Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Brand New Thread!!!
I am the same Alaskan Danielle.  My new personal thread is a continuation of my life and times as a woman in a small Alaska town.

Please feel free to comment, attach pictures and to share your thoughts.
Hugs and Best Wishes,
Danielle                   

I'm looking forward to the continuation of your story Danielle!

Em x

I am somewhat disappointed that the old thread is being shut down, but it makes sense...you aren't really being hunted anymore are you?  I am sure that I will get as much out of your new posting spot as I got out of the old one.

       Hugs,
            Julie

UPDATE:  December 30, 2018
As my followers and friends are aware, it has been 2 years since I came out full time, quit my male-mode gainful employment and relocated thousands of miles away to my new home in small town Alaska as a woman to start my own small business.   It has been an exciting 2 years in my new home town, I have developed many new friends, men and women, and have found myself pursued by quite a few suitors. .... 
....of special note is my Dental Hygienist Suitor #4

When I left my family and parents 2 years ago, none of them accepted me and my transition decision, but my parents are not getting any younger and it was important for me go finally go back home for the first time in 2 years... after-all they are my parents and family and will always be.
   
I think that it is important in our life and relationship decisions that do not want to have any regrets later on in life... so I decided to finally take the long trip back "home" to visit my parents, extended family and friends.
As I expected, I am so far finding "reserved" acceptance, but I am working hard on showing my family and friends that I am a responsible and respectable woman.   Some of my extended family members and old friends did not recognize me when I arrived.

For our family New Year's Eve celebration tomorrow night I am making a big batch of my famous Molasses Cookies....
       (https://i.imgur.com/jxixbub.jpg)

I will keep you all up to date as my visit continues........
Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle,

I do hope that your family embraces you over the coming years.
You seem like a wonderful woman who is responsible, kind, and thoughtful.

Do have a great 2019 Danielle!


Chrissy

Quote from: JulieAllana on December 30, 2018, 05:35:11 PM
I am somewhat disappointed that the old thread is being shut down, but it makes sense...you aren't really being hunted anymore are you?  I am sure that I will get as much out of your new posting spot as I got out of the old one.

       Hugs,
            Julie

@JulieAllana
Dear Julie:   
I am also somewhat sad that I had to shut down my old thread but the rules here on the Forums are that when a thread gets very long it is then shut down.
My old thread was 100 pages and on the cusp of 2000 comment replies so in just a few more comment replies it would have been automatically ended.

I wanted to start with a new title to allow others to find me.
I much appreciate your comments and contributions on my thread along with all of my readers and followers I am hoping that this will be an interesting place for all to visit.

Thank you for your comments and sharing your thoughts.
Hugs, and well wishes,
Danielle

I am very happy your family received you well. I understand the "time thing" all to well.

Those cookies look so good.

I would love it if your visit overall is a huge success and opening a new home chapter in your life.

Good for you Danielle,
It has so nice read your last thread and about and life and times in Alaskan small town and how you have been able start over from the lower 48 and carry on to a dynamic, authentic life. Yes I have seen other threads as they reach 100 pages time to start another. Thank you for all your posts and openness, it really is a pleasure to see life so full in your changed roll as the woman you have wanted to be. Will be following your new thread..for sure.
Have a wonderful New Year as winter sets in for a few more months!
Liina

Greetings Danielle,

I believe that we all are looking forward to your continued chronicles and further telling of your no longer hunted status. Plus it helps that you are attempting to bribe us all with thoughts of your molasses cookies.

You have always presented yourself on Susan's as a positive, up, encouraging person. Were these common characteristics in your life prior to moving to transition and moving to Alaska?

Best wishes for your new year,
Tia Anne

Thank you Danielle for sharing your continued adventures with us as you forge ahead in a brand new chapter.
Hunted Prey was a staple for many readers and it brought excitement and happiness as you brought us into the life of a young woman in the wild north.  It won't be missed but remembered in our hearts, along with just clicking on the link to refresh memories that sometimes blur.

I'm expecting more thrills and spills and cookie recipes!

You are our Northern Star*Girl, and always will be.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Danielle, I wish you continued happiness on your trip home.  Interesting that you note several people did not recognize you.  I hope they can see you are the same inside as I cannot imagine your cheerful and caring demeanor is new.  As you have settled in and are baking cookies I think things are probably going as well as they could and will only get better. 

I hope the rest of your trip is enjoyable and this won't be the last time you "go home". 

Time flies and your Hunted Prey thread really racked up the views and posts! It was fun to participate in and I'm sure this new one will be equally enjoyable. :-*

Judi

Have fun and good luck with your family Danielle.  :)   I hope things go well for you on the family front.  As you know acceptance from them can take a fair amount of time (it took me almost 25 years from the time I first told my parents in late 1978 that I was TS, until shortly before my SRS in late 2003, before mom and dad finally came to accept me as their daughter [my brother and sister still refuse to accept me as their sister]).

Ellen

Happy New Year.   I am kind of new here.  I am going t have to go back and read your previously mentioned thread to catch up,   I always wanted to go to Alaska.....that is until "Into the Wild" came out!!  LOL

Later

Jenny

Hope the cookies came out OK, you never know with a "strange" oven, took me ages with guess the temperature/time with my own. Good luck with the relatives , you will win them around with your beaming smile. XXXXXX

Hi Danielle!
I've not followed your previous thread, but have taken an interest in you moving to Alaska.
Curious, and I'm sure you mentioned it, but why did you choose Alaska? It's interesting, because three years ago I caught the "Alaska" bug. I was watching every tv program and reading every book about Alaska. So much so, that we started looking at either Alaska or Yukon to move to. We ended up finding our dream log home, off-grid, far removed from any town, city or neighbor. And we love it.

You mentioned your relationship with family. It's tough making the decision to transition. Family will say it's selfish, but we know it's necessary to our survival. I've lost my brother and sister whom I've not spoken to in 10 years. It's been so long that unfortunately, weeks and months go by that I forget I have siblings. I've resigned myself that I doubt I'll see them again, and know what? I've made peace with it. If they don't want to be part of my life where I'm happy, well, they can go their own way.

Anyhow, I'm super jealous of where you moved. No doubt you're enjying yourself, and seems your life is going well. Keep positive!

Nina

My dear Danielle-

Thank you for continuing to chronicle your adventures in this new thread. Hunted prey has always been the thread I have checked up on, even in times I have not been on the forum much.

You have turned another page in your life, found a real sweetheart and continue to be a successful woman. Needless to say that your dental hygienist was the crowd favorite.

I am very much looking forward to reading your new adventures or even just about your normal life. After all, normal life as the gender we are is what we all hope for.

I am very proud of you taking the trip to reconcile with your friends and family and show them what great woman you are. Even if you can not turn all of them in your favor, you will convince most that you are a very responsible and respectable woman, working hard for her living and being a great member in your community.

Not being recognized speaks for your changes. And is also not uncommon. My parents did not recognize me when I first met them about 18 month into HRT.

I keep my fingers crossed for your visit and thank you again for starting this new thread.

Hugs and love,

Sarah

Happy New Year!  Mmmmm cooookies.  Me love cooookies.  LOL  Seriously, I really do.  And that's one of my favs. 

I'm glad  you were able to get the time and go back home.  I'm sure it wasn't easy.  I can somewhat identify with some of the feelings you may have had.  Like Nina, I have a brother and sister that generally want nothing to do with me.  I've not talked to the one in 12 years and the other in 10 years.  I hope things work out better for you.

Take care and have fun!

Danielle, I am happy that you are reconnecting with your family.  Reserved acceptance is better than no acceptance.  You are such a positive, caring person that I am sure you will win them over to full support.

I hope you have a good New Year celebration, and that the new year brings you much happiness.

Happy New Year Danielle and  good luck with your family.
Looking forward to the new chapter.  I'm sure it will be just as informative and interesting as the last. 
Take care,
Paige :)

@Nina
Dear Nina:
You are not alone in not being aware of many of the details in my "old" thread.   
I promise that you will not be bored, this is an exciting chronicle of my ever surprising life and mostly enjoyable events in my transition life.

Happy reading!  Please, if you have further questions, feel free to ask. 
Thank you for following and sharing your thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Quote from: Nina on December 31, 2018, 05:15:03 AM
Hi Danielle!
I've not followed your previous thread, but have taken an interest in you moving to Alaska.
Curious, and I'm sure you mentioned it, but why did you choose Alaska? It's interesting, because three years ago I caught the "Alaska" bug. I was watching every tv program and reading every book about Alaska. So much so, that we started looking at either Alaska or Yukon to move to. We ended up finding our dream log home, off-grid, far removed from any town, city or neighbor. And we love it.

You mentioned your relationship with family. It's tough making the decision to transition. Family will say it's selfish, but we know it's necessary to our survival. I've lost my brother and sister whom I've not spoken to in 10 years. It's been so long that unfortunately, weeks and months go by that I forget I have siblings. I've resigned myself that I doubt I'll see them again, and know what? I've made peace with it. If they don't want to be part of my life where I'm happy, well, they can go their own way.

Anyhow, I'm super jealous of where you moved. No doubt you're enjying yourself, and seems your life is going well. Keep positive!

Nina

Bookmarked Danielle as is your Hunted Pray thread!!! Gosh those molasses cookies look soooo delish!!! Thank you for sharing you journey with us. Nothing lost. Just a new chapter.

Wishing you a joyful New Years celebration with your family back home.

Happy New Year Danielle!
Warm hugs,
Donica.

Danielle,
   I expect you had very mixed emotions going back and seeing everyone. It took some guts to do that. I know the cool reception and dead naming from some is definitely unpleasant. I just hope no one has truly hurt you deeply by anything they do. I fully expect you did what you always do, handle yourself with class. Shame on anyone who hurts you. Hugs!
Moni

So, I have long wondered WHY people have a hard time moving to new names/pronouns. I don't think it is typically malicious, especially with friends and family. There has to be more. Sure there is a habit to break, but after a few weeks, one would think the habit would have been broken. Others have talked about "grieving" for the former person. I think for some people, they just don't look sufficiently like the target gender, and so it is just hard to overcome all of the societal conditioning. But I would think even this would be overcome in not that long a time.

I have never had a deep conversation with someone close who misgendered/deadnamed me, but even if I did, I don't know that they would have cogent answers either.

But whatever the answers, really, I can't imagine any of them really applying to you, Danielle. Two years full time, and I have seen your pictures, I would think there is not much male left to see even looking very hard. I sort of think: If YOU have these problems, what sort of disaster am I facing?

So, Danielle, to what do you attribute your family's slow uptake?

Thank you for the insights...

Katie

UPDATE:   December 31, 2018  1:45PM   NEW YEAR'S EVE

Here I am still on my trip back home to see my parents, extended family and old friends.   It has gone better than I expected but still experiencing stubborness from a few, but overall I am being accepted better that I thought I would be. 

Big New Year's Eve gathering tonight, I will be seeing people that I have not seen for 2 or 3 years.  My contributions to the gathering is more baking, I did a big batch of Molasses Cookies yesterday and now I am busy making more cookies, this time my famous SnickerDoodles.   

I am more that sure that my cookies are helping with my acceptance here.    ;) ;)

My mom has been warming up and most of my cousins and old friends are now starting to gender me correctly and use my new name...   there are still several hold-outs however, my dad included.  I suppose is can be most difficult for a father to find out that his son is now a daughter....  I will continue to take the high road and be as loving and respectful to him and others that are finding difficulty with accepting me. 
I am continuing to present myself as a happy friendly person that I have always been... and as a woman, a daughter, and a friend.
~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of my readers, followers, and my supportive friends here on my thread and on the Forums a very
                 HAPPY NEW YEAR    in 2019.  
I look forward to following your journey in this next year.

Hugs and warmest wishes,
Danielle

QuoteHAPPY NEW YEAR    in 2019.   

Couldn't have said it better!

Good to hear that those warm cookies are melting some hearts.

My best to you,
Stevi

Oh, Northern Star*Girl it's nearing a year that Aspiring Person came into our lives.  You were a bright light that dazzled all that saw you.  New, smart, caring and full of hope.
We were friends while you debated changing your name. We were already good friends when you created Hunted Prey. 
You were so nervous........
You have helped me sort out quite a bit too......oof!

Now here we are entering a new year with a new chapter of Alaskan Danielle ....what will it hold for us?
Will it bring continued toasty toes with your tooth fairy?
Will it see a new personality on Life Below Zero recapping
Hunted Prey??
Will it bring more cookies?!!!
New flights over the wild, which abounds seemingly endless?
New pictures of back country trails?
How about some sweaty pics?  Add them to the rest....
Will Shy Guy find a bold way to your heart or .........
will Suitor #4 hold it next to hers?
It certainly will hold more of the many kind words to those reaching out.
It will certainly show a happy, successful, respectful woman's life.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Have a wonderful and Happy New Year

cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Dear Danielle,

Happy New Year [emoji3060]

I hope you have a wonderful 2019, and you continue to improve family relations, and that you find love and happiness with your tooth fairy suitor.

Thank you for your continued support and frequent updates of goings on in Alaska.

Hugs

Nicole

Happy New Year

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on December 30, 2018, 05:38:05 PM
UPDATE:  December 30, 2018
As my followers and friends are aware, it has been 2 years since I came out full time, quit my male-mode gainful employment and relocated thousands of miles away to my new home in small town Alaska as a woman to start my own small business.   It has been an exciting 2 years in my new home town, I have developed many new friends, men and women, and have found myself pursued by quite a few suitors. .... 
....of special note is my Dental Hygienist Suitor #4

When I left my family and parents 2 years ago, none of them accepted me and my transition decision, but my parents are not getting any younger and it was important for me go finally go back home for the first time in 2 years... after-all they are my parents and family and will always be.
   
I think that it is important in our life and relationship decisions that do not want to have any regrets later on in life... so I decided to finally take the long trip back "home" to visit my parents, extended family and friends.
As I expected, I am so far finding "reserved" acceptance, but I am working hard on showing my family and friends that I am a responsible and respectable woman.   Some of my extended family members and old friends did not recognize me when I arrived.

For our family New Year's Eve celebration tomorrow night I am making a big batch of my famous Molasses Cookies....
       (https://i.imgur.com/jxixbub.jpg)

I will keep you all up to date as my visit continues........
Hugs,
Danielle

Not to be so bold, but with scrumptious cookies like that, expect far more suitors!    They look amazingly delish!  Bon appetite et bonne année!

New adventures for 2019!

I hope that your family accepts and loves you for the wonderful person you are.  I have taken my time letting family know, especially extended and for the most part it's "As long as you're happy".  The only negative person is my 8 years younger brother who cannot except what's happening but that's one of quite a few.

Quote from: Jessica on December 31, 2018, 06:09:28 PM
Oh, Northern Star*Girl it's nearing a year that Aspiring Person came into our lives.  You were a bright light that dazzled all that saw you.  New, smart, caring and full of hope.
We were friends while you debated changing your name. We were already good friends when you created Hunted Prey. 
You were so nervous........
You have helped me sort out quite a bit too......oof!

Now here we are entering a new year with a new chapter of Alaskan Danielle ....what will it hold for us?
Will it bring continued toasty toes with your tooth fairy?
Will it see a new personality on Life Below Zero recapping
Hunted Prey??
Will it bring more cookies?!!!
New flights over the wild, which abounds seemingly endless?
New pictures of back country trails?
How about some sweaty pics?  Add them to the rest....
Will Shy Guy find a bold way to your heart or .........
will Suitor #4 hold it next to hers?
It certainly will hold more of the many kind words to those reaching out.
It will certainly show a happy, successful, respectful woman's life.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Have a wonderful and Happy New Year

cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....
http://selectiveappeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/empty-cookie-plate.jpg

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fselectiveappeal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2Fempty-cookie-plate.jpg&hash=bc4214d46b37f6faf5e7feb809fdfeda1225e58b)

Hi Danielle! Happy New Year! Moving on to a new thread seems a natural progression to me! You have had quite the past two years and now entering a new year, are in a different stage in your life! I am looking forward to following you as you continue working and playing in your community and with your friends! I am not on here as much these days as I am not dealing with things very well and as such kind of stuck doing nothing. Hopefully I will gain more resolve entering the new year and have that 'new beginning' that I am looking for!

Hugs,
Kelly

Happy New Year Danielle!!  Those cookies look great as do you.  It sounds like you are going to need a vacation from your vacation once your back in the cold frontier. Picture this.  A log cabin in the great  Alaskan Tundra, crackling fireplace white bear skin rug, (polar bear) large cup of hot chocolate with whip cream and streaming Netflix!!!   That's what I invasion Alaska to be.......I'm pretty sure I am way way off base on that one huh!!!  LOL   

I am still reading the 100 or so pages of wonderful and quirky episodes of your new life. I just have one question.....Who is going to play Danielle in the movie?

I hope I can stay as positive as you during my upcoming unknowns.

Looking forward to more escapades......and no that's not a challenge......unless you like challenges!!!  ;)

Later

Jenny

Danielle

I have been up all night trying to remember the name of an old TV show that your story reminded me of.   I finally got it.   Northern Exposure!!    I was wondering if you have ever seen or heard of it. I was a really nicely done show about a small town in Alaska similar to yours.    Just curious.


Jenny

My dear friend Danielle!

Happy New Year! May it bring you love, happiness, health, peace and success.

It was just last March that you have sent me the first PM and I am incredibly honored to count you as my friend. You have listened and helped me countless times, I have been rooting for a good outcome of the accidental discovery of your past and even more for you finding love. I was incredibly happy for you to have found acceptance in a place I would have considered very challenging. I was even more happy when I read that the very sweet tooth fairy had conquered your heart.

We also shared reading the same books and you have endured some of my craziness.

Thank you very much for your friendship.

I hope 2019 will be a good year for you: deepen your relationship with your girlfriend and continuing to improve your relationship with your family (I am excited to hear it is going reasonably well).

Hugs and Love

Sarah

Dear Danielle,

Happy new year!

Thanks for sharing with all of us so many inspiring stories about your life.

As the other followers, I am glad that you have been welcomed by your family and old friends better than what you expected. You are so patient, loving and courageous, that I am sure at the end everyone will realise that to just deserve respect and love!

Hugs.

Pascale

@Autrement  @sarah1972  @Jenny1969  @islandgirl
@Cassi   @stephaniec  @Nicole70   @Jessica    @Stevi  @emma-f
@KatieP   @HappyMoni  @Donica   @Paige   @KathyLauren  @BritneyX
@BrianaJ    @Nina  @davina61   @EllenJ2003  @JudiBlueEyes
@Anne Blake   @Liina   @Rachel   @ChrissyRyan   @JulieAllana

Thank you to my friends and my followers that so far have come to my NEW CHAPTER thread.

I really appreciate that you have shared your warm thoughts and happy greetings with me.
Here we all are, in a brand new year with brand new life events ahead of us that we have planned.
I am eagerly looking forward to hearing more about your personal journeys in this NEW YEAR.

Please know that all of you and all of my readers and followers are ALWAYS very welcome to post whatever you wish here.   
As with my previous thread, please come here whenever you want to share your varied thoughts with me and other members.
   
PLEASE consider my thread my family guest room that you are most welcome to spend your time here and you can even "eat" some of the cookies that I bake from time to time. 
I have put out on a plate of them on my coffee table.

I am planning a little later today to post my UPDATE and let you all know how my family visit is going... 

Hugs and well wishes and hoping that you all will have a wonderful and happy New Year.
Danielle

A bit late as usual (am I ever on time..) but happy new year Danielle. Well done with your family situation by the way. Looks like this new thread will do well, but down to business, what's the current gossip, what's been going on, on New years day.. please, I'm hungry for news..?????? :)
Take care
Luv n Hugz

Katie

:-*   ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) ;)

Danielle
I'll be following this thread better than your last one. Sorry but I didn't make it all the way through.

I appreciate you very much, you are one of the "rocks" of this forum. Oh, and a role model to boot.

Thanks
Gordon

Danielle, I had no idea you had a second career as a stock photo model. (I saw one and immediately thought of you.)




<edit by moderator>

Quote from: Jennifer M on January 02, 2019, 12:58:06 AM
Danielle, I had no idea you had a second career as a stock photo model. (I saw it and immediately thought of you.)
      <edit note>  Link not allowed

@Jennifer M
Dear Jennifer:   
Thank you for the kind compliment ...
....but I am most certainly older and older looking and also not as skinny as the stock photo model you mentioned.. 
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle,
I am glad to hear your trip back to see your family and friends is going mostly well! I was nervous for you! Thank you for encouraging me with my family relationships even while you were having to deal with some tough times with your own.

I am glad your mother seems to be warming up! The love of a mother is an amazing thing.
I hope your dad is able to see what an amazing daughter he has, and can handle the difficulty he is going through with seeing his "son" is gone. I imagine that is a difficult thing for a father to do.

May you have a very Happy New Year and may your magic cookies bring warm and gooey feelings back to you from those who partake!

Hugs!
Lacy

P.S. Love the new avatar! Your smile is infectious!

@RealLacy  @GordonG   @Katie Jade
Thank you ladies for your warm greetings and kind comments....

I am  so happy to see that you have found my new thread....  it really won't be much different from my old thread but there will be more stuff about the real every day life that I am now living and a lot less about my transition and coming out journey which is all but complete at this point.

Not to worry however, there is still more to come regarding my various suitors and friends, my gym gals group, my book club group and my continuing adventures in my next door coffee shop... and of course my various activities such as hiking, running groups, etc...

I wish to thank you for following me here to my new thread, and of course my previous personal "Hunted Prey" thread is still very available for reading and catching up on my past escapades and details... 
The LINKS for my "Hunted Prey" thread and all of my other threads are always listed near the signature line at the bottom of the page of any of my postings around the Forums.

Hugs and well wishes to you all...
Danielle

Glad all is well.     Have you ever watched "Notthern Exposure "?

My dear Danielle -

I am very much looking forward reading about your continued adventures. The last few weeks have almost been like a season break on my most favorite TV series.

Funny you mentioned coffee shop, my Therapist recently mentioned I should try to work from a coffee shop for a few hours each week to get my head out of my basement. We have an artisan coffee shop close by, maybe I should give it a try...

Thank you as always for your continued updates on your life!

Hugs,

Sarah

UPDATE January 03, 2019

Well, my week long visit "back home" is officially coming to an end.  I will be flying out late this afternoon and arriving back in Alaska tomorrow morning.  It will be arduous and tiring flights because of 2 stops and plane changes... and questionable connections and the late hours....   but I very much need to get back to work to take care of many of my clients end-of calendar-year record keeping and reports.

My visit went fairly well, I gained acceptance from many, but unfortunately the most obstinate and stubborn resistance was from my Dad and a few extended family members.   Many of my old friends seemed to warm up to me once I met with them and spent time with them.

This was an important trip for me.  It has always been important to me to not burn any bridges, especially with family members... so I am very glad that I came.

Today before I started my trek "North to Alaska"  I went out lunch with a group of younger gals, cousins and nieces that I got to know... most all of them were very accepting of me and welcomed me into their conversations. 
They actually planned the event and specifically invited me along...  they had all "heard" various things about me and wanted to find out more about this new person called Danielle ...  *nice*  :)
         

I will be writing more as time permits.
Thanks for reading and following.  I always appreciate your support and comments.
Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle, I love all this family bonding for you with your family, when the girls in the family want to know and support you it is such a brilliant feeling. I think you have more that I have in direct family though, and they all seem to have that disarming smile you have as well, seriously envious!!
Looking forward as so many do to hearing more of your adventures and achievements in your journey.
Again, just loving it all for you.
Take care

Luv n Hugz

Katie

:-*    ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :angel: :angel: :angel: :-* :-* :-* :-* ;D ;D :angel: :angel: :angel: ;D ;D

Danielle,


I am glad that you are having a good visit with your family.  I wish you safe travels back home.

Take care,

Chrissy

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 03, 2019, 02:38:33 PM
Glad all is well.     Have you ever watched "Notthern Exposure "?

@Jenny1969
Dear Jenny: 
Yes, I have watched television reruns of Northern Exposure in the past.   Interesting stories, but like most television programs it was not really a true life picture of how it is to live here in Alaska.   In fact, the exterior shots shown in the television series were filmed in Roslyn, Washington, a small Cascade Mountain town about an hour or more east of Seattle.  For scenes that showed the various moose walking the streets the film crew had to "import" them for those specific shots.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Hugs,
Danielle

Dear Danielle!

I'm glad you enjoyed your trip back home. The fathers and extended family always seem to be the hardest on us when it comes to our transitioning. My father passed never excepting me but, I believe he would have if her had the time to get used to my all over again.

Have a safe trip back home hun. I am looking forward to hearing more about your family visit and following your continued journey. And oh yes! Northern Exposure was one of my favorite sitcoms back in the day. I don't have Netflix
so I have to wait to catch the reruns as they come.

Warm hugs girl!
Donica.

A girls lunch sounds like a great finale for your trip. I am very happy to her you could convince many of your family members and I am also sorry to hear a few have difficulties accepting you.
Reconciliation with your family is very important to you and summarizing it seems the trip went better than you had feared.

Hopefully in due time your dad will also come around and see what a wonderful daughter he has.

It feels like you made a lot of progress though.

Your trip back sounds very exhausting and I hope everything goes well for you.

Safe travels and hopefully you have some time to recover before returning to your office. I am sure you have got coffee (with pink lid) waiting for you.

All the best,

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 03, 2019, 03:40:49 PM
UPDATE January 03, 2019
Today before I started my trek "North to Alaska"  I went out lunch with a group of younger gals, cousins and nieces that I got to know... most all of them were very accepting of me and welcomed me into their conversations. 
They actually planned the event and specifically invited me along...  they had all "heard" various things about me and wanted to find out more about this new person called Danielle ...  *nice*  :)

I will be writing more as time permits.
Thanks for reading and following.  I always appreciate your support and comments.
Hugs,
Danielle

I am glad you had a <mostly> good visit to your old home town - I just got back from the same city after two weeks playing Grandma to two wonderful young ladies. I was pleased to read about your mom's reaction, I fear your dad and others may still take some convincing.

I have to hand it to your cousins and nieces who set aside time to actually get to know the "real" you instead of reliance on the gossip mill. Makes one wonder what they had heard, doesn't it?

Have a great and happy 2019. I'll keep on reading as long as you keep us on the edges of our chairs. Since my waist is suffering from too many Christmas cookies and goodies, I'll keep my popcorn popper ready for action.

Hugs
Susan

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 03, 2019, 03:59:49 PMthe exterior shots shown in the television series were filmed in Roslyn, Washington, a small Cascade Mountain town about an hour or more east of Seattle.

There is yet another connection that not everyone may know about. The Brick Tavern that's shown in Northern Exposure and is actually in Roslyn, is where @Kendra  plays with her band, and where she played on stage for the first time as her authentic self. I saved the picture of her playing her violin on stage that night, and it never fails to induce ocular leakage any time I look at it.

Stephanie

What a nice overture to have a lunch date with you!  My dad is the one person that not fully accepting.  He still uses my old name and can be cool at times.  But he's in his mid 80's so I don't bother correcting or trying to change him.  We still talk and get along well.  I know my mother has spoken with him and I hope your mother talks to your dad about how happy you are and how well you're doing.  He should be proud.

Safe travels!  Big Hug!
Judi

Roslyn, I know exactly where this town is. I'm a life long railfan and love the cascade mountains. BNSF Stampede Pass Sub Division runs right through the town of Roslyn. The line used to belong to the Northern Pacific RR which became part of the Burlington Northern RR Empire and ultimately BNSF.

Lisa

Quote from: Steph2.0 on January 03, 2019, 04:48:12 PM
There is yet another connection that not everyone may know about. The Brick Tavern that's shown in Northern Exposure and is actually in Roslyn, is where @Kendra  plays with her band, and where she played on stage for the first time as her authentic self. I saved the picture of her playing her violin on stage that night, and it never fails to induce ocular leakage any time I look at it.

Stephanie

Yup!  And Laurie and I will be there this weekend to catch the show at the Brick Tavern.

I am enjoying the benefits of the Pacific NorthWest...  ;)

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 03, 2019, 03:40:49 PM
UPDATE January 03, 2019

Well, my week long visit "back home" is officially coming to an end.  I will be flying out late this afternoon and arriving back in Alaska tomorrow morning.  It will be arduous and tiring flights because of 2 stops and plane changes... and questionable connections and the late hours....   but I very much need to get back to work to take care of many of my clients end-of calendar-year record keeping and reports.

My visit went fairly well, I gained acceptance from many, but unfortunately the most obstinate and stubborn resistance was from my Dad and a few extended family members.   Many of my old friends seemed to warm up to me once I met with them and spent time with them.

This was an important trip for me.  It has always been important to me to not burn any bridges, especially with family members... so I am very glad that I came.

