I wish I had made a note of my post count before the competition started - I think it was six hundred something, and by the end of the month, there's no telling what it will be. (Edit: This post is my post #717 )

The competition is fun!
I have even - for the first time - been on NWeb chat with some people, all of them people I didn't know from before!

How cool, Varna! I was debating about joining a team, but knew I wouldn't be able to pull my weight, so declined. It sounds like such fun, though, and our daughter, Nellie, is on the Lions (GoooOOOOOO, Lions!) so no doubt who I'm routing for.

Ahh, Louise, I can't think of a better way of spending a road trip than listening to the FotF Narnia Chronicles! 'Tis good to hear you're home safely. Aaaaand HOW EXCITING ABOUT A DOG!!! Dogs are wonderfully faithful, fun, furry friends. Male or female? Do you have any names in mind? Are there friends with whom you could leave Doggy when you're away on vacation? Before our 15 & 1/2 year old dog died (May, 2009), we'd trade with a couple of other families: we'd keep their dog while they were on vacation, then they'd take Twister while we were gone. 'Twas a good system. If I were closer, I'd keep yours for you whenever you wanted to go away.

Well, it's girls' movie night this Saturday, and I think we'll be watching Miss Potter. Poignantly lovely. And that Lake District ...

We have been able to see sunspots (via solar glasses) the past few days. Pretty cool stuff! (Or hot. )

The temperatures here are gaining in humidity again after we had a short respite from awful heat. 'Tis July in Ontario, indeed. Counting the days until Autumn!

*leaves a fresh fruit tray upon departure, diving into the Ditto Pool on her way out*

Humdedum, your sentiments are beautiful. And so true. Blessings to you in these new stages of your life.

I must have at least two hundred new posts now
And to think that I nearly didn't join the tournament because I didn't expect to be around much during July ...

We used to have a Shetland Sheepdog - and long before that, my grandfather had a Collie. Lovely dogs!
Other than those, we only had cats - of no particular breed, but some of them may have been close to Norwegian Forest Cat.

So it's appropriate for me to be on the feline team in the tournament

Dogs! We had a dachshund growing up; he was quite intelligent and lived to a ripe old age. Now, my brother has both another dachshund and a Pembroke Welsh corgi; both are very friendly dogs.

We also had a cat growing up; he and the dog actually got along quite well.

Alas, now I'm allergic to cats, so if I had to choose I'd have to get a dog.

I must have at least two hundred new posts now
And to think that I nearly didn't join the tournament because I didn't expect to be around much during July ...

Glad you were able to join us! I've enjoyed reading your posts in TAN and N&C.

The tournament has also inspired me to visit other sections more often, especially GMD. I've also enjoyed posting in TAN and N&C. Fun times!

And tomorrow new sections will be added to the competition. Check the G&B headquarters/scoreboard threads for more details.

The fact that this month has been so hot has allowed me to spend more time in the air conditioning and less time outside. That also helps in posting.

Louise, I love that puppy-eyes emoticon. It makes me wilt a little bit inside every time I see it.

Well, as I'm sure you've seen by now either in facebook, the Pet's Blog, or the WC, we found a one-year-old female German Shepherd mix at a nearby humane society. I fell in love with her immediately, and after three visits, we decided to bring her home. I named her Sasha Leona Rose (just Sasha for short); Sasha meaning "defending warrior", Leona meaning "brave as a lioness", and Rose because that's my favorite name. She's a perfect pet! No accidents (yet ), and she gets along with other dogs, cats, and people very well.

Dealing with where to take her when we go on vacation is a problem. We haven't figured out what to do about that yet. We do have a couple friends, but they have dogs and I'm not sure how well they will do with Sasha. We'll see what happens.

I wish you could watch her for us!! Not for the first time do I wish we lived closer together.

*loves Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies*

Glad you were able to join the tournament, Varnafinde! I did the same thing - except I didn't join because I figured I wouldn't be around much in July. And look what happened.

Hey ho, SquareOnions!

Varna, that's cool you've become so involved in the competition!

Dogs! We had a dachshund growing up; he was quite intelligent and lived to a ripe old age. Now, my brother has both another dachshund and a Pembroke Welsh corgi; both are very friendly dogs.

