Pottery Chatroom Board

Good afternoon. Sorry to learn of Davy Jones' passing .... suddenly, I feel so much older. I loved watching The Monkees when I was (very) young, and I knew I liked them, but couldn't exactly say why. 😉 Lots of wind and humidity, today. Storms are marching their way towards the east coast. Rumor has it that we'll need our wellies on Thursday.

Good luck, Amber! 🙂
Relax? Ummmm..... now where did I put that dictionary....

Good morning, Amber. Oh, I've gone beyond the T3 and T4 testing; you've got those right! They came back normal, but given my health history - my MD ordered an ultrasound, back in January. That showed the presence of a cyst and some small, calcified nodles (nothing I wasn't suspecting), so the next step was the thyroid uptake test. That's the one that requires nuclear imaging. The radiologist wants to get a better look at the lobe, and test it's function at base line, four hour, and twenty four hour intervals. That's a lot of room for 'abnormal' to creep into the equation, which was why I was so surprised that my test came back clean, given that it's been doing it's own thing, since surgery in '87.

Good morning. I got up with the dawn, even though it's Saturday, because everybody knows - there's no snooze alarm on a cat who wants breakfast. Can't really blame the feline; my body clock has become used to the routine, so much so, that I can't sleep a wink once a smidgeon of light creeps through the curtains.

Mechanical stuff continues to break and/or die around here. Since my last post, Kat's car started having issues (smoke from under the hood is NOT a good issue), and the washing machine up and died. Granted, the washer had been limping along for quite, some time, but I swear it waited until the most inopportune moment to croak. DH and I went to Lowes last night, in the middle of the pouring rain, and settled on it's replacement. He'll bring it home this morning, probably while I am driving Kat to work. Thankfully, the skies overhead have turned bright and blue, in spite of the cloud of trouble that still sits overhead. I told DH that we could look at it this way: since I don't have to have surgery, that's at least a thousand dollars more in medical bills that we won't have to pay. Therefore, spending four hundred on a new washer still puts us ahead of the game. It's all a matter of perspective, but more and more, I am having trouble finding my rose colored glasses.

Hot diggety-darn! I got IN! (THANKS, KATIE). So, how's tricks, everyone? I am sitting here, smiling, because I was able to see the results of some medical tests that were run this week (thyroid uptake --- I'll glow in the dark for a week) and everything came back NORMAL. Lordsakes, forgive me - but it's been a long time since I've been associated with that word. "Why be normal when you can be Abbie Normal?" In short, that means I get to keep on livin' with my imperfect, but good enough to keep thyroid lobe (the other half was donated to medical science back in '87), I don't need to get my neck cut open or burn my precious vacation days recouperating at home, looking for all the world like a botched suicide attempt. It doesn't take much to make me happy. 😀 On other fronts, stuff still seems to go Ka-Blooie! around here ... we've got a clusterbomb of car trouble in this family; so much so, that I'm beginning to wonder what kind of deal I could get on a small fleet of gently used vehicles... as in, if we buy five, can we get a sixth one free? In short, don't part too close - this crap may be contagious.

Can y'all tell it's late, and I am up (almost) past my bedtime? I'm feeling like an overtired toddler with motor mouth; been on a dead run all day and evening; my other speed is gonna be a dead stop in short order. Hope all of you are doing well in health, friendships and family. I'll try not be such a stranger ... strange, yes .. estranged 'not so much'. *Taking Old Sandy Pants' hand and waving goodnight*

Good evening. Gordon - sorry for the fast fade yesterday; I got spun out into the world by the needs of the many. Go figure. 😉

Moan-Day/Monday is mostly over, and I am tickled pink that I listened to that still, small voice that says, "Go thrifting ... go thrifting ....". Just as I was about to leave the Kidney Foundation store that I sometimes haunt when the workday is through, the clerk started putting out jewelry and watches in the display case. Today, they sold to me a 14-K Lord Elgin mens watch with a diamond dial and 23 jewel movement for $8.00. It doesn't work, but I-Don't-Care! I know a splendid watch repairman. Once Bob has it humming again, I plan to find a spiffy leather band to replace the old stainless steel one that somebody put on it, years ago. Not sure as to the age, but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd think it a 50's model. This is DH's lucky day, and he doesn't even know it, yet.

Gordon, it suggests that a woman allowed to further her education will be exposed to vice and ideas.

Hello, Gordon. The poster was meant to be hung in a doctor's office where men would see it - but not (heaven forbid) women. It's illustrated by a lovely girl, lead astray by vice. She is drawn, smoking - her hair tumbling down, wild and free - one breast bared, and showing no shame over this indiscretion; and spare playing cards are tucked into her garter. It's the perfect example of late Victorian pornography, but ---- it's "not", because it's for the greater good of informing menfolk, don'tcha know.

