Search found 90 matches

by Astral
Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:04 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Books! What are we reading these days?
Replies: 24
Views: 17447

Re: Books! What are we reading these days?

(I always tend to have a few going at once) Currently reading Terry Tempest Williams' "Pieces of White Shell" (which, admittedly, I started a while ago and then it kind of got kicked under my bed, and I'm just rediscovering it now!), Lawrence Durrell's "Justine," and Neil MacGreg...
by Astral
Wed Nov 02, 2016 3:11 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Business Awards Dinner - Appropriate Attire?
Replies: 10
Views: 11068

Business Awards Dinner - Appropriate Attire?

The organization I work for is being awarded by the regional business review.... and I have to go to the awards dinner. What does one wear to such a thing? In one of the emails, it said attire is "business." What does that even mean? Because of my role in the organization, my daily "b...
by Astral
Fri Oct 28, 2016 12:00 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: What are you reading?
Replies: 10
Views: 9143

Re: What are you reading?

The CD player in my car broke this past spring, so I've lost my audiobook addiction, which is rather sad. I just realized, as I started typing this, that the three books on my nightstand are three of my favorite authors - I'd recommend any of their work to everyone... I just finished Barbara Kingsol...
by Astral
Tue Oct 25, 2016 2:54 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Does this annoy you????
Replies: 14
Views: 11632

Re: Does this annoy you????

Everything annoys me lately, and I don't particularly enjoy interacting with humanity at the moment, so yes, it would annoy me :lol: The nature of my job has changed over the past few months, and I'm now in the main office for part of the week, instead of being alone, in my own office, listening to ...
by Astral
Sun Oct 16, 2016 10:09 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Say hello to baby Kai :)
Replies: 23
Views: 16691

Re: Say hello to baby Kai :)

Yay! Congratulations!
by Astral
Sat Oct 08, 2016 11:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trail riding in the Pyrenees mountains
Replies: 20
Views: 14759

Re: Trail riding in the Pyrenees mountains

That sounds like an absolutely amazing experience. Thank you so much for sharing!
by Astral
Sat Sep 17, 2016 12:17 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Confidence
Replies: 19
Views: 13295

Re: Confidence

My turning point was after a car accident and a TBI - the neurologist pretty much said that my next concussion might be my last, so I'm much more careful. The resulting changes were hard enough to deal with, don't need anything to make it worse! I also have confidence issues in other aspects of my l...
by Astral
Sun Aug 07, 2016 3:28 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Damn Porcupine!
Replies: 21
Views: 14323

Re: Damn Porcupine!

Woost2 wrote:I forgot you have a MoM dog.


As an aside, maybe we should have a spinoff thread of MoM updates - I remember the original story, and sometimes wonder how all of them are doing!
by Astral
Fri Jul 22, 2016 11:04 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Rare breed purebred dog, or craigslist puppy?
Replies: 13
Views: 11526

Re: Rare breed purebred dog, or craigslist puppy?

As someone originally from NH, I of course support your interest in Chinooks ;) I wonder (and maybe others can comment on this more coherently), if that's a natural reaction - to seek out an animal (dog, horse, etc) similar to the one that we just lost (or feel that we'll be replacing). On the other...
by Astral
Fri Jul 22, 2016 1:53 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Tipping in the US and Canada
Replies: 16
Views: 13623

Re: Tipping in the US and Canada

I do 20% in almost all cases... the math's easier ;)
by Astral
Thu Jul 21, 2016 2:03 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Pet names in the workplace
Replies: 26
Views: 17002

Re: Pet names in the workplace

As another person working in a male dominated field... I wouldn't put up with it. I'm in a constant battle to be taken seriously, and diminutive nicknames would in no way help the cause! It sounds like the guy in question doesn't mean harm by it, but I would still draw the line.
by Astral
Sat Jul 16, 2016 3:14 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: How to find a horse
Replies: 8
Views: 7695

Re: How to find a horse

Where in upstate NY? That term means different things to different people!
She might try getting in touch with Eastern New York Dressage and Combined Training Association http://www.enydcta.com/
by Astral
Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:22 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Vermont towns to visit?
Replies: 10
Views: 9563

Re: Vermont towns to visit?

