#burro hills

[rabbitcruiser]

World Donkey Day 

Visit a petting zoo, or simply do some research into the underappreciated, stalwart, useful and intelligent beasts of burden known as donkeys.

World Donkey Day is a show of respect for one of the most enduring and respectable animals in the Equidae family. Throughout history, it has served throughout the world as both a mount and a beast of burden in some of the most challenging terrains and forbidding climates, and has done so with pride and endurance. It’s unsurprising that these beasts’ success is due in part to their stubborn nature, and World Donkey Day honors them for this along with their other, perhaps more laudable, traits.

History of World Donkey Day

Two subspecies of the donkey, the Somalian and the Nubian, were bred together to produce what we think of as the modern Donkey. Available evidence points to the Donkey having been working alongside humanity since 4000 BCE, most likely in Nubia, as a more versatile and resilient pack animal than the ox they were presently using. Since then they have been bred and transplanted all over the world as cultures moved, and the world expanded, and can now be found just about everywhere.

They’re also the progenitors of the sterile mule, a cross-breeding of horse and donkey that results in a breed with the strengths of both. Sadly mules are almost entirely sterile, and the exceptions so rare that no breeding stock of pure mules has ever been able to be achieved, in part due to there having yet to be recorded a case of a breedable mule stallion. Strangely, there have been cases where female mules have birthed what are, for all appearances, pure horses when bred with a horse.

Without the help of donkeys, it is hard to imagine that the modern world could ever have come into existence. These hardy pack animals provided civilization with the motive energy needed to generate wealth, well before the advent of steam power or electricity. For that reason, many people consider donkeys just as fundamental to our society as writing, pottery, and metallurgy.

World Donkey Day is all about celebrating their stoic spirit and individual charm. These creatures aren’t afraid of a hard day’s work. In fact, they more or less invented the concept. Donkeys pull carts, operate mills, and carry cargo for miles and miles, well after other species would have given up. For that reason, they have a special place in our hearts. They’re willing to put in the effort (for no pay) all to serve us – their grateful human masters.

World Donkey Day is the brainchild of Raziq Ark, a scientist whose interests primarily concern desert animals. Around ten years ago, he noticed that nobody was celebrating the humble donkey for its efforts in helping people all over the world improve their quality of life. In recognition of all this hard work, he set up a Facebook group, chronicling the trials and tribulations of the species all over the world. Eventually, the idea to set up a World Donkey Day emerged in 2018, and we’ve been celebrating it ever since.

The concept drew widespread attention in the media. The Daily Express, for instance, ran an article covering ten facts that people don’t know about donkeys. Did you know that a female donkey is called a Jenny? Ark also has thousands of followers on his Facebook page, all showing their support for this amazing creature.

Donkeys have played an essential part in human history. Ark says that they are a “precious genetic resource and a great gift of nature.” You can’t get higher praise than that!

How to celebrate World Donkey Day

The best way to celebrate World Donkey Day, depending on where you are, is merely to research these incredible beasts and the role they had to play in the world. If you’re somewhere you can take a Donkey Ride tour like the Grand Canyon or tours of certain abandoned mines then that’s an even better way to become acquainted with these adorable long-eared equines. World Donkey Day reminds us that we owe a large part of our success on this planet to these fellow travelers on the starship Earth.

There are plenty of other ways that you can show your support to donkeys all over the world and improve their wellbeing. Many of them are in constant pain and need attention fast. Often their owners are too poor to pay for a veterinarian, so it falls to the rest of us to take up the slack. Donating to a donkey charity, therefore, is a great way to show your support for these fabulous creatures directly. Currently, there are a handful of nonprofits working hard all over the world to deliver medical attention to neglected and abused animals. These charities use donated money to provide much-needed treatment to donkeys in their hour of need.

Donkey abandonment is another major issue. Many owners will dump their donkeys at the side of the road if they can no longer afford to take care of them. The animal must then scavenge for food to survive. Giving to a donkey charity, therefore, can provide these victims with shelter where they can live in safety and peace.

Donkeys are beautiful, but neglected creatures. World Donkey Day is a chance for everyone who cares about these animals to highlight their plight and do something practical about it. Are you in?

Source

[pirate-of-the-southern-isles]

Apparently, I wasn't done for today and I got this beautiful instruction: https://youtu.be/HEor39iB7cM?si=A52JmNYOlAKFbLjj

I highly recommend it for everyone learning Procreate!

But when I was done with the picture, I thought: huh, that fire is perfect for some partisans to rest by…

So, meet the Birnamians!

From the left: Burro (former school teacher), Goatie (he's in charge), Ox (former farmer) and prince Lars Westergaard of the Southern Isles who *really* doesn't want to be there but has no other choice, sorry… 😛

Now, since the Southern Isles had a bad luck with being ruled by the Westergaards, something must have been done. Hence - the Birnamians. Now, these three are all former convicts - sentenced for twenty years of prison for stealing food from a castle. The Southern Isles’ judicial system is based on only one rule and it is “do as the king says” (just like in Arendelle, taking from the books - apparently both kingdoms slept on both Locke and Montesquieu), especially if something is deemed as a “crime against a crown” (and well, they were in the kitchen? So they totally could poison the food, right? So, a regicide attempt! No poison on them? Well, lucky them, if the guards would find any they would be executed on spot) so even if it was ridiculous, it still must have been carried on. They served their sentence in prison, yes, but also through hard labour - in stables. A crime against the crown must be repaid to the crown. They were there for seven years.

And then the pirates came. And Goatie had the luckiest night of his life, because the guards haven’t taken him back to the Citadel this one time. He was laying down in a cellar, beaten half to death, when the same cannonball which destroyed Hans’ wall - destroyed also his.

He ran. He spotted Sitron on meadows, running in panic. He took him with himself. They laid low for a few weeks in forests on the east side of the Isle. Then they have met their future Chief. And they were given a home and a purpose. A few weeks later, Ox and Burro were rescued from the stables too and the Birnamians were good to go.

And now, what is Lars doing here?

Well.

For three years Lars didn’t know what had happened with Hans. Then, a few weeks ago, a parrot came, wielding a letter regarding “a historical research” about a long-lost treasure. Now, Lars knows his little brother is alive *somewhere*. So he started to actively look for him, because he didn’t really believe the whole “pirate” thing. He spotted Sitron in the crowd one day. He waited patiently and then tried to capture the hooded rider, being 100% sure it is Hans.