We used to call dachshunds "wiener dogs". So cute! What was his name, 'gazer? Ah, corgis ... just like the Queen!

I know, Louise, isn't it adorable?

And I'm tickled pink (funny expression) about Sasha! So glad for you. She looks and sounds like a wonderful dog and friend.

I wish you could watch her for us!! Not for the first time do I wish we lived closer together.

Ditto!

Well, a Town Square post simply has to have something about the weather ... and food. So, the weather: the first couple of weeks of July were awfully humid—"air you can wear" as stargazer heard it described. Really ugly. And very, very dry. The past week, though, we've had some lovely rainshowers and thunderstorms—very much needed precipitation—with more comfy temperatures, overall. However, it looks like the humidity is returning once again this Sunday, blech. But August is coming and then ... September! ♥

And now, the FOOD! *whips up a platter of Taco Dip, adds Tostitos, and serves by the Ditto Pool* (I tried to find some without the olives, so if you don't like 'em, just pick 'em off. )

We used to call dachshunds "wiener dogs". So cute! What was his name, 'gazer? Ah, corgis ... just like the Queen!

My brother originally wanted a Basset hound but was glad to have a wiener dog instead, as they're similar but smaller and easier to handle. Our dachshund's name was "Long John" - both a salute to his length but also a nod to the pastry of the same name.

The Queen's corgis were featured in the "Bond" segment of the Olympics opening ceremonies. Fun to see! One of them, though, seemed a little plump and 'waddled' a little more than other corgis I've seen.

Watching the synchronized diving now and the women's gymnastics will be on later.

That taco salad looks delicious, jo, thanks!

Exciting news y'all! Don't know if any of my old friends still haunt this thread, but a book I was working on three years ago, finally made it to publication

http://www.lulu.com/shop/mary-dosh/mara ... 02498.html

Please take a look at it. (And even if you don't want to read it, buy it. Because the money is paying for my college )
Man, I miss NarniaWeb... I should come back here more often.

Hey ho, SquareOnions!

p_o_n, so good to see you again. Yes, I agree, you should come back here more often. And that's wonderful about your book! Congratulations!

"Long John": great name for a dachshund, stargazer!

Ah, diving. If I watch anything in the Olympics, it'd be the water-related sports: diving, racing, synchronized swimming.

Well, 'tis a quiet Town Square. I guess many were busy with the Competition (congrats to both teams for their very fine efforts), plus it's prime holiday season in North America now. In fact, this weekend is a long weekend in Canada (not a statutory holiday though), which makes for quiet neighbourhoods and roads for those of us who stay in town. Quite nice, actually. Except for the heat, which is nasty this weekend.

Our son, who was seeing The Dark Knight Rises with his friend today (Valiant_Lucy's brother), texted me at the beginning and exclaimed "Mom, The Hobbit trailer is on RIGHT NOW!!!"

Well, what shall I leave by the Ditto Pool on this broiling hot day? I know! A watermelon basket!

Wow, I haven't been on here in ages!
Time truly goes by faster than I would like it to. I remember coming on here in the days when I had a lot more free time than I do now. Lots of good memories in the Town Square.
And all of the sudden I'm a senior in high school! It's pretty crazy.
It's really good to see some familiar faces still on here. Bella, Ben, p-o-n, johobbit, Miss R, and more. Now the question is, do any of you remember me?
I'm going to make an effort to visit here more often and get caught up with my Narniawebber friends!! Though by the looks of it, the Square moves much slower now than it once did.
Hugs for everyone!!!
*snags some fruit from the watermelon basket before jogging off*

Though by the looks of it, the Square moves much slower now than it once did.

No kidding! I remember seeing your post going and being all excited (like this: ) because you'd posted... and look at how long its taken me to respond.

So how is everyone doing? What's the weather like where y'all are? Here it's a gorgeous end of summer. The trees have just started to turn, and the apples are getting ripe. Over the weekend, I was gifted with some apples that were knocked off their tree by a hail storm and in need of immediate use. So I made an apple crisp, applesauce, and froze a bunch of slices for crisp, squares or pie later... The applesauce turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. I thought it was going to be a difficult process, but apparently you just chop up a few pieces, add some water and boil until soft, pour off the extra water and puree it in a blender. You can add cinnamon if you like. I did!

