Twigsy! I do hope you get a goodly number of sub days this year. How nice you could leave behind your WalMart job and focus on teaching instead.

I hope so too. I've done fairly well so far but I'm beginning to worry a bit about finances. I think it will help when my sister pays me the 100 + dollars she owes me. Subbing should get busier. Last week was a weird week because the schools here had Thursday and Friday off. The school district I sub the most in had the whole week off. I didn't have a job today, but I have one for tomorrow and and one for Wednesday. I had one week where I was doing the same job everyday. It was so nice. I got to work with kindergarteners in small groups. There is a long term sub job available for that position but I don't qualify. I'm very glad to be done with Walmart. It is so nice not to have to plan things a month in advanced so I can ask off.

re Dickens: I strongly dislike A Tale of Two Cities (I forced myself to read the whole thing although my teacher was having us watch the movie for parts of it instead. That seemed like cheating so I read the whole thing). I like A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist.

Hullo, all! I had a spare moment, and the Town Square is busy, so I thought I'd pop in and see how y'all were doing.

*waves to AC and Benjamin, both of whom she has not seen in a long time*

Yes, it's true, I'm also doing NaNo. I managed to outline 8 chapters of my novel today. I'm planning it loosely, but at least I'm planning. Have any of you Square Onion NaNo'ers outlined, or do you prefer to write it as it comes?

Well, I must go, but I'll be back! *salutes and climbs into her ultralight, then flies off into the sunset*

*taps microphone*

Hello, is this thing on?

Good mortereve, SquareOnions!

Like many NarniaWebbers, I'm getting excited about this year's NaNo. A month ago I didn't have much idea about what to write, or even enthusiasm about doing so, but then my muse slapped me with a potential plotline.

To answer your question, Mountie, I 'informally' outline - nothing as strict as the outlines I remember from school days; more like a general guideline of the main events of the story and some of the ideas that will help flesh it out.

Well, I'm finally getting out regularly for my morning walks (and loving them)...getting up with the alarm just after 5:30 each a.m., but it's worth it! I thoroughly enjoy jogging, then walking, out under the crisply-clear autumn stars. Lately, though, the clouds have overtaken the sky, and it's been rather blustery—adventurous-type weather, which is mighty cool too.

As a night owl, my early-morning exposure to the starry sky can be limited. However, last week I was at my brother's house, and they were all up early, so I went out several times to enjoy the spectacular view of Orion and his entourage (without having snow underfoot ). Fun times! And several days were cloudy and blustery, just like you mention.

'Tis strange about our autumn leaves this year. Some trees are totally bare; others are half-turned; some have hardly begun.

I noticed this here today, on a smaller scale. Many trees are bare while a few are still green and still others have some color. It makes for a pretty contrast in colors.

I just heard on the local news that the Northern Lights are out tonight (they had some good pictures taken earlier this evening from Madison, Wisconsin), so I should head outside to see if they're bright enough to be seen through the city lights. It's been years since I've seen them! (But I think it's cloudy here right now).

Is the microphone on, you ask, stargazer? I guess it depends if it's chocolate or not.

*waves cheerily to Mountie and Twigs also*

Many trees are bare while a few are still green and still others have some color. It makes for a pretty contrast in colors.

*nods* It does. Soooooooo lovely!

Did you see any Northern Lights, stargazer? We couldn't right from our area because we have a lot of high trees, but if the time was available, I would have gone a few miles north where the vista opens up. Wish that I could have!

It's been a fun few days, as our 4th year Ottawa university son is home for a few days of his reading week, so our freshman uni son was able to join us yesterday for supper and the evening. 'Tis rare that we're all together with all the kids being adults now. I made a big roast beef/mashed potatoes/veggies dinner ♥ and we must have all gained about 5 pounds. Well worth it, though.

The weather is really changing here in a couple of days, as we could potentially have our first frost. *does a wee hobbit jig*

Mortereve, all! The weather this afternoon is gorgeous - complete with that fresh, crisp, autumn-y feel that brings to mind apples and pumpkins and warm jackets and piles of leaves.

*watches on in amusement as Ben splats into the fountain* I ditto Louise the Second - you pulled off a Lady A, methinks.

Only three weeks of warning? Dear me. That would be stressful.

