“Dads Plus Pets They Never Wanted” – BoredPanda.com – Louise Pieterse, Marila Tkachenko, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Monika Pasukonyte.
Monthly Archives: April 2026
Fabulous Fabric Art 2
Karen-Turner-School of Stitched Textiles
Lorraine Turner – Salico Horses
Filed under Embroidery/Sewing Art
Thursday 4-30-2026
Newest painted sketches.
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Weight Loss Progress Report – April 30, 2026 –
As of this morning, I’ve lost 92 lbs and 89 inches. I was to lose 3 more pounds and then hold it steady there. I’ll still eat two meals a day, watching my portions, but I won’t have to obsess about not being able to eat any particular kind of food anymore.
Another good thing – with my lard loss and exercising, I now take 1/2 of one blood pressure pill every other day, keeping my numbers under control, where I was in danger of real trouble when I first moved to Thailand. So that and my thyroid pill (I had mine radiated due to Grave’s Disease several years ago) are my only prescription drugs now.
My focus has now turned to adding more movement every day –
- I’m walking a mile on the treadmill every day – trying to increase my speed and the incline percentage as I can while concentrating on my balance
- On alternate days I do either a session of yoga stretches or exercises with water bottles.
- I’m taking the stairs in my building coming down routinely. I’m going UP when I’m not carrying anything.
- I’m putting on some heavy beat music on my computer, putting on my headphones, and dancing to a couple of songs at least every other day.
- I’m trying to use opportunities to get extra movement in as they arise – for example, today we needed to get cash for tomorrow, but our regular ATM wasn’t working. We walked to another one, and then took the long way home, stopping to visit my Koi fish on the way back.
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StockCake
I’m consciously trying to ‘up my game’ on my sketches, trying to do some I wouldn’t have considered before. I’m sketching every day, particularly since we’re spending time at the cafe, with Brian working and my sketching, reading, and watching the traffic, so I have dedicated time now to concentrate on what I consider more difficult challenges. Drawing every day, doing the best that I can, and then having the fun of painting my drawings, is filling a good part of my day with joy.
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Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Dads Plus Pets They Didn’t Want 4
“Dads Plus Pets They Never Wanted” – BoredPanda.com – Louise Pieterse, Marila Tkachenko, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Monika Pasukonyte.
Filed under Uncategorized
Wednesday 4-29-2026
@dcfitzgerald.bsky.social
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I’ve had a good, busy day. It’s just after 4pm on Wednesday here, and I have been going non-stop the whole day. It has been glorious.
When we aren’t going to visit Harvey, I’m starting to paint one of my sketches when I get back from the gym and breakfast with Brian. While the paint is drying, I’m answering email and blog post comments, then doing a session with my new guitar. This morning I then did good yoga stretches, then did another layer of painting, another session with the guitar, and then it was time to go to the cafe. I did some good sketching – starting out at one place and then getting to move to ‘my spot’ to spend a good while. Brian, who was already wearing a sweatshirt over his tee, was too cold, so we came home.
I’m starting a new sketchbook (#3) very soon, so I got that ready this afternoon.
I laughed when I started trying to work with my guitar this morning. When I first learned to play, my teacher, who was from the deep south, would say, “Keep your flesh off the box, dahlin’.” You’re supposed to put your finger TIPS down close to the frets, resulting in a nice tone. When you “put your flesh on the box, dahlin’,” the sound is completely deadened. I was, indeed, puttin’ my flesh on the box, dahlin’ this morning – the neck of this guitar is quite wide for me, so I’ll have to work on techniques to get my hands and fingers to stretch to position them correctly so my chords sound like music, rather than noise.
It has been around 60 or so years since I played and sang at my high school, at my college, and at “The Dust Bowl” in Tulsa, a place where folk singers were welcome, so to say I’m starting over, learning the chords, finger positions, how to use a new style capo, is an understatement. There’s a YouTube site that helps you tune your guitar, another that shows basic chords and finger positions. When I’m ready, YouTube also offers songs with lyrics and chords! I basically play by ear, so this will help me out a lot.
