Living Rural

Only five days left and then it is over until next year. After this experience this year, I understand the snickers when I joyfully exclaimed, “I am posting to two blogs for the month of November!” If I combine the time spent thinking about blogging with the actual posting, heck, I still would not have come close.But, there is always next year … “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” 

NaBloPoMo, blog, November

To my readers, NaBloPoMo, 451Press and to the promise I made myself … to post everyday, 7 days a week for the entire month of November … I had to break that promise/commitment this weekend. Life will sometimes “kick you in the butt” to get your attention and let you know who is in charge! First, read the original post about NaBloPoMohttp://www.livingruralonline.com/nablopomo/ ; then read about my college, AIUonline http://www.aiuonline.edu/. You will be caught up to the present and my apology.

The third session of AIU ended at 11:59:59 PM CT, Saturday, November 10, 2007. My classes this session were Algebra and Computer Systems Management . The computer course was very helpful and not a problem. The Algebra class was quite another story! Anyway, to make a long story a short one … I did not have my assignments completed and began a marathon last weekend playing catch-up which we all know is usually impossible to do. I was giving it my best effort when my daughter called from her doctor’s office on Friday with the news that she was being admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and hydration; also, to be seen by an infectious disease doctor. Wham! All concentration and knowledge of my world around me vanished. The mother “thing” took over. Worry. Panic. Crying.

Posting was suddenly moved down the list of priorities by at least 10 other “priorities” and that gets us to … an apology. I am sorry I missed Saturday and Sunday, had I posted it would have said, “Still no answers for Betsy” and I still have no answers. They are “growing cultures” to find out what type of bacteria has invaded her body, un til they have the results, she will remain in the hospital on an intravenous antibiotic (which they are not sure is the “right one”, comforting!)

What else is happening in my rural space … weather is gorgeous, other children are fine, hubby is happy, and TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! So, Happy Birthday to me!

I must listen for the phone, plug away at overdue assignments in algebra, and begin two new classes at AIU … I am not whining … I am “sharing”. Anyway. remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

birthday, NaBloPoMo, AIUonline, health, hospital, bacteria, daughters

These were complied by audible.com:

• Time Machine by H. G. Wells
• Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
• On the Road: The Original Scroll by Jack Kerouac
• Bleak House by Charles Dickens
• White Teeth by Zadie Smith
• Ulysses: Vol. 1, Episodes 1-3 by James Joyce
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
• The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
• A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• In cold Blood by Truman Capote
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
• Emma by Jane Austin
• Beowulf translated by Robert K Gordan Kafka
• The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
• The Short Stories of Anton Chekhov, Vol. 1 by Anton Chekhov
• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
• Metamorphosis by Frank

http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/listOfLists/List/subList.jsp?

The post today is an article from our area paper, Morning News. It was written by Jamie Rogers. Thank you for a well written warning for all drivers during this hunting season.

Motorists need to keep both eyes out for deer

FLORENCE — S.C. motorists constantly are reminded to practice defensive driving techniques to avoid collisions with other drivers, but during the fall and winter months, motorists also need to be on the look out for deer.
According to the South Carolina News Service, the number of deaths, injuries and accidents because of deer increased last year in the Palmetto State.
Most deer-related accidents are reported during the fall and winter, which are the primary times for deer migration and mating.
Florence resident Amber Hines said several dents on her Honda Civic are the result of a close encounter with a deer one night last winter.
Hines said she was traveling on Enterprise Drive in Florence just before hitting the deer.
“I saw it on the side of the road, so I said to myself, ‘let me slow down until it passes,’’’ Hines said. “It’s one of those pee-in-your-pants moments because you’re not sure what it’s going to do.”
The deer walked into the roadway and crashed into the driver’s side of her car before darting off into the woods.
“I looked at it, and it looked at me, and he just bumped my car; I’m not sure what part of him hit me,” Hines said. “But it was big; it was huge.”
There were more than 3,000 deer-related car crashes reported last year, with about a thousand of them resulting in injury, according to data released by the S.C. Department of Public Safety.
There also were a reported 17 deaths because of deer and other animal collisions last year.
In Florence County last year, there was 1 death and 21 injuries out of the 61 reported deer-related crashes.
Hines said she considers herself blessed because she was not injured or killed by the deer.
“Yeah, it definitely could have been a lot worse,” she said. “He could have jumped in my car and rocked my world.”
News service officials say there are certain precautions drivers can take to avoid hitting deer or, in Hines’ case, deer hitting them.
Motorists should drive with caution in areas known to have a large deer population, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Drivers also should use their high-beam lights to see the eyes of deer that might be standing on or near roadways. If one is spotted, drivers should sound their horn to scare the animal away.
If hitting a deer is unavoidable, drivers should brake firmly and stay in their lane—swerving can make matters worse.
Motorists should call 911 to report the accident, and then call their auto insurance company immediately. Hines said she did not report the crash because she was afraid the accident would cause her insurance premium to increase.
South Carolina News Service Executive Director Allison Dean Love said that is not necessary true.
“There are a lot of factors that companies look at. Such as the number of miles, you drive to and from work. But the most important factor is the type of car and your driving record,” Love said.

By Jamie Rogers

When did I fall into this r. u. t.? Way to much talk about TV in the country this week, but everywhere you turn someone is complainingtalking about it. The Country Music Association Awards are worth talking about … such talent, exposed skin (sorry, but true), and surprising!

AND THE WINNERS ARE: http://www.cmaawards.com/2007/

Surprises? Or did you pick the winners?