It wasn’t. It was Goatie.

And well. As Goatie - who loves Shakespeare - has stated:

"It can’t be like this, Lars.” He approached, so the prince could see him better. “Your family is skinning us alive, we can be imprisoned in the Citadel for every minor thing and if someone can’t keep up with their work, one of your favours us personally with their presence and takes the last penny. Hans at least had a common decency to pretend he’s not enjoying it, but those twins are all happy to throw hands. We don’t want to live like this.” He crouched. “That day I have found a new home. And my purpose. This veiled woman… the first thing she told me to do, was to read “Macbeth”. Of course, after I confirmed I can read. And I can, because my father has taught me. I am almost sure you read it too, maybe you can cite it by heart. But me and everyone else here is obligated to know this one snippet:

“Be lion-mettled, proud; and take no care

Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are:

Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until

Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill

Shall come against him.”

And you, of course, know what that means?”

“Great Birnam woods has come for Macbeth” Lars answered as he was back with his old teachers. “The rebel’s army, lead by Macduff, dressed their armors with branches, so they couldn’t be counted. In the distance it looked like the forest was marching towards his castle. Macbeth has perished and the throne was returned to its rightful king.”

Goatie nodded.

“The Southern Isles must bury their dead in the woods, and their king doesn’t even have a place to cram their gold anymore. Those bodies should be enough to make the trees rip their roots off the ground and march for you all. But well, even Shakespeare knew it is impossible. But well, that’s what a metaphor is. Meet us, Lars.” He nodded at his people; they jerked Lars towards the biggest hole in a wall and pushed against the edge; broken glasses fell from his nose, flying far, far, down. “We are the Birnamians.” Now Goatie was talking right into his ear. “And our question is… are you willing to carry your branch with us, or do you prefer to go for a little swimming practice?

“You can’t…!”

“Oh, of course we can. That weird, annoying historian prince went to do some field work in the old ruins and fell down. Oh. What a shame. Well, it happens. At least you will be buried in a sort of a family crypt. So, that’s your choice?”

“No!” He yelled when two of the others bent him further; he felt tears slipping from his cheeks.

��So, who’s it gonna be? Macbeth or Malcolm?”

“Please, you must understand…!”

“Decision, Lars, I don’t have all night.”

“I am with you! Alright, I am with you!”

- The Pirate of the Southern Isles, Chapter 58

In other words: either you are with us, or you are dead.

So now Lars not only has to worry about suddenly resurrected baby brother, but also for his own life - threatened from two sides, because if his father ever knows, well… that’s not only a crime against the crown, it is a high treason.

So, welcome to your new life, Lars!

[coffee-farm]

WAYNE - +21 ela/dela. triggers: incesto, agulhas (visual e descritivo) e maus tratos animais.

este blog foi feito para musings, apresentação e informações extras dos meus personagens para a comunidade @ applecovehq .

PERSONAGENS.

LAKE SONG.

━━━━━ @lakewine.

seu lunático local. extremamente receptivo e conversador, ama a natureza, é grato aos junimos, enche o saco do mago e tem medo da bruxa. diz já ter visto fantasmas, caveiras reanimadas e um anão que falava uma língua desconhecida nas minas, entretanto, devido ao seu... gosto por chás de cogumelo e ervas divertidas, poucas pessoas acreditam. adora contar histórias que definitivamente não são reais, mas faz isso de maneira lúdica. este é o fazendeiro proprietário da blossom vineyard, trinta e dois anos, bissexual e birromântico, residente do green praire. MAIS AQUI.

LUCCA BERNARDI.

━━━━━ @luccaboat.

oficialmente barqueiro, informalmente um pau pra toda obra. ele tem cheiro de mar, vive descamisado na beira da água e com sal no cabelo e seus olhos brilham a qualquer mero sinal de uma boa onda. ele vai te dar uma pulseira da amizade feita de conchas e escutar qualquer baboseira que você quiser contar pra ele com toda a sua atenção. é um poço de informações desnecessárias e fofocas inofensivas e vai topar qualquer coisa que você sugerir. é burro, mas é livre. este é um dos barqueiros do porto, tem vinte e quatro anos, bissexual e birromântico, residente do merion bay. MAIS AQUI.

VIVIAN MARY DAVIS.

━━━━━ @vivianflowers.

esta é uma mulher com o coração de gelo, pode pegar seu copinho. nascida em apple cove, viveu grande parte de sua vida na cidade, mas se mudou para a califórnia aos dezenove, voltou aos vinte e cinco para cuidar da família adoecida, e agora reside em misty hill. é a florista da champs-élysées mais poucos amigos que você irá encontrar, mas com alguns elogios ela derrete e fica mais mansa. apreciadora de filmes antigos, moda e tudo que tenha uma cor viva, você a terá como inimiga se aparecer sujo de lama ou todo molhado de chuva, porque ela detesta. tem seus 26 anos, bissexual e birromântica.

[visityaratoday]

Places to Visit: Segunda: A City Divided.

Beautifully painted sign at the entrance of the town, Segunda, Cruz Del Salvador, Valle de Oro; Picture by @mynonsenseistingling.

Segunda is the largest city in the province of Cruz Del Salvador in the central region of Valle de Oro. It is home to music, culture, and is rich in our history. This article will take you on a virtual tour of this bustling and lively city.

Main Attractions

Architecture, Shops, etc

There is not one main attraction in Segunda. Rather many small streets surrounding a central square, El Toro Square, featuring brightly painted buildings of Spanish colonial architecture. Taking a stroll through the streets of Segunda is considered by many the town’s main attraction, where you will find shops, restaurants, bars, and old classic cars. The people of Segunda are generally quite friendly and approachable.

FND Recruitment Offices building, Segunda.

Another Church with no name, let's call it La Iglesia de Segunda

One of many businesses in Segunda; Picture by @mynonsenseistingling.

Awh the classic cars... What would be life in Yara without them?

A tourist takes a picture in El Toro Square, Segunda.

And of course, who says public town square says some fellow trying to sell you something. However, Segunda being much more touristy, you will find people selling refresco, food, and of course cigars. Buy some!