My fingers hurt after only a few minutes, so I’ll do a session, rest and do something else, and then do another session, building my knowledge, calluses, and hopefully learning the proper finger positions so I can actually play some chords.
This is a wonderful way to learn. I have absolutely no pressure. No deadlines. No one will hear me croak or play. The insulation in the building is good so my neighbors won’t hear me. I am really, really happy to try to add back making some music to my new life.
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Newest painted sketch
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Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Fabulous Fabric Art
Anne von FreyBurg – Colossal
Fabric College Class at Road 2 CA
Fammomg Sparks
Filed under Embroidery/Sewing Art
Stunning Waterfalls and More By Brook
Mt. Washington, Maine
Philmont NY
Philmont NY
Poestenkill NY
These stunning photos are all by Waterfalls and More By Brook – @hhs761.bsky.social
Filed under Waterfall gifs
Tuesday 4-28-2026
Newest painted sketches
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We had a challenging visit with Harvey this morning. He thought I was his mom and that Brian was his dad, even though we tried to correct him. He also announced that the nursing home had served everyone ‘dog’ with mashed potatoes for dinner last night; specifically, ‘your dog’ meaning his parents’ dog, Gypsy. He said he recognized her, but they were getting low on food… We took the reading light, and he seemed to think that would work well. We’ll see if he actually uses it.
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The rest of my day was super wonderful, though. On the way home from the visit with Harvey we stopped and found a used acoustic guitar! The shop owner through in the case, and Brian gave me a capo and a pick.
I feel as if this is Christmas, my birthdays, my anniversary, and National Pickle Week all rolled into one. The neck of this guitar is much wider that the guitar I had so long ago, so I’ll have to completely start over with learning and being able to play the chords, as well as build the calluses I used to have on the tips of my fingers, plus I sound like a sick frog – but I don’t care. I’m ecstatic! I found a Youtube site that shows me the basic chords and I’ll practice those until I know them again. I figured out that it has been over 60 years since I played and sang in college – so to say I’m a bit rusty doesn’t begin to cover it. 🤭 I have the perfect situation for starting over. No pressure. No time limits. No one listening. Just me and the guitar, croaking together. PERFECT!
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I spent a couple of hours at the cafe this afternoon. I did a sketch for our 57th wedding anniversary which I’ll paint and take to Harvey in June. I also did a sketch for Father’s Day, plus two sketches of his favorite cartoon characters.
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Filed under Thoughts on a ________
A Wish for the Week Ahead
I can’t say enough about Nanea Hoffman. I always find something that resonates, that I needed to hear. This time I snorted when I got to the last line – “may your humor keep you out of jail.”
What she says is how I’m trying to live my life. I’m shedding everything possible that stands in the way of peace. There are things in life we HAVE to put up with, but we can get rid of a LOT of the things that annoy, frustrate, increase tension, and otherwise cause us constant grief. Getting rid of that feels so GOOD! Meditation and just sitting with my eyes closed feeling grateful is filling me up.
This is a great way to start a week, a month, a year – the rest of your life.
Filed under Attitude
Dads Plus Pets They Didn’t Want 3
“Dads Plus Pets They Never Wanted” – BoredPanda.com – Louise Pieterse, Marila Tkachenko, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Monika Pasukonyte.
Filed under CUTE!
Monday 4-27-2026
“What A Beautiful World” – @abbphotos.bsky.social
This is a beautiful photo with the background suggesting it’s a painting. Just beautiful!
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I’ve had a great morning, moving from painting some sketches to working on my Cheetah jigsaw puzzle, to working at the computer, to running a couple of errands, and more. It’s a beautiful day here.
Brian and I will probably go to the cafe. He tends to stay most of the afternoon working while I usually come back home mid afternoon to write more blog posts, catch up on email, etc. before dinner.
These are my latest painted sketches.
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123RF
Soon Brian and I will find good places to search for a used acoustic guitar for me. I’m missing playing and singing. I haven’t done it for years – and in fact sound like an ill frog when I try to sing along with YouTube right now, but this would only be for ME. I used to sing in high school and in The Student Entertainers at Oklahoma State University to help pay for my schooling. I sang folk songs then, and it was a fun, fulfilling thing to do. I don’t read music and would just work songs out that I liked by ear. Now you can find songs on the computer that show the lyrics AND chords! I’m hoping we can find something at a reasonable price. It would be a great addition of my fun things to do.
