It was a good month, February was.
I‘ve always wondered why the first “r” sound is dropped in February. I don’t drop the first “r” sound in library, but I guess many do.
Out here where thousands of acres of almonds are still in blossom, they pronounce the word almond as “am-end” because they beat the L out of it as they like to tell that same joke over and over again. Everywhere else it is pronounced “al-mond.” The locals present as evidence to support their pronunciation by referring to the word “salmon” – pronounced in the U.S. as Sa-men, rhymes with their “am-mend.”
I read three more books this month:



I enjoyed all three. That is 6 books so far in 2021. For some reason, after the fire in 2018 and health issues in 2019, I wasn’t able to concentrate enough to read a book. Feels good to be reading again. Breath was really a great study into the importance of breathing correctly. I spent FebRuary trying to concentrate on breathing more through my nose.
I continue to walk toward my goal of 5 million steps in 2021 as counted on my Fitbit. In February I walked 452,184 steps. For 2021, I have walked a total of 928,029 steps. I have walked at least 10,000 steps everyday since January first. I have only gained two pounds….
The puppy is HUGE. It is like we never had a puppy. Benny is 1/4 English sheepdog, 1/4 poodle, and 1/2 Great Pyrenees. The cats, Lucy and Linus, are tolerating his abundance of energy and Gracie, our Golden-doodle, is still trying to teach Benny the ways of the world.
One of our grandchildren continues to put pressure on us to get some more animals like a horse, a pony, a mini-horse, and mini-donkey, a mini-cow…and on and on. She is wearing us down. Who knows? Have to admit they are pretty darn cute.


Wishing you a wonderful March! Or is it, Mah-ch?
Oh good, you are reading and walking enough to make up for that which I’m not doing. Keep up the good work.
A horse, definitely get a horse! 🙂
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You come out to ride?
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Dialects are interesting and there are so many in the US alone. I pronounce both Rs in February and library, but I’m told I add an R to the end of ‘idea’ saying ‘ideer’… must be a New England thing.
Glad you are back to reading… my concentration has deteriorated, probably thanks to the internet, alas. My mind drifts so easily after a bit of time.
I think those calves in the photo are adorable and I love mini-donkeys, but I’ve heard dwarfism carries health issues, so beware. I once had a boss whose wife had a horse and he was always complaining how expensive it was, called them ‘hay burners,’ ha!
Still waiting for the pet video update! 😉
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Every time I grab the camera, the animals stop being cute and turn obnoxious. I mispronounce so many words and sometimes I am shocked at how the word is suppose to be said. I’ve heard the r on idea many times and my ancestors called it a washer machine instead of a washing machine (the refrigerator was called the ice box too) It has taken a long time to be able to read again, of course I don’t remember what I read – but at least I am quiet and not pestering anybody! I need to check in and research those issues with the minis. Last thing I need is vet bills/carcasses! If I don’t get any minis/biggies,
I will tell her it was Auntie Eliza’s fault!
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😀 I don’t retain much either and often have to read the same paragraph 3 times to understand it, promptly forgetting it soon after (sigh). As Bette Davis put it: “Old age is no place for sissies.”
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You should see me play Scrabble…my spelling, which used to very good, has created many a family argument!
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😀 I love Scrabble, but we don’t keep score any more, so no angst about scoring BIG, which takes SO long if you’re waiting for a turn. It’s enough to just have fun making words, so your spelling shouldn’t matter! 😉
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You are an inspiration, Gary. Congratulations on your fitness levels, correct breathing, and feeding your mind. truly astounding. Are you going to start a pet zoo for the grandkids?
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Thank you Len! I am pretty gimpy but try to keep moving. Fortunate to be able to walk just around our place and get a lot of steps, no cars whizzing by or dogs trying to eat me alive! You know how those grandkids can be, They quickly outgrow their must-haves! Will have to be sure I want the animals too, I think.
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I like the look of two of those books Gary and have written the titles down. I breath through my nose now more than I ever have done. It has just become a more natural thing and Im quite sure is beneficial. Im interested to read the book though. Those mini farm animals almost look like cuddly toys. I can hear Grandad being worn down from England! Grandchildren Hey 🙂
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It is a really interesting study on the importance of breathing correctly, but it can get a little dense reading at times – but the author tries really hard at keeping it understandable. The other book on Doubt and Faith was also quite well done and i found it helpful and hopeful. Yes, those grandchildren know your soft spots that is for sure! Eliza’s comments got me thinking that I need to do some careful research before getting the minis.
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Good reads Gary and your steps are astounding! I’ve had mini’s and the mini donkey is just like a regular donkey attitude wise, but the mini horse was awesome. Just the sweetest little thing with no temperament, unlike a full-sized horse. Your grandkids can ride the miniature pony and they are built to pull a cart type trolley your grandkids can ride in when they outgrow horseback. I always loved that the kids were eye level with the pony. Be blessed my friend.
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I think there is a ton of wisdom in your comments! We talked about your advice over dinner tonight, especially the bad donkey attitudes!
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Haha…I’m flattered. They are loud too! Mini pigs are the best. ❤
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