BS: So, how is everybody?

Subject: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:01 AM

Happy New Year! What's going on with everyone?

I'm about to start working on my murder ballad thesis, so all y'all that I talked to WAY back in the summer will be hearing from me as soon as I get the OK from the Institutional Review Board at school. (They have to make sure I'm not going to play havoc with anyone's personal information, although I've made it very clear I won't be asking for anything confidential.)

Mister and I have two new cats, Buster and Bindi. Our old Thumper-cat lived to be 17 and we had to put him down back in September. We missed having cats, though, so our friends Bill & Deborah let us adopt a couple of their barn cats. Buster is a mess - he turns every found object into a toy. Bindi is a little more sedate. She likes to sit and observe.

It's butt-ass-COLD in Nashville today.

You?

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:08 AM

It's cold here in East London but not as cold as it is in some places. They said we would have snow today but we haven't seen any as yet but I know people in Yorkshire and Scotland that have had a touch more than a dusting of the white stuff.

Congratulations on your new cats, may they bring you lots of joy and much amusement! My cat is snuggled up infront of the fire.

Christmas was fun spent with family but too much was eaten as always. New Years was fun too, spent with friends and lots of laughter and two friends made a gruesome discovery but they'll tell you about that I am sure! Harry is now on his feet and walking around with the furniture...nothing is safe!

Best of luck with your thesis, let us all know how you get on.

khatt

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:10 AM

Hiya, Kim!!


It's not so bad in SoCal -- back to sandals and light sweaters int he early mornin'. So we are persuaded the Spring is en route.

One novel is nearing completion and a second is forming in the Future Mist.

Jobs are stable and local economics okay so far...fingers crossed.

A

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:14 AM

I've just got back indoors after playing in the snow with my two grandaughters,who don't actually like the snow as much as me. Right now I'm listening to (on Digital recording from Radio 3 UK) Nigel Kennedy talking about Graphelly and Menuhin and playing several great tracks. In the meantime I'm clattering away at my "Literate Slasher Novel" for my English Creative Writing Part Two. The trouble is the more chapters I complete the less idae I have of what the f*** I'm doing. But it's good to do stuff innit. Be happy everybody.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:19 AM

Amos, I want to hear some more about this novel.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:21 AM

Kim,

I don't know if we spoke about your research before, but like a lot of other Mudcatters I have quite a collection of books and old records my father collected. Do you have a thread running about the subject of your thesis? If you'd refresh it I'll trace it, and if you come up with questions (and you will come up with questions when you're writing a thesis!) you can run them by us. I'm always willing to poke through the shelves to see if I have the book you're looking for. And I used to be pretty good at answering questions about citations (I used MLA on my thesis, but at work more often use Chicago, and since I work in an academic setting, I get my hands on lots of others).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:25 AM

THE KIMSTER!

We're OK: busy Advent/Christmastide/Annual Parish Meeting/Lent is Coming hits early this year.

I'm teaching AquaJogging
Faulkner the Hockey Hound is g4tting fat on treats from Penguins and Jackals games
My best HS friend is now back in touch via email
I'm rehabbing a bad knee
Our 3 adult kids pretty happy, functional, and in touch
Hardi is still pres of dio. Standing Committee
I'm on the dio. Commission on Ministry now
First locally-trained priest-candidate we worked with is taking her General Ord. Exams this week, even as we speak
Other first-round crop of seminary candidates ditto
Band celebrated some anniversaries back in September
Friends and bandmates doing well
I have some new allies on the "religion issue" here at Mudcat which are very, very nice budding dialoguing and friendship relationships

Looking forward to more of your pet news (see pets favorite things thread)

Best of luck with your endeavors,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 10:38 AM

SRS, there's probably an old thread from back in the summer sometime - I don't really remember. The sticking point is that I have to have my research methods "approved" by the Institutional Review Board to ensure legality, confidentiality, blahblahblahblahblah. The main point of the thesis is why murder ballads are still influential in the 21st century, so my survey questions have to do with that.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:35 AM

So you think it's cold in Nashville, do you? Let me tell you how cold it is here in central Ontario today...minus 22 Celcius. That's minus 6 Fahrenheit. Ouch! The little doggies are in a state of shock at the thought of going outside to attend to their daily evacuatory duties.

And I've got a cold. Had it for about 4 or 5 days now. It started out pretty nasty, but it's easing off now, so things are improving.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: gnu
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:52 AM

It was -22 here too, LH. Got much snow? If not, you can have some of mine... heck, take it all... please!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:55 AM

Well, the early cold will be gone by this weekend, when they're predicting temps in the high 50s. Go figure.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:58 AM

You guys should buy Macs and move to San Diego.