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Rover.com
Today when I get home from the cafe I’ll do a good, long session of yoga stretches. I opted out of the gym this morning, feeling that I needed another hour of sleep. When Brian and I shared breakfast, I discovered HE had not gone, either – feeling lazy, he said. The yoga stretches will loosen me up and make up for my sloth this morning.
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Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Fabulous Flower Fotos
Front Range Wildflowers – @frwildflowers.bsky.social
Ilene Gilbert-Mays – @ilenagm.bsky.social
Mairead D – @mairedd100.bsky.social
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography
Dads Plus Pets They Didn’t Want 2
“Dads Plus Pets They Never Wanted” – BoredPanda.com – Louise Pieterse, Marila Tkachenko, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Monika Pasukonyte.
Filed under CUTE!
Sunday 4-26-2026
Patty Tait sent me this photo she took of female elephant seals lying on the beach on the coast of California on a short trip last week. I have never seen anything like this. Wow. Just wow. Thank you, Patty!
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Women’s Health
A big shout-out and THANK YOU to my wonderful sister-in-law, Mary Lou Lewis, who took us with her this past week for a vicarious trip to a beach on the coast of North Carolina – and not only that – but sent terrific pictures that made us feel we were there with her. Many of you wrote nice comments about both her photos and the fact that she let us come with her. I forwarded them to her so that she could read first-hand how what she did was appreciated. :0)
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I’m just back home from spending some time at the cafe and sketching. I got my favorite spot this time and was very comfy with my pillow to sit on, my mocha to drink, and my supplies ready at hand. I did several sketches. I’m in the process of painting several of them and will probably start posting some of them tomorrow.
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Meanwhile, I’ve been working on my Cheetah puzzle. I have the border done and the cheetah is emerging!
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I got the idea of drawing some of my husband’s favorite old school cartoon characters – like some of the ones we did for our mailbox decorations – to paint and add to his ‘happy wall.’ I’ll see what I can come up with. I hope he’ll be happy to see them.
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Wisdom Quotes
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Dads Plus Pets They Didn’t Want
“Dads Plus Pets They Never Wanted” – BoredPanda.com – Louise Pieterse, Marila Tkachenko, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Monika Pasukonyte.
Filed under CUTE!
And Our Trip Comes to an End
Mary Lou Lewis
Thanks to the generosity of my sister-in-law, you and I have been able to feel like we’ve been to a beach in North Carolina this week, with stunning photos of sunrises and sunsets, plus photos of my beloved sandpipers and probably a mockingbird, plus a great photo taken looking down the underside of a really neat bridge. And don’t forget the sand and the gorgeous ocean!!!!
Mary Lou Lewis
Mary Lou Lewis
Thanks, Mary Lou, for allowing you to go along with you this week, to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the glorious display Mother Nature was giving all of us, even though she could have been a bit more generous with higher temperatures and less wind… ⛱️ 🐚 ☀️
Filed under vicarious enjoyment
Saturday 4-25-2026
“Forest Stream” -Ali Khaliq – @khaliqali.bsky.social
Here’s another place I would love to spend some time. Want to come with me?
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Two beautiful words –
We went to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning and just got back. He was glad to see us, was comfortable, and mostly made sense. When I showed him the picture I painted of the water gun that also shoots LED lights for his wall,
he looked at it for quite a while and finally he said, “It’s good.” Those two words made my day – quite a bit more than that, actually.
This is his “Happy Wall” now. (The poster on the right is the “Reward” one Brian did for him about three of the things Harvey thinks have been ‘stolen’ since he went to the nursing home. The poster clearly states (in Thai) that these things are NOT missing, and thanking everyone at the nursing home for their patience with Harvey. (There is one on the outside of his room door, as well, at his insistence.) Today we clipped his fingernails, and then he used the fingernail file we brought recently. He wanted me to leave my fingernail clippers – and then proceeded to slide the fingernail file between his arm and the wristband on his watch, saying it will keep the people there from ‘stealing’ them. We told him we’ll bring him some clippers, and I managed to put the fingernail file back in the book – where it was as I left it last time.