Where to Stay

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We searched long and hard but were unable to locate any good places to stay within Segunda. The closest venues are located a short drive around El Tiburón Lagoon. There is a peninsula with many options including the prestigious El Tigre Dormido Hotel. Check local listings for pricing and availability. Also we were told the pool might be closed for maintenance.

El Tigre Dormido Hotel, Burros Bay, Cruz Del Salvador, Yara.

Where to Eat

Good eateries are not hard to find around the city. Just walk around and you will come across many cafes and cantinas. We recommend the Taberna El Escritor Jalado among others.

Taberna El Escritor Jalado, Opened during curfew hours; Segunda.

If you are in the mood for a little adventure and want to try something different, you can check out Los Langostinos Cafe located a short drive north of the city. As the name suggests, they serve fresh langoustines. This author has not personally tried it due to an allergy to shellfish but it looks like a decent place with a large terrace overlooking an old plantation that is still operational today. Plenty of parking at the bottom of the hill and you will need to climb a few stairs to get there, but it’s good para tu trasero.

Los Langostinos Cafe, Cruz Del Salvador, Valle de Oro, Yara.

Art and Culture

Mural painted on the side of a building, Segunda, Yara.

Mural by local artist, Segunda; Picture taken by @mynonsenseistingling.

You will toss a pebble in Segunda and find a beautiful mural or piece of art by local artists. (But not the metal statues. We do not talk about the metal statues.)

This authoritarian-looking monument was apparently given to Yara by the, at the time, USSR, in 1974 and represents “the country’s new, modern pursuits born from its past” or something; Picture by @mynonsenseistingling.

Historical stuff square

You will find an inner courtyard with various artifacts and plaques with bits and pieces of our history. You can go read them but in a nutshell, they recount how Segunda used to be surrounded by many sugar plantations in the 1800’s. “Settlers in the Caribbean used rum as currency in the New World.” Slaves were brought into Yara from east Africa by the Spanish settlers to work the sugar cane plantations. A pretty common historical thread among Caribbean nations except ours has a little bit more “controlling” leaders.

Segunda After Hours

The streets are dead after hours, mainly due to the curfew in place. Curfew starts at 9:00pm and is in effect until 6:00am. But it is not hardcore psycho curfew and it is certainly not as violently enforced as in other towns, but there are armed soldados patrolling after dark.

They will ask you where you are going and may apprehend you if you are visibly inebriated or if they’re just in a mood and they don’t like your face.

A citizen breaking curfew is being searched. She may or may not have a bad day;

However, despite the curfew order in Segunda, on some evenings, government approved live music shows are still running at a bar that is mainly frequented by military service men and women. Maybe that's why they aren't tooooo adamant about enforcing it.

Segunda: A City Divided

Segunda is an interesting place because the people are very polarized when it comes to politics. Perhaps because there is an FND Recruiting Office in town, there is a particularly strong pro-Castillo sentiment amongst citizens. Wear a blue scarf in the street, and you might even be cat-called a traitor.

Pro-Castillo rallies are common in El Toro Square, Segunda, Yara.

This is met by an equally vehement anti-Castillo sentiment, visible in the many anti-government graffiti and general disobedience and mischief. However, this should not affect you as a tourist. Avoid appearing overly pro or con and generally try to leave our politics to our people. This is true across the rest of Yara as well.

We hope that you enjoyed this tour of Segunda. For more information on activities, places, events, and all things Yara, consult our content index at the top of this page. Follow this page and come back often for more content!

This photo encompasses all of the chaotic beauty that is Segunda in one glance.

Special Acknowledgement

A special thanks to our guest photographer, @mynonsenseistingling, who graciously provided some of the shots for this article and for being one of our agency’s first and most faithful supporters.

A side road to Segunda; Picture by @mynonsenseistingling

Editor's Note:

We did visit inside of the FND Recruiting Office. The lady at the counter gave us the side eye.

And later on, some FND recruiter briefly took us in his car. Poor fellow probably thought we were interested in enlisting. Sorry, hermano. Already did our time and paid our dues. Sweet ride though.

Back to Content Index

[krazys-ass-emporium]

May 2023 Black Hills Trip

So I took a trip out to the Black Hills of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming to play dorky tourist. Since I have way more than the ten pictures tumblr limits you for a photo post, I'm going to make a text post (plus also I wanted to talk about some of them.)

Warning: this is gonna be kinda long lol.

First stop, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD:

Then Wall Drug in Wall, SD:

The next day we went over to Wyoming. I've been working on my own original story since I was a teenager and it takes place in Wyoming. When we were out there we happened to be quite close to the town I wanted to base my story off of. The town is a little one called Sundance. I took so many random pictures for references and to get a general feel for it. I also think the town of Deadwood would make a good base too, so I will probably merge some elements of both places together to make what I was going for. Most of the pictures weren't all that impressive, but here are some of the best ones from there:

Since it was close by, we went over to Devils Tower as well. The funniest thing there was a conversation I overheard between a little boy and his dad. The kid was asking why there was so much stuff with aliens, and the dad replied, in the most Wyoming accent: "Because they're fixin' to take you."

Next we took our sweet time getting our butts over to see Mount Rushmore and stopped to stare at the scenery along the way:

The next day we did less touristy things and took the scenic route through Spearfish Canyon. This was in the morning and it had rained the night before and it was gorgeous:

We also went up to Flag Mountain Camp, a summer camp that my brother works at. He has an adorable new puppy too:

Then we went through Custer State Park and got to see a bunch of animals. I got good pictures of a burro and a coyote, but we also saw a snake, bison, deer, and pronghorn antelope:

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss (Minnesota State Fair edition)

Peg (though not the sort "O' My Heart")

On the outer fringes of the Agriculture-Horticulture Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (which everybody just calls "Ag-Hort") is a modest little cafe which proudly describes themselves as "the only full-service restaurant on the Fairgrounds." It's called "The Peg," a rather homey-looking spot with table and counter service and a somewhat comforting comfort-food menu. Which, for a theatrically-fond cat like yours truly, seems to bring to mind the old melodramatic play "Peg O' My Heart" (if you still recall that century-old chestnut mare).

Which, at any rate, saw the presence at opening time of yours truly, as much as That Oh-So-Merry, Chuckleberry, Huckleberry Hound, for some breakfast of the highest order: Chicken fried steak with eggs and hash browns, toast and coffee. Never mind The Peg's fondness for paper plates and polystyrene cups, they like it old school and homestyle.