Learning another language certainly is a good experience, and I'm hoping to be able to speak fluently in a few years. And there has been a change of plans regarding Spain - apparently the trip has been canceled, and they are planning to visit Puerto Rico instead (which is cheaper). I'm debating whether or not to go, as I particularly wanted to travel to Spain. We'll see.

*mouth waters at Louise the Second's delicious-looking apple crisp* You do have a knack for bringing in mouth-watering food, m'dear! Since Vern isn't around, I'll just - you know - help myself....

The crop was less prolific, and we didn't have as much time to spend picking grapes this time. I'm hoping the batch will last the year, because I sure drink a lot of that stuff.

Well, as I told Ben, the Spain trip has been canceled. They're going to Puerto Rico instead, and I'm trying to decide whether to go this year, or wait until they go to Spain. There is also a trip that goes to London, and I'm thinking of going on that as well. *looooves to travel, as is obvious*

I liked A Christmas Carol, actually. I've also heard good things about A Tale of Two Cities from my sister, who has similar tastes, and I'm looking forward to reading it. I just did NOT like Great Expectations. I suppose that book kind of ruined my interest in any of Dicken's other works, aside from Tale of Two Cities.

*waves to Fireflower (good luck with the outlining!) and Pattertwigs Pal*

Helloo everyone! Sorry for procrastinating. Here I am.
Rehearsals are picking up big time now, so I've been rather busy. Not that that's any excuse to neglect my square.

Can I say again I love the enthusiasm of you NaNo-ites! 'Tis grand you got a copy of your novel from last year, Elanor. I can imagine it must be such a TREAT and privilege to see your own creative writing in print!

Biggest problem was that my writing wasn't very creative - but yes, it's wonderful to have my own book, and I look forward to having a great big collection of them!

Btw, how did the swing-dance teaching go?

Really surprisingly and wonderfully well! It wasn't that hard to teach (though I heard that it was quite the epic fail at the wedding - I thought so. xD), and I knew most of the people, and it was just lots and lot of fun.

I think Elanor's excitement it contagious.

I'm honored. And VERY excited.

Annie Get Your Gun. It's apparently not very famous, although I won't pretend to know anything about musicals. The rehearsals with the cast begin next week, so hopefully I'll be able to see a bit more of what it's actually about.

Ooh, ooh - I was in that play! It really is lots of fun, what's your part in it? Do tell us about rehearsals - I'm especially interested.
And if anyone was interested in what it's about - Annie Oakley and Frank . . dang, I can't remember his name. xD A romance.

How much did your second copy cost, out of interest?

Let me see - I got 3 copies in all, and the later one's were around 6 dollars + shipping, I think. It depends on how big the book is. But it's a really good price!

True, Elanor. You have a point - Dickens' writings are just rather creepy in general. I haven't read many: only A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and part of a Tale of Two Cities (many years ago). I'm considering reading Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and the rest of Tale of Two Cities. Which of his writings have you read?

I've actually read all of them, except his unfinished novel, Edwin Drood. I got rather into his books - still am, actually. It's really hard to choose favorites - Tale of Two Cities is incredible, but very different form his usual writing style. There are so many good, interesting one's out there! Our Mutual Friend, Dombey and Son, Martin Chuzzlewit, Nicholas Nicholeby. Lots.
I wish you were doing NaNo!!

Wish you could send some of that cold weather down here! We always enjoy that here in the Sunshine State. Plus it would put to rest the mosquitoes! I can't stand those terrible pests.

I'd be glad too! The peak left several weeks ago, and now many of the tree's are bare. It got lovely and warm for awhile, but we've been having a few fires now. COME BACK WARMTH!
That crisp looks amazing, Jo!!
*waves to everyone else*

Thanks for the chocolate microphone, jo! It was delicious.

Alas, I didn't see any Northern Lights as it was overcast here. I wonder if I would have been able to see them through the city lights (a few really good displays have been visible even in town).

Tonight's national news included aurora pictures from places like Upper Michigan, Missouri, and even Arkansas! (the latter 2 locations are far enough south that the lights are pretty unusual there). Lots of red color. Too bad it's cloudy here again tonight!

Great that your sons were home last evening jo! That meal sounds delicious. I'll be by later for leftovers.

