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Just for fun: the random, useless announcements thread!
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
When was the days that a forest fire would cause a great migration of animals, birds and insects. Mankind has partitioned up the land, put up lots of barriers so that now the horses need help doing what comes naturally. In a way we are a crazy species.
@lobster said:
Here is another food item sentient being, I photographed in London a few hours ago (Richmond Park). I called him Gandalf, as he was hanging out with his mates blocking my path - 'None shall pass'. Had to go back and around. Deer have priority in Royal Parks ...
I have been kayaking recently on an inland lake, I have learned to be very wary of the local swans who think it belongs to them ( which of course it does! ).
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@lobster said:
Here is another food item sentient being, I photographed in London a few hours ago (Richmond Park). I called him Gandalf, as he was hanging out with his mates blocking my path - 'None shall pass'. Had to go back and around. Deer have priority in Royal Parks ...
I have been kayaking recently on an inland lake, I have learned to be very wary of the local swans who think it belongs to them ( which of course it does! ).
Yes, swans are quite territorial, and that was just a conflict of space-interest.
But these people were just recklessly stupid.
How idiotic can you actually get - ?
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
There is a Green Ninja living in my house ?????????????????
5
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Ninjas are notorious for jumping on beds. Usually in strategic places when the man of the house is lying on his back.
They can cripple you for weeks.
True dat.
I had the good fortune to visit a friend's property for a few days ( I had been meaning to go for the past 8 years but never got around to it-until now that is)...The property is around three and half hours drive north of Auckland... an area called Tutamoe, in the Kaipara district... ( In the Maori language Tuta means back of the neck and Moe to sleep )
The hills in the background is where Tutamoe is situated ...It's between Dargaville and Kaikohi (This photo was taken in Dargaville, 45 kms south of Tutamoe...)
My friend's got 10 acres of beautiful bushland/rainforest...The ground is carpeted with foliage soft and springy under foot and the natural colours are amazing
Possible Kiwi nesting site...Kiwis have been seen on the property
Out for a walk with my friend's dog Henry...Henry's a good dog...I would have gotten lost without him..
To Bee or not to Bee (swarm on the pine tree next door... middle of the photo just about the centre, hanging from the branch)
I attended a Dharma talk this morning (amazing ..two Tibetan Dharma teachers have visited the island in a space of a week, last Wednesday and today) and after arriving home I was about to go for a walk when I hear a familiar buzzing sound, at first i thought there was a wasp nest close by, but then I looked up and saw the busy bees flying to and fro from the branch where they had set up camp...It's that time of year again when they swarm...
News Flash....My neighbours have just started to collect the swarm, ((bees were swarming around my kitchen window which is close to where they set up camp) they have put a bee hive at the bottom of their garden, yum... so it looks like I will have honey on tap...
@Kerome said:
Why is Halloween the “zen bashing day”? I always thought zen teachers did the bashing...
They do? Excellent!
We can use them Zeniths as stewards for our Hell Incursion Picnic. The dilemma is do the teachers use the Keisaku to beat away the demons or bodhisattvas trying to run back to the lower purelands?
0
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
It’s nice to have neighbours who know a little about beekeeping. Collecting bee swarms is not for everyone you know (although I’ve seen it done a few times).
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited October 2017
I used to keep bees. The times I'd be called on by neighbours ranting angrily on my doorsteps,
"Your f%$@£&g bees have swrmed into my tree/shed/garage!!"
I would assure them they hadn't but to placate them, I would gather all and any equipment I needed, and follow them to their home, look at the offending invasion, and (smugly) state, "Nope. They're not mine, because they're not bees. Sorry!"
And I'd turn to go.
"Well aren't you going to get rid of them?!"
"Nope. Not my job. Call the council!"
"Yes, but they'll charge me!"
Exit Fede, left of stage, shrugging with a 'yup!' grin on face.
I guess some people get a buzz out of keeping bees
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Yes. We also get honey, which is really the main reason. That and conservation. It's been established that bees coming from suburban habitats are actually healthier and less prone to disease, pesticides, herbicides and invasive predators than those kept in the wide open spaces.
People, in close-knit urban communities, are those who are keeping bees going.
I have also found many people can't tell the difference between 'honey bees' and the common wasps...I've been called out on a number of occasions where people have said "I have a wasp nest" only to find it's honey bees and vice versa ...
