not on a public street. Just as with a toddler, it only
> takes your attention being away for a second and a dog can be off! I
> don't care *how* well-trained and obedient your dog is, they can and
> do get distracted.

Dog parks have fences, and cats can climb fences. So there
is always a way for the cat to get somewhere safe from dogs,
in a dog park.

Terrier breeds get *focussed* when chasing. All those
predator instincts kick in. The dog has to hear the owner
to respond, and they just don't listen when they are
chasing. (And the little buggers are fast! Short legs or
not, they can just whizz along!)

>>The idiot owners completely do not see the difference
>>between "he won't hurt me because he's my dog" and "he won't
>>hurt anyone". The former statement is usually true. The
>>latter? Pfui.
>>
>>Needless to say, my idiots are always on leash. In part
>>because of incidents like what happened to your poor Nimue.
>> (That's awful! I'm so sorry.) Pepper won't hurt (calm,
>>non-aggressive, not too pushy) humans. Cats are... well.
>>Pepper stays on leash.
>
> Good for you. Our cats stay mostly within our yard - and Nimue was
> *sleeping* in our yard when the dog got in. The only thing I am glad
> about was that I had taken the girls off to Scouts that night so they
> didn't witness it. And the owner was honest enough to check with our
> neighbours when we were likely to be back and came back to own up and
> apologise. Our neighbours had taken care of her body and cleaned up
> so we didn't have to deal with that, either. Great neighbours!

Very great neighbors! And that was unusually responsible
activity for the (idiot) dog owner.

I don't claim there haven't been some exciting cat-dog
moments, even with Pepper on leash. But a cat who can run
10 feet -- and who is smart enough to run away from the
human, not towards -- can escape. (They can escape if they
run towards me, but they'll have to run 20 feet -- towards,
past, and away.)

I've seen cats run 2 feet beyond the end of the leash, stop,
and start washing themselves. Drives Pepper nuts.

(That, of course, is for cats I don't spot. I'll lock
Pepper in close if I see the cat, but the darn cats *hide*.)

<snip>
>>Hah! Canny, small, furry creatures seem to figure out
>>rapidly that the smart thing to do if you're homeless is to
>>find the nearest soft-hearted female lap and STICK TO IT.
>>The small dog who followed Pepper home last weekend has
>>followed that rule religiously, and it is working out well
>>for him. (Find lap, climb on. Find lap, climb on. If not
>>on, near. Look cute. Repeat.)
>
> Mischief, in the manner of Turkish Vans, has grown rapidly. She now
> weighs around 5 kg/11 lb but still thinks she can sit on Mummy's Upper
> Shelf! Even a Good Firm Bra does not supply a stable enough shelf for
> 5 kg of furball so my arm has to get into the act as well. Do you
> know how HARD it is to drink a cup of tea with a large ball of
> black-and-white fluff sitting one's chest? Especially when the head
> of said ball of fluff has to check out the contents with each sip?


Great mental image, though probably a bit frustrating for
you. (My tea. Mine. Do you understand the concept of
*mine*, not yours?)

<snip>
>>Heh. Nice to hear that *somewhere* in the world there is a
>>youngling who appreciates that good grades you work hard for
>>are worth more than easy grades any breathing mammal could
>>"earn".
>
> Both of my girls were bored to tears with the lessons at their old
> school! They were just so far ahead of most of their classmates that
> they were completing their work in less than half the allotted time,
> then getting out books and reading them. Great for their literacy
> skills but not so good at getting them excited and engaged with their
> classroom.

I got so much reading done while ignoring the teacher in
school, as a kid... ah, the novels I could pack away in the
course of a week when I didn't have to work...

> At the new school they soon discovered that they can't work at the
> level they are used to and expect good marks. They were shocked at
> getting Bs and Cs for the effort-level they were used to putting in.
> Fortunately they have both taken the attitude that this means they
> need to work harder - great way to prepare for their future University
> studies.

Definitely. College seems to be a bit of a shock to many
students. For some reason, the idea that you have to
complete and turn in your homework to pass a class -- even
if the homework is hard! -- seems to come as a surprise.

--
Megan
Journeyperson Dancing Barbarian
Keeper o' the FAQ: http://home.earthlink.net/~m_thomas3/abml/
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"Mummy Az" <manth RemoveThis @westnet.com.au> wrote in message
news:4mk604lkbt7mr00p9djk8fueppn6edbjra@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:11:16 -0700, "m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"
> <"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>>Mummy Az wrote:
>>
>>> Hey, Anne Elizabeth! Nice to see you again.
>>>
<snip sad loss of kitties>

> Great neighbours!