Today before I started my trek "North to Alaska"  I went out lunch with a group of younger gals, cousins and nieces that I got to know... most all of them were very accepting of me and welcomed me into their conversations. 
They actually planned the event and specifically invited me along...  they had all "heard" various things about me and wanted to find out more about this new person called Danielle ...  *nice*  :)


I will be writing more as time permits.
Thanks for reading and following.  I always appreciate your support and comments.
Hugs,
Danielle

Safe travels, Danielle.  I only like to fly when I am Crewing the flight.   Other than that, it is rather boring.  Your Dad will come around.  He will realize that you are still you and work past his issues.  As much as we ask for acceptance, we must give in patience and understanding.

Quote from: Lisa89125 on January 03, 2019, 05:34:42 PM
Roslyn, I know exactly where this town is. I'm a life long railfan and love the cascade mountains. BNSF Stampede Pass Sub Division runs right through the town of Roslyn. The line used to belong to the Northern Pacific RR which became part of the Burlington Northern RR Empire and ultimately BNSF.

Lisa

I'm a bit of a rail fan myself.  I was setting up an interview with the UP to trasnfer my Navy C-130 experience directly into a Conductor Trainee position in Sioux Falls.   6 weeks training and I would be out on the rails in that sub.  After a year of being qualified as Conductor, I could transfer to Engineer Trainee.  The one thing that stopped me is what ended my Naval career' my Service Related Injury.  I had hoped to have overcome the physical malady, but the Navy, nor the VA have put put much effort into diagnosing it.  All they want to do is placate me. 

Quote from: BritneyX on January 03, 2019, 06:38:24 PM
Safe travels, Danielle.  I only like to fly when I am Crewing the flight.   Other than that, it is rather boring.  Your Dad will come around.  He will realize that you are still you and work past his issues.  As much as we ask for acceptance, we must give in patience and understanding.

I'm a bit of a rail fan myself.  I was setting up an interview with the UP to trasnfer my Navy C-130 experience directly into a Conductor Trainee position in Sioux Falls.   6 weeks training and I would be out on the rails in that sub.  After a year of being qualified as Conductor, I could transfer to Engineer Trainee.  The one thing that stopped me is what ended my Naval career' my Service Related Injury.  I had hoped to have overcome the physical malady, but the Navy, nor the VA have put put much effort into diagnosing it.  All they want to do is placate me.

Britney, I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I will admit, I have been a UPRR fan since age 6. I love the biggest and best steam locomotives which belong to the UPRR. I also fell in love with the UP turbines and centennial diesels. While those relic's belong to the past. UP does maintain a very nice heritage program and will soon have an operational Big Boy steam locomotive. UP is my dream career and I hope someday to work for them.

Lisa

Have a safe trip home Danielle!  I too hate plane transfers, but the last leg for you could be flown by a bush pilot, so get some good rest.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm envious of your girls date with relatives.  So lucky you are!
🌸🌸🌸
Your father sounds as "obstinate and stubborn" as a mule, but with enough carrots he will hopefully move forward.  Just keep sending love and smiles.  I can't imagine anyone not being taken by your charm.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl



cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Michelle_P on January 03, 2019, 06:33:04 PM
Yup!  And Laurie and I will be there this weekend to catch the show at the Brick Tavern.

I am enjoying the benefits of the Pacific NorthWest...  ;)

Oh wow!! I've been so wanting to do that! (I mean, go to The Brick, not those other benefits you're winking about. I'll be enjoying similar benefits this weekend here in Florida.)

In fact, @Anne Blake and I agreed we'd meet there some day and dance to the musical stylings of Free Beer at Exit 80. Some day @SassyCassie and I are going to get Two Tickets for the Road.

Be sure to give @Kendra a huge hug for me!!

Stephanie

Quote from: Lisa89125 on January 03, 2019, 08:01:32 PM
Britney, I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I will admit, I have been a UPRR fan since age 6. I love the biggest and best steam locomotives which belong to the UPRR. I also fell in love with the UP turbines and centennial diesels. While those relic's belong to the past. UP does maintain a very nice heritage program and will soon have an operational Big Boy steam locomotive. UP is my dream career and I hope someday to work for them.

Lisa

Thanks for the sentiments.  Yes, I also love the UP's heritage collection.  Northfolk Southern used to be into the heritage collection back in the day.  Not sure about it now as the man that managed it passed a while back.  My Family and I got the joy of the life time riding the Texas State Railroad's Military Special.  We got to ride in the replica of General Patton's rail car and got to stand right behind the tender.   We also road the train out of Williams, AZ into the Grand Canyon.  Quite a treat that you must experience. 

A little side to all of this rail fanning.  When I was about in the 2nd or 3rd Grade, we were in Dodge City, Kansas passing thru on vacation that Summer.  We were at the Boot Hill area where they do the Wild West Gunfight show.  That was neat and all, but I want to explore and pretend play on the steam loco they had on static display.  The cab had a little door to the narrow inspection walk along the boiler.  It had a sign that said to stay off.  While the gunfight show was going on, the person that had been standing watch over the locomotive teetered off to get a glimpse of the show.  So I decided that was my que to go walk along the boiler.  I got about a 3rd was up towards the leading trucks before I heard a ruckus and someone yelling, "Stop him!"  At first, I thought it was me they were yelling about.  Just as I got that "oh no, I'm in deep trouble" pucker, a guy about 19-20 years old came running from behind the tender, up the side of the train to a place where there was a washout under the fence.  He skedaddled under the fence, quick like, and jumped into a waiting car in the parking lot.  Before I had a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, here comes my Dad running full bore, with a gaggle of men chasing not far behind him.  The men were still yelling,  "Get him!".  So I thought they were chasing my Dad.  I did what any child would do when their Dad is being chased around a locomotive; I leapt off in an attempt to take out the guy closest to my Dad.  As I began my leap, my Dad abruptly stops and so do the men, all asking, "Where did he go?"  My attempt to arrest my leap ended in me just falling off.  Surprised the hell out of everybody.  It turns out that several young men had robbed the ticket office and used the gunfight show as cover.  The ticket office lady came out screaming as they were leaving.  2 of the 3 got caught in the crowd, with the 3rd one making it to the getaway car.  Had I been able to see the show, I would have seen the chase and understood what was happening.  The hold up bandit would have been dealing with a wild  Texas kid going crazy on the back of his head.   Ah, those tender sweet moments that we miss out of cause we weren't paying attention.  I had visions of grandeur of being paraded in front of the crowd as a hero and my picture in the paper.  Couldn't ask for a better vacation! 

I thought I was the only foamer here!!!    I have a love of high speed rail.  I have traveled all over the US on AMTRAK and its ok for the views.....but the German ICE and French TGV really do it right. I want to ride the high speed train in Japan one day.   Talk is that they are building a high speed rail in Texas soon.

Also a nice ride is in Durango CO to Silverton Co......its a really really really slow ride but the views are awesome.

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 04, 2019, 04:42:14 AM
I thought I was the only foamer here!!!    I have a love of high speed rail.  I have traveled all over the US on AMTRAK and its ok for the views.....but the German ICE and French TGV really do it right. I want to ride the high speed train in Japan one day.   Talk is that they are building a high speed rail in Texas soon.

Also a nice ride is in Durango CO to Silverton Co......its a really really really slow ride but the views are awesome.

Girl, you ain't rode a train till you ride the sardine cans around Tokyo.  I saw a small framed woman literally fall asleep standing up.  It was so tight that it was impossible for her to even slouch down.  No wonder so many people in Japan become Godzilla chow!  :)  Come to think of it, I have never seen Godzilla eat anyone.  I almost had the chance to ride the bullet train there to go tour the Toyota factory where my two sweet cars are made but couldn't get my Shipmate to go, even if I paid for the trip.  Detachment Units were required to have a buddy system in country. 

They have been talking about high speed rail and a mega highway from Austin to Dallas since George Dub was Governor.  I will believe it when I see it.  I used to ride the TRE from the old Union Station in Fort Worth to Dallas Union Station to board the DART light rail.  Then I had to hop a bus just to get to the other side of the highway. Enjoyable trip.

Congrats Danielle on your trip home.  Your positive outlook and ways always inspires me.   A trip like that takes courage and resilience.   

I love the outing with the nieces and friends.  It's not the first and won't be the last that we find great acceptance from the next genderation. 

Thanks for sharing your life with us

Hugs

Karen

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 04, 2019, 04:42:14 AM
I thought I was the only foamer here!!!    I have a love of high speed rail.  I have traveled all over the US on AMTRAK and its ok for the views.....but the German ICE and French TGV really do it right. I want to ride the high speed train in Japan one day.   Talk is that they are building a high speed rail in Texas soon.

Also a nice ride is in Durango CO to Silverton Co......its a really really really slow ride but the views are awesome.

I do a lot of Acela and Amtrak service between Washington and New York. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that the ride is so uncomfortable compared to the German ICE or the TGV which I also rode a lot. The only plus on Amtrak is the free WiFi and power on every seat. The ICE provides such a smooth ride even at 200 mph.

I used to ride the commuter train to work every day.  While I enjoyed sitting back and riding, sometimes the ride was so rough you had to pick you teeth and other pieces and parts off the floor. 

Hope you had a safe trip back Danielle.  Flying with stops and plane changes can be very nerve-wracking.  I always worry about missing connecting flights etc.  It's only happened once but ugh what an experience. 

Trains!!

When I was a kid I had a couple different layouts, O-27 and HO. I think my dad enjoyed them more than I did. I still have my Lionel stuff stashed away.

As for the real thing, I've ridden the trains from Windsor to Toronto, from Ann Arbor to Chicago, the Algoma Central "Snow Train," and from San Francisco to LA. That one was by far the best, through Big Sur and the Tehachapi Pass. Sitting in those sideways couches on the second level with those picture windows, watching the tail of the train follow us around the circle, was a surreal and very cool experience.

I used to ride an excursion train that went from Port Huron, Michigan, to Three Rivers, Indiana every fall. The Port Huron Historic Railroad Society would bring in a steamer once year to pull the antique cars. You had your choice of air conditioned or open-window cars. Open window was the best, because you could shout and wave at the crowds gathered at every grade crossing - until you got a cinder in your eye. One year they brought in a beautiful Streamliner, but by far the best was when they had a Big Boy. The first car behind the tender was the sound car, and you'd better not make any noise that would interfere with the enthusiast's recordings! Halfway there we'd stop for coaling and watering. We'd all disembark, they'd back the train up about a mile, then do a high-speed run with the whistle going. Feeling the heat and the ground shaking as it roared by made the hair stand up on your head. And heaven help those who made any noise while the sound folks had their stereo recording equipment running!

Without pressurized grease guns they'd put the grease (which was hard as a rock) into a tool with long long handles, stick them on the huge grease zerks on the drivers and connecting rods, and squeeeeze. When it let go it was like a gun going off.

One year when attending a fall Apple Butter festival in central Ohio, I was standing off the the side, drooling, while a little switcher engine pulled in from a one or two mile excursion run for the attendees. The engineer yelled down, asking if I'd like to ride in the engine for the next run. OMG!! The view from the cab was something I'd never expected to see as we hurtled down the rails at a blistering 10MPH!

Just a month ago I rode the high speed train from Madrid, through Córdoba, and down to Málaga, Spain. Amazingly, at 190MPH it was smoother than the 60MPH trains I've ridden here.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/c0144406c3ce2d69273253ef7767c795.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/9f11bd67caafb09a5dcf3d321afba9d1.jpg)

What a shame we can't do that kind of thing here. Riding the RER and Metro in France, and to a lesser extent, the subways in Washington DC and New York, make me wish we had a better public transportation system here. I was thrilled when they were talking about putting in high speed rail from Tampa to Orlando, but of course, that never came to be.


Stephanie

I'm STUCK !!!!
Happy to be heading home after my week long family visit, however......
I missed my first plane connection because of weather delays... my flight got in late and the connecting flight already left...  waited for hours for the next plane last night, more flight delays, now I am stuck again at the next connection and plane change... I think I will be able to get on the next flight soon.... hoping to get home sometime this morning or early afternoon.  It was a long afternoon and evening and so far the morning is going slowly as well... 

NOTE:  Perhaps I should have taken the train???    By the way, I am enjoying all the posts and comments about trains and slow rail services and super-fast rail service.   Please feel very free to continue on.

Hugs and well wishes.....   
Danielle

Oh joy, tis the season for delays and being stranded I'm afraid.  (Unless you're stuck at OHare, in which case it's ALWAYS that season  :D )

Are you at least stuck in a decent airport?

Quote from: Colleen_definitely on January 04, 2019, 10:04:45 AM
Oh joy, tis the season for delays and being stranded I'm afraid.  (Unless you're stuck at OHare, in which case it's ALWAYS that season  :D )

Are you at least stuck in a decent airport?

@Colleen_definitely:
Dear Colleen:
Yes indeed... I was first stuck at OHare last night and after a long flight I then I got stuck in Anchorage, Alaska...  this morning I am on my next and last leg now....  home, here I come.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 10:26:31 AM
@Colleen_definitely:
Dear Colleen:
Yes indeed... I was first stuck at OHare last night and after a long flight I then I got stuck in Anchorage, Alaska...  this morning I am on my next and last leg now....  home, here I come.
Hugs,
Danielle

You can't take the train from Anchorage going north, better get a seat in a two person Cessna to make that final leg.

Reminds me off the time our connecting flight from Orlando landed in Miami the same time we were meant to take off. American airways strike was the problem (82 or 83?) we had to RUN with luggage (how long are those corridors ?) for miles to get to BA flight that was on hold till we got there. Hope you get to warm your totsies  by your fire soon.

The closest I'd gotten to missing a flight was when an unscheduled stop to the Azores was added to a flight from Lisbon to Boston.  We had only a half hour to make the connection.  After thankfully being whisked through customs, waiting for a tram that took us 7 terminals away, rushing to check in, scared that TSA check would take forever.... all the cards lined up for us to make the flight 5 minutes before departure.  Lucky for us we had only carry on, yes carry on.  We were getting home from a 5 week trip in Europe with just carry on.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 10:26:31 AM
@Colleen_definitely:
Dear Colleen:
Yes indeed... I was first stuck at OHare last night and after a long flight I then I got stuck in Anchorage, Alaska...  this morning I am on my next and last leg now....  home, here I come.
Hugs,
Danielle

Wow, the weather certainly seems to have it out for you on this one.  Hopefully it won't be much longer.

Quote from: Jessica on January 04, 2019, 10:45:09 AMWe were getting home from a 5 week trip in Europe with just carry on.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/620cd126d74a029d2fbdeb271d56eb70.jpg)

Danielle, I just got caught up on your trip to visit family.  I am glad that you had some successes.  Perhaps the less-than-successful people will come around eventually.  At least they got to meet the lovable person that you are.

I have had the missed-connection blues, too.  Flying into Chicago O'Hare, I had one hour to change planes.  But, because of a severe thunderstorm, we held for nearly an hour and then had to divert to Detroit.  The airline put us up overnight in Detroit, then flew us back to Chicago a day late.  I had hopes of making the same connecting flight that day, but, as we taxied in to the terminal, I could see my connecting flight taxiing out for takeoff.  They were all set to delay me a second day to catch the flight the next day, but, being already 24 hours late getting home, I insisted that they find me a flight that would get me home that night, no matter what route it took or what airline it was on.  They got me on a competitor's flight, and I was home before midnight.

I hope you are snug in your home with your feet propped up in front of the fire soon.

Quote from: Steph2.0 on January 04, 2019, 09:03:48 AM
Trains!!

When I was a kid I had a couple different layouts, O-27 and HO. I think my dad enjoyed them more than I did. I still have my Lionel stuff stashed away.

As for the real thing, I've ridden the trains from Windsor to Toronto, from Ann Arbor to Chicago, the Algoma Central "Snow Train," and from San Francisco to LA. That one was by far the best, through Big Sur and the Tehachapi Pass. Sitting in those sideways couches on the second level with those picture windows, watching the tail of the train follow us around the circle, was a surreal and very cool experience.

I used to ride an excursion train that went from Port Huron, Michigan, to Three Rivers, Indiana every fall. The Port Huron Historic Railroad Society would bring in a steamer once year to pull the antique cars. You had your choice of air conditioned or open-window cars. Open window was the best, because you could shout and wave at the crowds gathered at every grade crossing - until you got a cinder in your eye. One year they brought in a beautiful Streamliner, but by far the best was when they had a Big Boy. The first car behind the tender was the sound car, and you'd better not make any noise that would interfere with the enthusiast's recordings! Halfway there we'd stop for coaling and watering. We'd all disembark, they'd back the train up about a mile, then do a high-speed run with the whistle going. Feeling the heat and the ground shaking as it roared by made the hair stand up on your head. And heaven help those who made any noise while the sound folks had their stereo recording equipment running!

Without pressurized grease guns they'd put the grease (which was hard as a rock) into a tool with long long handles, stick them on the huge grease zerks on the drivers and connecting rods, and squeeeeze. When it let go it was like a gun going off.

One year when attending a fall Apple Butter festival in central Ohio, I was standing off the the side, drooling, while a little switcher engine pulled in from a one or two mile excursion run for the attendees. The engineer yelled down, asking if I'd like to ride in the engine for the next run. OMG!! The view from the cab was something I'd never expected to see as we hurtled down the rails at a blistering 10MPH!

Just a month ago I rode the high speed train from Madrid, through Córdoba, and down to Málaga, Spain. Amazingly, at 190MPH it was smoother than the 60MPH trains I've ridden here.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/c0144406c3ce2d69273253ef7767c795.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/9f11bd67caafb09a5dcf3d321afba9d1.jpg)

What a shame we can't do that kind of thing here. Riding the RER and Metro in France, and to a lesser extent, the subways in Washington DC and New York, make me wish we had a better public transportation system here. I was thrilled when they were talking about putting in high speed rail from Tampa to Orlando, but of course, that never came to be.


Stephanie

Hmm, Only Union Pacific had Big boys and none of them have run since the 1950's. Union Pacific has run a challenger type steam locomotive 3985 since 1981 in excursion service. The Big Boy actually takes it's design from these later model challenger types. 3985 is down for a major rebuild that is supposed to start once UPRR 4014 is complete this year.

Acela is a rough ride and the trains have been plagued with problems ever since they interred into service. The trucks or bogies also suffered from cracking fairly recently. Amtrak would have been better off going with a proven design like the ICE or Swedish X2000 they tested while designing the Acela. I like the Eurostar train but understand the class 373 sets are being slowly phased out. A shame! I wanted to ride the original Class 373 sets which are the longest bullet trains in the world.

When I was a wee little kid we did two trips to Steam Town in PA. We spent the whole day each time looking at all the relics. Rode the CNR steam locomotive pulling the excursions. I just wish they would take better care of what they have and do some much needed sand blasting and painting of the locos and cars.

Danielle, I'm sorry if we hijacked your thread. There is nothing worse than a group of foamers!

Lisa

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 09:40:36 AM
I'm STUCK !!!!
Happy to be heading home after my week long family visit, however......
NOTE:  Perhaps I should have taken the train???[/b][/color]    By the way, I am enjoying all the posts and comments about trains and slow rail services and super-fast rail service.   Please feel very free to continue on.

Hugs and well wishes.....   
Danielle

There is a saying among General Aviation pilots: Time to spare? Go by air.

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 04, 2019, 04:42:14 AM

Also a nice ride is in Durango CO to Silverton Co......its a really really really slow ride but the views are awesome.

Another great narrow gauge steamer ride is the run from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. Want cinders? They make the run with flatbed car that's available to all. The fare includes a lunch buffet that's better than most for similar attractions. 

Hugs to all
Susan
(Edited to fix typogooficul errirz)

Quote from: Lisa89125 on January 04, 2019, 02:27:51 PM
Hmm, Only Union Pacific had Big boys and none of them have run since the 1950's.

Okay, I defer to the expert! I'd refer to my pictures of that day, but they're on slides in a box somewhere. I just remember it was huge and articulated and seemed as big as the one in the Henry Ford Museum. I can't even remember if it was a x-8-8-x or an x-6-6-x. I'm sure you've got a better idea which one it could have been than I do. I'm guessing I rode it some time in the early 90's.

Stephanie

Hope you made it home already!!!!   Now go take a nap

Quote from: Steph2.0 on January 04, 2019, 03:10:51 PM
Okay, I defer to the expert! I'd refer to my pictures of that day, but they're on slides in a box somewhere. I just remember it was huge and articulated and seemed as big as the one in the Henry Ford Museum. I can't even remember if it was a x-8-8-x or an x-6-6-x. I'm sure you've got a better idea which one it could have been than I do. I'm guessing I rode it some time in the early 90's.

Stephanie

Stephanie, You rode on the challenger type 4-6-6-4. The interesting thing about that loco is when it was restored in 1981, it never really got the major rebuild it should have. They did convert the loco to burn oil in the early 1990's, using parts off of the only other challenger 3977. Which is on permanent display. For years they just patched it up and kept it running. It's no wonder Steve Lee then the head of the steam shop said it rode like a log truck. Having been built in the 1940's and running millions of miles it was time for a complete overhaul back in the 1990's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OgSNQOTw2U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OgSNQOTw2U)

It's well worth watching the updates UPRR puts out about the Big Boy restoration. This kind of work is what the challenger badly needs and will finally get in the not too distant future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voXW9Ll6nls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voXW9Ll6nls)


Lisa

Aren't the railways still messed up from the earthquake? I'd just wait for the next flight. Maybe you can get a refund Danielle?

Quote from: Steph2.0 on January 04, 2019, 12:25:38 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190104/620cd126d74a029d2fbdeb271d56eb70.jpg)

That comic strip has me rolling!  Too phunny!

Quote from: Lisa89125 on January 04, 2019, 03:36:56 PM
Stephanie, You rode on the challenger type 4-6-6-4. The interesting thing about that loco is when it was restored in 1981 it never really got the major rebuild it should have. They did convert the loco to burn oil in the early 1990's using parts off of the only other challenger 3977 which is on permanent display. For years they just patched it up and kept it running. It's no wonder Steve Lee then the head of the steam shop said it rode like a log truck. Having been built in the 1940's and running millions of miles it was time for a complete overhaul back in the 1990's.


It's well worth watching the updates UPRR puts out about the Big Boy restoration. This kind of work is what the challenger badly needs and will finally get in the not too distant future.



Lisa

Don't worry..  Every girl needs her daily dose of iron, steel and steam!!!!
I am so excited about the Big Boy resto.  Before they moved 4014, the 4018 at the Texas State Fair was moved along the rails to the Museum of the American Railroad in nearby Frisco, Texas.  I was not able to see the move in person, but the video had me hoop'n and a holler'n.  The hairs on the back of my neck were standing.  It is just so amazing how the locomotives were engineered and built.  Their designs have not changed, all that much since the turn of the 20th Century.   I wish that they would build an update design steam locomotive with modern technology.  They could make it so much superior to the best that the steam era had that it would give the diesels a run for the money.  May not be applicable on most American roads, but in areas of the world that don't have easy access to diesel fuel, it would be a much better alternative. Imagine Africa having rail service to connect the nations and bring about an African EU.  That would alleviate a lot of problems there (few highways) and the mass immigration (legal/illegal) that is overtaxing many EU countries. 

UPDATE... Friday afternoon....  January 04, 2019

I finally made it home about an hour ago....  I immediately changed into my sweats, turned on my fireplace, and sat down in my comfy recliner chair.  It is just 4:15 PM here now so I am soon getting out of my chair, and will get the table set for dinner...
My Tooth Fairy told me that she is bringing dinner tonight for us to eat together....  I do miss her a lot... it has been over a week since we have seen each other...  [emoji173]   I am planning a nice evening with her.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 07:26:29 PM
UPDATE... Friday afternoon....  January 04, 2019

I finally made it home about an hour ago....  I immediately changed into my sweats, turned on my fireplace, and sad down in my comfy recliner chair.  It is just 4:15 PM here now so I am soon getting out of my chair, and will get the table set for dinner...
My Tooth Fairy told me that she is bringing dinner tonight for us to eat together....  I do miss her a lot... it has been over a week since we have seen each other...  [emoji173]   I am planning a nice evening with her.
Hugs,
Danielle

Have a great time together tonight Danielle!

Chrissy

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 07:26:29 PM
UPDATE... Friday afternoon....  January 04, 2019

I finally made it home about an hour ago....  I immediately changed into my sweats, turned on my fireplace, and sat down in my comfy recliner chair.  It is just 4:15 PM here now so I am soon getting out of my chair, and will get the table set for dinner...
My Tooth Fairy told me that she is bringing dinner tonight for us to eat together....  I do miss her a lot... it has been over a week since we have seen each other...  [emoji173]   I am planning a nice evening with her.
Hugs,
Danielle

Glad to hear that all is well and fabulous in the Land of the snow and ice.  Sounds like Suitor #1 is no the back burner?

I am so sorry to hear about your travel troubles. Nothing worse than looking forward to being home and then getting stuck on the way.

How sweet of your Tooth Fairy to have prepared a nice meal for you. I hope you will have a wonderful evening.

I had my fair share of getting stuck in transit. I once missed my wife's birthday being stuck in (I don't even know anymore) and also had a emergency landing due to equipment malfunction delaying travels and a few more incidents where my arrival was delayed by hours or up to two days.

The more you travel, the more likely it is to happen.

Lucky Amtrak has never caused an overnight delay, the worst was 6 hours (on a 3 hour ride)

I am just glad to hear you are home safely and I am sure you have a lot to process. Relax and enjoy a wonderful evening!

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 07:26:29 PM
UPDATE... Friday afternoon....  January 04, 2019

I finally made it home about an hour ago....  I immediately changed into my sweats, turned on my fireplace, and sad down in my comfy recliner chair.  It is just 4:15 PM here now so I am soon getting out of my chair, and will get the table set for dinner...
My Tooth Fairy told me that she is bringing dinner tonight for us to eat together....  I do miss her a lot... it has been over a week since we have seen each other...  [emoji173]   I am planning a nice evening with her.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: BritneyX on January 04, 2019, 08:04:36 PM
Glad to hear that all is well and fabulous in the Land of the snow and ice.  Sounds like Suitor #1 is no the back burner?

@BritneyX
Thank you for sharing your thoughts... and yes indeed, it is good to be home... no place like home...
It was a very long trip traveling home from my week long visit with family... caught first plane yesterday Thursday afternoon and delayed for hours in the evening...missed flights and connections again and again delayed today Friday morning till early afternoon when my last plane landed.   Almost 24 hours of travel, delays, having too much coffee, and finding internet and power plugs at the airports.

I missed both connections, planes were very late or cancelled, etc, etc....  bad weather and closed airports were most of the blame...

Regarding suitors, you might have missed some of the details in my previous "Hunted Prey" thread...  I have had 5 suitors of notable mention and a few more additional suitors of probable mutual interest.
I will recap for you:

Male Suitor #1  ... met at the coffee shop... we dated and he was high on my list but not any longer for speaking bad about me for being a trans-woman with his new girlfriend.
Male Suitor #2 Creepy Gym Guy... end of story
Male Suitor #3 Shy Guy, he is still on my list, he is a nice guy and not so shy anymore.
Female Suitor #4 my Dental Hygienist....   she is a sweetheart and my main flame.
Female Suitor #5 my Barista at the next door coffee shop.  She is not only a suitor but a wonderful friend.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle 

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 07:26:29 PM
UPDATE... Friday afternoon....  January 04, 2019

I finally made it home about an hour ago....  I immediately changed into my sweats, turned on my fireplace, and sat down in my comfy recliner chair.  It is just 4:15 PM here now so I am soon getting out of my chair, and will get the table set for dinner...
My Tooth Fairy told me that she is bringing dinner tonight for us to eat together....  I do miss her a lot... it has been over a week since we have seen each other...  [emoji173]   I am planning a nice evening with her.
Hugs,
Danielle

This made me happy that you've found someone to care for and hold in your arms 💕💕💕

Glad you made it home.  Hope dinner and desert goes well too  ;)   We are all standing by for details.....

LOL

Good morning Danielle 

Wakey Wakey!!   Get a move on!!!!!  You have lots to do today!!!!!

;D

Welcome home Danielle! I hope you and your Tooth Fairy had a wonderful dinner and reunion last night. It's wonderful to share time with loved ones. My girlfriend "A" and I shared cake last night. It was wonderful to spend time with her again.

FYI: German CHOCOLATE cake! Yum!

Hugs,
Donica.

Quote from: Donica on January 05, 2019, 12:57:30 PM
Welcome home Danielle! I hope you and your Tooth Fairy had a wonderful dinner and reunion last night. It's wonderful to share time with loved ones. My girlfriend "A" and I shared cake last night. It was wonderful to spend time with her again.

FYI: German CHOCOLATE cake! Yum!

Hugs,
Donica.

It is wonderful isn't it!  My sweeties birthday was yesterday.  I made her a carrot cake (her fav) and had some last night with her after a fun, family night out at a local Italian restaurant.
We both were giggling together (we both had a few beers since our son was driving).

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190105/a0bbb6ad0174fc95f3a7f6e7988a71da.jpg)

Quote from: sarah1972 on January 04, 2019, 08:25:36 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your travel troubles. Nothing worse than looking forward to being home and then getting stuck on the way.