Even with the two of us sitting at the counter, listening to what passes these days for morning-type radio ... and sitting close to us were--

"I is none other than Quick Draw McGraw, the rootinest, shootinest, gun-slinger in the West--and trick-shot artist extraordinaire; Annie Oakley, eat your heart out!" (And you can tell by that legendary exaggeration of tone.)

"And I'm Babalooie, faithful burro companion to Queekstraw!"

(They, too, were having breakfast at The Peg, though they needed some time to make the right sort of choice; eventually, they settled on pancakes and coffee.)

"So," asketh Huckleberry to Quick Draw, "what's bound to bring you two here?"

"Just my own curiosity," Quick Draw exclaimed in that vocal tone of his bound to get a little too over-the-top on occasion. "Though you have to wonder on occasion if they've got some decent Mexican fare here at this fair, especially in the breakfast department!"

"Or at least something beyond the atypically overdone tacos, burritos and enchiladas," Babalooie exclaimed. "Though I can't help but enjoy breakfast burritos from time to time."

I asked, "You hear of Quesadilla Junction?"

"Whoever did?" exclaimed Quick Draw.

"Or, for that matter," continued I, "El Kabong?"

"You mean--EL KABONG?!! That Champion of Law and Justice in the Early West Through His Trusty and Patent Kabonger?!"

Both Huck and I responded, "YES, WE DO!" Then, yours truly: "Up on the northern part of the Fairgrounds, past Machinery Hill ... they have breakfast quesadillas."

"Now that you mention it," Quick Draw remarked as our breakfasts were being served, "I thinks we should give that there Quesadilla Junction a try some morning!"

(At any rate, yours truly prefers his chicken-fried steak and eggs not just cut up, but also mixes in the hash browns into the compound to hand. Not necessarily messy, but as presentation is in the eyes of the beholder when dining, it can't help but get interesting.)

Once things are out of the way, Huck gets a rather amusing little call from Peter Potamus on the mobile.

"I assume," that charmer of a hippo asked, "you're still on with joining us later this fall for some diving odysseys in the Caribbean!"

"Well ... who wouldn't with types like us?" Huck responded. "Even with a few weeks with Crazy Claws over the fall."

"Good to know ... yet you wonder what the rum can get to be like!"

"Don't try to get us started there, Peter!"

"But let's hope the diving gets to be rather interesting!"

"I assume there'll still be some refresher diving lessons before setting out--"

"'Tis obvious."

You wonder how that call turned out, especially with Peter's legendary charm offensive. Perhaps learned by way of past experiences with Polynesian natives with his late father?

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @a-gang-of-silly-bananas @jellystone-enjoyer @iheartgod175 @archive-archives @screamingtoosoftly @thylordshipofbutts @princessgalaxy505 @thebigdingle @themineralyoucrave @warnerbros-blog1 @desthpicable-thuccotash-blog @theweekenddigest @stuffaboutminnesota @warnerbrosent-blog

[libidomechanica]

“The next door we will do, speak in figures also, they were”

Were ‘t aught aske I, but a dreams.     Again the water dewe. Ah fools of short that nobody     can love is true. Too late cars which gown to a lake where all     that grow, and make him invisible when I’ll speak but the     acting of spice and feare,

enter brauely euerywhere, that     lover’s hermitage; your love but gauds; nay, whistle a little     man. Did silence to me and Cleopatra—night that     able spirits so fair on the altar heap’d with the banner     of them blue in the

argument all back again. Earth     her een her home thy louer? One in war with a full heart thumping     like-hat relation, so I could really see the     heardgroomes, keeping, where were sweet but don’t holy were greater     in an ear! Or to wronged

lovely young JESSIE you saw a     field made up of worths surmount. Welcome, wean; mishanter far     doth not breath our coming want them leave all enjoy hats, but     of conversation of hands knot, I change and there Damon     lay, with trembling dew: or

glitter’d to my bonie, sweetnesse, which     with tears. When you are more to try it when I realize     it. Whether the ones thy flocks the wild birds sang thee his skill     in horse, my hand hold her feel her chekes pit thou have done:     mine enemie. Are far estrange

route. The sorrows of you, a     kind of the English eyes were grew so tender&I so young     JESSIE you saw a field made such annoied. His honor, or     his colowred crime. Decay: for fierce tears. The rest I’ll speak.     The next door we will do,

speak in figures also, they were     you epitomize contemplating to breathe a man-at-     armes did draw: of touch my soul with the blood from the hill. Not     as to get out. And all the news tonight: a debate about     the new. Ay little

kissable mouth in waves asking     about goings of Dove, a maiden fair Syrinx in trees     or colour’d vellum playes, yet this love gentle into diamond     is impossibility we will ever call it     bee through which prove more, by

paying time. Out of a burro.     Two grubs on thy corbe shoulders with its mouth a locust in     your body takes on the line&her pillow understand. Trading     be, or to be Lord, what would not Love make thou within     a year a son was delight

from Boston to Paris watching     such ends, and old. Of custome to that an act that fatal     knife shut in your starry air of midnight I feele,     and dirks the horsemen my glass, in the most impeach’d standing     day; rage, rage disarms—these

bitter bargain driven: I hold     her and thoughts, new grows erect, as sour bare is a tall ghost     tossing and you, to whom love me—wilt thou leau’st that grow, and     only when there were true cause their hair. And hail once be seen:     trees, at one thieving lyre,

whose hat you will, approve, hers     conversation I could encline. All through and I do love me     on my soule to proved us one. Yet if the lintwhites     in New Jersey lighted;— o that moved the maidens came around     else is. I have been

born is gone. Love chants of your     carelesse corage hath stell’d thy beams as thou place, straw into     that an act that soft and look out at thy mither’s hate, weeds     among the cast live on the flowers alarming us,     as happy as well with

gilded leaues or filled within, the     rose, the God be the music speaks with the sea has been     exhibited on Bond Street and not suffer the blowen bags,     like paper animals. I call me Papa. It so have     been exhibited only

this last wave hot youthful shore,     and beate vpon that bosom’s shop is hang; thy shrine, no truth before     was not wear that it is the queen sent our lives a     womankind, I embrace the pink, the trick. Ever see     To see his neare ouerthrow.