Katie, shopping at the LC-GW is unlike any other store, in that clothes are not sorted, but are all lumped together into great heaps of every manner, and are unceremoniously dumped onto big tables. You have to sort through a lot of cr*p to find something useable. The per/pound pricing works in the favor of those buying filmy, lightweight items - not so much where heavier textiles go, such as denim or winter coats. I would say that my favorite score there is on books. Some years ago, I paid pennies for a lovely, first edition of Hans Christian Andersen's stories, that were illustrated by Honor Appleton. Another find was a late 19th century poster (with original frame!) that advertised against the evils of educating women. It was believed that they'd be seduced by card-sharps, liquor, cigarettes, casual sex, the sufferagette movement, and Lord-knows-what-Else. My eldest daughter loves that poster, and says it has inspired her to never stop learning. 🙂

Bob, the only thrift that doesn't always post prices is the Last Chance GW - which is not what they call themselves, but is the local terminology for the store located in the sketchier part of town. Wares that are unsold at other GWs go there for their Last Chance to be sold, and are supposed to be half of whatever price the regular stores were asking. Clothing, textiles and books are sold by the pound for a fixed price. Wares that are unpriced are sold for whatever the cashier thinks is a fair rate, and yeah - that can be influenced by how the patron looks. I seldom bother to go to this particular store, as it's too far out of my route; but I've found some goodies there, in days gone by.

We have company .... will be back, later. 🙂

Good afternoon and hello to everyone. Thank you Cathy and Katie for dropping me a line. It's hard to pop back in after a prolonged absence - especially when it's of your own creation. In short, life got too busy, and I was burning the candle at both ends. Everyone is doing well - and I finally seem to have some help at the office. The girl (she's 21) that they've tapped to be my assistant has adapted well to the paperwork aspect of the job, but still needs polish on the phone ... and then, there is the absentee-ism thing. *Sigh* At least they're not sending me people from the float pool, anymore. I still love to go out fossicking (a nod to Gordon) in the thrifts, just to see what catches my eye. Seems that there are more and more people doing the same, these days; and I consider those times when I find something worth toting home to be that much more special, as I am seldom there when the new stuff comes out.

The catties and pup are all hale and healthy. Junior Pup and Chester have spent the majority of the day vying for my lap, whenever I hazard to sit down, between chores. (As I type, I'm waiting for the floors to dry in the hall, foyer, dining room, bath and kitchen.) In a few, I need to head on out to th the grocery store to buy the makings for two, big batches of corn bread. Sam (DH) and I are going to an oyster roast later tonight .... chili and Frogmore Stew are also on the menu. The corn bread is our contribution to the fete. I'll probably spring for a case of good beer, as life is too short to drink the cheap stuff. 🙂

Now, before I type a novella, - I'm going to post this, and then do a bit of scrolling, as I've got months of gabfest on which to catch up!

Good evening. Hoping all is well with everyone.

Good morning friends! I confess - my knickers are in a twist; it's been a long, trying, stress-filled week, and I'm not in the mood to suffer fools, gladly. Thank goodness for the company of good people with generous hearts. I hope that everyone in the Big Storm's Path (don't want to take our Irene's name in vain!) will stay safe; you know there will be stories to tell, on the other side of this. Meanwhile - I need to go. See you when the quittin' whistle blows.

Susan, I hope all goes well with your adoption of the new tortie ... they hold a soft spot in my heart, having become enchanted by one as a child. Her name was Santa (odd, I know) and she used to love to hold court from the comfort of an antique chair, that featured a lovely, embroidered seat and back cushion. At the time, we couldn't have a cat in the house, due to my brother's allegies; in fact - I had to surrender a beautiful black tommer, named Velvet; he'd been mine only two weeks, when my brother's condition was diagnosed. I was at the age and of the mind that I'd sooner give up my brother than the cat; and though I know he didn't do it on purpose, a wee spot in my heart was unforgiving, because of the rank injustice of it all. We continued to have dogs, as long as they lived outdoors, but in my heart of hearts, I wanted a cat to tell my secrets to; to share my lap, while reading a book, and to keep cozy with, on cold winter nights. I finally got a tortie as an adult - her name was Abigail (Abbie, for short) - and though she's been gone for nearly two years, I still miss her.