How sweet of your Tooth Fairy to have prepared a nice meal for you. I hope you will have a wonderful evening.

I had my fair share of getting stuck in transit. I once missed my wife's birthday being stuck in (I don't even know anymore) and also had a emergency landing due to equipment malfunction delaying travels and a few more incidents where my arrival was delayed by hours or up to two days.

The more you travel, the more likely it is to happen.

Lucky Amtrak has never caused an overnight delay, the worst was 6 hours (on a 3 hour ride)

I am just glad to hear you are home safely and I am sure you have a lot to process. Relax and enjoy a wonderful evening!

Hugs,

Sarah

I was a Naval C-130T Loadmaster.  We got stuck for a gauge problem in Germany and we had 6 days of driving around Europe awaiting the part.  May I suggest the Mosel River valley (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) for a wonderful wine and castle tour to our Family here on Susan's.  It is breath taking.

Now, the last time we got stuck was for the same persnickety HSI gauge.  This was on the Isle of Sal in the Cape Verde chain of the coast of West Africa.  We were there a little over 2 weeks awaiting the part.  Although it was pleasant weather and beautiful beaches at the all inclusive British hotel, it was on this mission, at this very place, that my Service Related Injury occurred.  I so enjoy the lifetime of "memories" that I have to live with now.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 04, 2019, 10:27:34 PM
@BritneyX
Thank you for sharing your thoughts... and yes indeed, it is good to be home... no place like home...
It was a very long trip traveling home from my week long visit with family... caught first plane yesterday Thursday afternoon and delayed for hours in the evening...missed flights and connections again and again delayed today Friday morning till early afternoon when my last plane landed.   Almost 24 hours of travel, delays, having too much coffee, and finding internet and power plugs at the airports.

I missed both connections, planes were very late or cancelled, etc, etc....  bad weather and closed airports were most of the blame...

Regarding suitors, you might have missed some of the details in my previous "Hunted Prey" thread...  I have had 5 suitors of notable mention and a few more additional suitors of probable mutual interest.
I will recap for you:

Male Suitor #1  ... met at the coffee shop... we dated and he was high on my list but not any longer for speaking bad about me for being a trans-woman with his new girlfriend.
Male Suitor #2 Creepy Gym Guy... end of story
Male Suitor #3 Shy Guy, he is still on my list, he is a nice guy and not so shy anymore.
Female Suitor #4 my Dental Hygienist....   she is a sweetheart and my main flame.
Female Suitor #5 my Barista at the next door coffee shop.  She is not only a suitor but a wonderful friend.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle

I don't even own a suit!  I'm jealous.  ;D  The duality of your suitor pool has me wondering who I will be attracted to, now that my likes and tastes are evolving with my transition.

Quote from: Jessica on January 05, 2019, 01:20:28 PM
It is wonderful isn't it!  My sweeties birthday was yesterday.  I made her a carrot cake (her fav) and had some last night with her after a fun, family night out at a local Italian restaurant.
We both were giggling together (we both had a few beers since our son was driving).

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190105/a0bbb6ad0174fc95f3a7f6e7988a71da.jpg)

@Jessica
Dear Jess...
Your Carrot Cake birthday cake that you made for your wife looks wonderful... I am sure that it tastes as good as it looks...  It sounds like you had a very nice time and family dinner night out.  From the what I read in your posting, I am glad that your son was the designated driver.

Thank you for sharing and posting.
Hugs and hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Donica on January 05, 2019, 12:57:30 PM
Welcome home Danielle! I hope you and your Tooth Fairy had a wonderful dinner and reunion last night. It's wonderful to share time with loved ones. My girlfriend "A" and I shared cake last night. It was wonderful to spend time with her again.

FYI: German CHOCOLATE cake! Yum!

Hugs,
Donica.

@Donica
Dear Donica:
Yes indeed, my Tooth Fairy made me a wonderful dinner and we enjoyed sitting in front of my fireplace, talking, sipping wine, more talking... and just being close and sitting there and not saying anything, just enjoying the moment.

Ahhhhh, German Chocolate Cake .... mmm, mmm, good.   I always like to get a slice of it with lots of frosting.   
What? No Picture???   You know the rules here, "no picture...or it didn't happen!"

Thank you for sharing and posting.
Lots of Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 07, 2019, 05:01:01 PM
@Donica

What? No Picture???   You know the rules here, "no picture...or it didn't happen!
Danielle

Danielle, you know that a picture will add 10 lbs.!   :o

Quote from: BritneyX on January 07, 2019, 05:13:27 PM
Danielle, you know that a picture will add 10 lbs.!   :o

@BritneyX
Yes, for sure... Cameras and Mirrors can be the worst enemy of anyone in the middle of transitioning... we tend to be our own worst critics.

Thanks for checking in on my thread and sharing your thoughts!!!
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 07, 2019, 05:21:02 PM
@BritneyX
Yes, for sure... Cameras and Mirrors can be the worst enemy of anyone in the middle of transitioning... we tend to be our own worst critics.

Thanks for checking in on my thread and sharing your thoughts!!!
Danielle

Not that I don't love that infectious beautiful smile of yours, but I am loving the new avatar pic.   Is that a current photo of your neck of the woods?  It is gorgeous.  Of course, any snow picture is amazing to us Texans. :(

Welcome home!  Traveling can be such a grind sometimes.  Although I still enjoy it.  I sent you a PM with an Alaska question when you have time.  No rush!   

Quote from: BritneyX on January 07, 2019, 09:31:52 PM
Not that I don't love that infectious beautiful smile of yours, but I am loving the new avatar pic.   Is that a current photo of your neck of the woods?  It is gorgeous.  Of course, any snow picture is amazing to us Texans. :(

@BritneyX
Thank you for your visits to my thread.  I enjoy replies and comments from all that read and follow my thread.
Yes... that picture was taken on the road to my house... it was very frosty and I just had to capture the glistening ice and frost... and snow around the small barn.

Again, thank you for following and sharing your thoughts.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: BrianaJ on January 08, 2019, 08:25:13 AM
Welcome home!  Traveling can be such a grind sometimes.  Although I still enjoy it.  I sent you a PM with an Alaska question when you have time.  No rush!

@BrianaJ
Thank you for the welcome home greeting.   Yes, for sure, traveling can be "such a grind" .... we are so blessed this day and age with air travel and we get impatient at times.

I did recieve your PM and will get to sending a reply to you right around lunch time today... right now it is early morning.. just 6:00AM here... getting ready for work.
Thanks again for your thoughts and coming to my thread.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hi Danielle 🌸🌸🌸 you may have noticed that a gathering is being coordinated  to occur next September in Roslyn, WA.  Might I suggest penciling it in on your calendar and take a break with us?  Yes I know it's nine months away...... I'm a bit of a planner as you know.

September West Coast Road Trip (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,243912.0.html)

Hugs and smiles from a California girl



cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Hi, my dear Danielle -

seems like the site is back online! I hope you made it through the time without too much withdrawal symptoms. I hope you had a nice weekend in snowy Alaska. Is it still as cold? Are those temperatures normal for this time of the year? It kind of feels to be colder than I would have expected.

I did check, all of our cold weather gear ends at -25F to -30F, so I could not make it in your climate during winters.

We had a bit of snow this weekend, about one foot. Made for some fun outdoors, but of course, for you, this is a laughable amount. How much snow do you usually get in your area? I do assume everyone is much better prepared and a foot is nothing. Here the entire public life comes to a halt, schools close and even the federal government closes.

We have more coming next weekend and also expect little cooler temperature next week (around 16F - t-shirt weather for you!).

I hope you stayed warm and I am looking forward to new updates.

Hugs,

Sarah

We're baaaack!

Cuddle up in front of a nice warm fire!

Welcome back!


Chrissy

Quote from: Jessica on January 14, 2019, 04:54:25 PM
We're baaaack!

Yes!!!!  Alright, who spilled tea on the server?

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on December 30, 2018, 05:38:05 PM
UPDATE:  December 30, 2018
As my followers and friends are aware, it has been 2 years since I came out full time, quit my male-mode gainful employment and relocated thousands of miles away to my new home in small town Alaska as a woman to start my own small business.   It has been an exciting 2 years in my new home town, I have developed many new friends, men and women, and have found myself pursued by quite a few suitors. .... 
....of special note is my Dental Hygienist Suitor #4

When I left my family and parents 2 years ago, none of them accepted me and my transition decision, but my parents are not getting any younger and it was important for me go finally go back home for the first time in 2 years... after-all they are my parents and family and will always be.
   
I think that it is important in our life and relationship decisions that do not want to have any regrets later on in life... so I decided to finally take the long trip back "home" to visit my parents, extended family and friends.
As I expected, I am so far finding "reserved" acceptance, but I am working hard on showing my family and friends that I am a responsible and respectable woman.   Some of my extended family members and old friends did not recognize me when I arrived.

For our family New Year's Eve celebration tomorrow night I am making a big batch of my famous Molasses Cookies....
       (https://i.imgur.com/jxixbub.jpg)

I will keep you all up to date as my visit continues........
Hugs,
Danielle

I've always thought you were quite the dish but uhhhh those cookies - my fav!!!!  ;-)

Quote from: JanePlain on January 14, 2019, 08:34:07 PM
I've always thought you were quite the dish but uhhhh those cookies - my fav!!!!  ;-)

There goes my diet!

Haha! No more drinks around the server! Welcome back!!!

UPDATE:  Tuesday January 15, 2019:

I don't know about my friends, readers, and followers but the recent several days without the Forums was "painful"...
... I was having symptoms of withdrawals.   :o
I all of a sudden had extra time on my hands which I could fortunately put to good use working at my office. 

The annual Federal Income Tax workload is ramping up already this month and will last until the April 15th filing deadline.   I am not looking forward to the long workdays ahead but I need the business!

Buy the way... a reminder, if you make quarterly IRS Federal Income Tax withholding pre-payments..... 
...your  FY '18  4th Quarter  payment is due today, January 15 and it MUST be postmarked today... so get it in the mail ASAP.

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Donica on January 15, 2019, 04:02:50 PM
Haha! No more drinks around the server! Welcome back!!!

@Donica
Dear Donica:
It was NOT my coffee with the PINK LID....  but perhaps the one with the White Lid ???
... or as @Susan has postulated... cosmic rays?

Thanks for sharing and posting,
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 15, 2019, 04:44:08 PM
UPDATE:  Tuesday January 15, 2019:

I don't know about my friends, readers, and followers but the recent several days without the Forums was "painful"...
... I was having symptoms of withdrawals.   :o
I all of a sudden had extra time on my hands which I could fortunately put to good use working at my office. 

The annual Federal Income Tax workload is ramping up already this month and will last until the April 15th filing deadline.   I am not looking forward to the long workdays ahead but I need the business!

Buy the way... a reminder, if you make quarterly IRS Federal Income Tax withholding pre-payments..... 
...your  FY '18  4th Quarter  payment is due today, January 15 and it MUST be postmarked today... so get it in the mail ASAP.

Hugs,
Danielle

Yes, my experience, as well.  I created a thread to talk about it in the General Discussion/Anything Goes section.  I made a lengthy post when it crashed, so I thought I broke Susan's!  Silly me.

Yes I too was having withdrawals.......I found myself attempting to log in every 4 hours or so to no avail. I was thinking it may have been a $$ issue, but am glad it was not.  I tried to remain in contact over on the Discord chat.......not feeling the love over there...LOL 

I can imagine how this time of year will be busy for you Danielle, as tax season approaches. Hope all is well and you are able to stay warm.

One plus side to being a Disabled Vet is that I don't have to file any taxes for a long, long while.

The busy tax season has started early and strong  ...
... this year I have a lot more than usual early tax filers. 
Fortunately it is the early ones that have the less involved filings.
I am staying late at my office trying to clear off my desk, I will definitely get more work tomorrow. 

I will probably be here until 9:00 pm tonight so I will get dinner at the next door coffee shop...
...they have a dinner special tonight, Chicken Parmesan and a dinner salad... and a Diet Coke. 
I think that is what I will have in a few hours... it is just 3:00pm here right now.

I trust that all is well with my readers and followers...
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 17, 2019, 06:07:50 PM
The busy tax season has started early and strong  ...
... this year I have a lot more than usual early tax filers. 
Fortunately it is the early ones that have the less involved filings.
I am staying late at my office trying to clear off my desk, I will definitely get more work tomorrow. 

I will probably be here until 9:00 pm tonight so I will get dinner at the next door coffee shop...
...they have a dinner special tonight, Chicken Parmesan and a dinner salad... and a Diet Coke. 
I think that is what I will have in a few hours... it is just 3:00pm here right now.

I trust that all is well with my readers and followers...
Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle, if I submit everything to you in an email, can you finish it by morning?

Lol
Hugs and smiles, Jess

Quote from: Jessica on January 17, 2019, 07:16:38 PM
@Alaskan Danielle

Danielle, if I submit everything to you in an email, can you finish it by morning?

Lol
Hugs and smiles, Jess

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
The answer is YES...
... then use Fed-Ex next day air, and send me several of those super big Hershey Milk Chocolate Candy Bars.
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 17, 2019, 08:49:12 PM
@Jessica
Dear Jess:
The answer is YES...
... then use Fed-Ex next day air, and send me several of those super big Hershey Milk Chocolate Candy Bars.
Hugs,
Danielle

How about a puppy 🐶?  And the chocolate....

Quote from: Jessica on January 17, 2019, 08:53:33 PM
@Alaskan Danielle

How about a puppy 🐶?  And the chocolate....

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
...Hmm,  no puppy, just more chocolate please....
Danielle

My dear Danielle -

I guess busy is good for a small business like yours. Even better if your clients are getting a headstart on their taxes. I have not even received my W2 yet. I wonder if there is another name mixup this year.

You have been very successful in establishing your new business in a small town. I am sure your warm heart and your big smile have been part of your success. And of course, your engagement in your community. I keep thinking how brave and strong you were, making this step and how successful you have been. You are an amazing role model for all of us.

I am incredibly proud of you!

I hope you managed to get all your planned work completed for today and you can enjoy a quiet evening,

Hugs,

Sarah

Danielle,

I'm so glad your visit home went relatively well. We've all missed you around here. Ok I'll be honest we missed the cookies. J/K. Though I do have to make those one day. They look quiet delicious. Good luck with the tax rush.

Danielle

Just so you know.....You are my inspiration!!!!!      I want to be just like you when I grow.......ummmmm.....out?  ;D

Quote from: BritneyX on January 16, 2019, 04:04:40 AM
One plus side to being a Disabled Vet is that I don't have to file any taxes for a long, long while.

I take it you're not working? If this is not the case I'm sure others want to know the secret.

Quote from: Jaime320 on January 18, 2019, 10:14:37 AM
I take it you're not working? If this is not the case I'm sure others want to know the secret.

@Jaime320
Dear Jaime:
Oh...   I am indeed at my office working ....   
I have 3 computers going at my office most of the time.  2 of them are usually stuck on business tasks doing tax and financial work for my clients. 
My 3rd computer is almost always online with the Susan's Place Forums unless it is needed for more business tasks.  Then of course I have my iPhone and an iPad that are "bolted to my hip" at all times.  So I try to stay very connected with work, with Susan's, and with everyone else.

During tax season, which has just started and doesn't slow down until after the mid-April with the IRS Federal Income Tax filing deadline of April 15th, I will be working 6 days a week and sometimes on Sunday...  and many early mornings and late nights particularly during crunch time as the April 15th deadline gets closer.  When I have business to do, I am here, when my business is somewhat slower in the off-seasons I will take time off to do things like hiking, going to the gym with my gym gals group, my book club meetings, and other personal and social events.   The advantage of being self-employed and running my own small business is that I am the one that is solely responsible for what I do and when I do it.   The downside of course is that if business is soft or bad for no fault of my own, I don't get a paycheck.  It is all in my hands... and I like it that way. There is an opportunity for good financial rewards and also there is the chance I could go broke.

Thanks for reading my thread and following my continuing journey of life.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle  

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 18, 2019, 09:57:58 AM
Danielle

Just so you know.....You are my inspiration!!!!!      I want to be just like you when I grow.......ummmmm.....out?  ;D

@Jenny1969
Dear Jenny:
Aweee... shucks, you are making me blush.
Thanks for reading and following my thread.
Your comments and replies are always welcome.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Quote from: sarah1972 on January 17, 2019, 09:44:05 PM
My dear Danielle -

I guess busy is good for a small business like yours. Even better if your clients are getting a headstart on their taxes. I have not even received my W2 yet. I wonder if there is another name mixup this year.

You have been very successful in establishing your new business in a small town. I am sure your warm heart and your big smile have been part of your success. And of course, your engagement in your community. I keep thinking how brave and strong you were, making this step and how successful you have been. You are an amazing role model for all of us.

I am incredibly proud of you!

I hope you managed to get all your planned work completed for today and you can enjoy a quiet evening,

Hugs,

Sarah

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your way-too-kind words.   Regarding my work last night, I did not get home until after 10:30pm... 
...during my work-evening after I got my dinner at the next door coffee shop, I got a little side-tracked with some Susan's Place business that I had to take care of.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and continuing to follow me along on my thread.
You are always welcome here to read, comment and reply.

Hugs and more hugs, and I am always wishing your well.
Danielle

April 15th is my birthday so we can celebrate together, you finishing your busy work load and me being 64-----------

Busy busy Danielle! I believe it was you that said something to the effect, "A busy girl is a happy girl!". But by all means, don't overdo it and be sure to get plenty of rest.

Jeez! listen to me! I sound like my mother. Wow! How about that :)

FYI, I am reading this thread and am enjoying hearing about you and your recent trip. Just wanted to say Hi and good luck as always; especially this tax season.

UPDATE:  Saturday  January 19, 2018   11:55am
I am working till after lunch today, probably heading home at 2:00 pm this afternoon.

Here is a hint of what I might be baking this afternoon.
    (https://i.imgur.com/gvgl5kv.jpg)

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 19, 2019, 03:02:24 PM
UPDATE:  Saturday  January 19, 2018   11:55am
I am working till after lunch today, probably heading home at 2:00 pm this afternoon.

Here is a hint of what I might be baking this afternoon.
    (https://i.imgur.com/gvgl5kv.jpg)

Hugs,
Danielle

My guess is that you are going to make gingerbread or molasses cookies.   :)
Likely molasses cookies!

Chrissy

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 19, 2019, 03:02:24 PM
UPDATE:  Saturday  January 19, 2018   11:55am
I am working till after lunch today, probably heading home at 2:00 pm this afternoon.

Here is a hint of what I might be baking this afternoon.

Rum? It's much easer to buy it in the store.

This reminds me that I haven't had molasses in my coffee in a long time.  I should do that in the morning.

Quote from: Dena on January 19, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
Rum? It's much easer to buy it in the store.

Hahaha... on the next season of "Moonshine" - our Northern Star and the Tooth Fairy battle the Alaskan Wilderness for some shine!

I always wanted to try some actual moonshine.

Evidently my baking task mystery is still a mystery with my readers....
.... hmmm, one of the ingredients is molasses? 

...well if it turns out like those earlier cookies I would not be surprised if the cookie monster might stops by.

Quote from: GingerVicki on January 19, 2019, 08:30:46 PM
I always wanted to try some actual moonshine.

Moonshine is overrated.  Basically just high-proof alcohol.  It rarely has much taste, although that can depend on the distiller.  When I was in western North Carolina we visited the friend of a distiller and they had some.  Kind of a joke, but the test of quality was to pour some out into a bottlecap and light it with a match.  If it burns, it's the good stuff.

Quote from: RandyL on January 19, 2019, 08:48:20 PM
Moonshine is overrated.  Basically just high-proof alcohol.  It rarely has much taste, although that can depend on the distiller.  When I was in western North Carolina we visited the friend of a distiller and they had some.  Kind of a joke, but the test of quality was to pour some out into a bottlecap and light it with a match.  If it burns, it's the good stuff.

If that is the case might as well do shots of Everclear.

Quote from: GingerVicki on January 19, 2019, 08:52:09 PM
If that is the case might as well do shots of Everclear.

LOL it's true, that was my thought as well.  Except Everclear doesn't have the unmistakeable flavor of illegality and flaunting the authorities.

Quote from: Jaime320 on January 18, 2019, 10:14:37 AM
I take it you're not working? If this is not the case I'm sure others want to know the secret.

Well, I made below the threshold to file the year I had my Service related injury and I have no taxable tangible or financial assets, nor do I have any tax credits for anything.  I was forced to take an Honorable Discharge when I should have been medically retired (12 years of Service).  Thanks to former President Obama dropping the axe on the US Military to drastically downsize in the midst of a Global War, the Navy was forced to take the shaft they were giving me and clobber me over the head, instead of following Regulations and giving care.  So there was 6 years of no pay.  I was finally awarded 70% Disability (supposed to be calculated as 75%) and VA Disability pay is non-taxable. 

So short story long, I traded a healthy life and promising Naval career for a meager stipend and no need to bother with taxes, ever again.  The other benefit was that the "Affordable" Care Act did not apply to me, so no tax penalty on that.  Ah yes, the good life.....I think. ???

Quote from: BritneyX on January 19, 2019, 09:31:05 PM
Well, I made below the threshold to file the year I had my Service related injury and I have no taxable tangible or financial assets, nor do I have any tax credits for anything.  I was forced to take an Honorable Discharge when I should have been medically retired (12 years of Service).  Thanks to former President Obama dropping the axe on the US Military to drastically downsize in the midst of a Global War, the Navy was forced to take the shaft they were giving me and clobber me over the head, instead of following Regulations and giving care.  So there was 6 years of no pay.  I was finally awarded 70% Disability (supposed to be calculated as 75%) and VA Disability pay is non-taxable. 

So short story long, I traded a healthy life and promising Naval career for a meager stipend and no need to bother with taxes, ever again.  The other benefit was that the "Affordable" Care Act did not apply to me, so no tax penalty on that.  Ah yes, the good life.....I think. ???

Thank you for serving our country.   :)

Chrissy

Quote from: RandyL on January 19, 2019, 08:54:23 PM
LOL it's true, that was my thought as well.  Except Everclear doesn't have the unmistakeable flavor of illegality and flaunting the authorities.

The whole naughty factor adds to it.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 18, 2019, 10:36:15 AM
It is all in my hands... and I like it that way. There is an opportunity for good financial rewards and also there is the chance I could go broke.

Liberty to guide ones own destiny.  Part and parcel of the American Dream.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 19, 2019, 09:34:16 PM

Thank you for serving our country.   :)

Chrissy

Well thank ye kindly, my good Lady.  It was an Honor and a privilege to Serve.  I would still be doing it, if I could.   My Family has been Serving since the American Revolutionary War.   We were a Family that paid our Taxes till I came along and broke the tradition . ;)

Quote from: GingerVicki on January 19, 2019, 09:51:21 PM
The whole naughty factor adds to it.

Don't do Absinthe!   I brought a bottle back from Europe (the real kind casked in wormwood), aka illegal in the USA.  N'awlins was once known for this type of Absinthe, long before the Mint Julep.  A catering friend had me pull it out for her dinner party.  So she and her big time Cajun girlfriends went bonkers for it.  Me, I can't stand the taste.   Needless to say, I was playing nursemaid and housekeeping till mid-day the next morn.  :o

Wow, a whole page of highjacking Danielle's thread while she's off busy baking Soft Chocolate Molasses Cookies https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Soft-chocolate-molasses-cookies-344577?prm-v1 (https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Soft-chocolate-molasses-cookies-344577?prm-v1) (I mean what else could it be???)  ;D ;D ;D

We shouldn't disturb the Molasses Master as she is wielding her craft in the kitchen.   ;)

Here is the result of my yesterday's baking efforts... 
.....mmm, mmm, good !!!
Hugs, Danielle

   (left click each photo to enlarge)

(https://i.imgur.com/qAk8ynw.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/CzaMjWO.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/DG85HHB.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/SYoBpaE.jpg)

They look so delicious Danielle!!! Makes me wish I would live much closer. Maybe I have to hop on an airplane to pick up some of your lovely cookies!

Have you ever discussed your baking skills with your next door coffee shop? Maybe you can sell some of your cookies through the coffee shop? Our local coffee place sells artisan baked goods.... you could have a second career!

I hope you have a quiet Sunday and you can relax since I assume you have another busy week ahead of you.

Hugs, Sarah

Quote from: sarah1972 on January 20, 2019, 10:01:55 AM
Have you ever discussed your baking skills with your next door coffee shop? Maybe you can sell some of your cookies through the coffee shop? Our local coffee place sells artisan baked goods.... you could have a second career!

With tax season upon us, this is probably about the last of the baking for about 3 months. Soon Danielle will probably be spending almost every day including Saturday and Sunday in the office dealing with people who couldn't get their act together early. Great source of income but why couldn't it happen on the other 9 months of the year!

Those cookies look great.   I think I am going to make a pineapple upside down cake today

Quote from: BritneyX on January 19, 2019, 09:31:05 PM
Well, I made below the threshold to file the year I had my Service related injury and I have no taxable tangible or financial assets, nor do I have any tax credits for anything.  I was forced to take an Honorable Discharge when I should have been medically retired (12 years of Service).  Thanks to former President Obama dropping the axe on the US Military to drastically downsize in the midst of a Global War, the Navy was forced to take the shaft they were giving me and clobber me over the head, instead of following Regulations and giving care.  So there was 6 years of no pay.  I was finally awarded 70% Disability (supposed to be calculated as 75%) and VA Disability pay is non-taxable. 

So short story long, I traded a healthy life and promising Naval career for a meager stipend and no need to bother with taxes, ever again.  The other benefit was that the "Affordable" Care Act did not apply to me, so no tax penalty on that.  Ah yes, the good life.....I think. ???

Been there still doing it. Uncle Sam still got their share of severance. Working again to afford life. Check wasn't worth it. Would prefer health. Then again that may change after I retire and age catches up.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 20, 2019, 09:14:20 AM
Here is the result of my yesterday's baking efforts... 
.....mmm, mmm, good !!!
Hugs, Danielle

   (left click each photo to enlarge)

(https://i.imgur.com/qAk8ynw.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/CzaMjWO.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/DG85HHB.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/SYoBpaE.jpg)

@RandyL

The mix master returneth with scrumptious temptations. Ok back on track, if only we could taste the treats.

@Alaskan Danielle
Looks delicious as always.

Quote from: Dena on January 20, 2019, 10:36:51 AM
With tax season upon us, this is probably about the last of the baking for about 3 months. Soon Danielle will probably be spending almost every day including Saturday and Sunday in the office dealing with people who couldn't get their act together early. Great source of income but why couldn't it happen on the other 9 months of the year!

Yes, hopefully most of Danielle's clients don't walk in with unorganized boxes of receipts. Ugh! I must say Dena, I did not know you could BAKE molasses into moonshine. I thought it was more like stirring a big pot of witches brew.

Num num num! Danielle! I hope you will be bringing some of your delicious cookies with you in September? I can already smell them from all the way down here. I'll try to bring some molasses so we can try that moonshine thing ;D

Hugs!

Hope all is well up the great cold tundra!!!!    I hope you have a nice fire going in the fireplace while you are eating those cookies and sipping on some hot coco!!

The cookies look awesome. Are they hard on the outside and soft on the inside with a sweet exterior?  Is there a lot of butter in them? Do you put them into the microwave before eating them to make them warm and chewy with an awesome aroma?

I hope the tax season treats you well. 

I have been reading there have been a lot of aftershocks and small earthquakes in Alaska. I hope it passes. Winter is rough enough there let alone dealing with earthquakes.

Quote from: Rachel on January 20, 2019, 06:38:52 PM
The cookies look awesome. Are they hard on the outside and soft on the inside with a sweet exterior?  Is there a lot of butter in them? Do you put them into the microwave before eating them to make them warm and chewy with an awesome aroma?

I hope the tax season treats you well. 

I have been reading there have been a lot of aftershocks and small earthquakes in Alaska. I hope it passes. Winter is rough enough there let alone dealing with earthquakes.

@Rachel
Dear Rachel:
My Molasses Cookies are fairly soft and chewy...  not hard like Ginger Snaps.  Yes I make them with all the things that are "good" for our bodies...   milk, butter, eggs, sugar, molasses, etc.

Ahhhh, yes, tax season... I am soon entering into the "high" season for my business and tax work... fortunately I am kept fairly busy throughout the year ...I do financial advising work and accounting for businesses and personal clients.

Not a lot of earthquakes where I am located but I can feel some shaking and some of the after-effects of transportation and shipping from a big city like Anchorage.

Thanks for sharing and posting....
I trust that you are well.
Hugs, and well wishes,
Danielle

Quote from: Dena on January 20, 2019, 10:36:51 AM
With tax season upon us, this is probably about the last of the baking for about 3 months. Soon Danielle will probably be spending almost every day including Saturday and Sunday in the office dealing with people who couldn't get their act together early. Great source of income but why couldn't it happen on the other 9 months of the year!