[kpgresham]

A Little Burro Therapy

By Helen Currie Foster The three burros who live with Alice MacDonald Greer, lawyer/amateur sleuth protagonist of my Texas Hill Country legal thrillers, bear a strong resemblance to the three burros who rule our patch of the Hill Country. We manage our small piece of the planet for native grasses and birds under the county Wildlife Management Program. Today I received our spring box of blue…

[pxgblog]

The 5 Best Winter Golf Courses Worth Visiting

For many of us, the onset of winter weather shuts down our favorite golf courses for the season. But if you aren’t interested in waiting until spring brings warmer weather and your local fairways reopen, there are plenty of golf destinations that are well worth the trip.

Team building, market research—call it whatever you want. But don’t miss the chance to make a winter golf trip to one of these outstanding courses. Better yet, get yourself in for a custom golf club fitting and embark on your golf excursion with a set of cutting-edge clubs. Instead of waiting for your go-to course to thaw out, try one of these top-tier winter golf destinations this year. Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters Since opening in 1992, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Great Waters has garnered high praise for its outstanding architecture. The layout is superb, and the scenery makes for one of the most immersive rounds of golf you’ll ever play. The back nine at Great Waters offers a distinctive experience. The last eight holes are right on the lake, making the water visible or putting it in play for every hole. It’s no wonder this course ranks as one of the top 100 golf courses in any season. Golf Club at Dove Mountain: Saguaro/Tortolita/Wild Burro This award-winning club features three Jack Nicklaus Signature nine-hole courses that are each a Par 36 and measure just shy of 4,000 yards. Originally part of the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain resort, the club was founded in 2009. Public access is limited, but the club is open to Ritz-Carlton guests and has a private membership. Interestingly, the club is certified as an Audobon Sanctuary. It also boasts stunning views of the desert valley below. Omni Barton Creek Resort The Omni at Barton Creek is a resort worth visiting on its own, but this destination also lays claim to the best golf in Texas. The four Omni courses are situated in the heart of Austin’s Hill Country, just 10 miles southwest of downtown. This highly-ranked spot is one of the nation’s top golf destinations, so if you visit, be sure to arrive practiced and prepared with top-of-the-line hybrid golf clubs and everything else you need to make the most of your experience. Kiva Dunes Golf Course Kiva Dunes bills itself as the top public golf course in Alabama, and it’s a claim you’d be hard-pressed to dispute. From the seclusion to the gorgeous landscape and award-winning course, Kiva Dunes has everything you could want out of a winter golf destination. They’re serious about their dress code, though. Don’t bother packing any denim or shirts without collars. Kiva Dunes is well worth packing your finest golf apparel. Kiawah Island Golf Resort Home to five courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a must-visit for serious players. From the Ryder Cup to the PGA Championship and many more, the top-level golf tournaments are held at Kiawah Island. Enjoy a tailored golf experience built around your preferences, enhance your game with private instruction, and experience the superior playability of Paspalum for yourself. About PXG Sometimes, good enough isn’t quite good enough on the golf course. That’s why golf irons from PXG launch higher, go farther, feel softer, and have a sweet spot the size of Texas. Since their founding in 2013, PXG set out to make the world’s best golf equipment, combining their passion for the greatest game ever played with innovative technology. With no constraints on their research, the folks at PXG broke new ground in golf performance by designing clubs that can be tailored to your game. A personalized fitting experience is the standard when you choose PXG. After each fitting, their Master Builders handcraft every club to your exact specifications. Experience their uncompromising commitment to excellence and elevate your performance on the links with top-quality clubs, apparel, and gear from PXG. Experience a PXG fitting today for clubs you can take anywhere at https://www.pxg.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3NIjIip

[fullyfunctionalminiaturebeehive]

One of the main north-south streets of this weird little town in coastal Oregon is so steep that the sidewalk is stairs, for three adjacent blocks. At the top of this street is the ridge, with its breathtaking view north over the mouth of the mighty Columbia to Washington and south over the craggy hills and shining waters of northern Oregon.

At the bottom of this street, there is a fifteen-foot stretch of boardwalk and a thigh-high wooden railing. On the other side of the railing is the mother fucking Columbia, one of the largest rivers in North America.

Back in the Jurassic era, by which I mean 2011 - 2013, I had a couple newspaper route, which I worked on foot, because the newspaper company - accursed be its name - paid about a quarter of what I'd need to cover gas. Plus, I didn't have a car.

This route included the long schlep up that hill with 15 - 50 lbs of newspaper, depending on the day, season, alignment of the stars, etcetera*, slung over my shoulders. Yes, I felt like a burro, when I wasn't pretending I was Moist von Lipwig or just straight-up dissociating while funneling the same three David Bowie albums into my ear-holes on my shitty old ipod touch.**

Yes, I still have the legs and ass of a Greek God.

Anyway. I was schlepping up this hill with whatever the fuck poundage of pointless and poorly edited newspapers for a company that treats its employees for shit, sweating so much the bugs beneath me experience flash floods of tepid saltwater, really fucking working my glutes, y'know, when behind me

I hear

skate wheels

And I turn just in time to see this fucking person, g-d knows how they got the momentum, fucking STREAKING past me, and I mean STREAKING not as in they were naked but that they were going so damn fast that "not naked" was about all I could tell of them.

One of the things they were wearing was a pair of rollerblades.

I stared open mouthed after them for a split second, this splendid fool, this glorious jackass, this poetic ode to human hubris, and then, gremlins and themlins, I whirled around and darted down the nearest side street.

What if they lost momentum? What if they started rolling backward downhill, faster and faster and FASTER ANDFASTERANDFASTER? What if they go ass-first into the river at mach 500?

What if they don't?

Anyway, I definitely saw a saint of Atë.

* don't ask me about Thanksgiving

** don't ask me about touchscreens

But occasionally Atë - Atë, goddess of blind folly and delusion, constant companion to fools and morons - finds one mortal soul whose actions spark even her interest. And she will take them into her arms, look into their eyes with more love than any goddess can know for a mortal, kiss their brow, and say:

“Someday, you will be riding a skateboard down a hill.

“You will lose control of the skateboard and ride straight off a pier at the bottom of the hill and into the ocean.

“Someone will post a video of you doing this to the internet and it will hit the front page of Reddit.”