Burlington's just one of my favorite places, so I would recommend that, of course. There's a lot going on, art-wise, great restaurants, just awesome in general. Just a short drive from Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Museum, which are worth checking out. Depending on where your artsy leanings lie, and...
by Astral
Sat Jul 02, 2016 11:56 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: A song about a kitten.
Replies: 2
Views: 3329

A song about a kitten.

Even if you're not into rap, I thought that some of you might enjoy this :mrgreen:
(Aesop Rock's "Kirby")
https://youtu.be/7T_KKiQiolk
by Astral
Sat Jul 02, 2016 11:36 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: List of Holiday Sales
Replies: 5
Views: 7473

Re: List of Holiday Sales

HorseLoverZ https://www.horseloverz.com/horse-spring-deals Ariat, Ovation, and Dublin closeouts. Got a pair of Dublin half chaps for $19.99 VTO http://www.vtosaddlery.com/ 15% off $100+. Schneiders http://www.sstack.com/specials_horse-blankets-sheets/?utm_content=CLOSEOUT+BLANKETS+you+need+at+prices...
by Astral
Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:11 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Librarians on the DDBB?
Replies: 15
Views: 11403

Re: Librarians on the DDBB?

Not a librarian, but I have a background in archiving, which is sort of related!
by Astral
Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:09 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Meet Barnaby - Photos fixed (I hope)
Replies: 30
Views: 17791

Re: Meet Barnaby

He's very cute! Have fun!
The pics *sort of* work - if you right click where it says "Image" and click on "View Image," it bounces you over to Flickr.
by Astral
Sun Jun 26, 2016 12:20 am
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Cellulitis... of the face.
Replies: 0
Views: 2387

Cellulitis... of the face.

Sigh. (And I am working with a vet on this, just throwing it out there anyhow). Anyone had any experience with facial cellulitis? I have a gelding who's prone to cellulitis, but it's always just been hind legs. This is a new one. I'm doing the usual SMZs, bute, etc. Cold hosing isn't really an optio...
by Astral
Fri Jun 17, 2016 12:06 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and progress:. June and July.
Replies: 369
Views: 178990

Re: Goals and progress:. June and July.

... Be patient with yourself. For me I progress better with goals,. Challenging but in reach. Thank you. I appreciate that. (And thanks to the others for their kind words, too.) I think I'm just at a point where my goals are too open-ended. ("Get on a horse." "Try to remember how to ...
by Astral
Thu Jun 16, 2016 11:42 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...
Replies: 11
Views: 9761

Re: Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...

Thanks, everyone! The ticket (which needed to be mailed to the courthouse) gave the option of pleading guilty (which would just end everything right there), or not guilty and then I'd get a court date. So, obviously, I went with not. (I mean, that's what the cop even told me to do). So now I wait......
by Astral
Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:37 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and progress:. June and July.
Replies: 369
Views: 178990

Re: Goals and progress:. June and July.

Well, I've gotten onto more of a regular schedule, but my updates are not as interesting as everyone else's! After 6 months off and a certain amount of weight gain, I have no idea what my body's trying to do! Can I control my legs? Where are my hands? Do I have hips? What is core strength? Aside fro...
by Astral
Mon Jun 13, 2016 12:18 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...
Replies: 11
Views: 9761

Re: Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...

Ha, well, I'm an idiot, and it was actually closed (it's a transom that's really hard to close - I usually remember whacking at it!). It's a disease, I tell you, this "Did I lock the doors, etc." thing. Thanks for the frivolous jingles. LeoApp, I am going to plead not guilty. If that doesn...
by Astral
Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:44 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...
Replies: 11
Views: 9761

Frivolous Jingle Request to Counter my Own Stupidity...