Yes, you have wonderful neighbors. {sympathetic smile}

>>> However it so happens that in the April previous a sweet little
>>> black-and-white girl arrived on our doorstep. A tiny, sopping-wet
>>> bundle of fur that would literally fit in the palm of my hand! Like
>>> Valentine, she has amber eyes and she has a much bigger personality
>>> than one would have expected from someone so small. Mischief, as she
>>> is affectionately known, is one of the family now. We're pretty sure
>>> she is substantially Turkish Van as she fits all the characteristics
>>> of that breed (colour, coat texture, attitude). She is very much a
>>> Mum's Girl and will jump up on me at any time for a cuddle.
>>
>>Hah! Canny, small, furry creatures seem to figure out
>>rapidly that the smart thing to do if you're homeless is to
>>find the nearest soft-hearted female lap and STICK TO IT.
>>The small dog who followed Pepper home last weekend has
>>followed that rule religiously, and it is working out well
>>for him. (Find lap, climb on. Find lap, climb on. If not
>>on, near. Look cute. Repeat.)
>
> Mischief, in the manner of Turkish Vans, has grown rapidly. She now
> weighs around 5 kg/11 lb but still thinks she can sit on Mummy's Upper
> Shelf! Even a Good Firm Bra does not supply a stable enough shelf for
> 5 kg of furball so my arm has to get into the act as well. Do you
> know how HARD it is to drink a cup of tea with a large ball of
> black-and-white fluff sitting one's chest?

No... I have enough trouble drinking anything when the black and white
bundle of fluff is sitting on the table next to me.

> Especially when the head
> of said ball of fluff has to check out the contents with each sip?

:::You're drinking something. It might taste good. Kitties need to check
that sort of thing out, after all.:::

:::Valentine:::

>>> Can you believe my Little Goddesses are heading into Teens now? Athena
>>> turned 13 in January and Ishtar turns 12 this coming Thursday. Athena
>>> is already taller than I am, and Ish is not far behind. Athena
>>> started Gifted education this year (doing years 8 and 9 in one year)
>>> which she is absolutely LOVING! For the first time in her school life
>>> she has to *work* for her good grades and she is doing really well.
>>> Ishtar changed schools at the same time and they are both very happy
>>> indeed at their new school The work is harder but the general school
>>> culture is a much better fit than the old one.
>>>
>>> I hope you stick around a little while.
>>
>>Heh. Nice to hear that *somewhere* in the world there is a
>>youngling who appreciates that good grades you work hard for
>>are worth more than easy grades any breathing mammal could
>>"earn".
>
> Both of my girls were bored to tears with the lessons at their old
> school! They were just so far ahead of most of their classmates that
> they were completing their work in less than half the allotted time,
> then getting out books and reading them. Great for their literacy
> skills but not so good at getting them excited and engaged with their
> classroom.
>
> At the new school they soon discovered that they can't work at the
> level they are used to and expect good marks. They were shocked at
> getting Bs and Cs for the effort-level they were used to putting in.
> Fortunately they have both taken the attitude that this means they
> need to work harder - great way to prepare for their future University
> studies.

Oh good. I'm glad they're enjoying the challenge of doing better. {BIG
SMILE}

(Yes, that's Anne again. {wink, SMILE}


Anne Elizabeth Baldwin


> Az
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

On 4/14/2008 1:19 PM, m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage] wrote:
> Mummy Az wrote:
[snip]
>> Mischief, in the manner of Turkish Vans, has grown rapidly. She now
>> weighs around 5 kg/11 lb but still thinks she can sit on Mummy's Upper
>> Shelf! Even a Good Firm Bra does not supply a stable enough shelf for
>> 5 kg of furball so my arm has to get into the act as well. Do you
>> know how HARD it is to drink a cup of tea with a large ball of
>> black-and-white fluff sitting one's chest? Especially when the head
>> of said ball of fluff has to check out the contents with each sip?
>
>
> Great mental image, though probably a bit frustrating for you. (My
> tea. Mine. Do you understand the concept of *mine*, not yours?)
>
[snort!] Silly human! Don't you know the cat adage "What's mine is mine,
and what's
yours is mine"?

--
victoreia ("No, Kyuri, you can_not_ have my yogurt!")
Goddess of Dark Chocolate
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]" wrote:
> Mummy Az wrote:

>> <nodding> We don't have dogs (Ross doesn't much like them) but if we
>> did the dog would NOT be off-leash in a public street. In a dog-park,
>> maybe (there's a park nearby that has certain hours for off-leash
>> walking) but not on a public street. Just as with a toddler, it only
>> takes your attention being away for a second and a dog can be off! I
>> don't care *how* well-trained and obedient your dog is, they can and
>> do get distracted.
>
> Dog parks have fences,

Mebbesoso, mebbesono.

Rock Creek National Park (in Washington DC and extending into adjacent
Maryland) is a de-facto dog park, playing host to a decidedly nonzero number
of dogs whose owners drive them to the park and then let them roam loose for
a period before recapturing them and driving them home.