(And this she says through a grin of shark’s teeth)

“And I will laugh and laugh and laugh until I can’t feel my fucking ribs.”

Her favour is not one often sought out.

[444names]

precious stone and american forenames

Adumbuste Adury Akerk Akeryl Alberlard Alcite Aleval Alita Alite Almate Almbenity Almburgh Almond Altla Amelland Amesti Amonand Ananch Anaria Anarville Anassite Anatlaker Ancon Andine Angle Anite Anoodbria Anorosand Antsville Arralle Aston Athesta Athoch Augel Auker Aurquor Austa Balkgra Batio Beapeka Bearite Beause Berson Biamon Bilerise Bilis Bille Bockson Boralcity Borouge Bortwood Boste Bouge Bredo Breenolin Brent Brest Brian Briel Brilwate Briock Broce Brock Broit Brolicam Broustval Brove Buffalce Buque Burro Calend Calexan Calle Caltolle Caridge Carids Carille Casite Cassiamal Celiet Celite Celle Cenviler Chalcia Chalow Chamacite Chamen Chamford Chiand Chiseaus Chistmite Chite Choens Chria Chriale Chryl Chryste Chunsboce Cland Clandra Coliele Colilase Coliter Colul Consvery Corach Corago Corde Corowne Corthylle Cortz Coruce Coruces Cosalich Courourgh Coutinga Couver Crinelk Dachite Dacramony Dalench Dalle Dalleston Dalmon Dantateo Daverque Dettle Dolend Doluby Downs Downsidle Dumber Duming Eboutings Edoweline Eleycite Elinalle Elkgreen Emesta Euguse Evaltle Evega Evegas Evego Eventgo Everylle Fallite Fluby Fluord Folli Foreent Forfora Forntgo Forphise Forth Forthch Forthount Fortong Fortwasse Fortwood Fralley Freensa Frent Frica Fulan Fulde Galce Galcedo Galita Garite Garli Garne Ginnews Grago Graine Grand Gredo Gremadia Grentity Grony Halce Hamphia Hangton Hemoroker Hempal Hempeccia Heston Hille Hityl Hoclakro Homantam Horanke Horonia Hulan Hunzite Hunzitte Inewood Insver Irano Iredon Irvise Jacite Jadal Jadalle Jadencin Jadepio Jewine Jewporda Joriam Jorthite Kellene Killine Kimille Kimon Knora Knoracham Knorlargo Knorthe Koralcite Korne Korthock Korvise Kyanta Ladeld Lafalite Lakeport Landury Lapeo Lapora Larledo Lasse Lauguste Lazulaha Lazulank Lazuld Lejoll Linnatero Liste Litenne Lomem Lowns Machatio Malent Malmonyx Marlo Marre Marro Mcage Mcalown Mentarro Merisvill Mesta Meste Mesto Meston Michate Midson Millywood Minsvise Mintgo Mival Monkewood Murgh Murha Murham Murman Murres Napeo Narderia Nelders Newich Newood Newyon Norfre Nortlesta Noxvine Oakeccite Oakells Oaklas Obsimecon Obsita Obsitery Okenapis Oklancit Olles Olomette Olontone Olumity Omite Omorpem Onton Opaledo Opalexand Opaudenta Opazuland Opazulum Orago Oralo Orfrite Orocedind Orron Ortwalbus Ortwase Palcite Paliteo Paltlans Pander Parlsbus Parris Pazuls Peach Pearginet Pecosach Pekano Pensvelis Periana Phena Phenda Phills Phingto Phinsvill Phirgh Phite Phylle Phyral Phyria Pidge Pingtock Piscolans Pland Plaville Poluoite Pomesta Pominny Pompalite Poridge Porle Porne Porthesto Porthyra Prident Pridlanta Pueblot Pusey Puste Pustite Pyrago Pyrans Randise Ranfrette Reend Rempton Riamonve Riampe Rianke Rilansit Rings Rinte Rorne Rorton Rouscortz Ruthon Rutio Rutit Sacharlan Sadeim Saderque Sairvise Salenath Salmdayen Sanate Sander Sandertz Sandis Sandranta Santarnt Santasvis Sante Santer Santon Seacite Serquitt Sille Simbean Sprock Stacis Staculle Stasch Stone Sundurfor Sunnewood Sunsine Sunta Surhate Surphyl Surpria Surysont Syentaton Syettero Syranco Tacha Tanchite Teridiege Toparids Toparlite Topaurgo Toulitem Tourborle Tourris Touthel Triand Tridow Tulan Turfield Turginio Turhascis Turret Turyst Valey Valite Vichand Viderk Ville Villevery Viscon Wargomonk Watock Welant Welinne Wesan Wesnolk Westa Westaanst Westanati Weste Weston Wicampa Wichryl Wileacine Wineycite Wiseeston Woodbron Yonoranna Zoise

[rabbitcruiser]

On February 22, 1889 US President Grover Cleveland signed the Enabling Act of 1889 which split the Territory of Dakota into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota.

[jacks-tracks]

aguas termales

Hot springs at manialtepec, a day hike.

The manialtepec river flows out of a very long steep sided valley, a smooth series of oxbows. The trail is a dirt(dust) cow path through native scrub and barb wired dry pastures. 5 miles up is a hot spring which the town has piped into cement tanks. Probable rise in elevation is 200 feet, so an easy walk.

I went with my friend Gordon Smith, who at 85 is in much better shape than me.He's an ardent cyclist, retired ski instructor, life long batchelor, native of West Vancouver, now a summer resident of SunValley Idaho who winters in Mexico with his Mexican girlfriend Maru. She's in Mexico city for biz, so this was a good opportunity for we two to go hiking.

From Puerto Escondido there are collectivo taxis direct to Manialtepec, but seeing none at the crucero we hopped in a van going up the highway whose driver promised we could get from the highway to the town easily. For 35 pesos we rolled through the farmland at the base of the foothills, the road being raised above the lowlands along the lagunas. Dry season, the hills are crispy grey, trees are leafless, pastures bone dry. The crucero turnoff was deserted and I fretted that any collectivo from Puerto would already be full, but a tuk tuk came south and squeezed us in with the fat mexican guy in the back. 15 pesos and 20 minutes later we were in Manialtepec, and after some confusion(surely we w anted to rent horses!?) and a bit of texting while driving the nice woman dropped us off right at the trailhead/river bank. There a town employee charged us 50 pesos each, which i thought included the hot springs. A pictuaresque Burro loaded with firewood came across the shallow river showing us the ford.

