Agnostic.com
0 Like Show
Taken by my daughter on the way home from her swimming practice, 30.11.19
8
8 Like Show
10
10 Like Show
01.09.17
4
4 Like Show
View more

Raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as a Southern Baptist preacher's kid. It was not unusual. There were five other p.k. in my elementary school class.

I loved being outdoors while I was growing up and still do. I feel I was very fortunate getting to spend my younger years in and near the mountains where I had many opportunities to learn about nature and humanity.

The more I learn the more I realize how little I know. My mind travels in a constant flux of mix-mashed ideas and hypothesis.

I don't remember writing that last sentence, but it sounds about right.

Comments

I've been with my current partner for nearly 6 years.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
I would be willing to call it quits. I would guess his actions indicate that he has found someone else and not willing to tell you.
Wiillkommen, AstralSmoke! I don't think this group is still alive.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
Wenn du Lust hast.
I love Google translate on Chrome :)
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
Niemand ist ausgeschlossen.
Gleichberechtigung! equality! fun! sex! [youtube.com]
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
Tatort ist besser. Original Sprache ist am besten.
America's Real Economy: It Isn't Booming
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
I'm in the bottom 45%, so the wrong person to ask. Education!
What is a brown tide?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
I believe Australia is having major concerns regarding farm fertilizers being released into the oceans as well. This link works: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45288774
What is a brown tide?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
The link doesn't work for me :-(
Crazy looking sawfly larvae on hickory.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
You made me read a little bit. The differences between larvae and caterpillars: https://www.thoughtco.com/sawfly-larva-or-caterpillar-1968367
[facebook.com] here is a tiny house
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
I looked at it again. This is a teeny-tiny person's house. Much smaller than a Hobbit. I believe you have to smoke to get this small!
[facebook.com] here is a tiny house
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
A Hobbit's treehouse!
Special counsel obtains Trump ally Erik Prince's phones, computer - ABC News
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 27, 2018:
They're going to get him. Just not fast enough.
How Will Trump's Presidency End? - The Atlantic
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 26, 2018:
I agree. Macbeth it will be.
I mountain biked false cape state park.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 26, 2018:
Is there a bike path running through the park? How far did you ride? Looks like a LONG park.
There are unicorns......kinda
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 26, 2018:
It's an evolutionary turn.
Rats are jumping the sinking ship!
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 25, 2018:
I haven't seen any jumping. Seen several that have been shoved against the corner walls. They should get the entire family and cronies but reality is often quite different.
Lovely campfires better than..........?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 25, 2018:
Our local mall is almost dead. There are mall walkers though ! That can be pretty exciting. Why would you go to the mall when it's dark?
Road trip day 2 The cabin and my morning walk along the Chetco river.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 24, 2018:
You don’t have very far to get to a beach! ;-) Everything looks super nice. You must be having a great time!
We have THE best bug wall at work! I see lots of mantises, walking sticks, etc.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 24, 2018:
Another observer joining the ranks!
Totally in love with this Bohemian bus transformation! This ain't your moma's bus!!!
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
That looks about right.
Stole these pics from FB...LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea...what say you???
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
It looks like a lot of fun, well-made, and ornate. I prefer tents :-)
It's time for katydids!
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
They're everywhere, aren't they? Do you know what they see? They don't have compound eyes, do they?
How to tip properly.???
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
I would increase it to $20. I'm usually generous. Have several nieces that work or have worked in the service industry. Have to take care of the servers. In most parts of Europe it is included in the bill, so be careful and not overtip.
Somewhere in Norway! Staying with the floating house idea.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
Looks like a nice retreat.
My road trip starts today. ??
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
Have a great time. The beach looks like a great place to explore. Are you going to take a boat ride?
My road trip starts today, I will be staying in a cabin for 3 nights near a river.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
That is sad, but being in the tinderbox environment it's probably best.
Who's ready?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
And a respite from the weeds!
This is what I would love to build and have to live in, just perfect. [youtu.be]
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 23, 2018:
Interesting. I wouldn't be very happy with the craftsmanship of this particular house though. Creaky floors drive me bananas!
How old would you be? I would be 26 ?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
Very old :-( OK, 95, which is very old.
Trump says hush money ‘not a campaign violation’ | PBS NewsHour
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
I don't know which newscast you normally watch. I watched msnbc this evening with Rachel Maddox. She offered all sorts of info that I had not heard before. They (New York state) are going to get the whole family and since they are state and not federal, pardoning is not an option! The snowball is getting bigger by the moment and picking up speed. It's going to be a fantastic ride!
My, doesn't my sidewalk look great today! he's sooooooo grown up! ;-)
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
I'm not sure I understand this :-(
Cloudy Moon in PB.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
Is that smoke from the fires? Nice photo!