So this is my night so far... Driving home from an event with coworkers, I realized I couldn't remember if I had closed a window earlier at work. The story of my life is not remembering if I locked doors or not and having to turn around. I was about 20 minutes away. I called a coworker who lives nea...
by Astral
Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:09 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: HWH! Update, all moved in. "After" photos added
Replies: 12
Views: 10167

Re: Home sweet home :) with pics of my new place

What a great place!
(As someone who's currently apartment hunting, I'm also rather jealous!)
Hope the stairs to the loft are going okay with the knee.
by Astral
Mon Jun 06, 2016 10:40 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: New job for Chancellor
Replies: 20
Views: 13854

Re: New job for Chancellor

Congrats!
by Astral
Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:56 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Blue Cheese...recipes? I'm obsessed
Replies: 22
Views: 15038

Re: Blue Cheese...recipes? I'm obsessed

I think Linden16 said she's in AZ. Our growing season is backwards from the rest of the country. We have 'maters and lots of other produce. Our growing season is starting to end for the summer. Things will pick back up in the fall :) I just got some organic melons (some small French ones that taste...
by Astral
Sat Jun 04, 2016 2:40 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Blue Cheese...recipes? I'm obsessed
Replies: 22
Views: 15038

Re: Blue Cheese...recipes? I'm obsessed

Easiest thing ever.
If you can find *good* tomatoes (it's just not the right time of year, but they're out there), slice 'em up, put some clue cheese on them, and put them under the broiler for a few minutes. That's it. Done.
by Astral
Fri Jun 03, 2016 1:15 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and progress:. June and July.
Replies: 369
Views: 178990

Re: Goals and progress:. June and July.

For the first time in years, I'll play! Right now, my goals are pretty simple. Due to two bad ankle sprains (January and April), a broken foot (April through now), a winter with almost no snow (when you ride outside, snow's important in the winter!), moving, and starting a new job, riding hasn't rea...
by Astral
Thu Jun 02, 2016 11:57 pm
Forum: Tack, Apparel, Facilities and Transportation
Topic: Rust breeches
Replies: 4
Views: 5897

Re: Rust breeches

As a fellow lover of rust breeches... http://www.doversaddlery.com/comfort-ride-side-zip-breeches/p/X1-35258/?ids=zp3zdebglxmrmktxewpyfla3 https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/the-tailored-sportsman-tan-patch-trophy-hunter-12634 (I thought there were other TS models that came in rust... but I could be ...
by Astral
Sun May 29, 2016 12:03 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Return to the stone age
Replies: 18
Views: 13231

Re: Return to the stone age

Good luck :) It's really not that bad - I haven't had cable in years. I do have a TV, and occasionally borrow things from the library, but that's it (admittedly, I moved about 4 months ago and still haven't hooked up my TV). There's really no point - I have no idea when I'd actually sit down and wat...
by Astral
Thu May 26, 2016 1:13 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Surgery Day! Jingles welcome :)
Replies: 77
Views: 44414

Re: Surgery Day! Jingles welcome :)

Glad everything went smoothly! Jingles for a smooth recovery!
by Astral
Thu May 19, 2016 12:41 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Hey Guys :) What a year...
Replies: 16
Views: 11484

Re: Hey Guys :) What a year...

Glad you're back! Good luck with the surgery and the move... stuff always seems to happen all at once. You said that you don't have anyone to help you move when you get back... even though you're not using a moving company, sometimes they do offer the service of loading/unloading, regardless of how ...
by Astral
Thu May 19, 2016 12:33 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: I'M BAAaaAACK
Replies: 44
Views: 22572

Re: I'M BAAaaAACK

Glad you're back! Even though it was forever ago, I do remember your story. We were getting updates from... someone. Class, I think? Wasn't there a UDBB project to make you a quilt or something?
Anyhow, good luck with the horse search!
by Astral
Tue May 10, 2016 3:27 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Clean bill of health
Replies: 18
Views: 12964

Re: Clean bill of health

Yay!
by Astral
Mon May 09, 2016 2:53 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Need suggestions for short get-away on East coast
Replies: 12
Views: 11159

Re: Need suggestions for short get-away on East coast

It's a nice time to come to the Berkshires, before all the tourists descend upon it. Not as much going on for theater/music/etc, but the majority of places are open year-round.
by Astral
Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:46 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Tell me about Galveston/Houston!
Replies: 11
Views: 10481

Re: Tell me about Galveston/Houston!