Bees I normally give the property owner a contact number of a local bee keeper, but at times the bee keepers are not interested if the bee swarm has gone into a wall cavity or down a chimney, for some it's too much hard work trying to smoke them out...Sadly in cases like this, the swarm has to be destroyed...especially if the property owners or any family members have allergy to bees stings...
0
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
I cut myself in the tip of my thumb (while dissecting a pumpkin if you must know) and now I’m painfully reminded of it with every operation I do on my tablet... I’m also glad it’s healed over otherwise I’d be leaving blood splodges all over the keyboard, yuck. Dhukka is definitely there.
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited October 2017
Blood on the keyboard...? How very ghoulishly Hallowe'enish!
In the supermarket today, some of the staff were dressed in fancy dress for Halloween... The teller that served me had cuts all over her face and body with blood all over the place...:) I saw some of the customers avoiding this particular teller's checkout...I guess her checkout won't be too busy today...
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited October 2017
We have some extra (emergency) staff in our store currently, from other branches, covering for an unusually high incidence of absenteeism.
A woman came into our store yesterday.
Picture if you will:
Full-length grass-green camel coat. Black curly long hair, emerging from a purple bandana. Face, deathly white, thick, dark straight painted eyebrows, so much mascara her eyes could hardly support the weight and stay open, and a slash of red lipstick across a thin, downturned mouth.
"Blimey," said the interim staff member, "There's a Hallowe'en get up!"
"No," I replied, "She ALWAYS dresses that way."
My mother has been going through my Facebook pictures and asked: "Why do you always come out with such a big nose?"
I'm a week shy of 47, and my Mom has yet to realize that I do HAVE a big nose...
Amazing...
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
You don't have a big nose, @DhammaDragon; you simply have a small face....
Must say though, I didn't really notice it IRL... not something that seemed in any way obvious to me...
1
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
No sun - no moon,
No morn - no noon -
No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds... -
November.
It's hard @Bunks when a child is feeling poorly...
As parents we wishes we could take on board their sickness and pain, but all we can do is sympathise and shower them with love and kindness... be there for them....
Thanks @Shoshin ! Given the nature of his illness there’s probably a good chance I’ll be taking on board his sickness and pain in the next day or two ?
When my son was 4, he had gastro and infected all the neighbours in our street, including my husband.
I was the only one miraculously spared (super green tea?)
On the third day, when hubby seemed to be recovering, the bugs attacked his heart and we had to rush him to hospital.
He was in intensive care for a week and could not work for three.
Several friends had to be hospitalized too.
Gastro is not serious for kids but can be lethal with adults, so be careful @Bunks.
Much metta to your son❤
Thanks @DhammaDragon - he stopped vomiting quite a while ago now and has managed to keep down a banana, ice cream and sushi. Fingers crossed it may have passed!
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Do you remember when we had sushi together in London, Fede?
Not the best sushi, but it was fun
Yes, I was really disappointed at the lack of choice and variety, and said so in a feedback. It was salmon, with salmon, some salmon and a bit of salmon. Not forgetting the salmon. Oh, and the salmon, too. Interspersed liberally on the endless conveyor-belt, with small advert holder stands, publicising just how wonderful the variety of Sushi "Yo! Sushi!" had.....
How is your amiga? She was very nice! It was a lovely day albeit brief...
Lau was overall nice that day, though she can be much nicer.
She was a bit jealous at having to share me with you that day.
Typical Taurus...
She still has that gorgeous jacket we bought together at Marks & Spencer's ❤
Comments
When was the days that a forest fire would cause a great migration of animals, birds and insects. Mankind has partitioned up the land, put up lots of barriers so that now the horses need help doing what comes naturally. In a way we are a crazy species.
I have been kayaking recently on an inland lake, I have learned to be very wary of the local swans who think it belongs to them ( which of course it does! ).
Yes, swans are quite territorial, and that was just a conflict of space-interest.
But these people were just recklessly stupid.
How idiotic can you actually get - ?
Here's the article.....
http://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/more-pictures-emerge-people-taking-657829
Thanks @federica
Makes sense that they are rutting. A lot of the younger males were fighting each other, reasonably gently. They were all standing their ground.
I was without electricity for almost a week and I am still without WiFi as a result of storm Ophelia. What have I learned I hear you ask?
Pine Marten.