Weird and wild Datana caterpillars
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
They are weird (looking) and wild (looking)!
To reuse or not to reuse, that is the question.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
I’m not proud. We even go dumpster diving!
I don’t know if I will have much of a pre-Xmas garden this year.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
I would think you’d be safe planting any root veggies, ie beets, radishes, onions, carrots. Good luck.
Everything is connected
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
Yep!
I did not know, did you?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 22, 2018:
I didn't know that either!
I still do. ???
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
Usually just in the car.
Leopard gecko with a facial tumor
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
A leprosy gecko!
Mayonnaise VS Miracle Whip which is your favorite? (Mayo for me)
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
I'm not very qualified to answer this question. I do the grocery shopping but buy what my mom likes the best, which is Miracle Whip Light. It doesn't matter to me so much.
Adult antlion and female scorpionfly
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
What's the purpose of the Scorpionfly's long nose? You've shown a few with a spout like this.
Cecropia on Blackberry
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
It's pretty and big, whatever it is.
Just curious about your groups.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
Currently, I belong to 14 groups and only receive alerts for 3. I often delete most of these groups and begin again. I own zero, which is the way I like it.
It seems that I resemble a skinny duck..... haha
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 21, 2018:
I laugh like a crazy buzzard. Probably.
I have decided to start a seed exchange/Plant with all the garden groups.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
I believe I'd stick with natives, heirlooms, and non-GMOs.
Sharing my album from my hike of The Great Smokey Mountains.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
Cool! Looks like home. Is that the Chimneys? You like your mushrooms!
My new neighbours.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
They don't look very much like horses.
How many zombies would rob zombie rob if rob zombie could rob zombies??
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
I don't know. Not enough info given ;-)
How fast can you guess these words?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
I missed them all. Guess I need to get my mind out of the gutter.
Mt. St. Helens. Nice walk with family. No big hike this time but outdoors and gorgeous all the same
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
That's one big crater! Looks like an enjoyable hike.
Refurbishing an old hot tub into a cooling tub 2010 in my backyard of the straw bale home.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
The progression of the hot tub and the wall together look great!
Mine actually sounds wonderful.... "Nautical Wonderland" :-)
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
Gothic Cosplay: I'm going to have a 'black wedding'.
Highlights from last night's moth lighting trip to Lopez in Sullivan County.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
They are all really cool looking. I understand why you enjoy your hobby so much. I'm beginning to recognize the sphinx(es) now. You're a good teacher!
Yes it will with the right person that is.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 20, 2018:
Percentage wise, I've been in more unhealthy relationships than healthy ones. How about you?
I'm having a party!
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:
Earwigs. I'll be the death of the party!
Look who came to visit the northern girl all the way from Denver.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:
That's so cool on so many levels. I've planned on visiting some people from this site but nothing has worked out yet.
I am the black sheep of the family, anybody else relate ?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:
Things change and evolve. My middle brother used to be the black sheep. Now he has become ultra conservative, religious, and even voted for Trump (the Trump vote is still a black sheep thing). I have now become the black sheep. I like it that way.
Wow I never knew this, how many have known this?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:
I guess you're talking about the hooks on the grocery cart? Not all carts have them and they're only sort of useful and only after you've checked out. I don't use them. An engineer that was collecting way too much money and never went shopping a day in his life designed them.
How about a tiny houseboat?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 19, 2018:
I like the idea but I believe it's impractical unless you dock it most of the time. No grass to mow!
Who is with me?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I'm in! Where to lay my head? ;-)
My father died in my arms Monday. So many emotions...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I'm sure that was very dramatic for you. Can you think of a better way for your father to pass than this? I'm sure you will miss him. It sounds a bit shallow, but I'm sorry for your broken heart.
I truly love my iguana...... Hey Rita! Get away from my curtains......
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
They look huge but cool!
I love this tree house but wouldn't have a swing from that branch.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I would swing on that swing! Maybe have a parachute just in case!
Has anybody ever tried this for strawberries?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I like it! I haven't grown strawberries yet; hopefully next year. I really like vertical gardens and this sparks my imagination. Thanks!
In support of the intelligence community that is challenging Trump's action and of the retired ...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I agree with your thought pattern. I don't think Trump, his family, or associates will take notice though. I just hope the US can survive until after the midterm elections when we'll finally be able to get him and his cronies out of office. They should all go to jail, but I doubt that will happen.
Taken out the old door in the straw bale home, reframing and putting in the new.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
Great that you had such an able-bodied assistant. Looks warm and welcoming. I have a double sliding glass door that I need to do something similar to. I don't have a straw bale house though :-(