He actually told us that he had read a lot of the RG Ryan book since we saw him last, and told us he would tell us when he was ready for us to order the next one in the series. We showed him a picture of the light we ordered for him, and he seemed to think it might work for him. (It was delivered this morning while we were visiting him, so we’ll take it to him Tuesday with a battery installed and a spare.) Finally, he wanted Brian to order French fries for him, so Brian checked on it while we were stopped for a chocolate after the visit, and it was being delivered as we checked.
So, as visits go, this one was a stellar visit.
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I’m working on my new Cheetah puzzle. I have some various pieces put together in ‘clumps,’ and I can tell it’s part of the cheetah. One of the clumps shows his whiskers!
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Next we will probably go to the cafe for a while. It gives focus to the afternoon and lets us enjoy a drink. Hopefully, my favorite spot will be free. I have a problem I haven’t had for as long as I remember! With my weight loss, I don’t have nearly as much padding on which to sit as I used to, so many chairs are now uncomfortable. I tried bringing a towel to add to the chair. Yesterday I stuffed a small pillow in my art backpack and that worked really well. I think it’s funny that my new problems with my size are so different than having problems squeezing into smaller spaces without running into things or knocking things over, or sitting on a bench seat rather than a chair with arms to give me more room. Change of focus can bring a smile…
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The Today Show
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Adopted Animals 2
These wonderful photos gathered by Justin Sandberg and Leva Peciulyte.
Filed under CUTE!
Just Beachy
I have been enjoying my vicarious trip to the beach because my sister-in-law has been generous enough to send the gorgeous photos and allow me to share them with you. Yesterday I finally asked her if I could also have her permission to give her credit for these. Her name is Mary Lou Lewis and I think she has a gift for photography.
I wish I could also share the videos she has sent showing sandpipers, but WordPress has a problem with the format.
So, thank you, Mary Lou, for taking us with you on your beautiful vacation!
Filed under vicarious enjoyment
Playing With Your Food 2
Np Naphas
Tata Marta – Dal Web
Filed under playing with your food?
Friday 4-24-2026
JPK-@jpk-art.bsky.social
I want to take a walk here and play in that wonderful sunlight! What a gorgeous place!
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Today has already been a nice day. After the gym and breakfast, I did some chores and then went for my massage. I feel loose as a goose now. The only problem is that we have things to do and I could use a nap… 😁
Since our regular housekeeper, Khun Nong, is out of town, our schedules for Fridays are different, starting with Brian having to get out of the way for Khun Nong’s sister to clean his place this morning – rather than in the afternoons on Tuesdays. He was at my place working on his computer when I returned from my massage. Khun Nong’s sister is coming to clean MY place at 2:00, so we have to be out of here then. We’ll go to the cafe, as usual.
Brian said he was going to get us a snack a while ago. This is very unusual, as you know I’m still trying to lose the last of my lard. Anyway, Brian came back with two to-die-for custard pie type things and twisted my arm off as I yelled for help, finally succumbing to his superior strength and the offer of a napkin and a spoon. It was delicious. 😋
So Brian is working at my dining area table while I work at my computer table. We will have to leave in about an hour to get out of the way. I’ve brought in the laundry from the balcony and put it away, and taken out the trash, so things are ready for cleaning.
QuotesGram
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Adopted Animals
These photos were displayed by Justin Sandberg and Leva Peciulyte of BoredPanda.com
Filed under CUTE!
Our Virtual Beach Trip Continues
If you look carefully, you’ll see a lizard!
A visitor – close up and personal! My sister-in-law thinks this is a mockingbird. What a special sight this is!
I can never get enough of these. Who could be down seeing this?
Look at the gorgeous colors!
Thanks again to my wonderful sister-in-law for taking these photos and sending them to me so that we could all go on her vacation with her!!!