The Irish are absolute champions at the kind of humour needed in dire circumstances...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4984794/Ophelia-Social-media-whips-storm-memes-jokes.html
http://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/fun---games/276326/the-best-twitter-reactions-as-ophelia-trends-in-ireland.html
There is a Green Ninja living in my house ?????????????????
Ninjas are notorious for jumping on beds. Usually in strategic places when the man of the house is lying on his back.
They can cripple you for weeks.
True dat.
They also have a habit of missing the toilet when peeing and blowing raspberries in their daddies face when he's trying to help them get dressed!
....Allegedly....I mean, they're Ninjas.... ain't they?!
The Green Ninja joined forces with The Blue Ninja!
Going to see the new blade runner. Its over 3 hours long so I have prepared for it in every way....including studying this useful chart.....
Is vaginal weightlifting or kegel exercises any use for piss control?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginal_weightlifting
Think yoga is probably better ...
@Hozan, if doing Tantra, not having a vagina is considered irreverent by some yab-yummers ...
... here to help our budding surrealists ...
I don't have a vagina to be weightlifting with.
I think thats the most surreal sentence I have ever typed.
Trust me, as a woman - I completely sympathise!
http://www.zenforuminternational.org has gone offline
Pah! Just when halloween/zen bashing day is nearly upon us ...
Will just have to head over to treeleaf
http://www.treeleaf.org zen community forums with a few shinobi/ninja for protection ...
My claws are polished and oiled ...
Why is Halloween the “zen bashing day”? I always thought zen teachers did the bashing...
What?!
I'm dying here. 
I had the good fortune to visit a friend's property for a few days ( I had been meaning to go for the past 8 years but never got around to it-until now that is)...The property is around three and half hours drive north of Auckland... an area called Tutamoe, in the Kaipara district... ( In the Maori language Tuta means back of the neck and Moe to sleep )
The hills in the background is where Tutamoe is situated ...It's between Dargaville and Kaikohi (This photo was taken in Dargaville, 45 kms south of Tutamoe...)
My friend's got 10 acres of beautiful bushland/rainforest...The ground is carpeted with foliage soft and springy under foot and the natural colours are amazing
Possible Kiwi nesting site...Kiwis have been seen on the property
Out for a walk with my friend's dog Henry...Henry's a good dog...I would have gotten lost without him..
The river that runs through his property
Speaking of Bruce Lee, have y'all seen/read this?:
https://brainpickings.org/2016/08/01/bruce-lee-notebook/
Ah yes, it's expensive eating clean, safe, non cancer and disease filled foods, but not as expensive as cancer and disease..
I love letting go of the idea I "should be' doing something else when I am perfectly happy doing what I am doing.
Om shanti..
Saw this on twitter earlier posted by Noah Rasheta, pretty good I thought.
To Bee or not to Bee (swarm on the pine tree next door... middle of the photo just about the centre, hanging from the branch)
I attended a Dharma talk this morning (amazing ..two Tibetan Dharma teachers have visited the island in a space of a week, last Wednesday and today) and after arriving home I was about to go for a walk when I hear a familiar buzzing sound, at first i thought there was a wasp nest close by, but then I looked up and saw the busy bees flying to and fro from the branch where they had set up camp...It's that time of year again when they swarm...
News Flash....My neighbours have just started to collect the swarm, ((bees were swarming around my kitchen window which is close to where they set up camp) they have put a bee hive at the bottom of their garden, yum... so it looks like I will have honey on tap...
They do? Excellent!
We can use them Zeniths as stewards for our Hell Incursion Picnic. The dilemma is do the teachers use the Keisaku to beat away the demons or bodhisattvas trying to run back to the lower purelands?
It’s nice to have neighbours who know a little about beekeeping. Collecting bee swarms is not for everyone you know (although I’ve seen it done a few times).
I used to keep bees. The times I'd be called on by neighbours ranting angrily on my doorsteps,
"Your f%$@£&g bees have swrmed into my tree/shed/garage!!"
I would assure them they hadn't but to placate them, I would gather all and any equipment I needed, and follow them to their home, look at the offending invasion, and (smugly) state, "Nope. They're not mine, because they're not bees. Sorry!"
And I'd turn to go.
"Well aren't you going to get rid of them?!"
"Nope. Not my job. Call the council!"
"Yes, but they'll charge me!"
Exit Fede, left of stage, shrugging with a 'yup!' grin on face.