Enjoy your first frost! Ours came a few weeks ago, but here in the Cities we haven't had snow yet. But that could change any time. It was 20 years ago this week that the Halloween Blizzard dumped up to 3 feet of snow on us. Not this year though. Halloween looks pretty nice for the kiddies' candy collection activities.

I also liked A Christmas Carol - it's a quick yet captivating read. Despite all the portrayals in movies that have become engrained in our popular culture, there's still nothing like reading the original.

It got lovely and warm for awhile, but we've been having a few fires now. COME BACK WARMTH!

I did enjoy my fall color trips earlier this month, when the weather was so warm - and that included a few fires of my own. But the days are really getting short now (once we return to Standard Time next month, the sun will be setting before 5 pm) and autumn is in the air. Winter can't be far behind.

*grabs a piece of apple crisp on the way out of the Square*

*pops in for a brief update* My goodness! How did I get so far behind!

Okay, next Moot, you now have no doubt what is to be included on the menu, right?

You got it. Though it is a bit challenging finding desserts for people who have nut allergies or don't like chocolate. *coughcough*Twigs*cough*

Sooo cool about the beehives, fantasia. Do keep us posted! I am very intrigued. Will you have the hives out on the farm instead of in your own yard?

Definitely out at the farm. I don't think I'd care to have them in my own backyard even if it was allowed.

Annie Get Your Gun. It's apparently not very famous, although I won't pretend to know anything about musicals.

That is a very country-western, American musical, and here at least, we're quite familiar with it. Can't speak for the rest of my fellow Americans though. "Anything you can do, I can do better."

Oh. My. Goodness. Those peanut butter cookies sound amazing! *droooools*

Come to the Hobbit Line Party next year and I'll try to make you and Jo some. And of course anyone else who shows up as well.

Went hunting yesterday but mosquitoes were so bad that I had to leave. I was planning on staying last night out in the woods and hunting again today but with those mosquitoes who could?

I am in awe of anyone who can hunt with a bow. What were you hunting exactly?

I will admit, I am a fan of Dickens' writings.

And I will fully admit, I am not. I like The Christmas Carol, and that's about it. He's right up there with Shakespeare in my literary standings. I shall continue to be an outcast among my book-loving colleagues.

Oh yes. I've been faithfully following any and all news (and prod. videos) that has come out. Speaking of which, I think it's time for Production Video 4 soon, don't you?

YES!!! Oh wait, you were asking Ben.

*waves hi to Twigs and Mountie whom she sees around in modland, but not in here*

As a night owl, my early-morning exposure to the starry sky can be limited.

Speaking of night owls, in the past 2-3 weeks, I've seen three Great Horned Owls around. I'm not a big bird person, never have been, never will be, but I certainly have a very great respect for those guys. Absolutely incredible creatures. Sorry, completely off-topic, but I had to share.

I just heard on the local news that the Northern Lights are out tonight

Did you see any Northern Lights, stargazer?

Tonight's national news included aurora pictures from places like Upper Michigan, Missouri, and even Arkansas!

To my great disappointment, I just learned this morning that the Northern Lights were viewed here in Kansas as well and I MISSED THEM. Though the pictures were something else because the Norther Lights were blood red.

Btw, how did the swing-dance teaching go?

Really surprisingly and wonderfully well! It wasn't that hard to teach, and I knew most of the people, and it was just lots and lot of fun.

I love dancing. I'm just not very good at it, nor do I have the opportunity to do it a lot.

Halloween looks pretty nice for the kiddies' candy collection activities.

My husband and I were invited to a co-worker's Halloween party this year. So for the first time in years I may have to come up with some kind of costume. We're still not sure if we're gonna go or not because the invitation included "leave the kids at home, adult beverages will be served." I don't know his current set of co-workers (he moves around at his place of work too much) so I don't know what kind of behavior to interpret from that. Either way, I should probably get it figured out soon cause the party is this Saturday.

*glances back over her post* So much for brief. Have a great day everybody!

*enters*

Well ello pea-pulls! And owl are ye all doin'? Me? I be dust phine, danks (Yeah you don't have to say I already know I'm )

Going to catch up with you all now....

Benjamin! *hands Ben a cozy towel for after he climbs out of the fountain* You pulled a Lady A, I see.