*skips off after a visit to the chocolate tree which is LOADED with delicious treats*

*bounds into the empty Square*

Hello and good mortereve to all! 'Tis been a quiet few months here in the Square!

Your weather report sounds much like my own, Mel! Really looking forward to the season's leaf viewing trips, visits to orchards, and campfires under clear, cool skies. We've a few warm days coming next week but the heat just can't last long this late in the season. Now to just get rid of these mosquitoes...maybe today's strong north winds will blow them down south.

Where did the summer go? Seems like June's transit of Venus was not that long ago. But we've had some fun since then: a couple camping trips, a visit to the State Fair, etc. Time flies...

And now we're coming to my favorite time of year!

*grabs some chocolate and departs*

Now the question is, do any of you remember me?

pogginfan!!! Most definitely we remember you, and with fondness, no less. So good to see you here again. Yes, the Square is moving at a much slower pace, but the pro is that it's easier to get caught up. So, what have you been up to? A senior in high school, whoa! Time flies (when you're having fun ). What are your plans for next year?

So I made an apple crisp, applesauce, and froze a bunch of slices for crisp, squares or pie later...

Oh my, Mel, those apple-y treats sound amazing! I used to make a scrumptious apple crisp, and must try the recipe again sometime. Hurrah for all those apples you were gifted.

and look at how long its taken me to respond.

And me even longer.

We've a few warm days coming next week but the heat just can't last long this late in the season.

Yes, same here. This weekend's glorious with cooler temperatures, rainstorms, some clearing, and brisk winds. The mid-week period should be warmer again, but it won't stay long, yay! I'm looking forward to fall hikes and munching on crisp apples, the smell of bonfire in the air, and the nippy temperatures, plus the night falling earlier, allowing for plentiful night-sky viewing.

Now to just get rid of these mosquitoes...maybe today's strong north winds will blow them down south.

Just don't blow 'em over to us.

We've still got the pool open (it was 76° the other day and lovely for swimming), but that's going to change with the much cooler air tonight. And the tops of the leaves of some trees are turning. Such a beautiful season!

*snags some chocolate from the tree as well* But, hey, Mel and 'gazer, there's hardly any left. ( )

As the wise old frog said, "Time's fun when you're having flies."

Whereabouts (or how far if you prefer) do you go to see the fall color, 'gazer? We're lucky over here, there are lots of fields edged with trees and driving into the cities there are quite a few there as well so we get a good does of color locally.

(There's a field across from us, where if you come up the hill at just the right time it's like looking into a painting. The light is spectacular and the barn and field and distant trees... and that's even before the trees turn color! I really need to remember to take a camera out with me one of these days.)

I like your weather report, jo. It sounds like a fabulous time to stay inside by a nice crackling fire and bake cookies and read a cozy book... and then when the rain clears away to go outside and breath deep.

Speaking of books, I recently read a retelling of the story of Percival and I'm currently working through Growing Pains by Wanda Gág which I find quite interesting given the locale and time period and what she was working on. I hadn't realized she was from Minnesota! It's a bit sloggy reading at times, but she has quite the sense of humor. One of her favourite expressions is, "For the love of soup!"

But, hey, Mel and 'gazer, there's hardly any [chocolate] left. ( )

But why is all the chocolate gone?

Good Mortereve!

No kidding! I remember seeing your post going and being all excited (like this: ) because you'd posted... and look at how long its taken me to respond.

Hey Mel! Haha, that's alright. How have you been? Wow, the weather sounds lovely in you're part of the world! That's really awesome that apples grow where you are. Here it's still in the 90's...hopefully it'll get cooler soon, because I'm ready to dust off my coats and hoodies!

*waves to gazer* How are you?

So, what have you been up to? A senior in high school, whoa! Time flies (when you're having fun ). What are your plans for next year?

Jo! How have you been?
I've been pretty excellent. This year I'm duel enrolled in a community college, so I get high school credit and college credit at the same time. So that's pretty cool, but a little more demanding. As for next year, I think I'll stay at the community college, but I would love to go to a Bible college eventually, if possible. Still praying about it!

*snags some chocolate before it's all gone ( ) and runs off*