What a great night!

CMA awards, ABC, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, CMA winners

Last night’s choices on the networks did not appear to be affected by the writer’s strike. It is probably because most shows have several “in the can” to use in just this situation. The talk shows are probably feeling “the pain” the most; next, anything that is live and then, the soaps (are their writer’s included in this strike?). If all the viewers begin writing TPIC to say how much they miss the shows and the writers, possibly the network will settle this quickly.

The writers are entitled to be compensated for the contribution they make to the shows because the strike makes it absolutely clear that without the writers, there is no show. Come on people, wise up, and “spread the bread”!

TV, networks, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, UPN, strike, writers, pay,

LivingRural is exactly what it says, living in a rural area. In this rural area of mine, there is no cable TV which means the TV channel choices are the networks, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, and UPN and that is IT. Yes, the public was told that a strike was coming among the writers, but I did not understand it began last night at 12:01 AM. I heard through the blog grapevine that it happened. Read about it HERE. (Thanks, Dave :))

TV is a huge part of living in the country. It keeps us company. It fills an empty nest with noise. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. The characters become family. The shows become stories about you and yours. You begin to wish Dr. House was your doctor. Brothers and Sisters are your brothers and sisters. Grey’s Anatomy let’s us look behind the scenes at a hospital. And the reality shows show how silly and funny “scripted” reality is (don’t get your panties in an uproar, I am entitled to MY opinion!)

What will we do? What will the networks do? What will the talk show hosts do? “They” will show reruns and we will watch them. Simple.

Heaven forbid that we talk to one another, or read … remember doing those things? Well, hopefully the strike will not last long, but while it is going on at least think about using the time normally spent in front of the TV to be with your family and/or friends, do go and visit your Public Library … write a letter with pen, pencil and paper … go to the post office and (s)mail it! We will survive! Don’t forget, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Oh, I am a little disappointed at the response to my question, “Hunting … pro or con?” Reread here and I will extend our discussion to next Monday, OK?

TV, writer’s strike, HOUSE, BROTHERS and SISTERS, GREY”S ANATOMY, reruns, country living, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, UPN, network television, Public Library, post office, mail, hunting

A note about the weekend posts here at living-rural. They will be informal and about MY life living in a rural area. Be prepared and not surprised, OK? It is a gorgeous day! Last night the temperature was a little cooler, a nice change from the unusually warm and humid weather we have had all fall and the forecast said it would be the same for today. The sun is out and it is a tad bit cooler, a great day to be outside. So after church, all our members stand outside and get caught up with each other and the happenings in their lives. It is a nice twenty to thirty minutes, laughing and caring about each other! Our town is rural and our church is small, but the love shines through … it is a shame we are losing that closeness in our surrounding larger towns. It seems wethey want to go to church and be out at noon to race to the Country Club or a restaurant to eat quickly so they can get to the golf course or tennis court or “whatever” for the afternoon. For me, I like the fellowship in front of our church rather than the “hustle and bustle” of keeping up with the “Jones.” My, my I am ranting today. I just was so happy and when I write I go where my heart leads, so it was on my heart and went right to the page. You will get used to that, if you come here often which I hope you do. I will write and hopefully you will comment!So until tomorrow … go outside and enjoy your “space” and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

church, weather, nature, small towns, Country Club, restaurants, weekends

What are you … for or against? Why? Please comment and we will compare notes on Monday. Check out my post on hunting at my personal blog.

deer, woodlands, sport, hunting

My goodness, only day two(2) and I’m late with my post - not a good start,, but correcting the problem NOW.

If I have to pass the buck to someone for blame, it will be ALGEBRA. Yes, I know - algebra is a subject for high school students, freshmen, or math teachers - wrong! If you return to school (late in life, like I have), it is required to complete College Math which is the pseudonym for algebra. My last class of algebra was in 1966. Now, you tell me, how much of that have/should I have retained? I am finding out none! I am not going to let this get the best of me … or you guys. This class ends on November 11th, thank goodness and I will move on to psychology and business. I want to keep you updated on my progress in college, but I do not want to bore you with my personal stuff, day after day. So, enough said, right?

Moving on … how did everyone do with the first day of NaBloPoMo? The blogs I read were excellent, some mentioned it, most most went on business as usual. Most bloggers participating already post everyday or at least five days out of seven, for them it is “business as usual.” For me, this is a challenge I have placed on myself and one I want to accomplish. I told all of you rather than a theme I will be “wingin’ it.” Talking about the things of interest (I hope) pertaining to life in the country!

If you still want to check out what NaBloPoMo go here . I am not sure if you can sign up still, but I think you will be able too.

Until tomorrow … write, write, write … and “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

NaBloPoMo, education, AIU, algebra, college

It’s here! The official start of National Blog Post Month! First posted here.

I am so excited. This is going to be such a challenge and uplifting experience for everyone committed to writing a post every day during the month of November. Some folks are using a THEME ; I am “winging it”! This blog has always been eclectic. I follow my heart when I write, good or bad.

This week has been full of challenges and sadness. Our community lost several young people to tragedy this past weekend. A horrible fire … Iraq … traffic accidents. All sad and leaving our hearts heavy and wondering “why”? When young people die it is somehow harder to understand and accept without questioning the reason. There are no answers. Faith will see us through the pain and sorrow by His Grace.

Tomorrow is another day … one to praise Him!

Happy writing! And remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

NaBloPoMo, Fall, Autumn, Faith, Grace, death, Iraq, accidents, November, writing