Thanks for the towel Aunty

Oh yes. I've been faithfully following any and all news (and prod. videos) that has come out. Speaking of which, I think it's time for Production Video 4 soon, don't you? *pokes PJ*

I should say so! I've been waiting for number 4. * hollers to Pet to get a move on it as well*

So, you're back in Florida now? Which state do you prefer living in, if I may ask? Since I'm a non-heat person, I'd vote for Colorado.

I'd definitely vote for Colorado weather wise as well, but seeing as how most of my family and most of my childhood friends are here in Florida it makes difficult to choose.

Well, I'm finally getting out regularly for my morning walks (and loving them), now that the temperatures have been consistently cooler—around 5C/low 40sF in the early hours of the day. I become rather weary by evening, getting up with the alarm just after 5:30 each a.m., but it's worth it! I thoroughly enjoy jogging, then walking, out under the crisply-clear autumn stars. Lately, though, the clouds have overtaken the sky, and it's been rather blustery—adventurous-type weather, which is mighty cool too.

Sounds lovely.

*waves back to Fireflower* It has been a while, how are you?

*waves to Mr Gazer* And how are you my fellow Avatarian?

Mortereve, all! The weather this afternoon is gorgeous - complete with that fresh, crisp, autumn-y feel that brings to mind apples and pumpkins and warm jackets and piles of leaves.

Sounds like some awesome weather! We had some good weather for a couple days last week now it is getting hot again, though not like in summer of course!

Learning another language certainly is a good experience, and I'm hoping to be able to speak fluently in a few years. And there has been a change of plans regarding Spain - apparently the trip has been canceled, and they are planning to visit Puerto Rico instead (which is cheaper). I'm debating whether or not to go, as I particularly wanted to travel to Spain. We'll see.

I hope to be pretty good after the Peru trip, doubt I'll be fluent but I hope to be able to converse easily.
Oh that is too bad that Spain got canceled. Puerto Rico would probably be fun still, but not as much as Spain I suppose.

I'd be glad too! The peak left several weeks ago, and now many of the tree's are bare. It got lovely and warm for awhile, but we've been having a few fires now. COME BACK WARMTH!

Well it looks as though your weather came by for a couple days last week. It was really lovely but it's too bad it did not last. COME BACK COLD!

I am in awe of anyone who can hunt with a bow. What were you hunting exactly?

It is fun, though it will be even more fun when I get something
I was hunting deer but I would have gotten a turkey (for Thanksgiving) if it had been close enough.

Tis all for now, Adios all!

--Benjamin

Queen Susan, hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved dog. Two years ago we had to put ours down (he was 15 & 1/2), and yep, it's just plain hard. They're such loyal, wonderful pets. What kind was yours?

Thank you! Our's was a black mutt, 50% Golden Retriever. Ours was about that age too, 15-16, and it was getting really hard for him to be moving around... but it still wasn't easy to put him down... What kind was your dog? =)

It was a little bit weird, actually - unsettling, because it's like we're all stuck between feeling like he still lives here, and that he's not longer a part of our little family. I guess it's like that when siblings move out. But I love him so much, and it was nice.

Ah, yes. My sister is married, and I know exactly what you mean. Though she visits almost every weekend-- so we're all used to that by now.

*waves back to Dot*

*waves to Ben* Hello!

And Jo... I should not come to the square when I'm hungry-- the pictures of food that you post look absolutely scrumptious.

Hello everyone! I'm so tired right now. The musical's on right now every night, so I have to go out to school again in an hour.. ugh. It's quite good, but going into school the next day and having to catch up on all the work I've missed during rehearsals isn't so much fun. One more day of school, then half-term break, though. ...And then NaNo starts. Hehe.

I can totally relate to that statement, actually. I am very shy as well, and - though I am typically most comfortable around extroverted people - sometimes it has the opposite effect. I get all nervous and awkward, and I don't know what to talk about. Oh wow, your family is living on a farm in the country? *contented sigh* I'm a girl for the country. (Or....I like to think I am.... I've never lived in a city. Only visited.) Do you like the crowds?