Quote from: Donica on January 20, 2019, 01:35:56 PM
Yes, hopefully most of Danielle's clients don't walk in with unorganized boxes of receipts. Ugh! I must say Dena, I did not know you could BAKE molasses into moonshine. I thought it was more like stirring a big pot of witches brew.

Num num num! Danielle! I hope you will be bringing some of your delicious cookies with you in September? I can already smell them from all the way down here. I'll try to bring some molasses so we can try that moonshine thing ;D

Hugs!

@Donica    @Dena
Dear Donica and Dena:
Unfortunately there are always some clients that bring in unorganized boxes of receipts and notes and want me to straighten out the mess and file their taxes for them...  more of my time =  a higher billing

Some of those types of clients bring me a mess ONE DAY before the April 15 due date.... definitely long nights at my office. ...  but business is business.

It is soon upon me..I will be entering into the "high" season for my business and tax work... fortunately I am kept fairly busy throughout the year ...I do financial advising work and accounting for businesses and personal clients plus not all businesses follow the calendar year with their fiscal years.... but for sure I have busy times ahead for me but I will still make some time for baking and social activities...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and posting on my thread.
Hugs,
Danielle

UPDATE:   Monday   January 21, 2019      12:15pm   Lunch time

It sure was cold early this morning as I went to work.
-21 deg F   (minus 29.5 deg C)

I made some ham and cheese wraps at home this morning for my lunch today....

Note: all the BASIC "food groups";) shown in the last photo. 
    (https://i.imgur.com/iwcGU6c.jpg)
   

For all of my followers I trust that your day is going well for you.
Please, as always, you are very welcome to read, comment and reply about anything you wish on my thread.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 21, 2019, 03:27:59 PM
UPDATE:   Monday   January 21, 2019      12:15pm   Lunch time

It sure was cold early this morning as I went to work.
-21 deg F   (minus 29.5 deg C)

I made some ham and cheese wraps at home this morning for my lunch today....

Note: all the BASIC "food groups";) shown in the last photo. 


For all of my followers I trust that your day is going well for you.
Please, as always, you are very welcome to read, comment and reply about anything you wish on my thread.
Hugs,
Danielle

Sounds like I'm in a heat wave at 6°F! Hopefully you will find a way to stay warm this evening!

That looks like a tasty lunch! I notice your coffee cup has no pink lid and is a different design than normal...should we be worried?! ;)

Whaaa!! Pickles and chocolate with ham and cheese. YUUMMM! Geezzz!! -21 deg. burrrrrr! Dear Danielle! Stay warm hun.

Sending more WARM HUGS!!!

No pink lid?   Hmmmmmmmm  ;)

You're cheating on your barista? Should we be worried?

@RealLacy  @Jenny1969   @Jaime320
Dear Lacy  and  Jenny  and  Jaime:
No worries ladies...  the coffee and the chocolate bar were brought into my office right before my lunch time by my ShyGuyMaleSuitor #3 ....  he stopped at a different espresso stand... different cup and no pink lids... he mentioned that he asked for another color lid other than the standard white lid... to no avail.
Also my BaristaFemaleSuitor#5 is always so sweet... but I don't see those two progressing to the level of my ToothFairy-DentalHygienist#4 ... nor am I attempting to make it so.   

It is so very difficult for me to reject friendly and even slightly flirty advances as I do not have experience with that aspect of dating (yet)  ...  I never ever want to hurt anyone's feelings but I am sure that it is necessary at times.
Hugs, and best wishes to all of you.... thanks for posting and sharing.
Danielle

Quote from: RealLacy on January 21, 2019, 04:25:32 PM
Sounds like I'm in a heat wave at 6°F! Hopefully you will find a way to stay warm this evening!

That looks like a tasty lunch! I notice your coffee cup has no pink lid and is a different design than normal...should we be worried?! ;)

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 23, 2019, 01:46:07 PM
No pink lid?   Hmmmmmmmm  ;)

Quote from: Jaime320 on January 23, 2019, 04:21:02 PM
You're cheating on your barista? Should we be worried?

Quote from: Donica on January 22, 2019, 12:25:55 PM
Whaaa!! Pickles and chocolate with ham and cheese. YUUMMM! Geezzz!! -21 deg. burrrrrr! Dear Danielle! Stay warm hun.
Sending more WARM HUGS!!!

@Donica
Dear Donica... 
Ahhh  yes... pickles and chocolate, a tran-woman's wish come true.

Regarding the cold weather here lately, it has warmed up substantially, this morning when I woke up the temp was +3 deg F and now it is +11 deg F and SNOWING again.   

I hear that many of our friends in the Midwest and Eastern USA are having their abundant share of snow and cold!!!   Bundle up friends, and stay warm, dry, and safe. 

Thanks for posting and sharing.
Hugs and well wishes to you.
Danielle

Danielle, I love your new avatar!

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Thanks for the craving pickles and chocolate.  ;) Guess I'll settle for pretzels, m&ms, & vino.  Hey a girl has to make do on the road.

Ummm regarding advances, you're light years ahead. I'm still getting used to that.Though I've only had two occurrences in my 3 months out. While wonderful and affirming, I'm still happily married. I'm sure I've mishandled the situation.

Love the new avatar.

So great to see a big smile avatar back Danielle! I do remember this one and once again you do look fantastic.

So glad you still get coffee brought to your office. What more could a girl want?

I am glad it did get a little warmer even though it is still pretty cold. Our snow is mostly gone and so far I don't see any new one on the horizon. Lucky for us, the big snow storm and freeze passed north of us, but all my Boston friends are quite affected.

I hope you continue to stay warm and your clients take it easy on you this tax season.

Quote from: Jaime320 on January 23, 2019, 09:22:37 PM
Thanks for the craving pickles and chocolate.  ;) Guess I'll settle for pretzels, m&ms, & vino.  Hey a girl has to make do on the road.

Ummm regarding advances, you're light years ahead. I'm still getting used to that.Though I've only had two occurrences in my 3 months out. While wonderful and affirming, I'm still happily married. I'm sure I've mishandled the situation.

Love the new avatar.

@Jaime320 - Ah, yes, the advances by men. Like you, I am married for over 13 years. The first few times it happened, I had absolutely no idea. I was in a deli with a cis friend and the guy behind the counter claimed he has met me on a new years part. Of course, I denied and had no idea what he wanted. When walking away my friend poked me in the side and said: You know that he was totally hitting on you. This happened a few times. Since I got better about detecting advances, but also men got a lot blunter: Some are pretty straight forward and just ask if I am married. In most cases, I just let them off nicely. My cis friend also said, that is just normal and at least the guy in the deli was fairly nice about it, it can also get pretty ugly. So far I only had one ugly happening.
I am sure I come across like a big klutz since I have no experience dating men, I am married and don't really want to date anyone else.

But I have also learned the power of wrapping men around my fingers to get them to do what I want. Like giving me their seat in a packed metro car or lift heavy stuff at Home Depot. I do admit I have an unfair advantage since I absolutely know what worked on me back in the days. Home Depot is always fun if you play girly...

I had 2 men ask if I needed a hand to load some kitchen worktop into my car this morning, they ran off when I started waving my battery circler saw . No just joking , told them thanks but it will be fine when I have cut it to size . Made a chicken and leek pie tonight, filling and warming

Quote from: davina61 on January 24, 2019, 01:10:45 PM
I had 2 men ask if I needed a hand to load some kitchen worktop into my car this morning, they ran off when I started waving my battery circler saw . No just joking , told them thanks but it will be fine when I have cut it to size . Made a chicken and leek pie tonight, filling and warming

@davina61
Dear Davina:
I wouldn't be so quick to run off those men that may want to help a woman with the heavy lifting. 

For me, I very much welcome the offers of assistance.   Over the years since I started HRT I have seen my body muscle mass which was just about non-existant before, is even less....  and now I appear to be a Blue Eyed Blonde woman in need of help from every male who I come across during my day.

I am glad that you enjoyed your Chicken Pie....   what?  No Picture???

Hugs,
Danielle

Well I did have help in store to load it on trolley, yes getting weaker and I was never that strong even with the manual job I do. Didn't think it was worth taking pic  but heres one of a coffee walnut cake(https://i.imgur.com/PbGS8mM.jpg)

I haven't had any advances yet that I recognized but I caught on to the assistance thing very quickly. I actually don't get much choice as I seem to always get the "Let me get that for you!" or they'll hold the door for me or they'll wait for me to go first. I love the attention.

Davina! Your coffee walnut cake looks so delish! Here, let me take that for you dear!

Funny thing happened to me yesterday.......When I was on the elavator and the doors opened, two men stood aside so I could leave first....Never had this happen to me before..   :)

Quote from: Jenny1969 on January 24, 2019, 06:58:06 PM
Funny thing happened to me yesterday.......When I was on the elavator and the doors opened, two men stood aside so I could leave first....Never had this happen to me before..   :)

HA! You should add that to the "What made me happy today" thread!

Well, I assume it made you happy.

;D

Kate

Danielle, my dear, I've been catching up a little bit. Am I correct in surmising that you picked suitor #4? If so, what a lucky lady she is! And I'm glad you were able to make inroads with your family. I can't wait to catch up with you more. I think 2019 is going to be a special year for many of us!


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 20, 2019, 09:14:20 AM
Here is the result of my yesterday's baking efforts... 
.....mmm, mmm, good !!!
Hugs, Danielle

   (left click each photo to enlarge)

(https://i.imgur.com/qAk8ynw.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/CzaMjWO.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/DG85HHB.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/SYoBpaE.jpg)

Danielle, I have a business idea for you.  How about you and the Tooth Fairy open up the Alaskan Cookie Company?  If teaching is more of your thing, how about the Baked Alaska School of Cookie Baking?   I have not used my GI Bill yet and would Cookie Love to be part of your inaugural class!!!

Hi Danielle,
Just catching up after a busy period for me at work.
Looks like your thread is full of life, cookies and tax returns.
I don't envy your work load coming up, I remember how busy you were last year, but think of your progress since then, it seems its been a really great year for you all round. Im so happy for you.
I could do with a brief update on your suitors though, as this seems to be a baking and alcohol thread recently!!! A good combination for entertaining though...

Luv n Hugz

Katie

:-*    ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :-* :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :-* :-* :-* :-* ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: Katie Jade on January 25, 2019, 08:55:26 AM
Hi Danielle,
Just catching up after a busy period for me at work.
Looks like your thread is full of life, cookies and tax returns.
I don't envy your work load coming up, I remember how busy you were last year, but think of your progress since then, it seems its been a really great year for you all round. Im so happy for you.
I could do with a brief update on your suitors though, as this seems to be a baking and alcohol thread recently!!! A good combination for entertaining though...

Luv n Hugz

Katie

:-*    ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :-* :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :-* :-* :-* :-* ;D ;D ;D ;D

@Katie Jade
Dear Katie... and all my readers and followers:

UPDATE  Friday January 25, 2019  6:50 AM
Thank you for your thoughts and I am happy that you have been checking up on me....
.... You are right, my thread here has always had twists and turns....  it is not always about my romantic endeavors, nor is it always about cookies, baking and cooking...
.... but for sure, tax season is upon me and my little business and I will be a busy girl for several months now, but thankfully there will be days and times that I can concentrate on my other tasks... and certainly I will keep involved in my gym-gals group, book club, some civic activities, the next door coffee shop goings-on, and of course my romantic entanglements.

I know that I have been getting many inquiries regarding my suitors especially from many of my newer readers and followers that have not done a lot of reading of my original "Hunted Prey" thread (Link at the bottom of any of my posted pages) ...and most of you are aware that I a not been sharing that part of my life as much as I had in the past.   First off, the fast paced romantic activities in the past year have boiled down to just 3 active suitors... but I have lately been approached by a couple more suitor opportunities that I am being careful to not get involved in too fast unless there is obvious chemistry. 
I will obviously write more about some of these new tentative newer suitors at a later time.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
To recap my past and present suitors... here is a refresher:

Male Suitor #1   This guy was my very first real date and romance right about the time that I came-out to my town back last Spring.   The relationship turned sour when he got involved with another gal that kept loudly bad-mouthing me a the coffee shop because of my trans-woman status.   Initially he was very accepting and I was quite sweet on him and had several wonderful dates... but he caved into his new girlfriend.   I dumped him before he dumped me right in the coffee shop among the employees and customers there that were backing my position... he and his girlfriend were strongly and publicly reprimanded and told to shut up by the coffee shop owner.  Any romantic or even friendly exchanges are done and over with.

Creepy GymGuy Suitor #2    As his name implies I met him or rather he came on to me when I first started going to the gym last Spring with several of my Gym-Gals friend.   He was creepy indeed and would not back off, but there was safety in numbers... my gym-gals group ladies came to my rescue and fending him off....  they are my body guards!!!   I recommend to all of my friends that are transitioning that they try to stay with a friend or friends when initially out and about... again, safety in numbers whether it is guys or gals that are visibly and audibly being non-accepting.  There is no relationship and won't be.

ShyGuy Suitor #3   As his name implies, he is very shy and slow to act on romantic endeavors... and he is a very nice gentleman.   We have been on numerous and enjoyable dinner dates, summer hiking and picnic dates, and he comes into my office frequently with my favorite coffee and treats mostly from the next door coffee shop.   He is becoming less shy as time goes on and sometimes he is rather bold and outgoing with his romantic overtures and our relationship continues.

Dental Hygienist Suitor #4  As most of my readers know, she is my favorite and she is so very sweet.  For those that are not aware, last Spring I was at my dentist getting my a checkup and getting my teeth cleaned.  She was the Hygienist that figured out that I was a trans-woman before I came out to my town.  Evidently the shape and size of one's mouth and the size of key teeth like the upper front centrals and the far back molars are a dead give-away.   She was initially and now is very accepting.   My forums friends and I fondly call her my ToothFairy.  She is a part of my Gym-Gals group of 5 cis-women and myself.   We have been on many, many wonderful dates, road trips, hiking adventures and romantic dinners at her home and at my home.  She is my favorite but I am hesitant to make her my exclusive romance... and she is OK with that.   What the future may hold for us is exciting to ponder.

Barista Suitor #5   She is my favorite barista at the coffee shop.   She knows who my other suitors are and when they come into the coffee shop to buy coffee for me, she has fun with the colors of the Lids that she puts on the take-out cups.   I am not certain who started the infamous PINK LID, but I think it was the Barista along with my friendly coffee shop owner that ordered a small supply of them apparently just for me.   I have had Pink Lids on coffee brought to me by all 3 of my suitors...  it always warms my heart to see the Pink Lid when I get coffee brought to me.   She is very sweet, we have been on just a few dates, and a few shopping trips together... she is lots of fun.
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

So anyway... I hope that this "Suitor Summary" helps my newer readers understand the mentions of my "Suitor numbers" in some of the comments on my thread and other various threads..

Here I am at my office, it is just 6:50 am  here now, I have my coffee on my desk...
... just a standard White LID today :(  ... and I am getting ready to start work on taxes for the early filers.

Please feel free to post and share here on my thread about anything you wish...  I love it when my followers feel comfortable enough here to HiJack my thread.... no worries, it will always get back on track.

Hugs and well wishes to all..... I trust that your day will be a good one for you.
Danielle

I had forgotten about suitors 1 and 2. Both of them sound creapy to me. I'm glad they are no longer a problem for you.

Hugs Danielle!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 25, 2019, 10:01:36 AM
@Katie Jade
="but I have lately been approached by a couple more suitor opportunities that I am being careful to not get involved in too fast unless there is obvious chemistry. "

........ What can I say, but as you are clearly an attractive woman, and in many ways, you will attract attention.
Im so truly happy for you that you have these potential opportunities. As you imply, do tread carefully, my friend, indeed as you have done so far. I'm so exited for you, and I hope you can share snippets of your new potential suitors and/or friends with us soon, if you want to or can do of course.
Waiting with baited breath......(Squeeeeeee!!!!!...)

Take care
Luv n Hugz

Katie

:-*    ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :-* :'( :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :-* :-* ;D ;D ;D ;D

Danielle

Im glad you are so energetic!!!!   Stay warm and keep the post coming.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 25, 2019, 10:01:36 AM

Please feel free to post and share here on my thread about anything you wish...  I love it when my followers feel comfortable enough here to HiJack my thread.... no worries, it will always get back on track.

Hugs and well wishes to all..... I trust that your day will be a good one for you.
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Hi Danielle

Thanks for the updates its awhile since I have had the chance to catch up on your thread as I have been a little distracted lol  :) Nice to hear about all the potential suitoirs and it now seems the field is narrowing a bit. It always seemed to me that Shyguy and Toothfairy were your unoffical favourites due to the number of dates you had. I am happy for you that you actually have so many potential "suitors"....and the field narrows...


take care


Liz

UPDATE   Sunday morning  January 27, 2019   5:30am
Good EARLY morning everyone....  it is a "beautiful" Sunday morning... well, I am not sure about "beautiful" but is is good to be alive and to see myself in the mirror this morning after my shower!!!!   

It is cloudy outside but not stormy, and we are having a heatwave... it is  +7 deg F ...  I know that a lot of my forums friends in the upper Midwest in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are having a bitter cold-blast, my advice, stay in, stay warm, stay dry, and if you go out and about be sure to bundle up and drive safely...   this is good advice coming from an Alaska girl.   

Then, of course my forums friends down under in Australia and New Zealand are having their "Summer" heatwaves.

I worked all day yesterday, Saturday, tax and finance work for my early tax filers...  so far it has been a fairly easy task, no one brought in boxes of unorganized and mixed receipts expecting me to straighten it all out for them... that will come later, usually near the tax due deadline in the month of April.

I am planning to take the day OFF today, 6 days on the job gets very tiring for sure.   I will be going to church this morning and then I think I will spend time with my Tooth Fairy #4 and have lunch out with her.... then I may go home, take a Sunday afternoon nap, turn on my propane fireplace and then get started on my new "Bookclub" book that I mentions in my thread:   "Susans Writers and Book Readers" (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237827.0.html)

Of course I will also have my laptop nearby and keep abreast of the goings-on here on the Forums...  please feel free to post or to PM me is you have something to chat about or just want to share your thoughts.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful day today... I will be looking for your postings around the various threads.

Hugs, and well wishes to you all.
Danielle

Thanks for your lovely update Danielle.

I am glad you get to take the day off. And some lovely time with your tooth fairy sounds like a perfect plan for a Sunday.

I know you are just trying to gauge how attentive we are to your thread... #5? Wasn't that the Barista? Isn't the tooth fairy #4?

I hope you have a lovely day and stay warm!!!

Hugs,

Sarah

5:30 sounds early for a late starter and night person like me, but I have to admit, I was already out meeting with my all female running group early this morning. Yesterday's run was in 20F, today it was comparable warm at 30F. Next weekend with the bitter cold boat coming through, many already announced that runs will happen on a treadmill in the many gyms.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 27, 2019, 08:38:59 AM
UPDATE   Sunday morning  January 27, 2019   5:30am
Good EARLY morning everyone....  it is a "beautiful" Sunday morning... well, I am not sure about "beautiful" but is is good to be alive and to see myself in the mirror this morning after my shower!!!!   

It is cloudy outside but not stormy, and we are having a heatwave... it is  +7 deg F ...  I know that a lot of my forums friends in the upper Midwest in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are having a bitter cold-blast, my advice, stay in, stay warm, stay dry, and if you go out and about be sure to bundle up and drive safely...   this is good advice coming from an Alaska girl.   

Then, of course my forums friends down under in Australia and New Zealand are having their "Summer" heatwaves.

I worked all day yesterday, Saturday, tax and finance work for my early tax filers...  so far it has been a fairly easy task, no one brought in boxes of unorganized and mixed receipts expecting me to straighten it all out for them... that will come later, usually near the tax due deadline in the month of April.

I am planning to take the day OFF today, 6 days on the job gets very tiring for sure.   I will be going to church this morning and then I think I will spend time with my Tooth Fairy #5 and have lunch out with her.... then I may go home, take a Sunday afternoon nap, turn on my propane fireplace and then get started on my new "Bookclub" book that I mentions in my thread:   "Susans Writers and Book Readers" (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237827.0.html)

Of course I will also have my laptop nearby and keep abreast of the goings-on here on the Forums...  please feel free to post or to PM me is you have something to chat about or just want to share your thoughts.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful day today... I will be looking for your postings around the various threads.

Hugs, and well wishes to you all.
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 27, 2019, 08:38:59 AM
UPDATE   Sunday morning  January 27, 2019   5:30am
Good EARLY morning everyone....  it is a "beautiful" Sunday morning... well, I am not sure about "beautiful" but is is good to be alive and to see myself in the mirror this morning after my shower!!!!   

It is cloudy outside but not stormy, and we are having a heatwave... it is  +7 deg F ...  I know that a lot of my forums friends in the upper Midwest in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are having a bitter cold-blast, my advice, stay in, stay warm, stay dry, and if you go out and about be sure to bundle up and drive safely...   this is good advice coming from an Alaska girl.   

Then, of course my forums friends down under in Australia and New Zealand are having their "Summer" heatwaves.

I worked all day yesterday, Saturday, tax and finance work for my early tax filers...  so far it has been a fairly easy task, no one brought in boxes of unorganized and mixed receipts expecting me to straighten it all out for them... that will come later, usually near the tax due deadline in the month of April.

I am planning to take the day OFF today, 6 days on the job gets very tiring for sure.   I will be going to church this morning and then I think I will spend time with my Tooth Fairy #4 and have lunch out with her.... then I may go home, take a Sunday afternoon nap, turn on my propane fireplace and then get started on my new "Bookclub" book that I mentions in my thread:   "Susans Writers and Book Readers" (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237827.0.html)

Of course I will also have my laptop nearby and keep abreast of the goings-on here on the Forums...  please feel free to post or to PM me is you have something to chat about or just want to share your thoughts.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful day today... I will be looking for your postings around the various threads.

Hugs, and well wishes to you all.
Danielle

Hey, girl, you forgot Illinois in that list! Here in northern Illinois, we're expecting another 8 inches of snow by tomorrow evening, and it will be a high of -16 with a low of -26 on Wednesday - Alaska weather! I once had a neighbor from Alaska who told me that sometimes it actually gets colder here than way up there. I believe her! Enjoy your heat wave and I hope you really enjoy your relaxing Sunday. It sounds wonderful! [emoji3590][emoji846]


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: sarah1972 on January 27, 2019, 08:52:43 AM
Thanks for your lovely update Danielle.

I am glad you get to take the day off. And some lovely time with your tooth fairy sounds like a perfect plan for a Sunday.

I know you are just trying to gauge how attentive we are to your thread... #5? Wasn't that the Barista? Isn't the tooth fairy #4?

I hope you have a lovely day and stay warm!!!

Hugs,

Sarah

5:30 sounds early for a late starter and night person like me, but I have to admit, I was already out meeting with my all female running group early this morning. Yesterday's run was in 20F, today it was comparable warm at 30F. Next weekend with the bitter cold boat coming through, many already announced that runs will happen on a treadmill in the many gyms.

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah:
Thanks for your thoughts.
Oh yeah, right before you posted your reply I saw my error regarding my ToothFaries suitor number and immediate corrected it but you must have "grabbed" the quote before I changed it.

Good news on your running group training early this morning... probably a smart move to train indoors on treadmills when it does get bitter cold.  The gym here is a busy place when the really cold temps and snow hits us.

Thanks for reading and following my thread... and for your reply postings.

HUGS,
Danielle

Quote from: SarahWithin on January 27, 2019, 11:34:07 AM
Hey, girl, you forgot Illinois in that list! Here in northern Illinois, we're expecting another 8 inches of snow by tomorrow evening, and it will be a high of -16 with a low of -26 on Wednesday - Alaska weather! I once had a neighbor from Alaska who told me that sometimes it actually gets colder here than way up there. I believe her! Enjoy your heat wave and I hope you really enjoy your relaxing Sunday. It sounds wonderful! [emoji3590][emoji846]


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

I keep asking why I left Florida today.  Not looking forward to Wednesday,  but I'll likely be out somewhere on north side.  I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

Quote from: Jaime320 on January 27, 2019, 02:01:05 PM
I keep asking why I left Florida today.  Not looking forward to Wednesday,  but I'll likely be out somewhere on north side.  I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

I don't blame you, Jaime. I'm near the Wisconsin border and am hibernating tomorrow. Good day to stay in my nightgown and robe and curl up with my phone, tablet, tv and hot cocoa!


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: SarahWithin on January 27, 2019, 11:34:07 AM
Hey, girl, you forgot Illinois in that list! Here in northern Illinois, we're expecting another 8 inches of snow by tomorrow evening, and it will be a high of -16 with a low of -26 on Wednesday - Alaska weather! I once had a neighbor from Alaska who told me that sometimes it actually gets colder here than way up there. I believe her! Enjoy your heat wave and I hope you really enjoy your relaxing Sunday. It sounds wonderful! [emoji3590][emoji846]


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

I'm right in the middle of it. Two weeks ago I played golf here, outside. This weather sucks.

I'm driving to Appleton from Milwaukee tonight rather than my usual Monday morning because it sounds like I won't be able to tomorrow. Adding insult to injury, while I'm up there working and dealing with the snow and the 84 straight hours of forecast below zero temps, my wife and eldest daughter will be in Jamaica.


I'm trying to come up with an "at least I'll have... " ending to this but I can't think of anything.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

best not complain its cold then when it was +5C but some serious wind chill today

Quote from: SarahWithin on January 27, 2019, 02:03:47 PM
I don't blame you, Jaime. I'm near the Wisconsin border and am hibernating tomorrow. Good day to stay in my nightgown and robe and curl up with my phone, tablet, tv and hot cocoa!


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

@SarahWithin
Sounds like a plan. I wish that were an option for me. Gotta leave hotel at 10,  & meetings at 7.

Would I be thrown off this thread if I mentioned that it was in the mid-70s (F) here in SoCal today? Hot enough that I wore T-shirt, shorts and bare feet all day... Thought about going to the beach...


No. I better not mention any of that here...

;D

Kate

Quote from: KatieP on January 27, 2019, 10:03:08 PM
Would I be thrown off this thread if I mentioned that it was in the mid-70s (F) here in SoCal today? Hot enough that I wore T-shirt, shorts and bare feet all day... Thought about going to the beach...


No. I better not mention any of that here...

;D

Kate

@KatieP
Well, you might get some reaction from our freezing friends in the upper Midwest this week.
Personally I am quite fond of the dramatic change is seasons here where I live.
We are well prepared here for the bitter cold temperatures so it has it's own unique kind of beauty for sure.

Thank you for sharing and posting.  Enjoy your days in the land of milk and honey and everything California is known for.  :o
HUGS,
Danielle

How did I miss your lovely new avatar, my dear Danielle?

Looking great!

Hugs,

Sarah

Just to say that snow is forecast here Tues night through Wed day, meanwhile the BFF is in OZ in 40c + heatwave!!!

Just to let you know quickly, my dear, in response to your PM to me, still merging and I can't PM you yet.


Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: davina61 on January 28, 2019, 02:17:35 PM
Just to say that snow is forecast here Tues night through Wed day, meanwhile the BFF is in OZ in 40c + heatwave!!!

@davina61
Oh yeah, I definitely have experience with being down-under during their Summer in January.   Last January I was in Australia and New Zealand for the entire month.  Toward the last week of my trip the temperature in Sydney, the surrounding towns... and up further North in Cairns it was just about unbearable for this Alaska girl. 
Not only were the temperatures over 100 deg F  and on a few days more than  105 deg F  (+41 deg C)  .... and the humidity in Cairnes when I went to the Barrier Reef to snorkel was oppressive near 100%.

It was a fun trip and when I landed back in Alaska it was  -23 deg F  (-31 deg C)  ... that is a huge temperature delta.

Thank you for posting and sharing your thoughts.  You are always very welcome here on my thread.
Hugs,
Danielle

Crazy.  You have to pack winter attire on your Australian summer trip so that you don't freeze to/from the airport!

Quote from: SarahWithin on January 27, 2019, 11:34:07 AM
Hey, girl, you forgot Illinois in that list! Here in northern Illinois, we're expecting another 8 inches of snow by tomorrow evening, and it will be a high of -16 with a low of -26 on Wednesday - Alaska weather! I once had a neighbor from Alaska who told me that sometimes it actually gets colder here than way up there. I believe her! Enjoy your heat wave and I hope you really enjoy your relaxing Sunday. It sounds wonderful! [emoji3590][emoji846]
Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown [emoji257]

@SarahWithin
Dear Sarah:
Yes indeed, the Windy City is indeed in the line of fire for bitter cold stormy weather.   Like you stated, hunker down, stay bundled up inside & warm, read a good book and have a hot cup of coffee or tea next to your chair. 
If you do have to go out and about please travel safe....  here we are prepared for the super cold weather but with you living in Chicago you are also prepared as well.