A

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: maeve
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:01 PM

Hi, Kim. Your thesis topic sounds interesting! You've heard from some of Mudcat's most erudite folks.

...And it was -12 F at 7:00 am here in Maine. Amos is jealous. ;)

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:03 PM

I am????

WHere was I when this happened? What was it I got jealous of?

I confess there are some really beautiful young women in Maine, and I am jealous of those whose company they keep, but that's just chronic, and not something new.


A

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:03 PM

The old tried and true method of turning to a book when you're researching is a good one. And if any of us has materials you need, we can send you the inital data that you may well be able to certify (if that's what your committe requires?) via your library. Do a specific search on the info we come up with through your Interlibrary Loan department, to keep it a documented paper trail.

I would think Nashville, with such a rich music tradition, would have an awful lot of matieral to work with. When you finish your thesis, if you publish, be sure to hold onto all of your subsidiary rights so you can make it available through open access publishing. That way you can easily (and legally) share it with Mudcat and everyone else.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Kim C
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:06 PM

I spent all last semester getting my books and materials together. I have a nice little nest going on at home. ;-)

And you can bet when I get through with this thing, I'm making everybody I know read it!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: maeve
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:30 PM

I'd certainly love to read it, even though you don't know me yet!

And it's our weather for which Amos yearns, and that he knows full well.
With this winter's snowfall 'tis chillingly clear I've committed thread drift...

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:42 PM

More like snow-drift to me. But even though the Maine weather has a long way to go before it turns balmy, it is clear that has not slowed down some residents thereof!! ;>)

A

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: topical tom
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 01:06 PM

Here in Quebec it's -13 Celsius at the moment but reached -20 last night.In open fields there are about 1 foot of snow but drifts reach a depth of 3 feet.We really experienced a "snow job" so far this winter, the most I ever recall for this time of year in this area.
    But hey! The landscape is beautiful and ski hills are buzzing.Just let there be no more snow right now!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 01:47 PM

We're pretty good here. I'm just getting over a very nasty cold, but it's getting less so daily.

Kendall saw his cardiologist today and has been reassured that he isn't going to have a heart attack any minute and that he is getting the most appropriate treatment right now.

We've got lots of snow and the temp is about 5F right now. The trees look absolutely stunning with a covering of snow and ice, the sky is blue..........

We've been out this morning looking at computers and exercise bikes and right now Kendall's trying to chase up his granddaughter's husband, who may be able to get a discount on an exercise bike that he's taken a liking to. Being Kendall, it has to be done RIGHT NOW!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 01:54 PM

Being nobody in particular but certainly not everybody, I'm fine.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: RangerSteve
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:00 PM

I drove up to NE Massachusetts on Monday, spent the evening and next day with my brother, sister-in-law and neice. It snowed, but no heavily, although my left windshield wiper broke off. We saw the movie "Juno", which turned out to be a very pleasant movie. I drove home yesterday to where the temperature is a warm 20F. It's going to be 60 next Tuesday. I have nothing to complain about.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: KB in Iowa
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:10 PM

I'm great. It's caucus night which means that after today the circus will end 'round these parts. It gets old being afraid to answer the phone because it might be John Edwards (picked him randomly, they all call repeatedly) asking for our support. It has never been this crazy before. The strangest one was the call asking us to support Ron Paul, we are both Democrats. Cold here too. Been down to -2 (F) the last couple of nights with wind chills much lower, -15 to -20 or so.

Murder Ballads, huh? Sounds interesting. There are quite a few of them. Does there have to be an explicit murder or can it be implied or suggested?

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 02:58 PM

Glad to see you home and taking care of Duties, dear Jacqui!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 03:00 PM

It's nice to be home, Amos, even with all the white stuff!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 03:19 PM

Nice to hear how things are going for you, Kim, and you others.

I am having a great time with my part-time editor's job, with a great boss, and it's all from home, so very convenient. I have also committed to publishing at least my ready-to-go novel, Prairie Child, and maybe my dad's oral history,Touchstones of Our Past, finally, this year. I want to say I will get my grandma's memoirs put into chapters with pix added and publish it, too, but I'm not sure I will get to it.

I am taking my grandson, who is now 4, to karate classes twice per week and still have him every afternoon for an hour or two on weekdays. He is still just as much of a joy as ever.