Yeah, I'm more comfortable around people who will talk to me, actually, than having to make the conversation on my own, because then I feel like the extroverted person. But when I'm in a group of people who know each other very well, when I don't... it's sort of awkward. I hope it passes as I get used to everything. Yeah, the country's nice. I have to remember that, because after a while I get so used to it that I forget what it's actually like to live in the middle of a concrete jungle and long to get out. I can't decide where I belong, really. I've lived the most of my life in the city, and love it, but it's definitely more relaxing here. I actually love crowds, yeah.

More hugs and prayers sent your way.

Thank you.

Northern Ireland! That sounds like a great place to be, as far as the scenery goes. Don't know much about culture.

Yup... hopefully I'll be able to enjoy it more in the summer months - right now we're anticipating/dreading the snow.

Mmm, sounds like rural Ireland is as beautiful as they say, Aslans Country! It looks like you have your sights set outside Ireland for the future, so all the best with those plans. Would you consider moving back to Japan some day? Or is that in the past now?

Yeah, although to be honest that's the extent of my plans. I really have no idea what the future holds... I would like to live in Japan again, but I'd also like to travel to somewhere else in the world. At the moment I don't even know what I want to study at university, let alone what I'm doing after that.

I'm really glad to hear this. Even one or two friends can make all the difference. I'm thankful you don't feel so alone anymore. And *nods* routines are good; comforting.

Yeah, it really is better now. I miss friends that I could really relate with and so on... but that all comes with time.

*waves to AC and Benjamin, both of whom she has not seen in a long time*

Hi! How are you these days? You seem to have gone and become a mod in my absence. What's your NaNo about this year? I remember your mad dash to the finish last year.

Ooh, ooh - I was in that play! It really is lots of fun, what's your part in it? Do tell us about rehearsals - I'm especially interested.
And if anyone was interested in what it's about - Annie Oakley and Frank . . dang, I can't remember his name. xD A romance.

Ooh, really? What part were you? I'm not actually in it, I'm playing in the orchestra. The first show was yesterday (first proper show, we performed it to primary school students the day before, but I don't think they understood very much of it ) and it went okay. People forgot their lines a few time which was awkward, and on the last song "Anything You Can Do.." the guy playing Frank completely skipped a verse, going to the part where he sings "I can sing anything sweeter than you" which left all of us panicking to get to that point in the music. There's one song I can't stand, though - "Doin' what comes Naturally" is so annoying. The rest of them are all right. A bit tiring listening to them night after night.. but it's good fun.
Oh, and it's Frank Butler. Yeah, a romance in which they basically fall in an out of love (many many times) for the entire musical.xD

Let me see - I got 3 copies in all, and the later one's were around 6 dollars + shipping, I think. It depends on how big the book is. But it's a really good price!

Oh, that's not bad at all! I was expecting it to be really expensive for some reason.. Although the shipping to the UK'd probably be pretty expensive.

That is a very country-western, American musical, and here at least, we're quite familiar with it. Can't speak for the rest of my fellow Americans though. "Anything you can do, I can do better."

Haha, no one over here seems to really know what I'm talking about when I mention it, I think they think I'm talking about "Annie". You should hear all the Irish kids try to do the accents. The guy that plays Chief Sitting Bull is hilarious, because he doesn't even try, he's got a very country Irish accent.xD Oh, and see further up my post for the disaster that was "Anything You Can Do.." last night.

*Waves to Susan* How are you these days?

You got it. Though it is a bit challenging finding desserts for people who have nut allergies or don't like chocolate. *coughcough*Twigs*cough*

Yes, I know I make things difficult. Just have vanilla ice cream on hand or sugar cookies.

Come to the Hobbit Line Party next year and I'll try to make you and Jo some. And of course anyone else who shows up as well.

*makes mental note to bring her own cookies if by some chance she makes it to the party*

*waves hi to Twigs and Mountie whom she sees around in modland, but not in here*

*waves back* I tend to get stuck in Modland.

Well, since I can't think of anything else to say, I suppose I should stop.

Hello everyone,

I'm having so much fun scrolling through all the posts and seeing who all has been on the Square! Eeek! It's so good to see so many old familiar...users.

Well I have had a very, very exciting week! And what made it so exciting was seeing Chanticleer in concert! They are the most amazing group of singers EVER! Our family has always listened to their music, but we haven't really kept up with their newer stuff...and to see them LIVE! It was just intense. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. Every piece had something new and inventive in the harmony and format. Eeek! Okay, I'm done here. I already went on and on about them on my blog so...I'll be quiet now.