Not that it's super helpful... but I recently found out one of my favorite spots is relocating to Galveston - so there's a plus for the area! http://theberkshireedge.com/gypsy-joynt-close-doors/ (A portion of my family is from Houston - but they all left, and I've never been, so I don't have anythin...
by Astral
Fri Apr 08, 2016 12:57 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Horrid couple of weeks
Replies: 44
Views: 23123

Re: Horrid couple of weeks

So sorry about Merlin. And glad you're okay after the accident.
by Astral
Fri Apr 08, 2016 12:54 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)
Replies: 14
Views: 11197

Re: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)

boots-aregard wrote:(Everytime I see this thread, I think: "Well, I'm glad she didn't break the smart foot!")


The smart foot had the sense and self-preservation not to get broken!
by Astral
Wed Apr 06, 2016 11:44 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)
Replies: 14
Views: 11197

Re: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)

So it sounds like riding plans for the summer will probably be put on hold :x So it goes. He doesn't mind the time off (he's 22 this year), and while there are people at the barn I'd be comfortable working him, his reaction is still (albeit rarely, at this point) to rear, so he's a bit of a liabilit...
by Astral
Wed Apr 06, 2016 1:47 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)
Replies: 14
Views: 11197

Re: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)

Thanks, everyone! Good call on getting another boot, Kramer - that didn't even occur to me... Tarlo - thanks for the advice on the stairs! I had tried pushing myself up on my butt, and your method was so much quicker. I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow, so I'll know more then...
by Astral
Tue Apr 05, 2016 2:26 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)
Replies: 14
Views: 11197

Re: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)

Ugh, your pinky toe experience sounds unpleasant as well! This is actually the... foot bone... that attaches to the pinky toe. It would be so much easier if it was one of the middle bones - it's easy to overlook how much weight you bear on the outside of your foot - as you know from your experience!...
by Astral
Tue Apr 05, 2016 1:22 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)
Replies: 14
Views: 11197

Broke my stupid foot (plus an actual question)

Just when I thought the sprained ankle was better, it gave out on me walking down the stairs... and I broke my foot. Fractured the pinky toe metatarsal. He said it was a pretty clean fracture, and though I have an ortho appointment later in the week, he seemed comfortable sending me home with a boot...
by Astral
Sun Apr 03, 2016 10:31 pm
Forum: Tack, Apparel, Facilities and Transportation
Topic: New developments in sticky breeches: How much more sticky?
Replies: 24
Views: 20049

Re: New developments in sticky breeches: How much more sticky?

I have no experience with them, but I'd be curious to try them (or at least try them on - none are in my price range for casually giving a go :lol:). Super-sticky full seats are a no-go for me (I have big thighs - I can't WALK in them to get to the horse, no less ride effectively in them. Tried. Fai...
by Astral
Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:13 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: OK, I finally read Outlander ...
Replies: 9
Views: 8728

Re: OK, I finally read Outlander ...

Well, I almost put it down after the first one. It was engaging enough, but I really wasn't as sold on it as I felt like I was supposed to be. I'm glad I kept going - the series definitely has its ups and downs, but I ended up enjoying the second and third books more than the first (admittedly, 900 ...
by Astral
Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:43 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Best antivirus for computers?
Replies: 3
Views: 4039

Re: Best antivirus for computers?

I've been very happy (knock on wood) with Avast and Malwarebytes. I know a lot of people have had great luck with Kaspersky - but I just didn't. I installed it after a virus-related incident, which was allegedly removed before installation, but the same virus came back a few months later. However, u...
by Astral
Mon Jan 18, 2016 12:04 am
Forum: Tack, Apparel, Facilities and Transportation
Topic: Girths for sensitive skin TB
Replies: 15
Views: 14726

Re: Girths for sensitive skin TB

I love my Westip too... I've also had good luck with the Soft Touch girth (I have both a long and a short girth from them). Depending on the size you're looking for, VTO seems to have them on sale... http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CESDG&gclid=Cj0KE...

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