Backwoods Boy

I remember my mother taking my younger sisters and me to the "nursing home" where she worked when we were young. I never was excited about it, but she insisted that it was important because the older people were lonely and loved to see young children. I'm not quite to that point yet, but I understand it now.

I've got about five chapters or so to catch up on too, so I better get about it, and it's a good day to do that. Only about four inches of snow so far, but it's blowing around, and I have no desire to even open the door. It's a reading day for sure.

A gas generator is an option. It would be particularly useful for a longer-term event, like the predicted major earthquake for example. However , I'm not quite there yet. I have a gas fireplace that works without electricity, a propane heater and stove, and a couple of power packs to charge electronics and run my ham radio for a few days. So far, that has been more than adequate, even during a serious multi-day freezing rain incident a couple years ago. Even with the generally-overcast climate, there are folks in this area who generate enough electricity using solar collectors to make a profit by selling back to the supplier, but those systems don't operate independently, and only the real die-hard survivalists have completely stand-alone systems. I haven't looked into temporary systems, but I doubt if they would be practical, especially during a storm.

Thanks. The plus side of this, given a break in the snow, would be a snowshoe hike from my front door with camera in hand. That has happened before. If so, I'll try to get something worth sharing. I just went to the shed to get my propane heater, and it's snowing lightly.

Look like our turn for winter - a somewhat late one. Up to two feet of snow forecast over the next three days with more below-freezing temps beyond that. Accompanied by the usual east winds. The lack of snow pack in the mountains may disappear suddenly. The snow shovel is standing outside the door. I'm all stocked up for the duration, including the emergency propane heater and camp stove. Silence will mean the usual lack of electricity.

Good grief! I thought it was a word my mother made up.

I'm in complete agreement with his three rules to be broken. I'm fairly sure that at least two are no longer rules, really. Like "ain't", they've become part of the language.

When I first read this, there were no comments, and I didn't comment because I was reasonably confused. I've said before that there are a lot of lifestyles and gender issues to which I was never exposed before arriving here - I've lead a rather sheltered life. So I appreciate the conversation with @droughtquake as it makes me understand more where you're coming from. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Thanks for sharing these. I would be hard pressed to select a favorite, although I think I would go for the first one. I question the math skills of the author of number three

A world of white this morning. A nice quiet world of white, with about an inch here near the river, but fantastic beauty going up the mountains on the other side. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear but cold, and photography may be the order of the day Hope everyone has a great day.

I need to check out the story tim mentioned. I also need to read Storms. There is so much to get involved with here I sometimes have trouble choosing. If I correctly understand what you've said about Storms, I've tried that (not here), writing in first-person of the main character most involved (there were four) as if it were a joint project and they were aware of each other's chapters. I have mixed feelings about the results. It allowed some interesting side humor where one character could comment (briefly) about the viewpoint of another and allowed for the most complete coverage. However, even though I started each chapter with text and dialogue that made it clear (to me) who was "writing", I think it confused the reader. I've sometimes written a first-person chapter from two perspectives, but then picked the one I liked the best. I've never yet written in third person, and think it would be more of a challenge.

This gets better with each chapter. I didn't read the first edition of this chapter in detail, but my reaction is that there is a much greater depth than before. I've now read a number of stories on GA, and with each one I'm more impressed with what you have done with this this. It's definitely worthy of publication.

Now I'm curious. If it is a rehash of the same scene, I'm with you.

Just so long as it's "running" and not "streaking"

Quite interesting. Definitely parallel thinking. My first thought was that you were making another suggestion, but while similar, yours goes more in the direction of the accomplished fact

Oh, yeah. That definitely paints the picture.

I've probably heard this because of my early botanical (forestry) background. As to other applications, as long as this here "senior" is just "senescent" and not "senile", it's all good.

Mine too. It's amazing how much difference one word can make, even a simple article.

Yes! A nice subtle change. ❤️

x That's nearly an exact quote from the mycologist who gave a lecture on mushroom-picking that I once attended. Then he proceeded to show pictures of a variety of edible mushrooms and their poisonous look-a-likes. Fairly convincing.

@AC Benus @Marty So, while this is still too technical and colorless, I prefer it to previous trials. I feel like the implication of hunted and hunter that I want is there, although perhaps too subtle. footprints in the snow reveal two passing deer, then one mountain lion ... and thanks again for your input.

What you say makes perfect sense. My struggle right here is "what am I looking at that I want to convey". All I'm looking at is tracks, so how much of my interpretation do I impose? I'll consider that further. Thanks to both of you for your observations. I'll play with it a little more. You're dealing with an anal-retentive OCD retired computer scientist who needs to get a better grip on "artistic license". I'm looking at a cougar track, so I don't really know what the cougar looked like, but I do know it isn't following the deer for exercise And since it's a cougar, lynx, while great for syllables, gives me an uncomfortable itch.

I have a question on this one: three sets of tracks in fresh snow, two deer have passed by and then one large cat My first take on it was: three sets of tracks in fresh snow, two deer have passed by and one hungry cat I preferred the second, but the word "hungry" seems to be injecting too much "me" in it, as that is my interpretation. Thoughts?

Your Haiku is wonderful. You find a lot of nature in your urban world and describe it colorfully. ❤️

That's a lot for one month. A pound a week is more to the point. Don't overdo it as that can cause unintended results. Share that with the migraine doctor, if you didn't. Moderation in all things. If it's an ocular migraine, my hiking companion deals with it, and you'll get some good advice from the doc. Hope you get it figured out soon. I'm sure you'll let us know what you learn.