Wow, I'm not too far behind on catch up. Sometimes I dread coming back on here and trying to catch up because pages and pages will have gone by...and I'm so behind! But not today, apparently.

That's awesome! What kind of dance do you do? I usually assume ballet, but that's often a mistake on my part.

Haha, in this case it is a mistake! I take Irish Step Dance. I've been taking lessons for about six years now and I love it! I've never taken ballet, but I've always thought that tap would be a lot of fun. Hip-hop looks like fun too. But the only dance I've ever taken is Irish.

Congrats! Do you know what you'll be studying yet?

At the moment, I'm looking at piano performance. I'm kind of going back and forth between piano performance and music education. Both would be challenging, but piano performance would be especially challenging and that's why I'm leaning more toward performance. I really want to improve as much as I can in my piano skills.

I love driving. I think I'm about the only NarniaWebber who got their License at the age of 14 (drivers permit?) and there was no stopping me. I still love driving, but only if I'm in a car I'm comfortable with, which is NOT my husband's Mercury Grand Marquis. I love my Ford F150.

It was probably your driver's permit that you got at age fourteen. Otherwise, I want to move wherever you are...if they let you get your license at 14! Wow, an F150? Sweet! Yes, I definitely would take a Ford truck over a Grand Marquis. I feel more comfortable driving in larger cars, like trucks and mini vans and any other car that's "above the road". I get nervous in small five-seat cars that are lower to the ground. I think it's just a bit disorienting for me to drive in smaller cars because I learned to drive in our family's mini van.

Speaking of which, I got to witness one of my friend's first accident last night. It was nothing serious. We were pulling out of the parking lot and she turned out too soon and put a dent in someone else's car. It wasn't a nasty dent. She didn't even leave any paint on it. But accidents are freaky, no matter how bad. She left her number on a pink piece of paper (that was all we had!) and then afterward wondered if the owner of the car would even notice the accident.

If he didn't notice the dent, he would find a random girl's number on his wind shield. /color]

Goodness! Everybody's coming back! Well, almost everybody. *looks around for Benjamin and Ali and NN95*

Yes, whatever happened to NN95? I should start getting on Ali's case. And Libby? I miss them all.

*hugs Ruby*We've missed you girl!

I've missed all of you too! It's good to be back.

Ruby!
Aw, your sister is moving? My sister moved out of the house to a nearby apartment last year, and then went completely across the country this year. It's been....strange. And hard. It's tough to see siblings go.

Actually, my sister had moved before I got home this summer. So I came home to an empty bedroom. And I'm the oldest at home now, which is strange. My oldest sister just moved into her new apartment. It's really fun visiting her and helping her furnish her home.

Whoo-hoo about the dance competition, and a big conga-rats to you on achieving those excellent awards!

Thank you! I was excited to have done so well. Especially since I wasn't expecting to do so well.

Well, well...is that BENJAMIN!!?? Eeek! *GLOMPS* Where have you been? Of course we were all destitute and ill in your absence! Actually, we were very happy. But it is nice having you around on the Square.

*waves to stargazer, Queen Susan, Lady Amalthea, Prince Cor, AC,and johobbit*

Hey ho, all ye SquareOnions!

('K, that's all the maroon type you're getting, 'cause I'm dealing with too many quotes below. )

*waves to Mountie, and wishes her super-duper well on her NaNo*

You do have a knack for bringing in mouth-watering food, m'dear! Since Vern isn't around, I'll just - you know - help myself....

Go right ahead. I'm sure Vern will somehow control himself. Speaking of tantalizing food, how's this? *peers closer* Well, would you look at that? It's all sugar!!! Okay, then, let's try this! *loves quiche*

I'm hoping the batch will last the year, because I sure drink a lot of that stuff.

It is very delicious. We had some homemade grape juice last night (a gift from one of my hubby's co-workers), and mmmmmmm ...

Pity the Spain trip has been cancelled, Louise.

Cool-io about the swing-dancing teaching, Elanor. Great exercise too, isn't it? I'm a terrible dancer, but I love music and rhythm and wish I were better. Maybe in heaven ...

I'll be by later for leftovers.

I saved some for you, but you never showed, so ... I ate 'em.