Stay safe!!
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: SarahWithin on January 28, 2019, 02:27:21 PM
Just to let you know quickly, my dear, in response to your PM to me, still merging and I can't PM you yet.
Hugs,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Dear Sarah:   This is great news, I am so glad that the Susan's Place staff have taken care of your profile and posting issues.... and now you can certainly PM, and your older posts are now recovered.... 
You should be a Happy Camper indeed. 
Oh, and I am glad to see that you have now posted your Avatar Profile Photo... 
...I like seeing your smiling face when I go to your profile and read your posted comments.

HUGS, and well wishes,
Danielle

Quote from: JulieAllana on January 28, 2019, 03:55:14 PM
Crazy.  You have to pack winter attire on your Australian summer trip so that you don't freeze to/from the airport!

@JulieAllana
Dear Julie:
You are absolutely correct.... I had to wear warm clothes and shoes when I started my trip and wear warm clothes and shoes when I was on my way home.   In between for almost a month I was in Tank Tops, shorts, summer dresses, open toe shoes and sandals, etc.

Thank your for sharing and posting.

Hugs and hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: sarah1972 on January 28, 2019, 12:10:02 PM
How did I miss your lovely new avatar, my dear Danielle?

Looking great!

Hugs,

Sarah

@sarah1972
Dear Sarah...   thank you for your way-too-nice words.  I took that selfie in the car when it was -25 deg F outside.... I was bundled up "real good"... and the car heater on HIGH.

By the way, I like your new Avatar/Profile picture also... but you look very cold and pale.... and your arms look stiff and rigid   ;) ;) :D

Thank you for sharing and posting.
Hugs and well wishes... stay warm, dry and safe in your cold weather this week.
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 28, 2019, 09:06:19 PM
@SarahWithin
Dear Sarah:
Yes indeed, the Windy City is indeed in the line of fire for bitter cold stormy weather.   Like you stated, hunker down, stay bundled up inside & warm, read a good book and have a hot cup of coffee or tea next to your chair. 
If you do have to go out and about please travel safe....  here we are prepared for the super cold weather but with you living in Chicago you are also prepared as well.

Stay safe!!
Hugs,
Danielle

Dear Sarah:   This is great news, I am so glad that the Susan's Place staff have taken care of your profile and posting issues.... and now you can certainly PM, and your older posts are now recovered.... 
You should be a Happy Camper indeed. 
Oh, and I am glad to see that you have now posted your Avatar Profile Photo... 
...I like seeing your smiling face when I go to your profile and read your posted comments.

HUGS, and well wishes,
Danielle

Hugs and MORE HUGS back to you! [emoji4]

The weather in California.....

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190129/92559c6996d6fbd0c2aec785da8d18f1.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@ Danielle
Your new Avatar photo is awesome.    I cant believe you are smiling at -25!!    ;)

either The smile froze that way, or it's shear delight feeling the car heaters warmth. Either way Danielle looks great.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 28, 2019, 09:52:38 PM
@sarah1972
Dear Sarah...   thank you for your way-too-nice words.  I took that selfie in the car when it was -25 deg F outside.... I was bundled up "real good"... and the car heater on HIGH.

By the way, I like your new Avatar/Profile picture also... but you look very cold and pale.... and your arms look stiff and rigid   ;) ;) :D

Thank you for sharing and posting.
Hugs and well wishes... stay warm, dry and safe in your cold weather this week.
Danielle

Urgh!  Its getting to -20 (or lower) here in Minnesota.  The dogs have started sleeping on my legs to stay warm(er) and I just want to learn how to hibernate.  Blowing snow off the driveway took me forever having to go back in and out to unfreeze.  Danielle whatever you do... don't let your fingers (Or anything else) get frostbite.  It sticks with you for life and in cold weather just hurts like heck.  Always drive thinking what will if so when the car won't go.  Windbreakers and Tennis shoes are (from my experience almost freezing to death) not a valid answer.   Anyway take care you have too many readers who would miss you!

Quote from: Jessica on January 29, 2019, 12:43:28 AM
The weather in California.....

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190129/92559c6996d6fbd0c2aec785da8d18f1.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Great picture and a very pretty sky.
I guess that you are saying that your weather in California where you live is warmer than most other places like the Northern Plains states and upper Midwest States and also Alaska?  ????   

But don't you miss the snow, ice and bitter cold?

Thanks for posting and sharing and making us envy your weather this week.
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 29, 2019, 10:14:33 PM
@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Great picture and a very pretty sky.
I guess that you are saying that your weather in California where you live is warmer than most other places like the Northern Plains states and upper Midwest States and also Alaska?  ????   

But don't you miss the snow, ice and bitter cold?

Thanks for posting and sharing and making us envy your weather this week.
Hugs,
Danielle

I do enjoy the cold Danielle, it's the Scandinavian blood in me.
But the cold is something that I've never had to get used to on a regular basis to actually miss.

And yes ..,California weather is to die for.

Side note....My son is visiting us this week from Minnesota.  His wife stayed home .....Today with a wind chill factor it was -50*.  He is feeling a bit guilty

Danielle sent some of her cold weather down here to us in the lower 48!!!    Looks like everyone except for those in California will be freezing this week.

(https://i.imgur.com/j470dPf.jpg)

Danielle sometimes posts a nice picture of a pretty mountain.
The tallest one in the continent is up there in Alaska.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on January 30, 2019, 10:00:49 AM
Danielle sometimes posts a nice picture of a pretty mountain.
The tallest one in the continent is up there in Alaska.

Chrissy

@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
Denali (meaning: "The High One")  is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet ... In the late 1800's, a gold prospector named it "Mount McKinley" in support of then-presidential candidate William McKinley; that name was eventually changed to the Native Alaskan name of Denali.

Last summer I posted a number of pictures of my hiking around the various mountains... I will most likely post more when the weather is more agreeable.

Thanks for your post and for sharing... you are always welcome here on my thread.
HUGS,
Danielle

UPDATE:   Wednesday afternoon  January 30, 2019    1:30pm

Yesterday I was at my office all day and half the night.  Several times I was in the middle of filing taxes and logging into into my CPA tax site checking for changes on the new tax forms and I kept having connection issues...  lost some of my entrees and had to re-enter all the information....   then to make matters worse, one of my business computers started acting up....
... argggg... very frustrating.   

At 5:30pm I took a dinner break and ordered my dinner from the next door coffee shop and brought it back to my office.
    Deluxe Cheeseburger and Waffle Fries ....   my comfort food when I need to be cheered up.

I did not get home till after 9pm, took some time to relax, chatted on the phone with my tooth-fairy #4 for a while and talked about our future plans to do a big-city overnight shopping trip next month with our Gym-Gals group...   #4 announced to me that I am going to share a room with her.... gosh, never in my pre-transition life it never entered my mind that a woman would tell me that she wants to share a hotel room with me....   times have changed for sure!!!   ::) ;)

Well, my sandwich and soup order is all most ready to pick up so I am going to have lunch now as my 2 business computers are buzzing away.

Thanks for checking in on my thread.
I am always eager to see what my followers post on my thread!!!!
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 30, 2019, 03:37:01 PM
UPDATE:   Wednesday afternoon  January 30, 2019    1:30pm

Yesterday I was at my office all day and half the night.  Several times I was in the middle of filing taxes and logging into into my CPA tax site checking for changes on the new tax forms and I kept having connection issues...  lost some of my entrees and had to re-enter all the information....   then to make matters worse, one of my business computers started acting up....
... argggg... very frustrating.   

At 5:30pm I took a dinner break and ordered my dinner from the next door coffee shop and brought it back to my office.
    Deluxe Cheeseburger and Waffle Fries ....   my comfort food when I need to be cheered up.

I did not get home till after 9pm, took some time to relax, chatted on the phone with my tooth-fairy #4 for a while and talked about our future plans to do a big-city overnight shopping trip next month with our Gym-Gals group...   #4 announced to me that I am going to share a room with her.... gosh, never in my pre-transition life it never entered my mind that a woman would tell me that she wants to share a hotel room with me....   times have changed for sure!!!   ::) ;)

Well, my sandwich and soup order is all most ready to pick up so I am going to have lunch now as my 2 business computers are buzzing away.

Thanks for checking in on my thread.
I am always eager to see what my followers post on my thread!!!!
Hugs,
Danielle

Thank you Danielle for your working update.  I'm so happy to see that you still have time for fun in this beginning of a very busy season for you. 

You have a special occasion (2?) coming up next week.  I plan to celebrate it (them?)

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

NEWS FLASH.......  Wednesday evening 7:00pm  January 30, 2019
***Finally*** I am getting some much needed assistance at my office.  Since the beginning of the year I have been seeking to hire temporary accounting help for the next several months during this busy tax season.   I have had a sign on my office door and also at the Coffee Shop bulletin board... and I had a young woman come into my office early this afternoon to apply for the job.  She is in her early 20's, was conservatively dressed and very pretty and has some accounting and computer experience... she is perfect for the task... and will appeal to my conservative financial clients. 

I started her this afternoon and had her do some computer tax data entree work, relieving me of a tedious task that takes so much of my time that I could be doing other things at work and also have more available personal time.
Hopefully this will help relieve me of the 14-15 hour work days and 6 or 7 days a week that I was often working last year during tax season.

I was having a conversation with her just about a half hour ago and she looked at me and very cautiously and carefully asked, "Are you the one that moved here just 2 years ago?  ... and are you really transgender?   I replied and told her yes, and then she looked a little shocked and complimented me on my appearance and my figure.... she said that she would have never known if she didn't hear it via the small town gossip.   So anyway, that was such a very nice thing to happen to me today.  She is such a great helper and works hard.

I is almost 7:00pm and we are both going to quit for the night.  She will be working Mon -Fridays... half days in the afternoons.   That will certainly be a tremendous help to me.

I will be locking up in about 5 minutes and going home ... almost 7:00pm here...
that is much better than 9:00pm yesterday.

I will post more on my thread as always.
Hugs,
Danielle

That is such a great story, on so many fronts!

And, her comments are sort of good news and bad news. Good in that she would not have known. Bad in that the gossip told her. To me, sort of, the total stealth thing is the ultimate dream. And, in the right circumstances, clearly that does not matter. (See the number of suiters on the list...  ;D)

Kate

congrats

Quote from: KatieP on January 30, 2019, 10:16:33 PM
That is such a great story, on so many fronts!

And, her comments are sort of good news and bad news. Good in that she would not have known. Bad in that the gossip told her. To me, sort of, the total stealth thing is the ultimate dream. And, in the right circumstances, clearly that does not matter. (See the number of suiters on the list...  ;D)

Kate

@KatieP
Dear Kate:
Absolutely NOT Bad News,  I have fully come-out in my small town... everyone that I call friends or acquaintances know that I am transgender... and I am accepted by almost all.... NO living in stealth for me... no secrets.   
It is such a relief to not have to hide.... I am free to live my life!!!!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and thanks for posting.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 30, 2019, 10:29:01 PM
@KatieP
Dear Kate:
Absolutely NOT Bad News, 
Hugs,
Danielle

I totally understand, Danielle. It is just one of the amazing things about you. I could never do it, but I am pretty sure that could I go completely stealth, I would do it in a second.

But you are VERY comfortable with all of you, and all aspects of your history. I expect it is one reason why you are still on these forums, and helping all the rest of us. When I see the amount of time that people like you, and Ashley (tgirlamg), spend continuing to support and encourage others, I am humbled and thankful.

Kate

@Alaskan Danielle
Danielle, it's great to hear you have help for your busy season.  I remember how swamped you were last year.
It certainly is wonderful that your little town has treated you with such respect.
What else could be expected towards such a respectable woman.

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Uh oh, you're now THE BOSS. <cue dramatic music>  :o


Congrats on moving on up in the world, here's to your future accounting empire.

Awesome news!!   Congrats "Boss Lady"     :)

My dear Danielle -

Ugh - work keeps me really busy right now so I almost missed a few very important updates.

I am so glad you finally found some help for your busy business. I do remember how busy you were last year and this year is shaping up to be even busier for you. Great you found someone who fits well into your business and matches your client's expectations.

I can not even imagine what a relief this must be for you to see your business booming, I suspect there was some concern about your revealed secret affecting your business. I certainly remember how my work coming out caused concerns on my end and I just had to decline a project in a country where I would not feel safe. This, of course, has an impact since I am now less flexible. It is great to see this did not happen to you and your talents have been the deciding factor, as it should be. Transition does not mean we lose any of the abilities we had before. We even learn a lot of new things...

The compliment your new help made is amazing! These are very affirming moments and do show how well you are blending in. Congratulations!

Ah, the shopping weekend! It feels it has been very long since you went on such a trip the last time to stock up on supplies and enjoy the city. Last time you have been a bit hesitant to share the room with your tooth-fairy #4 since it was shortly after she started showing some interest in you. I hope this time there is no more hesitation. You must feel like a high school girl getting asked to prom.

I really hope you are staying warm where you are! We are lucky here, we are on the border of the polar vortex with 5F right now. Next Tuesday it will be back in the 60's and I may need to dig up some shorts and tank tops.

I hope your new help is turning out well.

Hugs and love,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 30, 2019, 10:07:04 PM
NEWS FLASH.......  Wednesday evening 7:00pm  January 30, 2019
***Finally*** I am getting some much needed assistance at my office.  Since the beginning of the year I have been seeking to hire temporary accounting help for the next several months during this busy tax season.   I have had a sign on my office door and also at the Coffee Shop bulletin board... and I had a young woman come into my office early this afternoon to apply for the job.  She is in her early 20's, was conservatively dressed and very pretty and has some accounting and computer experience... she is perfect for the task... and will appeal to my conservative financial clients. 

I started her this afternoon and had her do some computer tax data entree work, relieving me of a tedious task that takes so much of my time that I could be doing other things at work and also have more available personal time.
Hopefully this will help relieve me of the 14-15 hour work days and 6 or 7 days a week that I was often working last year during tax season.

I was having a conversation with her just about a half hour ago and she looked at me and very cautiously and carefully asked, "Are you the one that moved here just 2 years ago?  ... and are you really transgender?   I replied and told her yes, and then she looked a little shocked and complimented me on my appearance and my figure.... she said that she would have never known if she didn't hear it via the small town gossip.   So anyway, that was such a very nice thing to happen to me today.  She is such a great helper and works hard.

I is almost 7:00pm and we are both going to quit for the night.  She will be working Mon -Fridays... half days in the afternoons.   That will certainly be a tremendous help to me.

I will be locking up in about 5 minutes and going home ... almost 7:00pm here...
that is much better than 9:00pm yesterday.

I will post more on my thread as always.
Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle,


That sounds positive.  Good for you, and her.   :)

Chrissy

UPDATE:  January 31, 2019   Thursday  1:15pm

I am a very Happy Camper today.   
My temporary part time help came into work her first half-day today...   she was scheduled to come in at 1:00pm and she arrived early, got situated in the extra desk and computer in my office and she is ready work!!!  (off to a good start for a new hire)

I love having some help this year.   I had a temp 2 years ago for a couple months and it did not work out too well.   I have a feeling that is young lady and I are going to get along and get a lot of work done.

Hugs,
Danielle

Great you found someone that seems to workout for you.  Your business has gotten to the point that you need someone for tax season.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 31, 2019, 04:19:55 PM
UPDATE:  January 31, 2019   Thursday  1:15pm

I am a very Happy Camper today.   
My temporary part time help came into work her first half-day today...   she was scheduled to come in at 1:00pm and she arrived early, got situated in the extra desk and computer in my office and she is ready work!!!  (off to a good start for a new hire)

I love having some help this year.   I had a temp 2 years ago for a couple months and it did not work out too well.   I have a feeling that is young lady and I are going to get along and get a lot of work done.

Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle,


That is great news!

Chrissy

3:35 pm:
This is great...  I finally have someone in my office in the afternoons so I can slip away to do errands or go sit in the coffee shop and socialize for a short break.   
When the computers are busy doing their thing and I don't have any clients coming in I don't feel too guilty as I know that my phones are covered, and if I have walk-in clients I am just 20 seconds away.

My toothfairy#4 after she leaves her work is coming into my office around 4:30pm this afternoon, in about an hour from now... she wants to meet my new employee...
It will be interesting to hear what #4 has to say when she meets her.

I will keep my thread updated.   

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 31, 2019, 06:40:37 PM
3:35 pm:
This is great...  I finally have someone in my office in the afternoons so I can slip away to do errands or go sit in the coffee shop and socialize for a short break.   
When the computers are busy doing their thing and I don't have any clients coming in I don't feel too guilty as I know that my phones are covered, and if I have walk-in clients I am just 20 seconds away.

My toothfairy#4 after she leaves her work is coming into my office around 4:30pm this afternoon, in about an hour from now... she wants to meet my new employee...
It will be interesting to hear what #4 has to say when she meets her.

I will keep my thread updated.   

Hugs,
Danielle

So many things to be happy about.
I am curious though if your Tooth Fairy will feel a bit jealous with you working closely with another pretty woman.  Lol.......I know, I know.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Im happy everything is working out for you. 

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 31, 2019, 04:19:55 PM
UPDATE:  January 31, 2019   Thursday  1:15pm

My temporary part time help came into work her first half-day today...   she was scheduled to come in at 1:00pm and she arrived early, got situated in the extra desk and computer in my office and she is ready work!!!  (off to a good start for a new hire)

That is indeed off to a good start.  I've had a lot of professional staff that thought "on time" was getting there and punching in/signing in, then changing, getting coffee/breakfast, etc. vs. changing, getting coffee/breakfast, etc. and THEN punching/signing in.  Sounds like she is responsible and gets it. 

less work = more fun

So good for you! I remember how hard and long you worked last tax time. I hope that she works out for you in the long run. Now you'll have time to breathe! [emoji4]


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

UPDATE:  6:00pm  Saturday  February 02, 2018
I am heading out my door now going to dinner at my ToothFairy's (#4) home along with several ladies from our Gym-Gals group. 

I made a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake this morning before I went to work, that will be our dessert along with fresh whipped cream that I made....  the other ladies will be bringing side dishes too. 

After dinner we will be playing several fun card games and undoubtedly having a lot of fun conversation too.

Good night ALL...

Hugs,
Danielle
                          (https://i.imgur.com/KbGgAgQ.jpg)

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 02, 2019, 09:14:17 PM
UPDATE:  6:00pm  Saturday  February 02, 2018
I am heading out my door now going to dinner at my ToothFairy's (#4) home along with several ladies from our Gym-Gals group. 

I made a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake this morning before I went to work, that will be our dessert along with fresh whipped cream that I made....  the other ladies will be bringing side dishes too. 

After dinner we will be playing several fun card games and undoubtedly having a lot of fun conversation too.

Good night ALL...

Hugs,
Danielle
                          (https://i.imgur.com/KbGgAgQ.jpg)

Ooooo, that looks so yummy! I hope that you and the other ladies are having a wonderful evening. Does one dare ask if there may be an afterglow time?


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

That cake looks awesome 😎

All it needs is a pot of hot thick custard and my bowl!!! Recon you had a great time

Quote from: davina61 on February 03, 2019, 01:34:33 PM
All it needs is a pot of hot thick custard and my bowl!!! Recon you had a great time

That sounds too good!


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: SarahWithin on February 02, 2019, 09:53:34 PM
Ooooo, that looks so yummy! I hope that you and the other ladies are having a wonderful evening. Does one dare ask if there may be an afterglow time?


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

@SarahWithin
Dear Sarah:
Unfortunately there was no afterglow... it was fairly late when we all left but we did have great time all together. 
My gym-gals group comprises my closest lady friends... including #4 !!! [emoji173]
I left the leftover cake for the other gals to split up!!! 

Thank you for sharing and posting your thoughts.
Hugs and more hugs,
Danielle

  Pineapple upside cake.... now there is a "Proper" use of pineapple..

Quote from: Laurie on February 03, 2019, 04:56:48 PM
  Pineapple upside cake.... now there is a "Proper" use of pineapple..

So... Pineapple on a piece of dough in the oven... separate the dough and the pineapple with tomato sauce, add some ham and top it of with cheese. Perfect! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Quote from: sarah1972 on February 03, 2019, 08:00:05 PM
So... Pineapple on a piece of dough in the oven... separate the dough and the pineapple with tomato sauce, add some ham and top it of with cheese. Perfect! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

   Ummmm @Sarah1972,   No.

Quote from: sarah1972 on February 03, 2019, 08:00:05 PM
So... Pineapple on a piece of dough in the oven... separate the dough and the pineapple with tomato sauce, add some ham and top it of with cheese. Perfect! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

@sarah1972    @Laurie

Yes indeed Sarah...  my much loved Hawaiian Pizza ....  but our lovely friend Laurie doesn't like Hawaiian Pizza so that means that there is more for you and me. ;) ;)

Hugs to both of you...
Danielle

Danielle

Have you ever ridden a sled pulled by sled dogs?    Maybe i have watched oo much tv...lol    Is there snow on the ground most months of the year where you are at?

Sorry for all the questions......just find it so very intersting.

Quote from: Jenny1969 on February 04, 2019, 01:19:19 PM
Danielle

Have you ever ridden a sled pulled by sled dogs?    Maybe i have watched oo much tv...lol    Is there snow on the ground most months of the year where you are at?

Sorry for all the questions......just find it so very intersting.

@Jenny1969
Dear Jenny:
No problem, I am happy to answer your questions:

Yes, I have ridden, but not Mushed (driven) a dog sled being pulled by a team of usually 8 dogs more or less....   very exciting but the "driver" who is called a Musher, to be effective, has to know their dogs and the dogs have to "know" the Musher.  I tried taking the Musher position for a very short time, tried to go slow but the dogs get very excited...... It was a very exciting experience for sure.
The most familiar dog breed used is the Alaskan Husky but there are at least a dozen other breeds that are effective for the task.

A rough answer is that where I live there is snow on the ground here at least 6 - 8 months out of the year, sometimes starting as early as late September and ending in April, but sometimes we can still get snow through the month of May.  South and Southeast Alaska will usually have warmer temps and may get less snow (but not always) and Central and North Alaska with colder temps can get more.

When we have really heavy snowfalls over 4 or 5 feet... sometimes as much as 8 feet, and maybe more... for many residents the mode of transportation around town many times is Snow Machines  (called Snow Mobiles elsewhere)... and yes, I have driven those.

Great questions Jenny!!!
Thank you for sharing.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

We used to call them Ski Mobiles as a generic term.  They were fairly rudimentary machines back then. 

UPDATE:  February 05, 2019, Tuesday 11:30am....

It's a Happy Day for me today.  I am getting lots of affirmative and heart warming Birthday greetings and gifts from friends and acquaintances coming into my office; friendly smiles, well wishes and hugs at the next door coffee shop (free espresso and a free breakfast too); lots of  emails, PMs and  various threads on the Forums; one of my lady friends in my Book Club that I belong to is bringing me lunch today in about a half-hour;   and I don't have to worry about making dinner tonight after work.  I have been invited out by my gym-gals girlfriends to dinner, cake and fun party time.

I will definitely enjoy every moment... my Birthday is only once a year!!!   WOW... 39 years old!!!

Now, if I can just get my mind into a place of doing some necessary business work here in my office today...   it is a good thing that my new employee will be here this afternoon and will be doing something productive that will bring in  needed business.

             All of you that read and follow my threads are very much appreciated for sure.
Hugs and well wishes to all,
Danielle

Well in that case girl, please have a happy birthday greeting from a friend on Susan's! Happy Birthday and you so well deserve it!

Tia Anne

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190205/16935ba3a68f850fbf15fac43351a5b7.gif)

Have a great day sister!

Yes, this is the same as I sent to you by text, but it's so much fun to celebrate!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 05, 2019, 02:41:06 PM
UPDATE:  February 05, 2019, Tuesday 11:30am....

It's a Happy Day for me today.  I am getting lots of affirmative and heart warming Birthday greetings and gifts from friends and acquaintances coming into my office; friendly smiles, well wishes and hugs at the next door coffee shop (free espresso and a free breakfast too); lots of  emails, PMs and  various threads on the Forums; one of my lady friends in my Book Club that I belong to is bringing me lunch today in about a half-hour;   and I don't have to worry about making dinner tonight after work.  I have been invited out by my gym-gals girlfriends to dinner, cake and fun party time.

I will definitely enjoy every moment... my Birthday is only once a year!!!   WOW... 39 years old!!!

Now, if I can just get my mind into a place of doing some necessary business work here in my office today...   it is a good thing that my new employee will be here this afternoon and will be doing something productive that will bring in  needed business.

             All of you that read and follow my threads are very much appreciated for sure.
Hugs and well wishes to all,
Danielle

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear sweet Danielle! I hope this will be your very best one yet[emoji3590][emoji257][emoji512][emoji485]


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Happy birthday, Danielle! 

Your posts are always so much fun to read!

Wow!  Happy Birthday, Danielle! 

You've successfully ridden this rock around the Sun one more time.  May you have many more successful laps ahead of you!

Happy Birthday Danielle!

:icon_birthday:

Have a wonderful time with your friends!

Happy BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!   I hope you have a great birthday/week/month!!!!!!!!!

Happy not 40 quite yet.  You're almost to the top of that hill!

Don't worry, I'm right behind you.  :D

Happy birthday sweet Danielle! I posted in the birthday forum too. It's not your age, it's how you feel!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Happy Birthday Danielle!
   Wow, can't believe you are ten years older than me. One day you two will be 29 like me.  ;D  Do they have Alaskan Malamutes as part of the sled teams. I have had two Malamutes in my time. They are strong willed. My understanding is that they are bigger and slower, but strong and good for long distance. My first dog was named Random and was a wonderful dog. Have a fantastic birthday, Hon!
Moni

Missed your birthday (Hot Rod club night) so have a belated VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUG from me XXXXX

Happy belated birthday! Hope you had fun with friends last night.

Quote from: Jaime320 on February 06, 2019, 07:58:26 PM
Happy belated birthday! Hope you had fun with friends last night.

@Jamie320:
Dear Jaime:
Yes, for sure, I had a great time last night.  It was probably the nicest Birthday dinner and small party that I have ever had. 
Great food, wonderful company, fun card games and very affirming and enjoyable conversation with 5 of my best lady friends.... basically my Gym-Gals group.
   
At my office yesterday and today I had all kinds of nice Birthday greetings at the Coffee Shop, at my Office and lots of texts, phone calls and birthday cards in the mail.  Also a lot of birthday greetings on several threads here on the Forums.

I enjoyed every thing ...  wonderful frieds including a special Suitor (toothfairy#4)  food, cake, candies, small gifts, etc.
... and now I am impatiently waiting for more of the same next year...

.....but I really don't have to wait.  Every day involves various happy and friendly greetings and communication...

Thank you for posting....
Hugs,
Danielle

You Rock!!!    Enjoy

Quote from: Jenny1969 on February 07, 2019, 12:06:50 PM
You Rock!!!    Enjoy

@Jenny1969
Dear Jenny:
    "LIFE IS GOOD !"
When life treats us "good," it can be very good indeed....
I am indeed enjoying my life as it recently has been...
 
                         however....

... when "LIFE IS BAD"  it can be very discouraging at best.  But as a realist I understand fully that there will be almost always tough times ahead for myself and most of us in any of our life endeavors, it is then we need buckle down and try to work though those difficult issues.... 
                            and
...in those moments it is our good friends and supporters that can give us a helping hand with a kind word, a kind action, just listening to us, a shoulder to lean on, or even a cyber HUG!

Thank you for posting.....
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

I need an update from our Northern Star*Girl @Alaskan Danielle
Or is that cookies I need???

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

I was wondering the same... does this count as the first warning? What happens at 3 again? [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Quote from: Jessica on February 11, 2019, 08:13:58 PM
I need an update from our Northern Star*Girl @Alaskan Danielle
Or is that cookies I need???

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

@sarah1972 @Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: sarah1972 on February 11, 2019, 08:50:58 PM
I was wondering the same... does this count as the first warning? What happens at 3 again? [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

We go to her front door and knock....of course!

Quote from: Jessica on February 11, 2019, 08:13:58 PM
I need an update from our Northern Star*Girl @Alaskan Danielle
Or is that cookies I need???

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: sarah1972 on February 11, 2019, 08:50:58 PM
I was wondering the same... does this count as the first warning? What happens at 3 again? [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Quote from: Jessica on February 11, 2019, 08:52:23 PM
@sarah1972 @Alaskan Danielle

We go to her front door and knock....of course!

@Jessica   @sarah1972
Dear Jess and Sarah:
Thank you ladies... aweeee, it feels good to be missed.  It gives me a warm feeling to have good friends like you looking after me.

I have been a busy girl at work, long hours, computers humming away, and as I said in previous comments, I am sure happy that I have my part time gal helping during this start of my busy tax season.

When I got home from work tonight it finally after a dry spell started snowing here tonight...  I love the snow but it has not snowed here at all for over a week and now tonight it is snowing heavily... I love the snow.

