Tuesday, May 24, 2022

He’s nearly three months old and changing rapidly. In appearance, his colors are more defined, body is heavier but still a small package. In action, increasingly he’s a handful, hangs onto my pants-legs, chews my shoes as I walk, bumps into my ankles, nearly always is underfoot. He has needle-sharp teeth and claws.

My poor cat, Maxwell, is a favorite wrestling target. Max is tolerant, plays with the pup until it becomes too much. It’s over when Max roars angrily and smacks the puppy. A focused paw lands with claws and rids the nuisance. In moments, caution forgotten, puppy re-attacks Max.

The pup fights instinctively. He positions his hip to land blows that will broadside Max. Puppy tries this as well against his other key playmate, Mitzvah. She’s quick, much rougher than the cat, keeps puppy on the defensive. This game little fellow hangs in through the action she forces, until I rescue him.

This pure mutt should remain handsome. It’s a guess as to how he’ll grow and appear eventually. His skinny tail is as interesting as himself, doing all sorts of things, curving up or down, twisting in funny ways, and wagging vigorously.

Dear Friends: Through it all, the pup’s consistent good humor is very catching! Diana

Monday, May 23, 2022

At last, my schedule at work has changed. Starting now, I will be off on Mondays through Thursdays, and work as a cashier on Fridays through Sundays. This will free up time to play with my animals and to explore and (hopefully) satisfy my curiosities.

Today, I intend to release several young hens into the flock, to fully become integrated. One is the baby with a missing eye. Generally, she’s done well, learning and gaining perspective, but the more mature and aggressive flock members could blindside her. I’ll evaluate whether to leave her with the flock or bring her to the house as a special needs pet.

Another goal concerns the baby ducks. They need to swim, and today might get a crack at it. I will set up an exercise pen, with a little pool they may use. They dislike being handled and will squawk like crazy while being carried. At last though, in a pen with a pool they’ll discover Duck Heaven.

Dear Friends: I will capture highpoint images and share them. Diana

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Operating a new computer eases with practice. I’m not pushing, haven’t attempted to load the massive editing package that’s on the horizon. First things first, and I’m learning in baby steps to transition between Safari and Windows. There has been progress.

If this computer’s rapid processor can handle a large editing package efficiently, I’ll explore for a new camera. These are activities that could affect Diana’s Morning Blog. I already have reserved web space for “extras” to the Blog. Any changes will occur in baby steps, from the vision in my head to what’s possible in real time.

It’s all about learning, one of my highest priorities. If learning activities diminish all else slows. We mustn’t allow ourselves (i.e., our brains) to become dull. This might be a bigger issue as one ages and opportunities invite a slowing-down. We need to learn from modern brain research, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining strengths from being active physically and processing complex ideas.

That’s enough learning complexity this morning. I’ll soon leave, to resume my part-time job for whatever enhancements that activity offers.

Dear Friends: It seems my wish to expand the Blog is beginning to unfold. Diana

Saturday, May 21, 2022

^{Flower Moon in Third Quarter Phase @ 63.5%; next full moon June 14.}

The header photo is an unedited capture of wild ducks visiting the feed store where I work. It’s unedited because my new Mac Computer won’t let me download an editing package which I own. I am on the verge of disliking this computer. Won’t share more details, except that the transition from Google-based to Safari-based browsing is confusing, at least, and could cause a return of this new computer, at most.

In moments like this, pops into my mind a plaque I saw many years ago on the desk of a young woman. Its message: “Life is too short to date ugly men.” Same for many things, like trying to learn a different computer system.

Otherwise, all’s well at Eight Pines Ranch. The weather is warming, winds are dying, and residents (except for Mac ‘n me) are thriving.

I’ll quit complaining.

This will be a working weekend on my new schedule. I’ll work on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; will be off on Mondays through Thursdays.

Life is good.

Dear Friends: Customers packing the store, retail opportunities galore here. Diana

Friday, May 20, 2022

_{May’s Flower Moon now Waning Gibbous @74.5%; Next full moon, June 14.}

I’m writing on a new Apple Computer. Setting it up has been messy; I’ve never been a complete Mac person. This switch comes after considering that I carry an iPhone, wear an iWatch, and have an iPad. Hopefully, this machine is is powerful enough to accommodate a large graphics editing package that will allow more creativity with images.

The graphics package will be Adobe, huge and flexible software. It gobbles a chunk of operating system and requires a capable graphics processor. Next week, I will download Adobe and see how well this Mac can handle its possibilities.

Today, after several days off, I will return to my part-time job. I’ll no longer sell chickens but will work as a cashier. That’s my preference, and later I’ll explain more.

Some things I wanted to accomplish over the last couple of days didn’t happen. No chicks got released into the larger flock, no baby ducks went swimming. Both days were very cold with high winds and didn’t invite changes to the status quo. Next week I should have four days off, and If the weather is warm, releases and swims will happen.

This is typical Central Oregon weather. Yesterday, in mid-May, our average temp was in the forties. I wore a winter coat while outside feeding the horses.

Dear Friends: This morning, off to a reasonable start using the new Mac. Diana

Thursday, May 19, 2022

^{_{“Flower Moon” @ Waning Gibbous 83.9%; Next Full Moon, June 14.}}

I’m on a quest to learn about vinyl plank flooring, a durable and popular choice for covering floors.

After years of living with multiple dogs, my carpets are stained and dusty. I can’t clear the stains, and consistently heavy dust that ruins vacuums. I’ve worked with all vacuums, from the expensive German-made to many American-made high- and low-priced machines.

As a side note: My horses are in a west-side dry lot. They kick up dust which heavy winds blow directly to my house.