Filed under vicarious enjoyment
Thursday 4-23-2026
Brian-@balail.bsky.social
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Today has been a good day, but flew past so fast my hair blew! Actually, it was 100 degrees earlier while we were at the cafe. All of a sudden the sky was a lot darker, and the app on my phone said “thunderstorm,” so I headed back home. It rained, but not enough to even test my new windows, so I still don’t know if they will actually keep the rain out and not leak, but this is the first rain we’ve had in several months now.
Brian texted me a few minutes ago, asking if it was okay if he came by with a few things. He brought some medicine we ordered, but ALSO cream-filled-something-or-others that are to die for! We sat right down and scarfed them down like we were starving. Oh! SO GOOD!!!!
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Well, this is the water gun that also shoots LED lights that Harvey wanted me to draw and paint for his wall. I will take it Saturday. I have no clue if he will like it or not, but this is the best I can do.
This is my latest otherwise.
I spent my time at the cafe today creating some thank you cards for Khun Nong’s sister, who will be cleaning both Brian’s and my places every Friday while Khun Nong is gone.
Tracking Happiness
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Today’s Gift from the Beach
Back in 1492 Harvey had a business trip and I went along. On the way home, he wanted to detour to go to San Diego to show my Camp Pendleton where he trained for the Marine Corps. As we drove down Highway 101, I made him stop every so often because I had never seen the ocean. On the first stop I saw birds on long long legs skittering across the sand that made me laugh aloud. I just loved them! I found out later that they were sandpipers and they have been one of my favorite birds ever since.
My wonderful SIL took these pictures yesterday, I think. I just love them. I smiled the minute I saw them. I was amazed, though, at how good her photos were! The water looks fantastic!!!
The combination makes me almost feel as if I am there. What a terrific gift that we are allowed to tag along as she enjoys a much-needed vacation!
She says the weather is a bit chilly – low 60s for a high, but the sandpipers, the water, and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets make it all worthwhile.
Filed under vicarious enjoyment
Playing With Your Food
Anime Lover 1990
Brad n Crystal
Budget 101
Lin Blas-photo-rabid sottsman On Flickr
Filed under playing with your food?
Wednesday 4-22-2026
Nursery Nisarga
Thanks to my good friend Sheila Murrey we now know that the gorgeous blooming tree I was talking about a couple of days ago is called “Peacock Flower,” “Pride of Barbados,” and “Dwarf Poinciana.” The only thing different out the one I was pointing out is that the center cluster in mine is yellow and the spent flowers are more orange. The tree is stunning and the spent blooms grab my attention each time we pass it. THANK YOU, Sheila.
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My wonderful son treated me to a mani/pedi this morning. Both he and my husband were remarking that I needed work, so this morning was the morning. Now I am sparkly green! I’m still looking for sparkly ‘cyan’ to please my son, but I only saw a pale sparkly blue, not the more turquoise shade I was looking for. Anyway, I’ve never had this color before, so I’m grinning from ear to ear as I share my ‘elegance.’ We’ll show Harvey Saturday.
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We are planning to spend time at the cafe today, and I’ll try to get started on the sketch for the water gun that also shoots LED lights that Harvey expressed interest in to go on his wall. I’m REALLY out of my comfort zone on this, but I’ll just do the best I can and hope for the best. I’m supposed to take it to him Saturday.
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These are my two latest sketches.
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Can you see the Cheetah? Oh, come on, you can if you look carefully. Look on the left side of the photo toward the bottom, and you can see the tip of his foot. That’s the ONLY part of him that is anywhere on the border of the puzzle. Needs work, I know…. hahahahahahahah 🧩 😂
Bamboo Garden Yoga
Today is yoga stretches. I’m looking forward to a nice long session where I can loosen everything up.
oprah.com
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Tuesday 4-21-2026
@imtravis.bsky.social
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I am having a good day. I was able to increase my speed just a tad on the treadmill this morning and didn’t notice any difference! I will do my water bottle exercises after I finish this post.
