Beside the one lane bridge and more...

 Last week I was able to slow down when driving over the one-lane bridge over the Swannanoa River on Blue Ridge Rd.

The white jeep behind me noticed I was trying to take photos probably, and didn't push for me to go faster, but I didn't stop. So these are more 'on the run' so to speak. The goal was to evaluate the trees on that side of the bridge, which I hadn't had a chance to do before.

There's the derelict building which  was flooded over on the right.

Some new rocks have been added to stabilize the bank of the little river

Just past the bridge, looking back I can see rocks have also been added on this bank of the "river". It sure looks tame for all the damage that Hurricane Helene's extra water gave it on Sept. 27.

The Narcissus leaves before being cut to make Brigid's crosses. One bulb sits there without any growth, and there's a tiny orchid that's partially alive still in the same planter.

Each Wednesday at noon Bounty and Soul, a local charity sharing food, brings items like these to our club house and we can pick up what we want. I'm cutting that beautiful loaf of break for lunch, and waiting for the tomatoes to ripen a few days. Then I can add them to the bagged salads, which may be past their sell by date, but still looked pretty good. Potatoes and onion, I haven't decided yet what to cook!

Warmed up bread with butter and honey for a treat! I think I'll put the bread in some damp paper towels next time as that crust is really crusty!

Thursday evening some kind of decision was made. The new printer was here, but not yet set up. So I decided to change the format of my desk and moved it under the windows in the living room. Right now (Friday, 2/7/25 at 1:30) the sun is now hitting the windows, so I've closed the blinds. In the morning I had such a great view of the mountains, and the few neighbors downstairs who don't go out much. I figured out most of the printer thingies, and now (hopefully) can print the needed forms to get my IRS taxes done by AARP, which offers free service to those without complicated returns.

The work in progress... I've moved the plants around a lot. Hope they are happy on windowsills, as long as we don't have very cold weather.

Today's quote:

When we learn to let go, more energy flows and 

less effort is needed.

Today's art:

'Sunflowers and Coffee' (2011) by TERI STARKWEATHER watercolor

Watch the skies

 I'm not sure your sky is also blue, mine just has scattered clouds as I write this. Temperature is 60 F on Tues at 10 am. (It got up to 70!)

 Topographic map of North Amercia

2010 Discovery piggy-back flying from Edwards Air Force Base in CA to FL...stopped for fuel Amarillo TX

The Hubble Tension model of the universe

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Personal news:

Health is doing ok. Isn't that a relief?

Technology has reared it's ugly head however...

My printer won't print anything. I called the geek squad where I bought it, just 2 years ago, and it's not on warrantee of course. I asked if the ink nozzles might be clogged, which has happened on other printers and they weren't able to be repaired. The ink levels are all good, but nothing happens when I ask it to do print head cleaning. The geek told me I might need a home visit. I asked how much. $99 to start. I laughed (sorry about that) in his face. I can get a new printer for that cost.

I had already gone to the store and purchased new ink cartridges.. The HP users guide is a 5 part document I've saved on my computer, but it didn't really help. But I even learned how to clean the little gold spots with a lint-free cloth on the ink cartridges.

 I didn't put the new ink cartridges in.

Why?

Well, let's just say I wanted to weigh the cost of a new printer against the $41.00 I'd just spent on ink.

I texted one of my sons who has helped me with computer issues before. But after an hour and second text with no answer, I went on line to see what was available, new printer-wise that is.

I saw one that has all the bells and whistles, at the same store, for $59.00.

Right.

I ordered it, (a big decision without the moral/tech support of my son) as well as the 4 year geek warrantee (for $20) which says it will replace it if it fails. Sounds like I can take my ink back, and basically get this one free. Well, whenever the credit comes through for the ink. And they'll deliver the new one free. It's an Epson, and I'm tossing the HP. 

The main problem is that I seldom print out anything. So the nozzles (or whatever) get dried up. The Epson's ink is more expensive too. But maybe it will be more user friendly...I now have to learn all the silly symbols that the LED screen will tell me. See you in the funny papers!

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Sharing with Skywatch Friday

Today's quote: 

Don’t be concerned about being disloyal to your pain by being joyous.

PIR VILAYAT INAYAT KHAN  Today's art: by Tina Shart Hymen