After I fixed dinner, tomato soup and a toasted cheese sandwich, I got into my night clothes and sweats ... and I turned my oven on and made a batch of chocolate chip cookies with extra chocolate chips and chunk chocolate...  and lots of chopped walnuts.

There is not anything much better than eating a cookie that is still warm after coming out of the oven.  Plus the oven warms the kitchen nicely... and any kind of baking fills the house with wonderful smells....  one could gain weight just smelling the smells. ;)

Thank you so much for sharing, posting, and caring. [emoji173] [emoji173] [emoji173]
Hugs,
Danielle
(https://i.imgur.com/ttcAMej.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/UrGNRdn.jpg)

Hi Danielle - I was daunted by the length of your previous thread and it felt like I was going to open a long novel in the middle of it so I just passed.  Yesterday when you moved Emma's 'which hurts less' to it's own place I thought I would try to catch up on your story.

I think these stories of personal journeys are important for those early in the process to read for insight.  I had one of my own in a different website lifetime.

Thanks for providing a brief summary on page one of this new chapter - at least I feel like I have 'cliff notes' to catch up.
:)

Thank you so much for your nice update, Danielle. I was fearing you are buried in work leaving you little time for any fun or updates here.

Seems like you have avoided Jessica and I knocking on your door. But given the cookies, Jessica and I may reconsider...

Hope your work is all going well and I am happy seeing your business flourish!

Hugs,

Sarah

Danielle, you are one that is aware of my 6th sense.  Not only will I find hidden cookies, I can feel the ripples in the ponds of my friends.  Yes, your pond is frozen at the moment, but I know you needed a gentle nudge and a hug.  Buried in your work was the least of my concern, I was worried about life's drifts of cold snow that can overwhelm.  Cookies are a wonderful cure, but sometimes it requires friends that care.
The urge to smell those cookies is strong, Sarah and I may need to taste them too.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl



cc: @Alaskan Danielle @sarah1972

Quote from: Jessica on February 12, 2019, 10:14:32 AM
Danielle, you are one that is aware of my 6th sense.  Not only will I find hidden cookies, I can feel the ripples in the ponds of my friends.  Yes, your pond is frozen at the moment, but I know you needed a gentle nudge and a hug.  Buried in your work was the least of my concern, I was worried about life's drifts of cold snow that can overwhelm.  Cookies are a wonderful cure, but sometimes it requires friends that care.
The urge to smell those cookies is strong, Sarah and I may need to taste them too.

@Alaskan Danielle

Beware, for I know Jessica can do this thing.  When I put my chocolate chip cookies in the oven, I know that I will soon hear from Jessica.  She has an uncanny sense for such things.

But it's OK.  She is a good friend, and is welcome to have the cookies.  So are you, and so many others here.  I cannot think of many things more enjoyable than sharing at table, friends with good food and drink.

The cookies look awesome :)

I am glad you took the time to update you cornicle. I hope you find time to see the Tooth Fairy and visit with your friends at the gym and coffee shop. 

Rachel

Quote from: Michelle_P on February 12, 2019, 11:36:26 AM
@Alaskan Danielle

Beware, for I know Jessica can do this thing.  When I put my chocolate chip cookies in the oven, I know that I will soon hear from Jessica.  She has an uncanny sense for such things.

But it's OK.  She is a good friend, and is welcome to have the cookies.  So are you, and so many others here.  I cannot think of many things more enjoyable than sharing at table, friends with good food and drink.

@Michelle_P     @Jessica
Dear Michelle and Jess:
Yes indeed, you are very correct Michelle, I have found that since I have known Jessica for over a year here on the Forums and have exchanged many forum's comments and private mails with her that she and I seem to have "telepathy" about one another. 
So many times I will get an email from here expressing concern for what I may be going through but had never mentioned to anyone..... and vise versa.

Yes indeed Michelle, there is nothing much better than sharing my table of treats,food and drink with good friends.   I personally do an awfully lot of entertaining and sharing of the baked goods and foods that I prepare.   I certainly can not eat everything that I prepare.
   
I personally find in my life that it is so very true:
"It is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).

Thank you both for frequently posting your thoughts on my thread.
Hugs and Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Rachel on February 13, 2019, 04:33:35 PM
The cookies look awesome :)

I am glad you took the time to update you cornicle. I hope you find time to see the Tooth Fairy and visit with your friends at the gym and coffee shop. 

Rachel

@Rachel
Dear Rachel
It is great to again see your Avatar and your comment today.
Thank you once again for coming to my thread to share your thoughts.

Oh yes, I always make time to see my Tooth Fairy (#4)... also as you surmised I am at the next door coffee shop several times a day and visit with lots of friends and acquaintances, and
some suitors too.... including Barista#5.   
My weekly Gym-Gals outing to the Gym is one of the high points of my week.

Now that I have a part time gal working for me ... she can take care of much of the mundane computer entree work... allowing me to take a breather and some mid-afternoon time off and out of my office occasionally.   It is nice to have a break during a 12-14 hour day.

Thank you again for your comments.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

UPDATE:  February 13, 2019   Wednesday, 6:30pm
To all my followers interested in my baking and cooking:
.... tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

I am planning a special Valentine's homemade dinner at my home tomorrow
evening for my Dental Hygienist #4   aka: My Tooth Fairy

I will be making Beef Stroganoff as a main dish... and for dessert my famous
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with whipped cream to top it off.
         
          (https://i.imgur.com/2qlkoli.jpg)

I will try to post more about our evening after tomorrow night [emoji173]
After dinner we will most likely toasting our toes in front of
my propane fireplace while sipping some red wine.

This will be a surprise to her to come to my home because
we had talked today about going to our favorite restaurant.

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 13, 2019, 09:33:18 PM
UPDATE:  February 13, 2019   Wednesday, 6:30pm
To all my followers interested in my baking and cooking:
.... tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

I am planning a special Valentine's homemade dinner at my home tomorrow
evening for my Dental Hygienist #4   aka: My Tooth Fairy

I will be making Beef Stroganoff as a main dish... and for dessert my famous
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with whipped cream to top it off.
         
          (https://i.imgur.com/2qlkoli.jpg)

I will try to post more about our evening after tomorrow night [emoji173]
After dinner we will most likely toasting our toes in front of
my propane fireplace while sipping some red wine.

This will be a surprise to her to come to my home because
we had talked today about going to our favorite restaurant.

Hugs,
Danielle

It sounds lovely! I know that we'll all be waiting with great anticipation on your update about how it went. Have a wonderful, romantic time if we don't hear from you first. [emoji3590]


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Happy Valentines Day To you, Danielle, and to
Your tooth fairy. Who could have imagined a year ago, that this year you will be getting ready for a nice Valentines Day Dinner? I am so happy for you and your tooth fairy is one lucky lady given all the treats you are preparing.

Have a great day Danielle!!!

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 13, 2019, 09:33:18 PM
UPDATE:  February 13, 2019   Wednesday, 6:30pm
To all my followers interested in my baking and cooking:
.... tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

I am planning a special Valentine's homemade dinner at my home tomorrow
evening for my Dental Hygienist #4   aka: My Tooth Fairy

I will be making Beef Stroganoff as a main dish... and for dessert my famous
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with whipped cream to top it off.
         
          (https://i.imgur.com/2qlkoli.jpg)

I will try to post more about our evening after tomorrow night [emoji173]
After dinner we will most likely toasting our toes in front of
my propane fireplace while sipping some red wine.

This will be a surprise to her to come to my home because
we had talked today about going to our favorite restaurant.

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 13, 2019, 09:33:18 PM
UPDATE:  February 13, 2019   Wednesday, 6:30pm
To all my followers interested in my baking and cooking:
.... tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

I am planning a special Valentine's homemade dinner at my home tomorrow
evening for my Dental Hygienist #4   aka: My Tooth Fairy

I will be making Beef Stroganoff as a main dish... and for dessert my famous
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with whipped cream to top it off.
         
          (https://i.imgur.com/2qlkoli.jpg)

I will try to post more about our evening after tomorrow night [emoji173]
After dinner we will most likely toasting our toes in front of
my propane fireplace while sipping some red wine.

This will be a surprise to her to come to my home because
we had talked today about going to our favorite restaurant.

Hugs,
Danielle

whooo hooo hope the date goes really well and you a great time!! The field narrows  ;D

Liz

Happy Valentines Day

💕💕💕I'm sure all your suitors are lining up to give you hugs.
Certainly they are all jealous of your Tooth Fairy, lucky her!

Hugs and smiles, Jess 💕💕💕

Stoke up the fire and get the wine and chocs out, have FUN. XXXXXX

VALENTINE'S DAY UPDATE:  February 14, 2019   1:30pm

It is just after lunch time here and I have had quite an enjoyable day.... free breakfast at the coffee shop, a treat from Barista #5 and this morning at my office I have been inundated with candy, flowers, cards and hugs.
     (https://i.imgur.com/1uRwmNh.jpg)   

Then tonight I am fixing dinner for my special Valentine ... my ToothFairy#4

Wishing all of my followers a very HAPPY VALENTINES DAY !!!

Hugs,
Danielle

Have a great day, be careful not to eat too much of that candy.

sounds great!!!    enjoy

Wow! A very nice Valentines day indeed Danielle! Happy Valentines Day to you too.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 14, 2019, 04:51:06 PM
VALENTINE'S DAY UPDATE:  February 14, 2019   1:30pm

It is just after lunch time here and I have had quite an enjoyable day.... free breakfast at the coffee shop, a treat from Barista #5 and this morning at my office I have been inundated with candy, flowers, cards and hugs.
     (https://i.imgur.com/1uRwmNh.jpg)   

Then tonight I am fixing dinner for my special Valentine ... my ToothFairy#4

Wishing all of my followers a very HAPPY VALENTINES DAY !!!

Hugs,
Danielle

I'm happy your Valentines Day went so well.
This comes of no surprise to me.
Your infectious smile makes all that you meet, want to be with you!

Hugs and smiles, Jess

I hope that it was a pleasant evening for you two.

Chrissy

Valentines Day February 14, 2019...
...evening dinner for my Toothfairy #4 at my home...

When she arrived at my home, she brought flowers and a lovely card...[emoji173][emoji173][emoji173]
            (https://i.imgur.com/1NoS1IN.jpg)

The following night Friday Feb 15,  she invited me to her home. 

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 16, 2019, 07:02:32 PM
Valentines Day February 14, 2019...
...evening dinner for my Toothfairy #4 at my home...

When she arrived at my home, she brought flowers and a lovely card...[emoji173][emoji173][emoji173]
            (https://i.imgur.com/1NoS1IN.jpg)

The following night Friday Feb 15,  she invited me to her home. 

Hugs,
Danielle

Danielle,


That sounds very nice.   :)    :)

Chrissy

Lovely flowers and a very nice card your tooth fairy brought!

I hope you two had two lovely evenings!

Hugs,

Sarah

Not being nosey but more details , just did you have a REALY good time  ;)

I hope your Valentine's day was a success.  That's a nice looking cake.

Now if we could just figure out how to send cake through the forum. ;)

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

I am glad that you and your tooth fairy Valentine had a good time.  It is always heart-warming to read about you two love birds.

UPDATE  Sunday February 17, 2019...   5:20pm

Woke up early this morning, showered and fixed myself up, made a few reply posts here on the forums, and then went to church. 
After church I went to a late lunch with several single ladies from church and went out to a neat little Mexican Restaurant...  great food.   

I came  home and took a short Sunday afternoon nap and then got a surprise visit from a the leader of my Book Club group.  She will be gone at the next meeting and wants me to lead the meeting so she assumed I would say yes and left me with the review notes that will be discussed at the meeting.   We had coffee together and a nice conversation.   She told me that she appreciated my regular attendance and my contributions to the discussions.   

So there it is... just a "normal" day in the normal life of a single woman in a small town.

Hugs,
Danielle

sounds good

It's MONDAY morning... February 18, 2019  7:55am

This is a Monday that would make one hate Mondays!!!  Woke up to 15 deg F outside and snowing....
It snowed heavily all last night, I woke early to hearing my neighbor plowing my driveway early this morning...
then I got a phone call from 2 guy friends that I know from the Coffee Shop and they wanted to know if I needed help shoveling-out this morning...  very nice of them....
... what a blessing to have good neighbors and good friends.   I almost never have to ask for snow removal help, they just offer to help without me asking.   
I must look like a damsel in distress to them ???,
or perhaps it is the constant gift of my cookies and baked goods that I give to them?

It is supposed to snow all morning until noon which will result in many inches of snow.

Today is a Federal Holiday... "Presidents' Day" so the Banks and government offices are closed but that doesn't stop most private businesses including mine from being open and from trying to make a living.   

I hope that your day is going well so far...    I've got my hot coffee and a chocolate doughnut from next door and am going to be a busy girl this Monday morning.....  lots of tax work to do for my clients.  $$$$$

Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 18, 2019, 11:11:19 AM
It's MONDAY morning... February 18, 2019  7:55am

This is a Monday that would make one hate Mondays!!!  Woke up to 15 deg F outside and snowing....
It snowed heavily all last night, I woke early to hearing my neighbor plowing my driveway early this morning...
then I got a phone call from 2 guy friends that I know from the Coffee Shop and they wanted to know if I needed help shoveling-out this morning...  very nice of them....
... what a blessing to have good neighbors and good friends.   I almost never have to ask for snow removal help, they just offer to help without me asking.   
I must look like a damsel in distress to them ???,
or perhaps it is the constant gift of my cookies and baked goods that I give to them?

It is supposed to snow all morning until noon which will result in many inches of snow.

Today is a Federal Holiday... "Presidents' Day" so the Banks and government offices are closed but that doesn't stop most private businesses including mine from being open and from trying to make a living.   

I hope that your day is going well so far...    I've got my hot coffee and a chocolate doughnut from next door and am going to be a busy girl this Monday morning.....  lots of tax work to do for my clients.  $$$$$

Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

What goes around, comes around.
This is karma in action.
If you give love, you get love.

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Many guys just seem to like opportunities to help, especially if they can use their tools, such as chain saws, snow plows, snow blowers, shovels, etc. to help friends.  It is good to always be nice and friendly, regardless what others do.  Sometimes others choose to be helpful.


Chrissy

My dear Danielle - Kindness has a way of paying back. I am sure your friendly nature and community engagement (along with the lovely cookies) is one of the reasons why people are reaching out to see if you need any help.

I know it is often hard to accept help, even harder to ask. I am a very bad example in the area and I have severely injured myself in my attempts to not bother anyone, yet I am always there for friends or neighbors. And that does not only apply to physical work, I am also always offering a shoulder to lean on or an ear to pour one's heart out.

One other hard thing is the changed gender role. Usually, we have been the ones being gentlemen and offering help. Now we are being offered help. This takes some getting used to.

I still believe in "random acts of kindness". It makes a big difference in other people's life. Maybe it is the Scout in me and their motto of "Do one good turn daily".

I hope your Monday ended on a good note!

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 18, 2019, 11:11:19 AM
It's MONDAY morning... February 18, 2019  7:55am

This is a Monday that would make one hate Mondays!!!  Woke up to 15 deg F outside and snowing....
It snowed heavily all last night, I woke early to hearing my neighbor plowing my driveway early this morning...
then I got a phone call from 2 guy friends that I know from the Coffee Shop and they wanted to know if I needed help shoveling-out this morning...  very nice of them....
... what a blessing to have good neighbors and good friends.   I almost never have to ask for snow removal help, they just offer to help without me asking.   
I must look like a damsel in distress to them ???,
or perhaps it is the constant gift of my cookies and baked goods that I give to them?

It is supposed to snow all morning until noon which will result in many inches of snow.

Today is a Federal Holiday... "Presidents' Day" so the Banks and government offices are closed but that doesn't stop most private businesses including mine from being open and from trying to make a living.   

I hope that your day is going well so far...    I've got my hot coffee and a chocolate doughnut from next door and am going to be a busy girl this Monday morning.....  lots of tax work to do for my clients.  $$$$$

Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

You have such wonderful friend Danielle. It's you sweet personality and that big happy smile. Who wouldn't fall in love with that? The cookies and other baked goods are the icing on the cake.

My home town used to have that small town feel. Good neighbors helping each other and always the wave and hello. When I was young, we could walk down the street with our 22's on our shoulders heading out for some target practice. The neighbors would say "bring use back a rabbit for dinner". Those days were gone many years ago. I still love this town/city.

It sound like you and your Tooth Fairy had a happy Valentine's day and presidents day weekend. Lovely flowers and a heart felt card.

Hugs girl!

Yes that would certainly make one despise a Monday morning if you got 2' of snow and you had to get to work..without a coffee to start.
How wonderful of your friends to drop by and help you out, no I don't think you would look like a Damsel in distress, but your lovely warm personality will bring many to help you in any situation Danielle. Who would not? You are awesome person to the core and anybody not seeing that is missing a great experience in life!
Then if you put cookies out after that...my god you get a stampede coming to your house..lol.
I hope your day continued to be a fabulous day even though you had to work on the holiday.
Taxes and the work that goes with it...geez its got to be testy some days..I am sure it is. I am being tested just doiing my own this week.  Keep the pencil sharp and hope you have a wonderful week!
Liina

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 18, 2019, 11:11:19 AM
It's MONDAY morning... February 18, 2019  7:55am

This is a Monday that would make one hate Mondays!!!  Woke up to 15 deg F outside and snowing....
It snowed heavily all last night, I woke early to hearing my neighbor plowing my driveway early this morning...
then I got a phone call from 2 guy friends that I know from the Coffee Shop and they wanted to know if I needed help shoveling-out this morning...  very nice of them....
... what a blessing to have good neighbors and good friends.   I almost never have to ask for snow removal help, they just offer to help without me asking.   
I must look like a damsel in distress to them ???,
or perhaps it is the constant gift of my cookies and baked goods that I give to them?

It is supposed to snow all morning until noon which will result in many inches of snow.

Today is a Federal Holiday... "Presidents' Day" so the Banks and government offices are closed but that doesn't stop most private businesses including mine from being open and from trying to make a living.   

I hope that your day is going well so far...    I've got my hot coffee and a chocolate doughnut from next door and am going to be a busy girl this Monday morning.....  lots of tax work to do for my clients.  $$$$$

Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

@Liina
Dear Liina:
Thank you for your way too kind words...
I appreciate your comments and thoughts...
...and thank you for following my thread.
You are always welcome here.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Liina on February 20, 2019, 11:17:02 PM
Yes that would certainly make one despise a Monday morning if you got 2' of snow and you had to get to work..without a coffee to start.
How wonderful of your friends to drop by and help you out, no I don't think you would look like a Damsel in distress, but your lovely warm personality will bring many to help you in any situation Danielle. Who would not? You are awesome person to the core and anybody not seeing that is missing a great experience in life!
Then if you put cookies out after that...my god you get a stampede coming to your house..lol.
I hope your day continued to be a fabulous day even though you had to work on the holiday.
Taxes and the work that goes with it...geez its got to be testy some days..I am sure it is. I am being tested just doiing my own this week.  Keep the pencil sharp and hope you have a wonderful week!
Liina

UPDATE  Wednesday nite February 20, 2019  8:30pm

I got off to a sluggish start this morning ... my hip and leg are still hurting and bruised from falling on the slippery ice at my office on Monday night when locking up...  last night as with Monday night I downed 4 Ibuprofen so I could get a good night's sleep.
Even though it is getting better, tonight I am taking Ibuprofen once more for my hip and leg pain. 

This early morning it was well below ZERO deg F outside with below freezing cold temps continuing but thankfully no new snow... tomorrow night (Thursday) we are supposed to be in the deep freezer with
expected lows of (minus)  -16 deg F ...

Several cups of hot coffee and a small bowl of Hot Oatmeal with Raisins started my morning so I could get to work to face the day.
It has been quite busy but with my new part time gal I am enjoying this early tax season much better than last year when I worked my office by myself.

Please stay warm and dry my dear friends, it appears that the upper Midwest and East Coast is getting blasted with another winter storm with cold and snow...  and the Southeast Central states are going to get lots of rain and flooding.

Thank you for reading and following....  you are always welcome to share your comments and thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Sorry to hear that you are in pain! Hopefully the pain will be short lived. Love your new avatar! A total different look!

Our weather is getting better. Still cooler than normal but the flowers are freezing as much! Hopefully we will just skip into Spring! The rain and warmer, above freezing temps, are really helping with the snow melt!

A while back, I had mentioned that I was looking to move. I am now in the 'apartment hunt' mode and hopefully will find one for Mar 1 or by April 1. I will let you know what happens. Victoria has like less than a 1% vacancy rate.

Take care! I know that you will manage the cold as usual and you do have your 'Tooth Fairy' to help keep warm!

Hugs!

Hi Danielle:

I have been a reader but I just wanted to say that your thread has been inspirational for me...and fun.  It got me through some tough times.

I am jealous, in a very positive way of every photo you post.  You are so beautiful!

Thank you and massive hugs,

Emma

Oh no, my dear Danielle -

So sorry to hear about your fall and all the pain associated, especially for an active gal like you being slowed down by such an accident.

I hope, you will feel better soon and the bruises heal quickly.

I do LOVE your new profile picture, this is the best one you have had so far!

Please be careful out there and stay warm, I will be thinking about you and hope soon you can sleep without Ibuprofen!

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 20, 2019, 11:40:31 PM
UPDATE  Wednesday nite February 20, 2019  8:30pm

I got off to a sluggish start this morning ... my hip and leg are still hurting and bruised from falling on the slippery ice at my office on Monday night when locking up...  last night as with Monday night I downed 4 Ibuprofen so I could get a good night's sleep.
Even though it is getting better, tonight I am taking Ibuprofen once more for my hip and leg pain. 

This early morning it was well below ZERO deg F outside with below freezing cold temps continuing but thankfully no new snow... tomorrow night (Thursday) we are supposed to be in the deep freezer with
expected lows of (minus)  -16 deg F ...

Several cups of hot coffee and a small bowl of Hot Oatmeal with Raisins started my morning so I could get to work to face the day.
It has been quite busy but with my new part time gal I am enjoying this early tax season much better than last year when I worked my office by myself.

Please stay warm and dry my dear friends, it appears that the upper Midwest and East Coast is getting blasted with another winter storm with cold and snow...  and the Southeast Central states are going to get lots of rain and flooding.

Thank you for reading and following....  you are always welcome to share your comments and thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Love the new look. I could smell the cookies from here.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 20, 2019, 11:40:31 PM
UPDATE  Wednesday nite February 20, 2019  8:30pm

I got off to a sluggish start this morning ... my hip and leg are still hurting and bruised from falling on the slippery ice at my office on Monday night when locking up...  last night as with Monday night I downed 4 Ibuprofen so I could get a good night's sleep.
Even though it is getting better, tonight I am taking Ibuprofen once more for my hip and leg pain. 

This early morning it was well below ZERO deg F outside with below freezing cold temps continuing but thankfully no new snow... tomorrow night (Thursday) we are supposed to be in the deep freezer with
expected lows of (minus)  -16 deg F ...

Several cups of hot coffee and a small bowl of Hot Oatmeal with Raisins started my morning so I could get to work to face the day.
It has been quite busy but with my new part time gal I am enjoying this early tax season much better than last year when I worked my office by myself.

Please stay warm and dry my dear friends, it appears that the upper Midwest and East Coast is getting blasted with another winter storm with cold and snow...  and the Southeast Central states are going to get lots of rain and flooding.

Thank you for reading and following....  you are always welcome to share your comments and thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

We seem to be experiencing that deep freezer down here in SoCal too Danielle. Although nowhere near as cold as where you are. The temp's are getting down to the 20's and 30's in the mornings and evenings. We are getting snow in our local low level (1000ft) mountains with more snow expected this afternoon and into the evening. I'm heading out for a late evening Ffluid meeting tonight. I will have my Parka and Ugg boots on for sure.

Stay warn. I hope your hip and leg feel better soon.
Hugs!

I hope you're feeling better Danielle and any bruising isn't too bad.  I've fallen on ice and it happens so fast.   

I love your new avatar too! 

You take care, hope the bruising and stiffness goes soon. Heatwave here!!!! 15 C and sunny today.

So, in the, "What was Danielle doing when the picture was taken" department:

I say dancing.
I can see the moment. Her right arm goes up, her body just twisted to the right, she turns her head to the left, and yells, "Oh Yeah!!" just as the shutter clicks...

;D

Kate

Quote from: KatieP on February 21, 2019, 04:16:20 PM
So, in the, "What was Danielle doing when the picture was taken" department:

I say dancing.
I can see the moment. Her right arm goes up, her body just twisted to the right, she turns her head to the left, and yells, "Oh Yeah!!" just as the shutter clicks...

;D

Kate

@KatieP
Dear Kate:
Since I posted it I have had quite a few PMs asking about my new Avatar photo...
 
You have a good guess... but actually it was taken on Valentine's Day,
when I was fixing a special dinner at my home for my ToothFairy Suitor #4 
I was reading the beautiful card and an attached letter from her.... 
... she took the picture, a very sweet moment for sure.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Hugs,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Hi Danielle,

I Love your current profile pic - you look adorable!! & very pretty

Hope your hip and leg are getting better - I'm off to a massage in 2 hours to try and get my leg in better shape, still aching despite 2 weeks of panadol (paracetamol), and running around with kindy kids all day probably doesn't help....but it is great for the soul! ( got the day off today)

Take care,

Sonja

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 20, 2019, 11:40:31 PM
UPDATE  Wednesday nite February 20, 2019  8:30pm

I got off to a sluggish start this morning ... my hip and leg are still hurting and bruised from falling on the slippery ice at my office on Monday night when locking up...  last night as with Monday night I downed 4 Ibuprofen so I could get a good night's sleep.
Even though it is getting better, tonight I am taking Ibuprofen once more for my hip and leg pain. 

This early morning it was well below ZERO deg F outside with below freezing cold temps continuing but thankfully no new snow... tomorrow night (Thursday) we are supposed to be in the deep freezer with
expected lows of (minus)  -16 deg F ...

Several cups of hot coffee and a small bowl of Hot Oatmeal with Raisins started my morning so I could get to work to face the day.
It has been quite busy but with my new part time gal I am enjoying this early tax season much better than last year when I worked my office by myself.

Please stay warm and dry my dear friends, it appears that the upper Midwest and East Coast is getting blasted with another winter storm with cold and snow...  and the Southeast Central states are going to get lots of rain and flooding.

Thank you for reading and following....  you are always welcome to share your comments and thoughts.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

You poor darling! I fell on black ice (on blacktop - totally invisible) on 12/21 while walking my dog and I know first hand how fast it happens and the damage it can do to one's body. I hope you're healing well and that your fall will become just a memory VERY soon. I must join the chorus of ladies and tell you that I just adore your new avatar, particularly after your explanation! You get more beautiful every time we see you. Your Tooth Fairy #4 is a very lucky lady, indeed! Have a warm, restful night, dear girl.


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

I hope that you are feeling better.
Try to get some more rest.

You take care.


Chrissy

I must agree with everyone else your profile photo is amazing. I knew you were pretty from your other photos, but you look like a knockout! No wonder suitors are lining up.

Hello Danielle....I just wanted to tell you that you are very beautiful and I wish nothing but the best for you. You look amazing and I love your haircut.
I started my HRT yesterday after I walked out of the doctors office with prescriptions in hand and got into my car.
I was soooo excited that I took MY first dose in the parking lot. This morning I took my second dose and I look forward to the ride. I hope we can be friends.

micha

Love your new Avatar!
Was my PM instrumental in your decision to change it?

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Quote from: michalee on February 22, 2019, 02:31:57 PM
Hello Danielle....I just wanted to tell you that you are very beautiful and I wish nothing but the best for you. You look amazing and I love your haircut.
I started my HRT yesterday after I walked out of the doctors office with prescriptions in hand and got into my car.
I was soooo excited that I took MY first dose in the parking lot. This morning I took my second dose and I look forward to the ride. I hope we can be friends.

micha

Hi, micha!

Welcome to Susan's Place.

Congratulations on starting HRT!  How exciting for you!

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)	Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html)	Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html)	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)

Quote from: michalee on February 22, 2019, 02:31:57 PM
Hello Danielle....I just wanted to tell you that you are very beautiful and I wish nothing but the best for you. You look amazing and I love your haircut.
I started my HRT yesterday after I walked out of the doctors office with prescriptions in hand and got into my car.
I was soooo excited that I took MY first dose in the parking lot. This morning I took my second dose and I look forward to the ride. I hope we can be friends.

micha

@michalee   
Dear Micha:
     Welcome to my personal transition thread and THANK YOU so very much for your way-too-kind words.
I am so happy to read that you have joyfully just started your HRT.  Hang on tight for an exciting ride.  Be sure to look around at the other postings and threads around the various Forums topics to read what may be in store for you as you continue on in your journey.
     
     I also see that our lovely member and my forum's sister Official Greeter  @KathyLauren  has just given you a warm Welcome to Susan's Place. 
I trust that you will follow theLINK she gave to you to find your way to the  Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html)  to tell more members here about yourself.