I can't imagine 3' of snow at Hallowe'en, wowser! This Monday light rain is forecasted. Hoping it'll precipitate itself out before those costumed wee ones start going door-to-door around 6-ish.

I also liked A Christmas Carol - it's a quick yet captivating read. Despite all the portrayals in movies that have become engrained in our popular culture, there's still nothing like reading the original.

Ditto, stargazer! Nellie/Kimberly and I try to read it aloud each Christmas season.

Though it is a bit challenging finding desserts for people who have nut allergies or don't like chocolate. *coughcough*Twigs*cough*

We will put out a beautiful bowl of crisp apples for their enjoyment, how's that? Aha, I see Twigs mentioned vanilla ice cream or sugar cookies. Now, there's an idea too.

I don't think I'd care to have them in my own backyard even if it was allowed.

We once heard of a family who had a few hives in their not-too-large backyard (they lived in a smaller town), and I think everyone just got used to 'beeing' stung. Thankfully, no allergies.

Come to the Hobbit Line Party next year and I'll try to make you and Jo some

I shall continue to be an outcast among my book-loving colleagues.

Still love ya', though.

I've seen three Great Horned Owls around. ... but I certainly have a very great respect for those guys. Absolutely incredible creatures.

Ditto. For the past few years, I have asked for an owl calendar for Christmas, because I can't get over their amazingly detailed individuality and utter wise beauty and majesty. And, for those who have not yet seen it, take a look at this awesome video.

I just learned this morning that the Northern Lights were viewed here in Kansas as well and I MISSED THEM.

Either way, I should probably get it figured out soon cause the party is this Saturday.

So, did you decide to go, and if so, what will the costumes be?

*chuckles aloud at Ben's first sentence*

I was hunting deer but I would have gotten a turkey (for Thanksgiving) if it had been close enough.

Wow, nice! You and Kingskid (wish we could Tag folks here, lol) should connect. Remember what an avid hunter he is?

Queen Susan, our dog (Twister) was a border collie, spaniel mix: medium-size; red squirrel colouring and white; lovely temperament. He is missed.

I actually love crowds, yeah.

I'm the opposite : actually, the older I get, the more I dislike being around a lot of people, unless I'm very comfy with them. Just the noise and 'crowdedness' of a large group of human beings makes me .

I miss friends that I could really relate with and so on... but that all comes with time.

*nods* It does take time, to be sure. Hindsight is beneficial, but as you're going through that adjustment time, it can be so tough.

At the moment, I'm looking at piano performance. I'm kind of going back and forth between piano performance and music education.

I majored in piano performance at university and highly recommend it. It can be utterly nerve-wracking but so rewarding. What I would like to take, if I ever go back to school, which I don't think I shall, but that's beside the point , is Music Therapy. A friend of mine is graduating next year from this and it sounds fascinating! It's a great way of helping others in their struggles. Music is a language far deeper than words. ♥ That's why I've always felt that no matter how great PJ's LotR films are (aside from a few scenes), Shore's depiction of Middle-earth in his glorious score capture the essence of M-e even more. ♥

Ruby, that's excellent about all your awards! *still thinks that's a rather wimpy clapping smiley, so picture it much more enthusiastically*

Ending with maroon:
We had our first frost last night and it was so gorgeous waking up to that this morning. Each blade of grass was so silvery-white—almost magical. Hoping to get for a long hike on Sunday afternoon.

*climbs gingerly up the chocolate tree to nab a few Mini Eggs, then scoots away, pockets jammed packed full*

*looks up at her post* That was ridiculously long.

*enters the Square riding a green and red telescope bike. Comes to a halt and dismounts* Wow those things can be really fun to ride! But if you don't know what your doing then... Yeah just don't ride until you know what your doing...

Anyway, Hello fellow Squarians!

Not going to do catch up right now but I did want to just pop in real quick and say "Hello fellow Squarians"..... And also to let you all know what I was up to.
Right now I'm in Louisiana for the weekend, my brother-in-law's sister is getting married to my soon to be brother-in-law's sister's mother's son-in-law, if you followed me. Anyway so that is what I'm about nowadays and other than that I'm just up to work and finding out more and more about how AWESOME God is!

I need to go and get ready for the rehearsal dinner so see you all round, and I'll do a catch up post soon.

--Benjamin