Farmville, how is this entertaining or fulfilling?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 18, 2018:
I've never played this, but there was a time my kids really got into it. Growing your own is tons more rewarding!
It is amazing what some people can do with a tree.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 17, 2018:
That's cool. Can you go inside?
This is just something that really irritates me....ugh...how is this legal? [m.facebook.com]
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 17, 2018:
It shouldn't be if it is. My kids are on a swim team and for their end of season banquet, they had a prayer before the meal. I'm going to write them and tell them it's not appropriate. It's not a Christian swim team!
I want to be out where things are simple.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 17, 2018:
If there's a rocking chair on the porch, that would be perfect.
I love coffee!!!
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 17, 2018:
I believe life would be much different without it!
On Saturday ?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 17, 2018:
That must be in the morning. A better trick would be 18.18.18 @ 18:18
Whether I ever get the opportunity to build a home with natural materials, I'd at least like to try ...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:
These are very intriguing. I'm sure you would do something even more interesting.
Am I the only one who feels like a social misfit?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:
'Curmudgeon' ... a new word for me. I believe the word is gender-specific (m), but if you want to be one there's not much holding you back. A charming curmudgeon has a ring to it! I know I don't like a lot (perhaps the majority) of people, but I do like company in small doses; although I admit I get tired of my kids and mom (these are the ones I see the most often). I have always been this way so it's nothing new to me. Perhaps you need to take a couple of days break and do something fun with a few people so you can regroup. I'm not sure when I'll be in Texas so can't ask you out on a date ;-). It's probably not exactly what you had in mind anyway.
Wow a house in a tree.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:
And here's a trucktree!
Charcoal and graphite drawing I did of Katherine Heigl back in 2001.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:
Is this done from a photo?
When I joined agnostic.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 16, 2018:
They weren't friends. :-)
Kayak fans should consider participating in The Tour de Coal, in St.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 15, 2018:
Awesome. There are plenty of polluted streams everywhere. That’s great that you guys have made it fun to clean up!
Work in progress. Untitled oil.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 15, 2018:
Yes, progressing very nicely!
Since butterfly porn has already been posted, here's a little moth porn.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Ooh, I'd better cover my eyes.
ICE CUBE, KEVIN HART AND CONAN HELP STUDENT DRIVER [youtu.be] Just for fun.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I thought it was funny!
A 25lb.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I like things that tell you when they're ripe. I'm always picking too early or too late.
Spent the last weekend visiting Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountain again.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I love caves. Enjoy getting to know your new camera!
LMAO, to funny ?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
That might explain why I don't see very many of them around!
Ikea’s India store offers delivery by solar-powered rickshaws - Curbed
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I like Ikea and this is one of the reasons.
I would love to build an outdoor kitchen like this one, nothing better than cooking outdoors.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
All you need is a property, right?
She had her dog, what more did she really need from Kansas! LOL :-)
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
And it's still a classical mystery.
Yin Yang ❤ Two forces in the universe, according to a Chinese theory: yin is the passive, ...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I feel like a black dot ;-)
So.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I don't have any problems unless I grow them in the same spot. 2 years in a row seems to be the magic number that I can get away with. I do change the location every year just the same. Mine are doing fabulously well this year, even with a late start.
Abingdon's Library is thrilled to have author and journalist BETH MACY speaking on her book DOPESICK...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Have you read it yet?
Dragon oven made from cobb, stones, and mosaic accents.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Build one. I'm sure you have the technical know-how.
This is on my FB feed...how do you respond to this?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I would like to see his sources.
I would most definitely keep it and fix it up.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
First, I would check for termite damage, foundation integrity, and other structural concerns. If everything checked out, keep it and refurbish. If not, tear it down and start over.
It's been awhile, but needed to update.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Where do you obtain the eggs?
This is what healthy food looks like :-) From left to right: Organic berries, papaya with ...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
It does look yummy!
This is my Friday -Sunday. .... is it okay to be drinking wine?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Definitely!
"The creation of Eve", markers over pen&ink Drawing Something I did on the road to Atheism.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Or maybe it's a sign of the future?
Nothing better when you're camping.
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Any sort of musical instrument makes the night special!
Please can anybody translate this?
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 14, 2018:
I can read it fine. Must be east Tennessean.
Another chapter on, "being embarrassed to be an American lately ..."
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:
At least she leaves little doubt that she's a wacko.
No photo, BUT, I found this critter on my windshield leaving a heavily-wooded event in West Central ...
AstralSmoke comments on Aug 13, 2018:
I've never seen one before. The Monkey Slug Caterpillar has a very interesting camouflage.