My Rog is working on quitting smoking with the help of the new drug, chantix. I am really proud of him for even taking that first step. It looks as though he is succeeding!

Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: autolycus
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:06 PM

I'm in rude health.

Got another therapy client.

Feeling opinionated !

Enjoying contact with my fambly these days.


   Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:28 PM

I can't wait to hear more about your murder ballad thing!

I have a new kitten - unfortunately, the cat HATES her, and is still acting basically depressed (it's been about 3 months) - will it get better, who knows, I hope so, they're both such great animals, they just can't stand each other... Well, kitten jumps on cat a lot, but it looks playful to me.

I have a new job - a temp position at the University, hired straight by the U instead of through a temp agency. This is after getting hired at my first real job since 02 when I lost my old one... and then getting laid off 6 weeks later. This new position is something I would have liked to get straight out of college, but apparently they like PhDs washing their glassware in this pediatric nephrology lab. Mutant mice: My new thing. AND since you can't park anywhere near the hospital, I'm walking a lot and using public transportation more, which is great.

The twins are absolutely delightful - Tim is actually 5'6" (at 12!) and is taller than me, my mom, all my sisters, and almost all my niblings. Willie still hasn't hit 5 feet but he's truly wonderful.

Mom is completely recovered from her heart thing, her hair has gone black again, but she's really beginning to get OLD. She's only 78 but is a holocaust survivor and looks about 250.

And who knows who will be president this year, but IT WON'T BE BUSH!!!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: GUEST,rock chick
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 09:38 AM

Had a quite but lovely Christmas, and YES it snowed yesterday here in Scotland and looks truly beautiful, although my partner would not have a snow ball fight, maybe today though ;-)).... He he the child in me still exists.

It's good for both of us to be truly happy and settled.


lol x

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 09:54 AM

Glad you are happy and settled Shelagh. Stay happy.

Much Love

Khatt and the boys x

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: GUEST,rock chick
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 03:09 PM

Ditto to you and the boys. Lots of love and happiness for 2008 to you all.

Now Harry is up and walking I expect you will have the breakables things at higher level. ;-)

Shelagh x

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: RangerSteve
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 04:52 PM

I had my second cataract taken care of, and now I just sit and look at stuff, the way babies do when they discover for the first time that they have eyesight.

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: maeve
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 05:05 PM

Congratulations, RangerSteve. What a gift to rediscover the world through new sight.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 05:25 PM

Yesterday's Sacramento Bee predicted we'd be having a "swarm of storms" this weekend. Today's paper called it a "perfect storm. I had to do some chores outside, and got completely soaked in ten minutes. The wind is some of the strongest I've seen on our ridge - the metal roof of the barn next door is flapping in the wind. We're fairly well prepared for the weather, so it shouldn't be a problem - I hope. When it clears, all the pine trees should be fresh and green - and maybe we'll have had a bit of snow.
I'm glad we have a good woodstove to keep us warm, even if the power goes off. It's also nice that I don't have to go anywhere - I can stay by the fire and read. I think I'd better shut down the computer, though.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Janie
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 08:58 PM

Muddling along, enjoying a week off work with my son, who is still out on winter break.   Looking back on a challenging year, accepting that this one just begun is going to continue to be quite challenging. At the same time, recognizing how very fortunate I am in so many ways, and that part of living life on life's terms involves really seeing and appreciating the blessings of each day.

New Year's resolution - approach each day as an adventure, and not just as a challenge.

Have a great day, everyday, all y'all.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Jim Krause
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 11:33 PM

The Euphoria String Band has its dance card pretty well filled up in January and February. So all you folks in NE Kansas, or NW Missouri come on out and see us at a location near you.

JimK

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 12:53 AM

Dang, Jim, the band sounds great! I like the Day'O mix!

Subject: RE: BS: So, how is everybody?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:21 AM

Doing OK now, but have a bit of tummy trouble that started a couple of days ago... feel like I've been run over by a large heavy object but am getting better. I put it down to trauma. I won't explain on an open forum but it wasn't nice.

This year is starting well with a Dorset family gathering that isn't a funeral (first one for over 10 years) and means I get to scare Manitas by putting him in a room full of relatives who all look vaguely similar... no, we don't have webbed feet or extra digits - that's the other side of the family.

I've picked up some sewing I started a while ago - the sofa I upholstered last summer now has its cushions and I'm on the home straight for a piece of cross stitching that Limpit and I started last spring.

Life is still a bit ropey but continues. I wake up each morning and I'm still here, so that's a good thing.

LTS