I take notice of the dogs since one of the popular places where this happens
is Military Field (west side of the park, just south of Military Road for
those of you who know the District) because that's where we hold the
astronomy outreach program that I've managed for the past dozen years or so.
On nights when we are holding the program I usually show up an hour or so
before sunset and have a ringside seat to watch the dogs play. In the
20-odd years I've been associated with the astronomy program I've never seen
any problems caused by the dogs other than discomfort for some people
attending the astronomy program who don't like dogs -- but I must admit that
I've never seen a cat in the park (perhaps due to the foxes and/or a couple
of coyotes that have taken up residence in the vicinity).

The only time I've seen the dogs really acting up was the time that one of
the rangers brought his wolf (on a leash!) and the wind brought his scent to
the dogs.

Joe
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

Joe Morris wrote:
> "m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]" wrote:
>
>>Mummy Az wrote:
>
>>><nodding> We don't have dogs (Ross doesn't much like them) but if we
>>>did the dog would NOT be off-leash in a public street. In a dog-park,
>>>maybe (there's a park nearby that has certain hours for off-leash
>>>walking) but not on a public street. Just as with a toddler, it only
>>>takes your attention being away for a second and a dog can be off! I
>>>don't care *how* well-trained and obedient your dog is, they can and
>>>do get distracted.
>>
>>Dog parks have fences,
>
> Mebbesoso, mebbesono.
>
> Rock Creek National Park (in Washington DC and extending into adjacent
> Maryland) is a de-facto dog park, playing host to a decidedly nonzero number
> of dogs whose owners drive them to the park and then let them roam loose for
> a period before recapturing them and driving them home.


Official dog parks, sanctioned by a gov't entity like a city
council, and monitered by the local police, have fences?

I've seen more than one de facto dog park, and those aren't
usually fenced. Just used that way. The things that get
listed on police department WWW sites as "dog park" usually
have a fence. At least in northern California.

(The grassy area across the street from my mother's house
is... well, I wouldn't sit under any of the trees without
hosing myself off after, and maybe burning my clothing. Not
a dog park, but lots of loose dogs. With owners nearby.)

> I take notice of the dogs since one of the popular places where this happens
> is Military Field (west side of the park, just south of Military Road for
> those of you who know the District) because that's where we hold the
> astronomy outreach program that I've managed for the past dozen years or so.
> On nights when we are holding the program I usually show up an hour or so
> before sunset and have a ringside seat to watch the dogs play. In the
> 20-odd years I've been associated with the astronomy program I've never seen
> any problems caused by the dogs other than discomfort for some people
> attending the astronomy program who don't like dogs -- but I must admit that
> I've never seen a cat in the park (perhaps due to the foxes and/or a couple
> of coyotes that have taken up residence in the vicinity).

People don't usually take badly socialized dogs to dog
parks. (Dog parks exist to help dogs not become badly
socialized.)

But, for some reason, they feel ok letting their badly
socialized dogs run loose near their homes. Dogs running
loose are uuuuusually ok with strange humans. But not
necessarily with strange dogs. Especially male strange
dogs. Like mine!

> The only time I've seen the dogs really acting up was the time that one of
> the rangers brought his wolf (on a leash!) and the wind brought his scent to
> the dogs.

Whoo. That would be ... interesting.

A "pet" wolf is an animal I would *definitely* never let off
leash. Possibly not even in the house!

--
Megan
Journeyperson Dancing Barbarian
Keeper o' the FAQ: http://home.earthlink.net/~m_thomas3/abml/
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves} 

On Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:39:24 -1000, Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
stomped through my brain with:

>> Nope, still here. Belly up and name your poison...
>
> Do you have a tea-version of Julie E. Czerneda? I finally discovered her.
>I'm just over half-way thru _A_Thousand_Words_for_Stranger_ now. {SMILE}

<rummage rummage rummage> Hrm... not sure... describe it for me.
I might not have that EXACT tea but might be able to come up with
a blend if you can give me something to work with.

<snippage of lots of welcome hugs>

Thanks, Anne. Even here, almost 11 months after her initial
attack, hugs like that are still VERY much welcome.

Tristaan
--
Beware Spam Trap!: "us" is an "ogre"
*******************************************************
Ogre-Monk, AIM TristaanOgre
"So good-bye for now and I'll see you again
Some way, some how
When it's my time to go to the other side
I'll hold you again and melt at your smile
Now I have all the ones that I am with
You taught me not to take for granted
The time that we have to show that we care
Speak into their lives and their hearts while they're here
And say I LOVE YOU!!"

~Disciple "Things Left Unsaid"

Theologian in training http://ballymennoniteblogger.blogspot.com/
*******************************************************
 >> Stay informed about: Hello {waves}