I guess some people get a buzz out of keeping bees
Yes. We also get honey, which is really the main reason. That and conservation. It's been established that bees coming from suburban habitats are actually healthier and less prone to disease, pesticides, herbicides and invasive predators than those kept in the wide open spaces.
People, in close-knit urban communities, are those who are keeping bees going.
I have also found many people can't tell the difference between 'honey bees' and the common wasps...I've been called out on a number of occasions where people have said "I have a wasp nest" only to find it's honey bees and vice versa ...
Bees I normally give the property owner a contact number of a local bee keeper, but at times the bee keepers are not interested if the bee swarm has gone into a wall cavity or down a chimney, for some it's too much hard work trying to smoke them out...Sadly in cases like this, the swarm has to be destroyed...especially if the property owners or any family members have allergy to bees stings...
I cut myself in the tip of my thumb (while dissecting a pumpkin if you must know) and now I’m painfully reminded of it with every operation I do on my tablet... I’m also glad it’s healed over otherwise I’d be leaving blood splodges all over the keyboard, yuck. Dhukka is definitely there.
Blood on the keyboard...? How very ghoulishly Hallowe'enish!
In the supermarket today, some of the staff were dressed in fancy dress for Halloween... The teller that served me had cuts all over her face and body with blood all over the place...:) I saw some of the customers avoiding this particular teller's checkout...I guess her checkout won't be too busy today...
Her makeup looked something like this
Ghoul blimey
We have some extra (emergency) staff in our store currently, from other branches, covering for an unusually high incidence of absenteeism.
A woman came into our store yesterday.
Picture if you will:
Full-length grass-green camel coat. Black curly long hair, emerging from a purple bandana. Face, deathly white, thick, dark straight painted eyebrows, so much mascara her eyes could hardly support the weight and stay open, and a slash of red lipstick across a thin, downturned mouth.
"Blimey," said the interim staff member, "There's a Hallowe'en get up!"
"No," I replied, "She ALWAYS dresses that way."
And she does.
My mother has been going through my Facebook pictures and asked: "Why do you always come out with such a big nose?"
I'm a week shy of 47, and my Mom has yet to realize that I do HAVE a big nose...
Amazing...
You don't have a big nose, @DhammaDragon; you simply have a small face....
Must say though, I didn't really notice it IRL... not something that seemed in any way obvious to me...
No sun - no moon,
No morn - no noon -
No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds... -
November.
Thomas Hood
My four year old son has gastro ?
I’ve spent the last 12 hours cleaning up spew and changing his clothes.
Poor little bugger.....
It's hard @Bunks when a child is feeling poorly...
As parents we wishes we could take on board their sickness and pain, but all we can do is sympathise and shower them with love and kindness... be there for them....
Been there and done that on many occasions ...
May your son get well soon @Bunks
Make sure you have plenty of 'hugs' freely available ....
Metta
Thanks @Shoshin ! Given the nature of his illness there’s probably a good chance I’ll be taking on board his sickness and pain in the next day or two ?
True...May you be well too @Bunks
When my son was 4, he had gastro and infected all the neighbours in our street, including my husband.
I was the only one miraculously spared (super green tea?)
On the third day, when hubby seemed to be recovering, the bugs attacked his heart and we had to rush him to hospital.
He was in intensive care for a week and could not work for three.
Several friends had to be hospitalized too.
Gastro is not serious for kids but can be lethal with adults, so be careful @Bunks.
Much metta to your son❤
Thanks @DhammaDragon - he stopped vomiting quite a while ago now and has managed to keep down a banana, ice cream and sushi. Fingers crossed it may have passed!
sushi.... MMMMMMMMMMM!!!
Lobster shopping list: ... begin ...
... to be continued
Do you remember when we had sushi together in London, Fede?
Not the best sushi, but it was fun
Add coconut oil, dear @lobster, please...
Yes, I was really disappointed at the lack of choice and variety, and said so in a feedback. It was salmon, with salmon, some salmon and a bit of salmon. Not forgetting the salmon. Oh, and the salmon, too. Interspersed liberally on the endless conveyor-belt, with small advert holder stands, publicising just how wonderful the variety of Sushi "Yo! Sushi!" had.....
How is your amiga? She was very nice! It was a lovely day albeit brief...
Lau was overall nice that day, though she can be much nicer.
She was a bit jealous at having to share me with you that day.
Typical Taurus...
She still has that gorgeous jacket we bought together at Marks & Spencer's ❤