I’ll not get rid of dogs and horses, so it has become necessary to pull my carpeting and install waterproof, stainproof flooring, easy to sanitize and clean. A product of choice is vinyl plank flooring.

Professionals explain to me that vinyl provides a combination of softness and durability. It’s waterproof, resists stains, and cleanable with a wet mop. Pet accidents, water, or mud from outside simply need wiping up. Moreover, vinyl is scratch and scuff resistant.

Today’s economy has made flooring materials expensive. That’s equally so for professional estimates of the cost to refurbish household floors. I’m attempting to wrap my head around all the elements. A helpful move has been exploring with vinyl flooring samples, to see if and how they may reflect and enhance my home’s colors. Some are impactful enough to provide throughout a desirable appearance. Plus, I particularly like one.

So different from years ago when I was new to Central Oregon. Carpeting was the highest roller for floors. I didn’t understand how much dust could blow in from the countryside, nor had I experienced living with aging dogs on carpeting.

Dear Friends: Why do this now? Well, for myself, because it absolutely needs doing. Diana

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

^{_{“Flower Moon” @ Waning Gibbous 91.6%; Next Full Moon, June 14.}}

Today’s header photo captures my dominant hen turkey preparing to roost. While preening, she spreads her tail feathers and can resemble a Tom. I’m embarrassed that she nor her sister have names. I call them “girls.” That deserves remedying, and today I’ll name them.

In today’s perfect weather, my baby ducks will go swimming. I have figured out where and how. These ducklings, active and noisy, run and try to hide when I reach for one, but once caught, are sweet little captives. They will be thrilled in a swimmable tub. I’ll toss in some chopped veggies. A “duck person” told me they love diving for feeder goldfish, but I’m not ready for that.

Today, I will release three young hens from the “integration pen” and let them join the larger flock. They must learn to avoid the flock’s head hen and my cautious turkeys and will, as have previous newbies. I’ll hang around and monitor the learning progress.

In a few weeks, three more hens for release will include my one-eyed rescue, a beautiful Blue Sapphire. She’s done well through infancy and fledgling, but in new situations, temporarily is awkward. That’s understandably so. Eventually, however, upon release, she must be capable of integrating safely into the flock. Otherwise, like “Old Welsummer,” she’ll live as a special pet up at the house.

Dear Friends: A scheduled day of fowl adventures should not run afoul. Diana

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

^{_{“Flower Moon” @ Waning Gibbous 97.1%; Next Full Moon, June 14.}}

This morning, the Flower Moon was setting in the south. That current almost full Moon is today’s header photo.

On the eve of Flower Moon’s most entire rise, Susie, Dale, and I were in Sawyer Park waiting for the event. We could see the horizon, distant by fifteen-plus miles. It’s the same horizon Susie and I often chase, but this time included a foreground of a city portion with electrical lighting.

Sawyer Park is a high-rise and beautiful perch. Its natural surroundings descend to and allow glimpses of the Deschutes River.

Shortly after we arrived, darkness began to descend. We discovered that two unwelcome factors might interfere with viewing the Moonrise. There was a cloudy sky and reflecting ground lights.

Susie’s technology pinpointed that the moon would rise just to the left of a prominent tree. We waited, peering through the murkiness.

Finally and slowly, the Moon emerged, having risen and already in its scheduled solar eclipse.

We saw the moon more clearly as we headed home. We took away learning that moon chases are best viewed and captured from east of the city, beyond its lights.

I am grateful to my friends for introducing me to Sawyer Park. They did the calculating and managing to make our outing an event of witnessing and learning. Despite an uncooperative sky, our mission and experiences were unchanging and fun.

Dear Friends: A solar system is a time machine; it soothes weary Earth residents. Diana

Monday, May 16, 2022

^{_{“Flower Moon” @ Full Moon 99.8%; Next Full Moon, June 14.}}

I tried to get moving today very early, to download our photos and write. But failing to crawl out of bed, now find myself short of time. Today, I must arrive very early to work.

Last evening, from our beautiful spot overlooking the Deschutes River and the city’s east side, we could see the string of buttes that comprises an eastern horizon. A cloudy sky made the rising moon in eclipse a bit iffy, but we were patient and focused, following its progress.

“We” were Susie, Dale, and me, an occasional adventuring trio of sky scavengers. For all the rising monthly moons we’ve witnessed, last night’s remained fuzzy the longest.

Tomorrow, I’ll write more about May’s rising Flower Moon. The event with lots of friendship, patience, and kindness, was lovely indeed.

Dear Friends: Finally, spring is descending on Central Oregon. Diana

Sunday, May 14, 2022

^{_{“Flower Moon”, Waxing Gibbous @99.4%; Full Moon + Total Lunar Eclipse, visible tonight.}}

Tonight, witness one of the greatest shows on Earth, a total eclipse occurring early and viewable.

Susie, Dale, and I plan to haul our chairs, cameras, and binoculars to a local park for the sky show. The full Flower Moon will rise shortly after nine p.m. I saw early this morning the setting of last night’s full-enough moon, it was a lovely sight.

Later this Flower Month is my birthday, and I am gifting myself an Apple Computer. Exciting because its graphic capacity accommodates the massive Adobe Suite photo editing software. It is exciting because I want to use Adobe but lack a lightning-fast processor to handle it.

I also wish for a mirrorless camera but can’t justify the purchase. My hesitation could change quickly; one never knows. My problem is inadequate time and energy to hike and photograph because of working part-time. Adobe software possibilities could nudge me toward a highly capable camera and the great outdoors.

Tonight’s photographs will be from the good old cameras and downloads, and via the good old laptop. By next month’s full moon, maybe new equipment will yield eye poppers.

Dear Friends: Hoping you will be out sharing tonight’s sky with us. Diana