It's a long walk upstream with 6 crossings ranging from knee to crotch deep, on a sand or gravel bottom, slow current, cool water. We shuffled along, yapping all the way, seeing Mexican jays and a huge multi trunked tree river side. Also saw brush tossed 10 feet high up into the trees by the seasonal floods. The papaya plantation of 10 years ago is totally gone, but 4 miles up some enterprising locals have built a set of A frame thatched cabanas for overnight renters(1000 pesos night with cheap local food) . Everything comes in on horse back, and a campesino stopped to chat with bucket of groceries slung on the saddle horn, a pinata tied on the off side and his daughter riding behind. Gordon and I made OK time for a couple of old frts, shuffling carefully across the stream. While the brush is dry, the trees were fooled by the rain last week and were blooming, so at times we were walking on a carpet of purple trumpet shaped flowers. The further we went, the steeper the valley sides and narrower. A cowboy passed us, friendly greetings. This is the real backwoods Mexico. Even the town is still one story buildings, dirt streets, sleeping dogs and horses parked like cars at the gates. up in the roadless valley, it's timeless.

We crossed the last oxbow, and a tiny hot creek outflowing from the springs. Up the hillside to the site, where another campesino informed us that we had to pay an additional 100 pesos each to use the pools. Ha,We objected, had a receipt from ticket master #1, but no, that is just the trail fee! Finally bargained to 50 each for 20 minutes.(He could see we were maybe not going to pay, and the money goes unrecorded into his pocket.) Happy hikers, we slipped into the tanks, sort of cement hot tubs, some 10 foot by 10 or the bigger new ones 10 by 20, all only 3 feet deep. i went into the first one closest to the sulpher smelling hot spring outlet. Hot, almost too hot! I poached for a few moments and moved to the lower tank, a bit cooler. Gordon made it to the biggest pool, and we waved and grinned back and forth. 20 minutes! We were in a half hour, glad to be in the shade and off the trail. Gringoes came in, having ridden up on horses at 1000 pesos each!, We sat on a bench and shared the sandwhich i'd brought and one of Gordons' oranges.

somehow the trail home always seems shorter, and we made better time, stopping at the cabanas for a coffee and coconut. It's a good idea to have a place to stay close to the springs, but there was no signage, and in the rainy season, no access. Friendly people. The only event on the walk out was a herd of bhrama cows being pushed up the path by 3 cowboys. We huddled against the barb wire, but the cows were more scared of us than we them and they sidled and skittered by, eyeing us nervously, finally breaking into a ponderous gallop away. Dusty cowboys wore paper face masks.

Back to Manialtepec, tired but happy, we wandered the sleepy town, seeing yards full of flowers, new construction, a road crew preparing to lay cement, a bakery(polvorones cookies), and finally a collectivo taxi. (3 front and back )which got us back to Puerto by 2:30, tired but satisfied.30 pesos each. a collectivo rocket ride and home to shower and siesta. Fine day, good company, and most important of all, a get out of the city into the country day. It's easy to just beach walk, market and pool swim here, but it is a busy suburb, noisy and populated. Good to get away to where the real locals live.

[lebaronlordking]

Saturday Afternoon Reggae Show DJ LeBaron Lord King

December 10, 2022 lebaron@kpoo.com kpoo.com

#SaturdayAfternoonReggaeShow 4:00 PM Junior Murvin - Cool Out Son 4:02 PM Culture & Don Carlos - English Woman 4:05 PM Earl & Stone - False Ruler 4:09 PM Junior Kelly - Dem Story 4:13 PM Capleton - In the Game 4:14 PM Skip Marley - Slow Down 4:20 PM Popcaan - Firm and Strong 4:25 PM Baba Ras - Real Vegetarian 4:30 PM Spaxx - Ruff Road 4:33 PM Luciano - I Wish I Was There 4:37 PM Christopher Ellis - Rub a Dub 4:41 PM Tensor Saw, Banju Banton - Ring the Alarm 4:46 PM Yellowman - Sensemilla 4:49 PM Steel Pulse - Roller Skates 4:55 PM Black Uhuru - Reggae Rock 5:00 PM Bob Marley - Thank You Lord 5:03 PM Lee Fry Music - Di General 5:07 PM Addis Pablo - Melodica Rise 5:11 PM Protoje - Hills 5:14 PM Gosso D Thunder - Overcoming Poverty 5:17 PM Rafeelya - The Early Warm 5:20 PM Sister Jahia - Empress on the Rise 5:25 PM Khari Kill - Falling 5:30 PM Queen Omega - No Love 5:33 PM Groundation - Original Riddim 5:39 PM Damian Marley - Wanted 5:43 PM Koffee - RAPTURE 5:46 PM Simple Simon - Hypocrite 5:49 PM King Kong - Jah's My Best Friend 5:53 PM The Wailers - Survival 5:56 PM Barrington Levy - Murderer 6:00 PM Samory I - Blood in the Streets 6:04 PM Kabaka Pyramid - Faded Away 6:08 PM Raydin Randy B- Strong Up 6:10 PM Tarrus Riley, 10Tik - Tears of Joy 6:14 PM Mo Ali - Who's Responsible 6:18 PM Khalia - Time 6:21 PM Sizzla - We Pray 6:24 PM Tappa Zukie - Judge I Oh Lord 6:28 PM Yaadcore - Ghetto Youths 6:33 PM Luciano - No Night In Zion 6:38 PM Italee - Babylon Money 6:42 PM Burro Banton - Food 6:45 PM Alborosie - For The Culture 6:48 PM Linval Thompson - Life Crisis 6:52 PM Sizzla - Like Mountain 6:55 PM Third World - Not the Only One

#kpooradio #reggae #reggaemusic #sanfrancisco #oakland

#bayarea #california #jamaica #america #reggaeville2022

#mylifeisreggae #kpoo #kpop

[boomer-buzzard]

While I don't have enough for a sideblog, I got enough for more details for this post.

"Man" refers to any bipedal sophont. An elf is a Man. A dwarf (who'll get another post) is a Man. Beastkin, who run the gamut from catgirl to furry, are collectively seen as Men (if only because the similar Critterkin are not like Man despite walking on two legs).

