Welcome to The Moose Pond! The Welcomings posts give the Moose, old and new, a place to visit and share words about the weather, life, the world at large and the small parts of Moosylvania that we each inhabit.
Welcomings will be posted at the start of each week (every Sunday morning). To find the posts, just bookmark this link and Voila! (which is Moose for “I found everyone!!”).
The format is simple: each day, the first moose to arrive on-line will post a comment welcoming the new day and complaining (or bragging!) about their weather. Or mentioning an interesting or thought provoking news item. Or simply checking in.
So … what’s going on in your part of Moosylvania?
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NOTE: The comments page will now split off after 20 or so left margin comments with the most recent comments on the current page. To see the older comments, scroll to the bottom of the page and use the link.
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Watching news broadcasts out of Mali – on the hotel takeover, killings and hostage situation in Bamako.
Still not clear who this group is – could be Al Qaeda, could be Tuareg separatists – too soon to know.
France (former colonial ruler of Mali) sent troops into Mali in 2013 – Timbuktu was in the news because of destruction of world heritage sites by Ansar Dine.
Praying for the hostages.
There are many Malian-Americans in NYC some- figures put the number at 20,000.
Eighty hostages have been freed, three are dead.The other hostages are still being held by the assailants. No word on who this is yet but these reports suggest Daesh:
Denise, I also am heartsick over the situation in Mali. I take a great interest in that country since I set one of my short stories there. Daesh is encroaching on the population of Mali and has been for some time, particularly, as you mentioned, in the north.
Will keep them in my thoughts and prayers and hope for the best.
I was in Mali in 1971 and had a roommate who was half Malian and half Senegalese – have always had an interest in Timbuktu – so have tried to follow events there. Am waiting to hear which one of the groups that infests Mali is behind this.
So interesting to hear you had a story set there.!
Denise, it’s called “Somewhere a Drum Waits for Me.” Here’s the link if you fancy a look:
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2013/10/30/1251819/-Somewhere-a-Drum-Waits-for-Me
Woke up at 4:23. Sucks. And my representative, who I’m usually so proud of, was one of those assholes yesterday. (technically not my rep, that’s actually Michael McCaul, but I expect bad things from him; I claim Lloyd because he’s usually so good). Head is playing People Have The Power at me, but right now I’m hearing it a bitter irony. Really, seriously — this timeline sucks & I want on another one, or a timeturner or Tardis so I can go back & fix this one. (I’d like to pop into a cabinet meeting in 1948-ish to tell them you can’t be the postwar beacon of freedom & democracy by installing evil dictators) Or something. I need to re-read the Harry Potter books. They remind me that there’s good stuff in the world. Also — vacation soon.
I’m surprised at Lloyd. He’s usually such a dependable good guy. That makes it worse. My reps are all Rs, from the Wal-Mart owned Steve Womack and John Boozman to the pocket Hitler in training Tom Cotton, I expect nothing good from them at any time – and so far they’ve never disappointed my expectations.
Here is the list if you want to peruse it: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 643
Here, let me fix that:
Good morning, Moosylvania! It’s 37 F. here in NoVa on a bright, blue-skied morning, going up to 68 F. later today. Somehow a beautiful morning doesn’t seem quite so beautiful when you know evil things are happening at home and abroad.
Was sickened by the House passage of the bill Jan talked about in her check-in. Hope you’re right, Jan, about the Senate nixing it. On GMA they made it sound as if a Presidential veto can’t override the House bill.
Next week is that most American of holidays, the one I love above all others because it brings families together. Daughter-from-Austin is flying up with her fiance, and I can’t wait to see them again—haven’t seen them since Christmas 2014. Although we have a great deal to be thankful for in our family, the events of the past few weeks have been so terrible that I won’t be able to forget them even in the midst of celebrating.
Hope all in Moosylvania will have a good day and I wish there could be peace and plenty beyond the Pond.
The news reports of the House bill say that it is a “veto proof majority”. That is true on its face but the news reports are too lazy to point out that a bill must pass the House, pass the Senate, go to the president, get vetoed, return to the House for an override and then return to the Senate for an override. You need 60 votes to pass a bill in the Senate and 67 to override a presidential veto. Even if they could find 60 votes in the Senate (they can’t), they would have to find 13 Democrats willing to vote against the Obama administration in order to override.
So the news breathlessly reports it as a “stunning rebuke to the president” (and probably good news for John McCain!) and it is simply the House starting with 218 votes and then adding 47 chickensh*t Democrats. The bill was not really considered on its merits, simply rushed to show how much Republicans hate people who are not like them. Hey, guys, message already clearly received! Now, please do something useful like passing a highway bill. TYVM.