    As you post on the forums and various topic areas you will be able to exchange thoughts and comments with others that are experiencing many of the same things that you are.   I expect that you will be getting many members offering their thoughts and suggestions as you continue to post here. 

    This is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation and as you continue to feel free to share with all of us.

    I also want to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    As you are certainly aware you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***There is a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new like-minded friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
   
    Our lovely member KathyLauren  had attached important and informative LINKS on her original Welcome Message to you that will help you to navigate around the Forums and will allow you to enjoy the features here.     
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

NOTE: Now after all of this Greeting Stuff I will attempt to get my thread back so that we can all enjoy the friendly and enjoyable conversation that goes on here.  Please feel very free to visit, read and to post your thoughts here often on my thread.  You and others are always most welcome.

Quote from: Jessica on February 22, 2019, 02:35:01 PM
Love your new Avatar!
Was my PM instrumental in your decision to change it?

Hugs and smiles, Jess

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Thank you for your kind comment regarding my new Avatar photo.

Yes indeed Jess, your suggestions and comments always influence my decisions and actions greatly... 
... just continue to be very "careful" what you suggest to me!!!  ;) ;) ;) :o :o :o
Many Hugs,    [emoji176]
Danielle

Love the profile pic :)

Sorry to hear about the fall and cold temps. I hope you feel better soon.

I think it will be 60 degrees in Philly on Sunday. I have no idea how you can survive the bitter cold for so long.

Quote from: Rachel on February 22, 2019, 05:56:23 PM
Love the profile pic :)

Sorry to hear about the fall and cold temps. I hope you feel better soon.

I think it will be 60 degrees in Philly on Sunday. I have no idea how you can survive the bitter cold for so long.

@Rachel
Dear Rachel:
Thanks for posting and thank you for your thoughts.

I am indeed feeling better, slowly but surely... the bruise is still quite apparent on my hip and thigh...  it looks like someone beat me up... but it is not hurting as much lately, getting better every day.

Ahhhhh, I love the cold winters.... a nice change from the warmer summers and warm weather insects, here in the summer time the mosquitoes go nuts, on steroids... they only have a couple months to propagate so they are quite busy.

I love the distinct seasons of the year.
Today it has been cold, right now it is -2 deg F  and tonight is is supposed to get down to -12 deg F... but the good news is no forecast of snow and ice for the near future.   

Thanks again for your comments.
Hugs,
Danielle

UPDATE:  February 22, 2018   Friday evening  7:30pm

Today at my office it has been a predictably busy day.   I have processed 19 tax returns today and me and my part time gal got them all filed for my clients.   Because my clients had their act together and brought in their paperwork early in the tax season those that are getting a refund can be expecting their direct deposits by early March. 

Regarding the USA tax time... This brings me to the next point I want to make about Income Tax Refunds.  With the changes in the tax laws, new and different IRS 1040 Forms, increased standard deductions, revisions in employee payroll Tax Withholding, many of my clients that have been filing their taxes seem to be shocked and upset to find that they are getting a smaller refund that they are accustomed to receiving... and mostly upset with the IRS and President Trump. 
The important thing that they do not seem to realize and understand is that if payroll withholding is less and they get a bigger paycheck and even though their total tax bill will be slightly less with the tax law changes, they get a smaller refund because of the decrease withholding.  They can't have it both ways!!!

I still get a client or two coming in with a big box of unorganized bills, receipts and check stubs all in a big wrinkled mess and want me to straighten it out for them and prepare their tax returns for them...
... of course I will do it but my bill for my services will be bigger!!!   Time = Money !!

I will be working all day tomorrow... more work to be done.

****QUESTION FOR MY THREAD FOLLOWERS:    Have you filed your Federal Tax Returns yet? 
... or at least do you have your paperwork in order?  

Hugs and well wishes, I hope that your evening is going well and that you will have a great weekend.
Danielle

Sorry Danielle, I know you offered to do them.
My sweetie and I did our taxes a couple of weeks ago, done and sent.  Getting back about the same as last year. 

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 22, 2019, 10:37:56 PM
UPDATE:  February 22, 2018   Friday evening  7:30pm

Today at my office it has been a predictably busy day.   I have processed 19 tax returns today and me and my part time gal got them all filed for my clients.   Because my clients had their act together and brought in their paperwork early in the tax season those that are getting a refund can be expecting their direct deposits by early March. 

Regarding the USA tax time... This brings me to the next point I want to make about Income Tax Refunds.  With the changes in the tax laws, new and different IRS 1040 Forms, increased standard deductions, revisions in employee payroll Tax Withholding, many of my clients that have been filing their taxes seem to be shocked and upset to find that they are getting a smaller refund that they are accustomed to receiving... and mostly upset with the IRS and President Trump. 
The important thing that they do not seem to realize and understand is that if payroll withholding is less and they get a bigger paycheck and even though their total tax bill will be slightly less with the tax law changes, they get a smaller refund because of the decrease withholding.  They can't have it both ways!!!

I still get a client or two coming in with a big box of unorganized bills, receipts and check stubs all in a big wrinkled mess and want me to straighten it out for them and prepare their tax returns for them...
... of course I will do it but my bill for my services will be bigger!!!   Time = Money !!

I will be working all day tomorrow... more work to be done.

****QUESTION FOR MY THREAD FOLLOWERS:    Have you filed your Federal Tax Returns yet? 
... or at least do you have your paperwork in order?  

Hugs and well wishes, I hope that your evening is going well and that you will have a great weekend.
Danielle

cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Hi Danielle,

I'll add to the chorus of "love your new avatar!"

My wife and I always do our own taxes, and it's been quite simple the past few years since our mortgage interest has gotten low enough that it no longer makes sense to itemize deductions.  But this year we both retired and now have 5 W2's & 1099's to go through!  Oh well, first world problems.  We've been traveling for a month so haven't filed yet, but will soon.

I hope your hip and leg are feeling much better!
Randy

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 22, 2019, 10:37:56 PM
UPDATE:  February 22, 2018   Friday evening  7:30pm

Today at my office it has been a predictably busy day.   I have processed 19 tax returns today and me and my part time gal got them all filed for my clients.   Because my clients had their act together and brought in their paperwork early in the tax season those that are getting a refund can be expecting their direct deposits by early March. 

Regarding the USA tax time... This brings me to the next point I want to make about Income Tax Refunds.  With the changes in the tax laws, new and different IRS 1040 Forms, increased standard deductions, revisions in employee payroll Tax Withholding, many of my clients that have been filing their taxes seem to be shocked and upset to find that they are getting a smaller refund that they are accustomed to receiving... and mostly upset with the IRS and President Trump. 
The important thing that they do not seem to realize and understand is that if payroll withholding is less and they get a bigger paycheck and even though their total tax bill will be slightly less with the tax law changes, they get a smaller refund because of the decrease withholding.  They can't have it both ways!!!

I still get a client or two coming in with a big box of unorganized bills, receipts and check stubs all in a big wrinkled mess and want me to straighten it out for them and prepare their tax returns for them...
... of course I will do it but my bill for my services will be bigger!!!   Time = Money !!

I will be working all day tomorrow... more work to be done.

****QUESTION FOR MY THREAD FOLLOWERS:    Have you filed your Federal Tax Returns yet? 
... or at least do you have your paperwork in order?  

Hugs and well wishes, I hope that your evening is going well and that you will have a great weekend.
Danielle

Thata girl Danielle! Time IS money. I have a few clients that I do CNC programming for. If they don't provide a 3D model file, it can double and even triple my time. That gets expensive.

Yes! As always I have my tax forms and documents in order and ready to file. I don't have a lot of things to declare so it usually only cost me around $100 to file. (TurboTax). I'm not patient enough anymore to manually fill out the tax forms. However, it would be cheaper.

A busy girl is a happy girl. Hugs.

Taxes! Yeow what a year this has been been for us. Normally we do our own taxes but 2018 was a BAD tax year for us. Lots of stuff happened financially and I guess we're going to use a pro for the first time ever. When I look at ours I can only wonder how you manage hundreds of them - while in pain can't make it any easier. Hang in there girl, April 15th will come and go in no time.

L

Hi Danielle, I filed on the 19th. I am getting back $650. If I did not have a $22,000 alimony deduction I would have had to pay $6,600. I had a lot of deductions that no longer apply or is capped off at $10,000. I have high local and state income taxes and high real estate taxes and mortgage interest.

If I was smarter I would have structured the divorce settlement to take advantage of the tax situation. Who could have known the change in tax law would have caused such a difference for people like me. I increased my 403B percent from 4% to 8%. My employer changed the matching so I changed the percentage. In retrospect this will help me to not pay taxes too.

I wouldn't mind writing a big check for the entire amount at the end of March if I didn't have to pay a penalty for the privilege of doing that.

Cougars are invading my front porch!!!
Cougars, not the female kind but the wild animal kind... this early morning I was awakened by noises outside my patio sliding door... I opened the drapes to see a Cougar Mom and 2 of her cubs trying to look in the sliding door window.  As soon as I opened the drapes and they saw me they scampered off.   

Out where I live there are always bears, cougars, wolves, deer and other wildlife roaming around at night or early morning....   I have a compost pile out a ways from my house and I never go there to dump anything in the dark...  if it is questionable I always make lots of noise so I won't surprise any of them...  they usually run off when they hear any human activity.
Danielle
              (https://i.imgur.com/3SKrlJA.jpg)

Danielle I am amazed you find the time to be on the site this time of year.  My uncle is a tax accountant and he is buried as I am sure you are as well.  Thanks for making the time to join in.  You would be missed during a tax season absence.

Wow... What a surprise early in the morning.

Love the Cougar footprint (the wild animal one  ;D ;D ;D).

I can only imagine the kind of wildlife you experience. As a suburb soccer mom, the best I get is deer, a fox or the occasional raccoon. And of course chipmunks and squirrels. The raccoons (a mom and five kids) tried to sneak into our cat door but our two cats heroically defended our house. And we have it all on video too.

I hope you are staying safe and warm!

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 25, 2019, 08:36:17 PM
Cougars are invading my front porch!!!
Cougars, not the female kind but the wild animal kind... this early morning I was awakened by noises outside my patio sliding door... I opened the drapes to see a Cougar Mom and 2 of her cubs trying to look in the sliding door window.  As soon as I opened the drapes and they saw me they scampered off.   

Out where I live there are always bears, cougars, wolves, deer and other wildlife roaming around at night or early morning....   I have a compost pile out a ways from my house and I never go there to dump anything in the dark...  if it is questionable I always make lots of noise so I won't surprise any of them...  they usually run off when they hear any human activity.
Danielle
              (https://i.imgur.com/3SKrlJA.jpg)

I wanted to share a few intimate thoughts about Danielle's threads that I hope will be inspiring for others.  These thoughts start off kind of sad but end in a good place.  A couple of weeks ago Danielle PM'd me suggesting I join in, she had read some of my posts in other places and enjoyed them.  What I tend to focus on is motivating those that are early in their journey to find the courage to live authentically.

Here's the icky part  :D   I had briefly browsed some of Danielle's postings before and I felt 'less than'.  She is so pretty and has it 'together'.  I on the other hand have had a pretty rough go of it. I will summarize in a sentence or two.  Career collapse, dramatic drop in income, cancer - lost a kidney - FFS money went away, autistic kids, body dysphoria, yada yada - you get the idea.

Everyone in this life has challenges - some are lesser and some are greater but we all have them.  Some people's are larger than mine and some are not.

What I realized is why focus on the crap, the bad stuff, the heartache.  I am sure Danielle has her own pain such as the challenges with her family but on the whole she is doing well.  Reading about positive and happy things can bring joy to our own lives - to emulate them - to strive for them.

I don't want to live vicariously through those that are doing well, rather I want to celebrate and emulate them.

Thanks for sharing Danielle.

And for others that have struggled their fair share let's try to make the road ahead a better place.  :)

Quote from: KimOct on February 26, 2019, 02:42:55 AM
I wanted to share a few intimate thoughts about Danielle's threads that I hope will be inspiring for others.  These thoughts start off kind of sad but end in a good place.  A couple of weeks ago Danielle PM'd me suggesting I join in, she had read some of my posts in other places and enjoyed them.  What I tend to focus on is motivating those that are early in their journey to find the courage to live authentically.

Here's the icky part  :D   I had briefly browsed some of Danielle's postings before and I felt 'less than'.  She is so pretty and has it 'together'.  I on the other hand have had a pretty rough go of it. I will summarize in a sentence or two.  Career collapse, dramatic drop in income, cancer - lost a kidney - FFS money went away, autistic kids, body dysphoria, yada yada - you get the idea.

Everyone in this life has challenges - some are lesser and some are greater but we all have them.  Some people's are larger than mine and some are not.

What I realized is why focus on the crap, the bad stuff, the heartache.  I am sure Danielle has her own pain such as the challenges with her family but on the whole she is doing well.  Reading about positive and happy things can bring joy to our own lives - to emulate them - to strive for them.

I don't want to live vicariously through those that are doing well, rather I want to celebrate and emulate them.

Thanks for sharing Danielle.

And for others that have struggled their fair share let's try to make the road ahead a better place.  :)

Danielle is one of the most positive, uplifting, supportive (I'm running out of adjectives) that I virtually know. 

One thing I did during transition was to remove all negativity.  If bad things happen, I would look for the silver lining.  It helped.



Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

You are so correct Kim!  Live life as it comes and focus on the positives.  We've all had down times and it would be devastating if we let it get to us.  I'm glad to read you're try to motivate others.  This is using your experience and love to help others when they need it most.  Yes I agree, our Danielle is inspiring!

Danielle, Wow those cougar prints are large!

Quote from: KimOct on February 26, 2019, 02:42:55 AM
I wanted to share a few intimate thoughts about Danielle's threads that I hope will be inspiring for others.  These thoughts start off kind of sad but end in a good place.  A couple of weeks ago Danielle PM'd me suggesting I join in, she had read some of my posts in other places and enjoyed them.  What I tend to focus on is motivating those that are early in their journey to find the courage to live authentically.

Here's the icky part  :D   I had briefly browsed some of Danielle's postings before and I felt 'less than'.  She is so pretty and has it 'together'.  I on the other hand have had a pretty rough go of it. I will summarize in a sentence or two.  Career collapse, dramatic drop in income, cancer - lost a kidney - FFS money went away, autistic kids, body dysphoria, yada yada - you get the idea.

Everyone in this life has challenges - some are lesser and some are greater but we all have them.  Some people's are larger than mine and some are not.

What I realized is why focus on the crap, the bad stuff, the heartache.  I am sure Danielle has her own pain such as the challenges with her family but on the whole she is doing well.  Reading about positive and happy things can bring joy to our own lives - to emulate them - to strive for them.

I don't want to live vicariously through those that are doing well, rather I want to celebrate and emulate them.

Thanks for sharing Danielle.

And for others that have struggled their fair share let's try to make the road ahead a better place.  :)

Hi Kim - one of the great things about Susan's is that it really is a community of caring, (hopefully) non-judgmental people who are all at various stages of a journey that never really ends. It's a veritable transgender Pilgrim's Progress. We're all here to commiserate, empathize, help and uplift each other in any way we possibly can. It also shows that, despite being in and from all over the world, we're so alike. Ladies like Danielle are rare and she is definitely one of our treasures. I look forward to reading your future posts. And I'm glad you're here! [emoji846]


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 25, 2019, 08:36:17 PM
Cougars are invading my front porch!!!
Cougars, not the female kind but the wild animal kind... this early morning I was awakened by noises outside my patio sliding door... I opened the drapes to see a Cougar Mom and 2 of her cubs trying to look in the sliding door window.  As soon as I opened the drapes and they saw me they scampered off.   

Out where I live there are always bears, cougars, wolves, deer and other wildlife roaming around at night or early morning....   I have a compost pile out a ways from my house and I never go there to dump anything in the dark...  if it is questionable I always make lots of noise so I won't surprise any of them...  they usually run off when they hear any human activity.
Danielle
              (https://i.imgur.com/3SKrlJA.jpg)

Thankfully you were inside when you spotted them.  I'm reminded of a winter backpack trip in Yosemite where I was the lead breaking trail through the snow.  My friend behind me shouted "freeze" to me.  As I looked up a golden blur was racing away.  I was told it was a full grown Mountain Lion.....oof!
We were in their home, and I'm sure we looked tasty.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 25, 2019, 08:36:17 PM
Cougars are invading my front porch!!!
Cougars, not the female kind but the wild animal kind... this early morning I was awakened by noises outside my patio sliding door... I opened the drapes to see a Cougar Mom and 2 of her cubs trying to look in the sliding door window.  As soon as I opened the drapes and they saw me they scampered off.   

Out where I live there are always bears, cougars, wolves, deer and other wildlife roaming around at night or early morning....   I have a compost pile out a ways from my house and I never go there to dump anything in the dark...  if it is questionable I always make lots of noise so I won't surprise any of them...  they usually run off when they hear any human activity.
Danielle
              (https://i.imgur.com/3SKrlJA.jpg)

A nice morning surprise so long as they are on the other side of the glass.

Hugs Danielle!

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Yes indeed, Cougars are quite aggressive and like any in-the-wild animal, when they are hungry especially in the cold winters they become even more aggressive.
In the original picture that I posted it may have not been readily apparent regarding the paw print...
... look at my closeup and notice the dangerous looking claws in front of each toe pad...  A lot of damage can be done with those. 
My front porch area was covered with the adult mom prints and several smaller cub prints...  it appears that they were just hanging around and loitering...  probably got a whiff of food smells inside my house.
Danielle
     (https://i.imgur.com/z2X67rj.jpg)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Quote from: Jessica on February 26, 2019, 11:14:36 AM
@Alaskan Danielle

Thankfully you were inside when you spotted them.  I'm reminded of a winter backpack trip in Yosemite where I was the lead breaking trail through the snow.  My friend behind me shouted "freeze" to me.  As I looked up a golden blur was racing away.  I was told it was a full grown Mountain Lion.....oof!
We were in their home, and I'm sure we looked tasty.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Cookies???

QuoteMy front porch area was covered with the adult mom prints and several smaller cub prints...  it appears that they were just hanging around and loitering...  probably got a whiff of food smells inside my house.

cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Jessica on February 26, 2019, 12:35:07 PM
Cookies???





cc: @Alaskan Danielle

I was thinking the same thing. I can smell them from here, and I live in Southern California!

;D

Kate

I am writing THIS reply in response to the way-too-kind  comments this morning on my thread from:
    @KimOct   
       @Denise 
          @JudiBlueEyes 
             @SarahWithin

Thank you ladies for your kind compliments regarding my thread and my postings...
I am pleased that you find what I have to say is helpful and encouraging.

NOW, the job in front of me is to try to live up to your flattering words.

Many Hugs and best wishes to you and all of my followers...
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 26, 2019, 12:13:43 PM
@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Yes indeed, Cougars are quite aggressive and like any in-the-wild animal, when they are hungry especially in the cold winters they become even more aggressive.
In the original picture that I posted it may have not been readily apparent regarding the paw print...
... look at my closeup and notice the dangerous looking claws in front of each toe pad...  A lot of damage can be done with those. 
My front porch area was covered with the adult mom prints and several smaller cub prints...  it appears that they were just hanging around and loitering...  probably got a whiff of food smells inside my house.
Danielle
     (https://i.imgur.com/z2X67rj.jpg)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The claw marks immediately caught my eye.  I was surprised because I had heard that cougars, like other cats, kept their claws retracted unless in use.  Maybe this one needed the extra traction, or maybe she hasn't had them trimmed in a while!

Yes typically claw marks like that are seen in canine paw prints.

So it's either a huge dog or wolf, or a slippery kitty.

Quote from: Colleen_definitely on February 26, 2019, 01:23:46 PM
Yes typically claw marks like that are seen in canine paw prints.

So it's either a huge dog or wolf, or a slippery kitty.

@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
Most certainly it was a mama Cougar and her 2 cubs peering in my sliding door window...
... they were startled when I quickly opened the drapes ... and they scampered off quite quickly...   
Cougars have amazingly big paws for the size of the animal... much bigger than the Wolf  prints that I have seen here where I live.   
Bears have even bigger paws and claws but they are in hibernation this time of year.

Those big paws and their claws help them to navigate in the snow and ice.
Quite dangerous with those claws...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts... you are always welcome on my thread.  :)
Hugs,
Danielle

Well its never dull in your house. You don't need to try hard to be great just be yourself dear. Take care in that white stuff

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweknowmemes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F11%2Fif-youre-cold-theyre-cold.jpg&hash=2a1c87176a1d1f1567d410c7729b6c648c236042)

;D

Quote from: KathyLauren on February 26, 2019, 01:19:12 PM
The claw marks immediately caught my eye.  I was surprised because I had heard that cougars, like other cats, kept their claws retracted unless in use.  Maybe this one needed the extra traction, or maybe she hasn't had them trimmed in a while!

Nothing which cannot be fixed by a nice day at a spa...  ;D ;D

@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
Just envision that picture you posted with the addition of 2 baby cubs with their hungry mama....  that is just about what I saw at 4am through my sliding door window.
I did notice the 30-30 Lever Action to the left of the door.

For me, I have a short barrel 30.06 pump next to my patio door... it is always loaded too.   When venturing outside in the the evening or twilight hours to take out garbage or to shovel the sidewalk I will usually have that in my hand or my .357 Ruger GP-100.   

Wild animals, particularly the hungry ones in the winter time don't always scamper off when they see or hear a human coming their way so I can't be too cautious and too careful especially when living by myself.

Thanks for posting...
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Colleen_definitely on February 26, 2019, 02:31:56 PM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweknowmemes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F11%2Fif-youre-cold-theyre-cold.jpg&hash=2a1c87176a1d1f1567d410c7729b6c648c236042)

;D

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 26, 2019, 04:12:54 PM
@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
Just envision that picture you posted with the addition of 2 baby cubs with their hungry mama....  that is just about what I saw at 4am through my sliding door window.
I did notice the 30-30 Lever Action to the left of the door.

For me, I have a short barrel 30.06 pump next to my patio door... it is always loaded too.   When venturing outside in the the evening or twilight hours to take out garbage or to shovel the sidewalk I will usually have that in my hand or my .357 Ruger GP-100.   

Wild animals, particularly the hungry ones in the winter time don't always scamper off when they see or hear a human coming their way so I can't be too cautious and too careful especially when living by myself.

Thanks for posting...
Hugs,
Danielle

Dearest Danielle- Wow, hon, you pack some serious heat there for such a beautiful lady! There's a TV show in this somewhere. Beautiful blonde in Alaska who packs a 30.06 and a .357 Ruger who's an accountant by day, and by night...? I know I'd watch it!


Hugs x 2,
Sarah From Chitown
[emoji257]

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 26, 2019, 04:12:54 PM
Wild animals, particularly the hungry ones in the winter time don't always scamper off when they see or hear a human coming their way so I can't be too cautious and too careful especially when living by myself.

Oh I absolutely agree.  When one is no longer at the top of the local food chain, a bit of caution is quite justified.

I would be absolutely freaking if there was a cougar on the other side of a pane of glass at my front door.

I saw a coyote in my parking lot in suburban Minneapolis last year and RAN for the front door.  :D  It was about the size of a dog and was at least 100 feet away. 

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 26, 2019, 04:12:54 PM
@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
Just envision that picture you posted with the addition of 2 baby cubs with their hungry mama....  that is just about what I saw at 4am through my sliding door window.
I did notice the 30-30 Lever Action to the left of the door.

For me, I have a short barrel 30.06 pump next to my patio door... it is always loaded too.   When venturing outside in the the evening or twilight hours to take out garbage or to shovel the sidewalk I will usually have that in my hand or my .357 Ruger GP-100.   

Wild animals, particularly the hungry ones in the winter time don't always scamper off when they see or hear a human coming their way so I can't be too cautious and too careful especially when living by myself.

Thanks for posting...
Hugs,
Danielle

What, no rocket launchers or RPGs?  I'm surprised.  [emoji12]

Seriously though I would love to see that.  When I moved into the city, I realized I missed being woken up by the sound of birds compared to sirens.

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Wednesday Lunchtime UPDATE  February 27, 2019   12:15PM

Very busy days lately, I have been working late at the office, either skipping dinner at home or coming back to the office till 10:00PM or so... and then I go back in very early in the morning, usually around 6:30AM to 7:00AM.
Being a night owl and an early riser, it is a good thing that I usually only need about 6 hours of nightly sleep...

My part time gal is such a big help with some of the more mundane and time consuming computer entree work and math checking.

As usual I have lunch at my office but I forgot to bring anything from home this morning so I went next door to the coffee shop and brought back a wonderful Steak Salad.   My barista suitor#5 treated me to my favorite Latte with sugar free caramel.
      (https://i.imgur.com/qeGsXOc.jpg)

I may not be getting on here as much as I have usually been from now on until mid April...  work comes first... I've got bills to pay like all of us do.   
    >>>>Money is certainly not everything, unless you don't have any.

No wild animal critter sightings this morning on my porch or out in the yard other than some deer looking for grass to eat but it is slim pickings... everything is covered with a thick blanket of snow and ice and the snow will be here for a long time to come... temperatures are near or below ZERO Deg F most evenings so there is no melting going on.

Hugs and best wishes to all of my thread's followers,
Danielle

Dear Danielle -

The salad looks amazing! I did get really hungry seeing it. Unfortunately the menu in my local coffee shop consists of pastries only. No real food.
I did not go there for a few years but have been three times in the last few weeks... a side effect of my running group[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

I fully understand you taking it slow on the forum. I am sure you are busy and I would not be surprised that tax code has changed more than we all think it has. I would also not be surprised if more people seek professional help this year to minimize their tax burden.

You have done so mich for the forum and for so many members here, you also deserve a break.

Please make sure to watch out for yourself as well.

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: KimOct on February 26, 2019, 10:50:43 PM

I saw a coyote in my parking lot in suburban Minneapolis last year and RAN for the front door.  :D  It was about the size of a dog and was at least 100 feet away.

Hi Kim,                               28 February 2019

Two years ago a Coyote befriended me. She was a yearling holdover from the previous years litter. I let her call the shots, never encroaching on her territory, never making a threatening move or gesture. As the summer wore on we became friends; I took her food and goodies. I got her to respond to my whistle and she would come running when she heard it. As time went on she would wait for me by the curb, some times coming to my house. She trusted me and I trusted her. I considered her friendship one of the greatest honors I had ever received up to that time, summer 2017. If she was with me and someone else would come around she would leave and hide in the brush until they left.

On 06 July 2017 she found a mate. She came to me and let me know she had to leave and to thank me for our friendship. I still miss her as her friendship was very special, rare and unique. I know we will be together again.

Best Always, Love
Christine

Quote from: christinej78 on February 28, 2019, 01:11:05 AM
Hi Kim,                               28 February 2019

Two years ago a Coyote befriended me. She was a yearling holdover from the previous years litter. I let her call the shots, never encroaching on her territory, never making a threatening move or gesture. As the summer wore on we became friends; I took her food and goodies. I got her to respond to my whistle and she would come running when she heard it. As time went on she would wait for me by the curb, some times coming to my house. She trusted me and I trusted her. I considered her friendship one of the greatest honors I had ever received up to that time, summer 2017. If she was with me and someone else would come around she would leave and hide in the brush until they left.

On 06 July 2017 she found a mate. She came to me and let me know she had to leave and to thank me for our friendship. I still miss her as her friendship was very special, rare and unique. I know we will be together again.

Best Always, Love
Christine

Have you tried to call her? 

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Quote from: Denise on February 28, 2019, 05:43:00 AM
Have you tried to call her? 

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

And extend the pain? Sometimes we have to make clean breaks... for our own benefit...

Quote from: KatieP on February 28, 2019, 08:39:12 AM
And extend the pain? Sometimes we have to make clean breaks... for our own benefit...

A coyote and a cougar? It would never have worked out.

Quote from: Denise on February 28, 2019, 05:43:00 AM
Have you tried to call her? 

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Hi Denise,                            28 February 2019

Yes, I spent a lot of time calling her in 2017. I do know a lot about Coyotes as I spent a fair amount of time studying them. She probably went up to 50 miles away. They sometimes return for family visits. I don't think that has happened as she would have come up to the house. My neighbors liked her and would call me if they saw her. If she was nearby and heard me, she would come a running.

I do miss her but she needed to leave so she could be a wild Coyote and raise a family. I had hoped she would have stayed around as I could have provided her with all the meds necessary to keep her healthy, disease and parasite free.

One thing I appreciated was that she did not become habituated to humans; she remained wary of them other than me. She was habituated to me and only me, which was a good thing. I doubt if many people have had the honor of being befriended by a wild animal that some might consider dangerous.

Thanks for asking.

Best Always, Love
Christine

Quote from: Steph2.0 on February 28, 2019, 09:46:28 AM
A coyote and a cougar? It would never have worked out.

Hi Ladies,                              28 February 2109

We might be surprised at what can work out if we just try.