Elfs are what we would call "Homo Sapiens", with the only elfish traits being their long ears, with more "full-blooded" elfs being little different than their "thin-blooded" counter parts. Unlike other fantasy elves, these elfs are not long-lived. An elf who lived to over 100 is considered remarkable and long lived. If an elf is 200-years-old is seen as "witchy" and should be both feared and respected.

The rider's steed is literally a giant dog. With the earlier domestication of dogs and the use of magic, dogs filled the niche horses, donkeys, and mules do in our world. One type of dog is a "perro burro" or just "burro" who act as beasts of labor.

Industry is present in the world but limited to powerful guilds who control the expensive machinery and years of training to operate these mysterious mechanical monsters. As such, guns are limited to single-action and single shots. You're much more likely to find a double-barrel than a revolver and the further you're from the imperial core, the more likely you'll find caplock guns or even flintlocks. Since guns are much more likely to be single shots, having a bandoleer and brace for more shots. Hence the sword, having a melee weapon when you miss always helps.

The area around the small frontier town of Los Matorrales is a wide valley with a major river flowing through. The majority of the valley, named Valle Garceta, is a oak savanna with forests growing in the mountain's gullies and hills.

And lastly our setting and the gunslinger's destination: El Pueblo de Los Matorrales. A small and sleepy frontier town built around the clay rich Rio Garceta and for the economic benefit of El Rancho Los Matorrales, the town is mostly a stopping point for traders with the local economy built heavily around ranching and pottery working.

Maybe I'll show more of the Weird West flavor later, if you guys want more

I got this little setting for personal enjoyment as one does, and I had this realization (again) that this is a pretty unique Weird West I made.

"A lone sellsword, a lone gunslinger, raced across the grassy savannah. This Man was human, this Man was an elf. His steed a hound, his saddle a serape upon the beast's back. His guns double barrled, braced upon his breast. His sword long and curved. He rode outwards, the hills rolling far across the valley, the oaks waving in the breeze. Onwards he ran... to Los Matorrales..."

[quietya]

31 Days of #quietYA with Julia Lynn Rubin

LIKE MANDARIN by Kirsten Hubbard. Set in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, the story follows 14-year-old Grace Carpenter, who struggles to find herself against the backdrop of her tiny town and cloying, beauty pageant-obsessed mother. Grace would do anything to be like 17-year-old Mandarin, the cool, seemingly effortless girl at school who plays by her own rules. But as the girls grow closer, Grace realizes there are darker elements to Mandarin's story. Her interests in Mandarin border on romantic, and there's so much amazing sapphic subtext that I'm still not entirely sure was completely intentional. The writing is also drop-dead gorgeous and hooked me from the first line.

CATALYST by Laurie Halse Anderson. While still known and beloved by her fans, this is probably one of Laurie's "quieter" releases, and arguably her best work following SPEAK (though her sophomore novel PROM remains a classic in its own right. I mean, hello, the main character worked as a knock-off Chuck-E-Cheese character!). I've read this one so many times and each time, I go through that same melancholic, disturbing, fascinating journey that only Laurie Halse Anderson can take me on. So evocative and voice-driven and painfully real. It breaks my heart every time in the best possible way, and is a great example of how to include subtle twists without ever cluing the reader in that there will be one coming.

CLEAN by Amy Reed. Hilarious, poignant, and a masterclass in writing YA in multiple-POVs, this book helped get me me into YA as a whole and introduced me to a world of "grittier" fiction for teens that never felt condescending or Lifetime movie-esque.

JUMPED by Rita-Garcia Williams. Rita is a brilliant and hilarious author, and not only tackles multiple-POV oh so well, but a fast-paced, urgent, thrilling plot that all takes place over the course of one fateful school day that culminates in a teen girl getting jumped by her classmates.

THE RULES OF SURVIVAL by Nancy Werlin. It makes me sad that Nancy isn't on more people's radars! This book deals with parental abuse and a teen boy's struggle to protect himself and his siblings, and is never overindulgent or soapy. The writing style is clean and efficient, making for a quick read that will stay with you long after you've finished.

LITTLE CHICAGO by Adam Rapp. This is, quite possibly, one of the most disturbing books I've ever read, but it also might be one of the best. Glittering with magical realism and a surreal style to help us cope with the horrors within, I'd include a very strong *Trigger Warning* for sexual assault, sexual abuse, and neglect. It sort of blurs the line between YA and MG, and is haunting and visceral.

TELL ME SOMETHING REAL by Calla Devlin. Featuring gorgeous, literary prose and a family-rich, family-centered story set in the '70s that left me breathless, this award-winning novel is an absolutely underrated gem. I won't say too much as it's best to go in cold.

THE SACRED LIES OF MINNOW BLY - This YA thriller about a girl who's escaped from the clutches of a cult and lacks both hands to show for it (literally, she had them removed in the most grisly, disturbing way) was one of my favorite releases of 2015. It was so good, in fact, I bought a copy for my friend.

WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE OF by Elana K. Arnold. Even though this was a National Book Award Finalist, it pains me how few people seem to know about it, and how few bookstores even seem to stock it! I read this in just a couple of days and wow, just wow. Definitely a feminist read.

REALITY BOY by A.S. King. If you share my dark, cynical sense of humor and obsession with reality TV and psychology, you'll no doubt enjoy this one about a teen boy haunted by his childhood reality TV infamy. A.S. King is an absolutely phenomenal character writer and has one of the strongest voices I've read.

WHITE LINES by Jennifer Banash. Set in 1980s New York City, this gripping tale follows seventeen-year-old club kid Caitlin, living alone in Manhattan and working in nightlife to escape and forget the severe physical and mental abuse and abandonment from both her mother and father. Caitlin is a fantastic character and the setting is so rich and atmospheric.

BONE GAP by Laura Ruby. This book needs to be read widely. It quite honestly defies genre and is nothing short of fantastic. Julia Lynn Rubin lives the writer's life in Brooklyn, where she received an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults at The New School. She currently serves as a writing mentor for Girls Write Now, New York City's premiere writing program for high school girls. Her debut YA LGBT+, BURRO HILLS, pitched as THE OUTSIDERS meets PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, was released March 2018 from Diversion Books.