Photos

8
8 Like Show
10
10 Like Show
01.09.17
4
4 Like Show
5
5 Like Show
5
5 Like Show
5
5 Like Show
4
4 Like Show
5
5 Like Show
1
1 Like Show
The green man in Berlin, Germany. East Germany's crosswalk light. At the fall of the Wall, every city in Germany got a set of these crosswalk lights to show the unity of Germany. Photo taken in 21.10.16.
0 Like Show
At our family reunion, 16.07.18
0 Like Show
1
1 Like Show
0 Like Show
On the balcony of my 'new' flat, 23.11.19.
3
3 Like Show
Bean planking.
1
1 Like Show
Our new puppy, Bean, 14.11.19
1
1 Like Show
Around 1962-63.
1
1 Like Show
1961 with my granddad, Herschey Boy.
1
1 Like Show
I'm the little guy on the far left, early April 1962.
0 Like Show
Agnostic, Atheist, Humanist, Secularist, Freethinker
Here for community
  • Level8 (89,693pts)
  • Posts239
  • Comments
      Replies
    2,550
    2,917
  • Followers 42
  • Fans 0
  • Following 125
  • Fav. Posts 2
  • Joined Oct 29th, 2017
  • Last Visit Over a year ago
    Not in search results
AstralSmoke's Groups
Topic of the day
92040 members
Just for Laughs
3236 members
FreeThinkers
2640 members
Progressives, Socialists, and Black Lives Matter
2423 members
Sexual Deviants
2065 members
Real Intimacy
1849 members
Singles/Mingle/Chat
1656 members
50s +
1639 members
Gardeners
1500 members
Dog Lovers
1376 members
World Music
1319 members
Music Fans
1281 members
handcrafters , fine artists, photographers, or other things of beauty
1087 members
Human Sexuality: Everything About It
1018 members
Legalize Cannabis Nationwide/Worldwide
775 members
Sexy Classy Pics
774 members
Paleontology, Archeology, and Anthropology
661 members
Critical thinking
649 members
Photography
596 members
The Escapees- - Hide here!
420 members
UK Atheists & Agnostics
387 members
CLASSIC ROCK RULES
384 members
Community Senate
383 members
Critter Corner
366 members
Hike, Climb, Paddle
356 members
visual art
327 members
Online Dating: The Reality
319 members
Environment, Ecology and Sustainability
311 members
SouthEastern Atheists
266 members
Pet pictures and discussion
207 members
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), Intuitives, and Empaths
166 members
Traditional and Folkmusic
163 members
Sun Moon Stars
151 members
American Humanists Association
135 members
Treehouses, tiny homes and natural building
133 members
Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana & Tennessee
110 members
All Things Asia
84 members
Tales from the Lockdown
82 members
Cycling
54 members
Knoxville and surrounding area people
50 members
Camping for adults in Dixie (no children)
27 members