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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. Mostly it was pretty good. I got the idea of having him choose a water gun that also shoots LED lights, as he expressed interest in that the last time we were there, because I thought he might get a kick out of having a sketch and painting of it on his wall. He chose one he liked, and it will be a real challenge for me. I’ll do the best I can and hope he likes it…
The visit was heartbreaking at the end because he was asking about a pair of blue shorts and later about a wheelchair. He wanted to come home with us. The list of why that isn’t possible would fill a book, and we glossed over it as best we could, but the fact remains we simply can’t do it. He said he was comfortable and seemed glad to see us. 🥺
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Brian and I spent some time at the cafe. I did a sketch for Father’s Day that I’ll paint later, and I’ll get started on the water gun tomorrow, since he wants me to bring it on Saturday. No pressure….
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Brian took more pictures of the turtle puzzle. I took it apart today and put it out for adoption this afternoon. I opened the box and the Cheetah isn’t muffled anymore. The image of it is so good it looks like it should roar! I’ll start it soon.
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My SIL is having a much-needed, much-earned time at the beach this week. You and I are the recipients of a wonderful virtual vacation because of her generosity in sending photos. I’m sharing three with you today of the fact that she can enjoy views of the sunrise AND the sunset from this place!
Droolworthy views to be sure!!!
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
If it Fits, I Sits 6
BoredPanda.com – Ingrida Jasirkeviciute, Karolina Kondrataviciute, Jonas Grinevicius, Mindaugas Balciauskas
Filed under CUTE!
Beautiful Bunnies 2
Life is better with furry friends.
Pawsitively cute and cuddly.
Life is better with furry friends.
Cuteness overload: bunny edition.
These delightful photos are provided by @dailybunnies.bsky.social
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When I was 5, my parents moved our whole family from Levittown, NY to Tulsa OK where my dad had a new client who wanted him to handle his radio advertising. This would be the stepping stone to my dad starting a one-man agency that would later garner an Addy Lifetime Achievement Award for 25 years of excellence and innovation in the field.
My parents brought my brother and me plus our two pet rabbits. My parents named them “Peter” (Rabbit) and “Welsh” (Rarebit). We had the bunnies for several years, carrying them around the house, cuddling, and trying to teach them tricks – to no avail. :0)
My mom decided that she wanted to have Chihuahuas, deciding on having three at one time, and so our rabbits were given to a family down the road from us. Happily, my brother and I were best friends with one of their boys and one of their girls and we spent a LOT of time at their house, so we got to see the rabbits on a regular basis.
Filed under CUTE!
Monday 4-20-2026
Another flowering tree in Chiang Mai. I have no idea what this one is. The amazing thing about this tree is even when the flowers drop spent to the ground, they are lovely. That’s how I first saw this tree! The blossoms on the ground were bright orange with streaks toward the middle of a beautiful pattern of leaves as if the bloom had opened before falling. Leaves in the center of the spent bloom were bright yellow! You miss the whole thing if you are just looking around. The clusters of blooms are way high up in the trees; so unless you’re looking UP – which I only do when Brian is holding tightly to my hand – or looking down at the ground – as I was, paying attention to places I could trip – you miss it. I’ll try to draw one of the spent blooms and show it to you.
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My glorious turtle puzzle is FINISHED!!!!!!!! 🎉 🥳 🧩. I finished him this morning. Brian has taken a picture of the finished puzzle and will order a glass print of it, the way he has done for the previous ones so that I can display his gorgeous face on my statement shelf. I’m going to leave him up for a couple of days so I can enjoy running my hands over him before taking him apart, bagging him up, and giving him to someone else who will enjoy putting him together again.
The Cheetah’s voice is getting a bit louder as he calls to me, but he’s still muffled inside his box…
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I tried out my Google Translate app on my phone at the cafe yesterday. I wrote, “You are a good water fighter. I had fun. Thank you” and showed it to my favorite server who had thoroughly drenched me in Songkran two nights running. He read it, then broke out into a HUGE smile and bowed. a few minutes he was back, asking me to read HIS phone. He said, “You are good, too, Auntie.” This again shows how NICE the Thai people are. I’m really happy the app worked!!!
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These are my two latest painted sketches.
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Poster My Wall
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
creativeartworksblog 