Jan, I’m glad that you are not too lazy to tell us the truth about these things! I was really worried until I came here and read your post.
Why do I trust bloggers more than the traditional media? Because of things like this.
Reading Jan’s wise words settled my mind as well Diana. Thanks to all for sharing our combined wisdom and common sense of outrage. It’s easy to read the news and feel all alone so reading by the Moose pond is important moment of sanity and community.
30 at sunrise heading for 59 this sunny Friday in Fay., AR. Another light frost overnight and our first heavy frost early Sunday. Good thing tomorrow is the last outdoor Market. Must concentrate on small, local, and family things because the “big picture” of Man’s inhumanity to Man is so very sickening – and so overwhelming. The prayers/good energy sent and candles lit seem to make no difference to the Evil Ones and their (hopefully just gormless) supporters. Maybe it’s a good thing that, if we can’t turn Global Warming around, the human species is likely to go extinct. (How’s that for hopeless depression?)
Anyway, Thanksgiving is coming so need to remind myself of the blessings to count. I’ll be having dinner (and providing the turkey) at my older son’s house. We’ll actually be having a combined late Thanksgiving-Early Yule on 12/6 – St. Nicholas Day – my younger son’s family is coming up to Fayetteville from Austin for the 1st “decorate the tree at grandma’s” that will have all the grandsons (ranging in age from Drew’s youngest at 3 to Lang’s eldest at 18). Everybody is relatively healthy and all the basic needs are being met. The grandboys are doing well educationally. That will do for starters. Hope everyone has as good a weekend as possible and those getting winter precipitation stay safe and warm. {{{HUGS}}}
Bfitz, how lovely that you and your family will celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day! I read that long ago in the Netherlands, December 6 was the day that children received presents and so on and December 25 was the day that everyone solemnly skated down the iced-over canal to church.
Hope you will have a very merry day!
I understand that a number of countries do that – celebrate with presents for the kids and all that on 12/6 and treat the Holy day as a holy day. Hungary I’m pretty sure (based on the kid’s book The Good Master by Kate Seredy). I remember once asking a woman from Ireland what the Irish did for St. Patrick’s Day? She looked at me like I was nuts and said, “Go to church. It’s a saint’s day.” heh
Good morning, 28 and frosty in Bellingham today. We enjoyed a quiet day yesterday with a haircut and nap for me, a lecture at the museum re salmon for Ron, some more leaf raking, and the afternoon with Ava. She and Ron drove around in the truck, which she loves doing, watched the salmon returning to Whatcom Creek, and found a cookie along the way. Then she and her favorite doll joined me downstairs with the iPad, her art supplies, and her books. It’s so fun to chat with her and watch her imagination at work. She made a birthday card for her Nana, a crown for her doll, and kept a 7 Little Words game going as well. Busy girl!
Good news for my grandson……
Seattle Public Schools approves later school start times for teens
He catches the bus at 6:30 this year, has lunch at 10:30 am, and is out of school by 2:30 pm. The afternoons have been long and the mornings are to early for his sleepy brain.
Awesome! I wish our schools would take the AAP advice and start at 8:30 or 8:45. I think the worst part about Ryan’s schedule is eating lunch at 10:30! I know that most schools only have so much space in the cafeteria and have to have lunch shifts but no one is ready for lunch at 10:30 … and then he will be hungry well before supper time. If he has an after school sport, it is even worse.
Thank goodness for the later start, princesspat!
Ava sounds a delight. It’s so great to have grandchildren!
About time somebody decided to pay attention to kids’ natural cycles. Wish that would “go viral” but considering how much of children’s education is just forcing preferably unquestioning obedience to whatever authority is currently in power… sigh. But take our good news where we can get it – that is good news for your grandson.
Good morning, meese! Snowy Saturday …
It is 26 degrees in Madison, on its way up to 30. The winter storm has arrived and is expected to dump 6 to 14 inches of snow. I think we will get closer to the 6 with the heavier totals south. If you don’t have to drive in it, it is actually quite beautiful. The goddess is coating the earth in light!
I scanned a couple of stories and I am confused about where the GOP candidates stand on Muslims. Trump wants a registry (is it okay to mention Hitler when someone calls for doing a Hilteresque thing??) and to close mosques. Cruz thinks a registry goes too far but Rubio thinks that closing mosques is not good enough … close coffee shops where Muslims gather also! And Ben Carson says “don’t we already have a registry?” Good lord, is he clueless! With every outrageous comment I think that surely this is the thing that will finally turn people away from the Republican Party. But I would be wrong. Scared people for some reason are drawn to those who make them more fearful.
There is good news! The administration filed their appeal to the 5th Circuit’s ruling that halted the DACA/DAPA program. My legal friends tell me that the government’s case is very strong and that we have a good chance to have the case heard and decided by the end of June. So right in the middle of the campaign, we will very likely get news that will remind people that the Democratic Party cares about families and the lives of undocumented immigrants. That, coupled with the soundbites from the GOP candidates flying their freak flags this primary season, should make a good case for our party. Hey, let’s take back Congress, too!
Today, Louisianans may elect a Democratic governor. If they do, it will not be a sign that the south is turning blue but that, as always, Louisiana politics is crazy. I remember a few years back, a campaign slogan there was “Vote for the crook … it’s important”. I think the other guy was KKK or something.
See all y’all later! I will put up a few news items in the president’s address. I wonder what he will speak on … there was a lot going on this week.
Turns out that Vice President Biden gave this morning’s address: speaking of how our fear, turned into bigotry, plays right into the hands of Daesh.
Did you say snow? Ohhhh noesssssssss…….
Keep it away from me!
On the Rubio crud – I had to post a diary about it at orange.
I’m seeing red right now.
RE Rubio, it is truly a race to the bottom. I am not sure how much lower they can go but I am sure they will.
One good thing came out of Thursday night’s vote: Paul Ryan’s face is not just attached to the most people-unfriendly budgets in American history but now the most inhumane xenophobic policies since World War II. His choir boy face is now the death rictus of the Republican Party. We have to find some way to take back the House of Representatives.
Up for ungodly hour workout. (actually woke up at 3:40, kinda dozed after but didn’t really get back to sleep) Cold front coming through — supposed to be 54 degrees but at least there’s not really a chance of rain. Probably skipping breakfast tacos after, to come home for a nap.
Good Saturday morning, Moosekind! It’s 30 F. here on a frosty morning, going up to 50-something I think. My usual weather gadget is screwed up this morning. Jan, you win the prize for living in the place with the first snow in Moosylvania!
Big family dinner over at Younger Son’s house today. It seems he enjoyed the roast beef dinner I cooked for his cousin so much he wants to repeat the experience. It will be nice to get together because Younger Son and his family will be going out of town for Thanksgiving.
We had a really hard frost last night. If I had time today I’d prune the apple trees and cut the raspberry canes down another six inches. We’re in for a chilly week so I’m going to put the flannel sheets on the bed.
If Muslims are required to register and wear a yellow crescent on their clothes, I’m going to convert to Islam and wear a yellow crescent myself. Dear Goddess, this country is Foxed up!
Ha! “Foxed Up” … indeed, much of the stoopid can be traced directly to that.
I like your idea of everyone wearing a yellow crescent!! I am not sure it is necessary to convert to Islam, though (I don’t think they like uppity wimmin like me). Remember when people were all up in arms because Barack Obama’s middle name is “Hussein”? Lots of people on social media “changed” their middle names to “Hussein” in solidarity. We could do that with the yellow crescent.
We haz snow and I haz no reason to leave the house so all is good.
We have snow on the mountains surrounding Bellingham. It’s good to see the white peaks again but the air is cold so I need to remember to wear a coat when I leave the warm house. I had a car won’t start problem yesterday and by the time I found a ride home I was really cold. Fortunately Ron and AAA were able to deal with the car because I just couldn’t.
Appears we need a new starter. Ron was rather amused by the quick fix, which was to “whack it” and see what happened. But he waited 2 hrs for that!
Good morning, 31 and clear in Bellingham today. The branches on my old maple trees are finally bare and look very wintery framed by the frost ring on my window. Windows 10 installed a major (over 1/2 hr) update on my computer this morning and it’s zipping along…..faster than my sleepy brain! And it looks like the Edge browser will be easier for me to use, especially now that my bookmarks are magically available again.
One advantage of Edge vs Chrome is that I can c/p from the NYT with Edge, so here’s some good news from Gov Inslee.
Why My State Won’t Close Its Doors to Syrian Refugees
I was worried about the Edge browser because it took over and there was no more IE. But I have yet to find a web site that does not work for general browsing. Some of the sites I use are more complicated so I will stay on Windows 7 for work.
Good for Inslee, good for any governor who refuses to give in to fear. I don’t want to be blown up or shot up, either, but my chances of being killed by a Syrian refugee are about 1,000,000 times less than my chances of being killed by a domestic terrorist or someone who got one of the 300 million guns floating around the United States.