Mim, as I understand it, some cats lack the ability to respond to catnip; thankfully - that can't be said of any of ours. The thing about catnip is - if you have cats who love it - you can scarcely grow it, as they're bound to find a way to the herb. And if you can grow catnip, well ---- you obviously have no cats. Years ago (without thinking) I had it planted in a flower/herb bed out front. Felines from all around came to our yard to roll in, rub against, and eat the catnip. While they were visiting, they turned my flower beds into their litter boxes. I am surprised that the SPCA didn't have me hauled before the magistrate on drug charges --- our yard perpetually looked like 3:00 am at the Kit Kat Club --- stoned felines under every shrub, atop the bench and yowling at the front door, for sustenance. Apparently, nip gives them the munchies, once the foolishness wears off. Who knew?

Good morning. I am running behind, thanks to having read the sodium content on every, blessed thing I considered putting into my mouth, today. I told DH that if he eats chips or popcorn, he'd better brush his teeth before thinking of kissing me, otherwise the stars I see may not be the kind born of romance.
Gave the catties a sprig of fresh catnip this ayem, after we (all four felines, the dog and I) walked out to check on the herb garden. The fee-lions are now fey-lions ... all dopey, fun-loving and in a stupid-good mood. Junior really doesn't know what to make of the change in their behavior, and even tried to eat a piece of catnip, but spit it back out. I think he was really hoping for something more.
Enjoy your coffee, your morning and your day ... will see y'all after QT (quitting time).

Chris, thanks - I am feeling better. Popped a Bayer aspirin, just to be on the safe side, and went for a good walk with Junior Pup, after dinner. I'm about to retire with a Country Living magazine, and then get a good night's rest. Will see y'all in the morning!

As I seem to be playing to an empty room, and have a spastic Chihuahua on my hands, I'm going to take a powder and see everyone later. Toodles!

Good evening (was about to say, 'afternoon') - I can hear the rumblings of distant thunder, but no rain here, yet. Wondering now, if it will just go around us. Tonight's dinner: hamburgers/cheeseburgers - hopefully, on the grill - if DH is willing to wield the spatula.

Grab you/PET me maneuver ... one of these days, I WILL learn to proofread. However, today ain't that day.
Really and truly ---- gone.

Good morning. My co-worker who is in charge of the Prior Authorization Department (of which I used to be a part) is on vacation, as of this morning. Until she gets back next Wednesday, I am the key master to the cabinet with all of the MD signature stamps. Key Master? Wasn't that Rick Moranis' character in Ghost Busters? If so, that explains a lot about my reflection in the mirror, this morning.... yikes! Gonna need more than sponges and a fluffy brush to apply my daily war paint --- I'm thinking more along the lines of a trowel and a spray gun.
Susan, poor Buzzy! Nobody ever explained to him that turn-about is fair play, but you just know that Sunny is having a splendiferous time, being his tormentor. Speaking of our fee-lions, have I mentioned that Earl has taken a page from Chester, in that he's learning the art of the 'grab-you/met-me' maneuver? His twist on the play is to get you from a low position ... suddenly, you'll feel a paw reach out and grab your ankle as you're walking by or over the cat. Chester perfected the move from his favorite vantage point on the kitchen counter (naughty, I know). Earl still loves to undo the ties to the kitchen table chairs, but the concept of joining in and playing with a dangled piece of ribbon or string still baffles him.

And now, I need to toss my carcass into the shower for a brief rain dance. Thank goodness it's Thursday! Oh! And Glory Be! I managed to 'catch up' on all of my work at 4:08 pm EDT yesterday. That whoop and holler that you heard across the land? That wuz me. 🙂 TTFN

Good morning ... I had a devil of a time signing on, but it was my own, darn fault - didn't realize I had the caps button down.
Proof positive that I should keep sipping (gulping?) coffee. Susan, thank you for the link about carnival glass. You've answered my question, beautifully. The examples on that page were, indeed, breathtaking. I love the pumpkin descriptive - it fits. So, yes - my vase is marigold carnival, in the pumpkin spectrum. Dan --- double shifts? Better you than me. There is a lady in my department who works two, 17 hour shifts (overnights) per week, and that's it. It would take me the rest of the week to recover. The only caveat is that overnight triage is allowed to doze, provided that they can wake up and answer the phone when it rings. I could do that, so long as nobody was too picky about how the phone was answered. And now, it's time for me to throw my carcass back into action. See y'all on the flip side.

Hello, Chris ---- you know I will! I'm not rushing the decision to just throw it into any old combination, so I'll be revisiting the shop to make the final selection, maybe next Saturday, or the weekend after.

Susan, I felt the same way about the pigeon picture; it was obvious that it was a well-exectuted work, but it was overwhelmed by the heavy, chrome frame surrounding it. I've yet to identify the artist, but then again; there's that problem of an illegible signature, which boondoggles so many researchers.

Well, hot-dog! My sign-in problem has been remedied, thanks to our benevolent webmaster - (thank you). I feel so legitimate, it's almost like turning 18, again.