I'll trust a Coyote any day and the same for a Wolf.

Best Always, Love
Christine

UPDATE: Thursday afternoon 1:15pm, February 28, 2019
Wow, it is hard to believe that March 1st is tomorrow!!! 

Soon enough, the Spring season will be springing up.
I love the springtime, my favorite time of the year, new life and new blooming of flowers.

This morning when I was taking the garbage to my outside 'bear-proof" shed I notice brand several brand new Cougar tracks... it appears that an entire Cougar family has been hanging around my back yard at night.
Lots of cold and snow so the wild animals are coming closer to civilization to find something to eat... or perhaps "someone" to eat  :o :o
(https://i.imgur.com/OMshgnd.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/leOe2eQ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/wHgpcI9.jpg)
The snow, ice and cold are here to stay for a several more weeks according the weather forecasts...  cold temperatures below or near ZERO Deg F temps for a while longer.   
The old saying is:
     "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb."

Hugs and best wishes to all of my followers,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 28, 2019, 04:31:40 PM
UPDATE: Thursday afternoon 1:15pm, February 28, 2019
Wow, it is hard to believe that March 1st is tomorrow!!! 

Soon enough, the Spring season will be springing up.
I love the springtime, my favorite time of the year, new life and new blooming of flowers.

This morning when I was taking the garbage to my outside 'bear-proof" shed I notice brand several brand new Cougar tracks... it appears that an entire Cougar family has been hanging around my back yard at night.
Lots of cold and snow so the wild animals are coming closer to civilization to find something to eat... or perhaps "someone" to eat  :o :o
(https://i.imgur.com/OMshgnd.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/leOe2eQ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/wHgpcI9.jpg)
The snow, ice and cold are here to stay for a several more weeks according the weather forecasts...  cold temperatures below or near ZERO Deg F temps for a while longer.   
The old saying is:
     "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb."

Hugs and best wishes to all of my followers,
Danielle

Gosh Danielle. It looks beautiful there. It has been so long since I have seen icicles. Even the Cougar tracks are beautiful. Just keep that .357 handy girl.

Big hugs.

Thanks Danielle for sharing these wonderful pictures.

It looks so quiet and calm, but of course having a cougar family in your yard is nothing to take easy.

Stay safe and warm!

Hugs,

Sarah

Danielle, I've not popped into this 'new' thread yet .. now I have. I just wanted to let you know that I read it and appreciate you sharing your life events with us.

Beautiful pictures.  It must be uncomfortable to have big cats hanging around.  Stay inside after dark as much as possible, and make sure your windows and doors are secure. 

Beautiful pictures. Taking the trash out can become dangerous.

UPDATE:  Saturday March 02, 2019  4:30pm

I worked all day today by myself... busy day today.  I did a few more complicated tax returns for some of my business clients, my mind is still spinning!!!

I am locking up soon and going home to get some dinner and much needed rest.   Tomorrow Sunday I am planning to take the day off and perhaps spend some time with my friends.

Today was bright and sunny... but very cold below ZERO deg F last night and today it got up to 11 deg F...  forecast to be much the same for the coming week...
cold and clear... and very beautiful.
           (https://i.imgur.com/0paqadL.jpg)
No new animal sightings other than some deer.
Have a great Saturday night and the rest of your weekend.

Hugs,
Danielle

That's a lovely view Danielle.  Enjoy your day off.

Get some snow shoes and go for a walk  Enjoy your day

OMG Danielle you live in a beautiful place!  I am so ready for spring too. I have seen rain here in Tennessee to the point I'm sick of it. lol You be careful around those wild animals hun.

Hugs,
        Chelsea

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 02, 2019, 07:38:51 PM
UPDATE:  Saturday March 02, 2019  4:30pm

I worked all day today by myself... busy day today.  I did a few more complicated tax returns for some of my business clients, my mind is still spinning!!!

I am locking up soon and going home to get some dinner and much needed rest.   Tomorrow Sunday I am planning to take the day off and perhaps spend some time with my friends.

Today was bright and sunny... but very cold below ZERO deg F last night and today it got up to 11 deg F...  forecast to be much the same for the coming week...
cold and clear... and very beautiful.
           (https://i.imgur.com/0paqadL.jpg)
No new animal sightings other than some deer.
Have a great Saturday night and the rest of your weekend.

Hugs,
Danielle

Just beautiful!

Moved on Friday! A very difficult time yesterday when I said thanks and good bye to my partner and best friend! Sobbed!

Quote from: islandgirl on March 04, 2019, 02:22:08 PM
Just beautiful!

Moved on Friday! A very difficult time yesterday when I said thanks and good bye to my partner and best friend! Sobbed!

@islandgirl
Dear Kelly:
So very sorry to read about your "heavy-hearted" good-bye emotions with leaving a best friend and partner behind as you have just moved.   If I remember correctly from your previous postings around the forums you were planning to move to the Victoria area of Southern Vancouver Island in BC, Canada.   Did I get that right???

My fondest memories of Victoria when I traveled there in the past were always of the pomp and circumstance of the Empress Hotel and the "high tea" events and the beautiful Butchart Gardens.  Also Vancouver Island is beautiful and you do not have to very far out of the city up-island to get into remote rural areas such as Campbell River (lots of wild life and bears up there around the river catching fish)  or Port Alberni or other beautiful areas....

The good news is that with Skype, Facetime and other social media opportunities if you desire you can try to still keep in close touch with your friend and if and when you TWO do travel to see each other in the future it can certainly be a sweet reunion.

PLEASE if you wish, you can write more about that here on my thread, I would like reading more about your life events... you are always most welcome to share and post anything you desire here.   Most of my followers here are also your forums friends and followers.

Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

Yes I am now in Victoria! This a place that I always wanted to live and now here I am. I will be in contact with Donna as we still share many things such a condo and family. She is still my best friend! I knew that the 'leaving' was going to be difficult even though we both knew that this was coming and that I needed to do so. The look on her face as she was ready to depart yesterday was such that I was sent into a sobbing fit! All is Ok today, even though I just spoke with another friend and almost lost it again when I talked about yesterday.

It is beautiful here today, with blue skies and not much wind. I was brought out on my balcony by the noise of lawn mowers and the scent of freshly cut grass! Spring is here. The cherry blossoms are out and the flowing plums are next to bloom! I know that this is not what those in the snowy clim's want to hear but this is southern Vancouver Island! Temps are still cool at about 6 to 8 degrees C but those are supposed to go up in the next week.

My apartment is coming together! Wifi in today, and all I need now is a couple more pieces furniture. Then it is on to make my way in my new city!

Danielle, I am not really into winter, but your photos are beautiful!

Quote from: islandgirl on March 04, 2019, 04:53:29 PM
It is beautiful here today, with blue skies and not much wind. I was brought out on my balcony by the noise of lawn mowers and the scent of freshly cut grass! Spring is here. The cherry blossoms are out and the flowing plums are next to bloom! I know that this is not what those in the snowy clim's want to hear but this is southern Vancouver Island! Temps are still cool at about 6 to 8 degrees C but those are supposed to go up in the next week.

Wa-a-ah!  Now, I'm missing the west coast.  I was just reminding my wife today, as I recovered from two hours of wrestling with the snow blower, that the daffodils will be up on Denman Island.  *sniff*

Sorry to hear about your parting from your friend / partner.  That has to be difficult.

Quote from: KathyLauren on March 04, 2019, 05:56:10 PM
Wa-a-ah!  Now, I'm missing the west coast.  I was just reminding my wife today, as I recovered from two hours of wrestling with the snow blower, that the daffodils will be up on Denman Island.  *sniff*

Sorry to hear about your parting from your friend / partner.  That has to be difficult.

Thank you Kathy Lauren! Yes is has been a difficult time over the last few months. As I look out my window overlooking Beacon Hill Park, it is hard not to feel lucky to live in such a beautiful are of the world!

Those are awesome pictures Danielle,  Geez those new cougar track are something else, it would so nice to see those little fur balls with their mother. Maybe not like you did when you opened up your deck door curtain mind you.

I like your Quote, " March comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb", maybe it should read, "March comes in like a Mountain Lion and out like a Lamb" for your personal twist on it! LoL...
One thing that the cold winter air brings is crisp blue light which is portrayed in your pictures.

Yes soon flowers will be popping up in the coastal areas in of Pacific NW and BC, another great time to see all the changes.

Liina

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 28, 2019, 04:31:40 PM
UPDATE: Thursday afternoon 1:15pm, February 28, 2019
Wow, it is hard to believe that March 1st is tomorrow!!! 

Soon enough, the Spring season will be springing up.
I love the springtime, my favorite time of the year, new life and new blooming of flowers.

This morning when I was taking the garbage to my outside 'bear-proof" shed I notice brand several brand new Cougar tracks... it appears that an entire Cougar family has been hanging around my back yard at night.
Lots of cold and snow so the wild animals are coming closer to civilization to find something to eat... or perhaps "someone" to eat  :o :o
(https://i.imgur.com/OMshgnd.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/leOe2eQ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/wHgpcI9.jpg)
The snow, ice and cold are here to stay for a several more weeks according the weather forecasts...  cold temperatures below or near ZERO Deg F temps for a while longer.   
The old saying is:
     "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb."

Hugs and best wishes to all of my followers,
Danielle

Quote from: islandgirl on March 04, 2019, 04:53:29 PM
Yes I am now in Victoria! This a place that I always wanted to live and now here I am. I will be in contact with Donna as we still share many things such a condo and family. She is still my best friend! I knew that the 'leaving' was going to be difficult even though we both knew that this was coming and that I needed to do so. The look on her face as she was ready to depart yesterday was such that I was sent into a sobbing fit! All is Ok today, even though I just spoke with another friend and almost lost it again when I talked about yesterday.

It is beautiful here today, with blue skies and not much wind. I was brought out on my balcony by the noise of lawn mowers and the scent of freshly cut grass! Spring is here. The cherry blossoms are out and the flowing plums are next to bloom! I know that this is not what those in the snowy clim's want to hear but this is southern Vancouver Island! Temps are still cool at about 6 to 8 degrees C but those are supposed to go up in the next week.

My apartment is coming together! Wifi in today, and all I need now is a couple more pieces furniture. Then it is on to make my way in my new city!

Danielle, I am not really into winter, but your photos are beautiful!

I am so envious. I lived in Olympia  in school many years ago a favorite dat trip was the ferry to Victoria.  Such a lovely. Place.

Gina

Yes it is! The annual flower count has started! Usually this is for bragging purposes and is supported by the local tourism board. Even with the cooler temps this year, there are many many flowers blooming!

Quote from: Steph2.0 on February 28, 2019, 09:46:28 AM
A coyote and a cougar? It would never have worked out.

LOL !!!  But also that was a lovely story Christine.  I love the outdoors but stay far from wild animals.  Once on a canoe trip in the Canadian park of Quetico a bear chased one of our fellow travelers into the lake.  It was hilarious and terrifying at the same time.  I never saw anyone run so fast.  It was a small bear but I avoid raccoons much less bears.

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 02, 2019, 07:38:51 PM
UPDATE:  Saturday March 02, 2019  4:30pm

I worked all day today by myself... busy day today.  I did a few more complicated tax returns for some of my business clients, my mind is still spinning!!!

I am locking up soon and going home to get some dinner and much needed rest.   Tomorrow Sunday I am planning to take the day off and perhaps spend some time with my friends.

Today was bright and sunny... but very cold below ZERO deg F last night and today it got up to 11 deg F...  forecast to be much the same for the coming week...
cold and clear... and very beautiful.
           (https://i.imgur.com/0paqadL.jpg)
No new animal sightings other than some deer.
Have a great Saturday night and the rest of your weekend.

Hugs,
Danielle

What a picturesque place to live !!!
And I should move there for the warm weather, it has been colder in Mpls than Alaska  :D

Quote from: islandgirl on March 04, 2019, 04:53:29 PM
Yes I am now in Victoria! This a place that I always wanted to live and now here I am. I will be in contact with Donna as we still share many things such a condo and family. She is still my best friend! I knew that the 'leaving' was going to be difficult even though we both knew that this was coming and that I needed to do so. The look on her face as she was ready to depart yesterday was such that I was sent into a sobbing fit! All is Ok today, even though I just spoke with another friend and almost lost it again when I talked about yesterday.

It is beautiful here today, with blue skies and not much wind. I was brought out on my balcony by the noise of lawn mowers and the scent of freshly cut grass! Spring is here. The cherry blossoms are out and the flowing plums are next to bloom! I know that this is not what those in the snowy clim's want to hear but this is southern Vancouver Island! Temps are still cool at about 6 to 8 degrees C but those are supposed to go up in the next week.

My apartment is coming together! Wifi in today, and all I need now is a couple more pieces furniture. Then it is on to make my way in my new city!

Danielle, I am not really into winter, but your photos are beautiful!

I had no idea you were going through this. I'm sad to hear you had to leave your friend/partner. I hope, as you have posted above, that you find it beautiful on Vancouver Island. I have seen many pictures and have to agree, it is beautiful there. I don't know about FaceTime but Skype is a good way to keep in tough with your friends

Wishing the best and sending lots of hugs.

UPDATE:  Thursday afternoon 1:40 pm   March 07, 2019
To my readers and dear followers:
It has been a busy week at my office with tax preparations... personal and business... lots of them.
My motto in my business is:   "Work is the yeast that raises the dough"   
NOTE:  I am not certain how that would translate into other languages so if any of my followers need more explanation I will be glad to provide it!!

Well, some of my personal health news to report:   
Last month on a snowy, icy and cold Monday, after work as I was locking up my office I slipped on the ice an snow and hurt my hip and my leg... big bruises followed, but eventually all seemed to be OK ...
... I reported this on my February 20th Update....   

I thought everything was OK and it had healed up but in the last week or so I have been having back, hip and leg pain so I went to my local small town Doctor yesterday to get it checked out.
 
Fortunately no blood clot issues but my doctor wanted to do a Lumbar (lower back) X-RAY at the local clinic....  well, he called me today to report that there was disc swelling and perhaps a slight bulging disc as a result of my fall... and thus the pains in my hip, leg and back.
   
He has scheduled a trip to a bigger city for me to get an MRI to determine the exact damage and course of treatment.   Thankfully so far he thinks that no surgery will be required but maybe physical therapy and some stronger anti-inflammatory meds... and a fairly lengthy healing time.   I am still able to move around OK but sometimes the pain is more than annoying.

I am suppose to have an appointment early next week... I am waiting for the date and time...   it will be just about an all-day affair, 2 hour travel time each way plus the MRI exam.
I wanted one of my gal-friends to go with me ... my tooth fairy Suitor#4 told me that she wants to drive me there but she might not be able to take the day off depending on the exact day of my appointment.... 
... but the next door Coffee Shop owner (and good friend) heard about what is going on with me (it's a very small town) and she offered take her time to drive me to my appointment...  what a sweet offer.

There is a small chance I will get a call later this afternoon telling me about a possible MRI appointment for tomorrow Friday... if that is the case my ToothFairy#4  always has Fridays off so she wants to take me tomorrow if it is the appointment day.

Now... heck with the pain, not too bad as long as I am sitting in my chair, back to work
so I can pay for the X-ray and MRI !!!! 
As a self-employed small business owner I don't have the benefit of some big company health insurance benefit, but I am smart enough to provide my own health insurance so the cost is usually mostly covered for most things.

I will report more as time goes on.

Hugs and thanks for reading and following my thread.
Danielle

Danielle,


I am wishing you a good finding on the MRI and a good course of treatment


Chrissy

I would do what the doctor says Danielle. Get that taken care of right away and don't try to do too much. Your too young to have back problems like some of us older ladies.

I have a few exercises that I have do for my back. I should do them every morning. I do, sorta. Well at least I stretch it out every morning.

Hope you feel better soon. Hugs.

Oh no, Danielle! I am so sorry to hear that the fall has caused additional problems. I was hoping everything has healed up.
Now I do cross my fingers that the MRI does not turn up anything more problematic. So sweet to have friends who are willing to drive you!

Let us know if we need to send food (and cookies)!

Get better Danielle!

Hugs,

Sarah

Owwww :( so sorry to hear that it was more than bruising.

As a chronic sufferer I can tell you, do what you're told until you're better ... then do it longer.
take care of yourself ... accept all the help that you get, ask for help when you need it.

hugs
Faith

I hope you hear quickly  concerning an appointment! Disc issues are a real 'pain'. I had a disc issue in my neck and had to have surgery. I really feel for people who have chronic pain. I would have on insane if I could not have had it fixed. A number of friends have disc issues in their lower back and physio is almost always the recommendation.

Sending positive thoughts and hugs!

Kelly

So sorry to hear that the injuries from your fall are not minor and are not healing quickly.  Having back pain is no fun at all.  I hope that the doctors are able to come up with a treatment plan that will work for you and will let you recover as soon as possible.

I'm saddened to read your fall injuries have not gotten better.  I've fallen on ice several times and its always a long time to heal.  I don't bounce as well as I used to!  I'm happy to read you went to your doctor and hopefully the MRI won't find worse news.  Heal well. 
Hugs, Judi

Danielle, I feel for you sister.  Nerve pain is the worst.  It has you chasing that comfortable stance, walk, sit, you name it, sometimes tying yourself in knots to reach it.
And once you find it, you end up tweaking another part by overcompensating.

I hope you feel better soon
Don't strain yourself, make your temp pick up the boxes.
Anti inflammatory medication is helpful for me, but I'm sure your doctor has advised you.

I've needed traction a few times to straighten me out.  Imagine if I didn't do that?  I could have been 5'-8" instead of 5'-10"?  Oof!

Soft hugs and smiles, Jess




@Alaskan Danielle

   I hope you hear back from the doc and get the appointment for further assessment soon. Falls are never a lot of fun and to have them aggravate into more of an issue is even less fun. At least you had a very valid excuse to blame your fall on. I went sprawling into the middle of the street during a walk with Michelle in San Francisco this past Tuesday. The street was a little further down from the curb than I thought it was and I stumbled trying to regain my balance. It wasn't to be , and when I realized I was going down I turned the landing into a roll. Mr hair went flying from my head and outside of a raspberry on my knee the only thing hurt was my pride. I was a bit embarrassed at my klutziness too. No real harm done though it did scare Michelle pretty good. I lived.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 07, 2019, 05:17:03 PM
UPDATE:  Thursday afternoon 1:40 pm   March 07, 2019

Well, some of my personal health news to report:   
..............Last month on a snowy, icy and cold Monday, after work as I was locking up my office I slipped on the ice an snow and hurt my hip and my leg... big bruises followed, but eventually all seemed to be OK ...
... I reported this on my February 20th Update....   

....
Hugs and thanks for reading and following my thread.
Danielle[/b]

Its a long enough time for a bruise to heal. Sounds very pain and debilitating. I hope you get tot the bottom of it before to long and are on the mend soon...sending plenty of good Aussie healing vibes your way....take care of yourself and as we used to say in the motorcycling circles I moved in

"Stay upright"

Take care

Liz

Hi Danielle,

I hope you heal soon, especially since spring is around the corner.

I hurt my neck about 10 weeks ago and it took 8 weeks to get back to normal.

Rachel

Sunday Morning 6:15AM  Daylight Savings Time   March 10, 2019


Wake up, wake up, sleepy heads.........  
So, you lost an HOUR of sleep last night but it is time to get up and get out of bed. 
Your day awaits you.

Getting ready for church this morning....  a lot of sleepy people with be there!!

- - - - - - - - -

Regarding my health issues with my back and the quick appointment for the MRI I was able to get done on Friday....
... no word yet, I don't expect to hear from my local doctor until Monday....
...you know the drill, "hurry up and wait" !!! 

Because she doesn't work on Fridays I was able to have the company of my ToothFairy Dental Hygienist Suitor #4 drive with me there and back, 2 hours each way, then waiting at the hospital for the procedure;  afterwards we had lunch and we put in a little shopping time at some bigger stores that we don't have in my small town, before we headed back home,  it was basically an all day affair but it was a very enjoyable day with my Toothfairy.
........ so, I will be eagerly (and anxiously) awaiting to hear from my doctor, I will keep you all posted.

After church I will probably go into my office for a few hours to play catchup with some much needed work that I missed doing Friday and yesterday.........  I will be sure to have plenty of coffee from next door at the coffee shop.

Hugs and good thoughts,
Danielle

@Alaskan Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 10, 2019, 08:41:33 AM
Sunday Morning 6:15AM  Daylight Savings Time   March 10, 2019

Wake up, wake up, sleepy heads.........  
So, you lost an HOUR of sleep last night but it is time to get up and get out of bed. 
Your day awaits you.

Getting ready for church this morning....  a lot of sleepy people with be there!!

- - - - - - - - -

Regarding my health issues with my back and the quick appointment for the MRI I was able to get done on Friday....
... no word yet, I don't expect to hear from my local doctor until Monday....
...you know the drill, "hurry up and wait" !!! 

Because she doesn't work on Fridays I was able to have the company of my ToothFairy Dental Hygienist Suitor #4 drive with me there and back, 2 hours each way, then waiting at the hospital for the procedure;  afterwards we had lunch and we put in a little shopping time at some bigger stores that we don't have in my small town, before we headed back home,  it was basically an all day affair but it was a very enjoyable day with my Toothfairy.
........ so, I will be eagerly (and anxiously) awaiting to hear from my doctor, I will keep you all posted.

After church I will probably go into my office for a few hours to play catchup with some much needed work that I missed doing Friday and yesterday.........  I will be sure to have plenty of coffee from next door at the coffee shop.

Hugs and good thoughts,
Danielle

Danielle, I look at it as sleeping in an hour more, at least that's what the clock said I did.

I'm happy that your Tooth Fairy was able to be with you, especially on the long drive.
Did you two share any untold thoughts to each other?  She seems like such a keeper.

I hope your MRI shows that the bulge between the discs is on the mend.  Best care for that is not aggravating it.  If need be, spinal traction can reduce the inflammation and pressure on it.

Hugs and more hugs with a smile. Jess 🌸🌸🌸

Danielle, I'm home alone and it's rainy.
Thought toasty toes would be nice!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/67586e7620870edd3bd0f0f16629d9e0.jpg)



cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@Jessica
Dear Jess:
Wow, I wish it was just raining here.
Still have several feet of snow here.  My fire pit is completely buried..So my Toastie Toes times are still indoors,
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Jessica on March 10, 2019, 02:47:09 PM
Danielle, I'm home alone and it's rainy.
Thought toasty toes would be nice!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190310/67586e7620870edd3bd0f0f16629d9e0.jpg)



cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hope the MRI results come back soon and show that everything will be fine! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Hugs,

Sarah

Quote from: sarah1972 on March 10, 2019, 08:28:43 PM
I hope the MRI results come back soon and show that everything will be fine! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Hugs,

Sarah

cc: @sarah1972 
UPDATE:   Monday, 10:50am  March 11, 2019  ... Preliminary MRI results

Well everyone, the good news is that my pain level is way down, just about non-existent if I don't do stupid things involving my back...

....but the not-so-good news, evidently there is a bone fragment/chip in my lower spine and along with a bulging disc is causing me the issues that I am having. 

While my local doctor thinks that the bulging disc will heal in it's own time, and so far it is getting better,  he is concerned about the bone fragment so is recommending that I get an opinion from a specialist... he wants me to give him the go-ahead for him to refer me to a Neurosurgeon for a consultation. 
In the meantime, he says that I can continue with low impact exercise, walking, etc... and don't do things that cause any kind of pain.   

I don't have time for this... but I do need to get this taken care of as soon as possible.  Argghhhhh, at 39 years old I am having these issues, what future things are going to happen with me when I get older????   Getting older is not for sissies for sure.

I guess my future big-city shopping trip is going to be combined with a big-city doctor's visit too!!!!   FUN!!!! 

I will keep you all posted.
.... I am feeling pretty good, so no need to worry....... yet!!!!
Hugs,
Danielle

Just wait till your knees go-------- Keep that back rested and look after it. I have to be very careful with mine and its the silly small movements that can make it go. Fingers crossed it heals soon, take care XXXX

Back issues are never fun.

Knowing the neurosurgeons my girlfriend works for, they're probably going to want to poke at the disc bulge while they're in there so don't be surprised if they suggest it.  Especially if the bulge is toward the inside of the spinal column.

The good news there is that back surgery has become far less invasive for issues like this.  So while you aren't going to feel amazing right afterward, you're likely to be up and about on your own the same or next day.

Danielle, I am so sorry to here that there is more to your back pain to resolve. Most definitely have it taken care of and mind yourself, don't over do. The only reason I am still mobile myself is because I stopped doing a lot of strenuous things earlier in life that I knew would aggravate things. I took a lot of heat for not doing things, that's ok. Some people my age didn't take care of themselves and ended up much worse.

I know with your attitude and outlook this will all be in the past soon enough. Just don't forget :)

So sorry to read of your health issues.  :( Good luck with the visit to the specialist.  It seems like a chip should be a relatively easy thing to fix.  Hopefully a good doc and a little PT will have you back to normal soon.  Til then, take it easy and don't overdo anything.  Best wishes.

Sorry to hear that your back problems are more complicated than just an owie.  I hope you are able to get it all sorted and be pain-free out soon.

Hey Danielle,  So sorry for the back issue and yes at the young age of 39 it is a little scary thinking about the future with regard to health.  I guess the silver lining is that this was an injury and not old age.  You will eventually be OK.

My health tsunami started at 44 but I am lucky in the sense that the intense episodes come and go - heart attacks come and they go  :D  cancer surgeries come and go  :D  kidneys come and uh well in one case it went  ::)  I have bad months and I have great years.  Celebrate the good.

You've got this - you are trans - you've got anything.

Hope you feel better soon.

get well

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 11, 2019, 02:04:13 PM
....but the not-so-good news, evidently there is a bone fragment/chip in my lower spine and along with a bulging disc is causing me the issues that I am having. 

Hugs,
Danielle

Ouch Ouch Ouch...as a nurse with a history of back injuries I cam empathise. I once had a drunk fall on me at a sobering up unit that put me out opf action for 6 weeks so I feel for you. I hope you recover quickly and no ongoing issues.

Liz

Danielle, I'm happy that your bulging disc is a bit better, but has your doctor mentioned and thought of removing the chip?  This can be a risky procedure I'm sure.  I would think in your later years of life it could become an issue.  Or is there a chance of it fusing back together, doubtful I would think.

Maybe a few of your suitors would take turns making sure the ice is cleared for you...☺️

Hugs and smiles from a California girl



cc: @Alaskan Danielle

Hey Danielle,

After suffering lower back pain for far too long from sitting in front of a computer for 30 years and other things, I switched my chair.  Do you spend considerable time in a standard office chair doing accounting?   I don't know if it will work for you but it really helped me. I switched to a Salli saddle chair.

https://salli.com/en/

It takes a bit to get use to, but it really helped my posture and relieved a lot of tension in my back.

You might also find it interesting to watch Dr. Stuart McGill talks on the back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=033ogPH6NNE

Maybe it will help, backs are a tricky thing.
Good luck,
Paige :)

I web surf  at home in a small Herman Miller Aeron.    ;D

Hope you get  your back issues sorted out.  Marion

I am glad you are feeling better and I hope the chip issue does not need surgery.

I wish you the best results in this situation.

We will be thinking of you Danielle.


Chrissy

Be well Danielle

Cynthia -

Thank you all for your kind and supportive words regarding my back injury.   Obviously this is very concerning to me and I am impatiently waiting to get a firm appointment for a Neurosurgeon consultation....  it doesn't look like it is going to happen very soon.... argggghhhhh.

The good news is that my back pain is much reduced as a result of the Prednizone that I have been taking for just about a week.   I hate taking that particularly anti-inflammatory because of the many reported bad side-effects especially with long term use. 

I am pleased however that my doctor did put me an a "tapered" dose... I just have a few days left at the lowest dose and I will be done... hopefully the bulging disc inflammation won't come back. 

The big issue of course is the bone chip/fragment...  I don't want that floating around "back there" to cause me even bigger issues in the future...  hopefully the surgery consultation will reveal what exactly needs to be done about that... either leave it there or remove it ....   I will impatiently await the expert's opinion.

Hugs,... and again, thank you for coming to my rescue with your kind and caring thoughts.
Danielle

Been thinking about your bone chip! Hope you do hear soon! Sending positive thoughts and hugs!

Kelly

Take it from an old lady, getting old sucks when you have to deal with back pain.

I hope and pray your back gets better soon and just as much hope the insurance company doesn't make your life a living hell.  They can screw things up SO badly you just want to scream.

The only thing worse than getting old is the alternative  >:-)  And you're not even old!  I hope it resolves gracefully and without too much delay.

@Alaskan Danielle

Dear Danielle,

I'm so sorry to hear about the pain you've been having with your back, I do hope you're able to get an appointment sooner rather than later. I hope you are able to stay on top of the crucial things for your business and that you're being well looked after by your close friends where you live.

Thinking of you,

Sonja XOXO  :icon_bunch: