To Block or Not Block

Crimson67 comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I have blocked two and am about to add a third. The first one because he wouldn't take no for an answer. (No longer on this site) Second one, followed me and would then post something confrontational on every post or comment I made. I confronted him about it and he basically told me enjoyed ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Sometimes its necessary. Harassment reasons for you, religious reasons for me. Both are legit.

To Block or Not Block

ipdg77 comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I've blocked two because they met my wanker criteria, it was on a whim so I could unblock them but they didn't have anything to say I wanted to hear so......... I've definately been blocked by one because I had the temerity to have an opinion on US gun laws when I don't live in the US and I may ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@sassygirl3869 I've unfollowed people, but rarely block.

Can anyone guess what this is?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

A carpenter bee on some spearmint?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@Leafhead The bumble bee has captured a moth? I don't know what kind. Gray.

Just so everyone knows, I don't have time to look these little critters up, and besides, I'm taking ...

Insectra comments on Jun 3, 2018:

These are boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata). The little red guys are nymphs, those with wings are adults.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@Insectra I've seen them before. Have someone to ask now!

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

WalterWhite comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Love the interesting pink aphids. We only get common green ones here. You may have to dig up the underground tubers that could be there.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@Silverwhisper The bugs (via Gardner group) @insectra were identified as Boxelder bugs. They are anything but ordinary roots.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

Donna_I comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Two suggestions. 1. I found a Tennessee Invasive Species listing for a Chinese Yam. http://tnipc.org/invasive-plants/plant-details/?id=44 Not sure as the leaf still doesn't look right to me. 2. See if you can find a master gardeners group near by. They can be very helpful with wierd plants. ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@CrazyQuilter, @Donna_I The mulch idea doesn't work. It simply grows right through it unless the roots can be removed. I can usually get rid of kudzu within three years simply by removing its leaves. Doesn't work with this vine.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

Donna_I comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Two suggestions. 1. I found a Tennessee Invasive Species listing for a Chinese Yam. http://tnipc.org/invasive-plants/plant-details/?id=44 Not sure as the leaf still doesn't look right to me. 2. See if you can find a master gardeners group near by. They can be very helpful with wierd plants. ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@CrazyQuilter I haven't seen any. That's one thing that doesn't fit the plant I'm fighting. Pictures look the same though. I also try keeping it cut, but it's sneaky. So, mine doesn't normally flower or have any fruit.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

CrazyQuilter comments on Jun 3, 2018:

There are several varieties of English Ivy that are invasive. Maybe this can help you :https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/english-ivy.aspx

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@btroje Possibly. I try to not do that, but it might be happening. Since the roots can run ~1.5' deep and it's very difficult digging between tree roots etc and if part of the yam root is left (similar to dandelion roots), they seem to come back. The roots don't seem to ever die. The runners are troublesome but conquerable.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

WalterWhite comments on Jun 3, 2018:

While the leaves could have been large and like wild potato or sweet potato with tubers, I see they may be smaller now in comparison to the bugs. So more like this: ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@Donna_I Identified it, thanks.

Just so everyone knows, I don't have time to look these little critters up, and besides, I'm taking ...

Insectra comments on Jun 3, 2018:

These are boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata). The little red guys are nymphs, those with wings are adults.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

So, they are 'sunning' in this photo? There are two maples close by.

Just so everyone knows, I don't have time to look these little critters up, and besides, I'm taking ...

btroje comments on Jun 3, 2018:

does it flower at all?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

That's a very good question. I get the impression from them that they probably won't stick around long enough to bloom.

Just so everyone knows, I don't have time to look these little critters up, and besides, I'm taking ...

Insectra comments on Jun 3, 2018:

These are boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata). The little red guys are nymphs, those with wings are adults.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

I thought about sending you a message and asking you privately (a little embarrassed by my lack of knowledge), but I then figured the community could also benefit from your knowledge. I posted this exact picture in Gardens as well and someone said aphids, which didn't quite make sense. Thank you! Back to Google.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

btroje comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I keep seeing a plant ID app mentioned here and advertised on FB

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@btroje @Donna_I found it. A Chinese yam. And see, she saved me $4! I'm open to non-chemical solutions for getting rid of it. The problem with most apps is they know the wrong things.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

Donna_I comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Two suggestions. 1. I found a Tennessee Invasive Species listing for a Chinese Yam. http://tnipc.org/invasive-plants/plant-details/?id=44 Not sure as the leaf still doesn't look right to me. 2. See if you can find a master gardeners group near by. They can be very helpful with wierd plants. ...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Yes, I believe that's it. Chinese Yam, Cinnamon Vine, Air-potato. Thank you very much! Doesn't help me figure out how to get rid of it without using herbicides though. At least I know what it's called. Thanks again.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

CrazyQuilter comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I might be kudzu. Looks like this one https://www.invasive.org/alien/fact/pumo1.htm How are the leaves arranged? 3 short stems in a group?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Kudzu is bad, but not this bad.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

btroje comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I keep seeing a plant ID app mentioned here and advertised on FB

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Yea, me too. Don't want to pay $4 so it can tell me it doesn't know. I've got a stubborn strike that I have to deal with as well.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

WalterWhite comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Love the interesting pink aphids. We only get common green ones here. You may have to dig up the underground tubers that could be there.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Easier said then done.

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

Akfishlady comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Wild potato vine? Try vinegar soap and salt mixture. It seems to be working for most of the plants here.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

Thanks ladies. Potato vines don't sound like a serious problem though. Are they on the west coast?

I've been fighting these vines for 5 years now and haven't made any real advances.

CrazyQuilter comments on Jun 3, 2018:

There are several varieties of English Ivy that are invasive. Maybe this can help you :https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/english-ivy.aspx

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

We have our share of English ivy. My grandmother's generation used to think it looked cultured. We also have a lot of monkey grass (another horrible grass-like plant). This is my first encounter with this vine. I'm not into using chemicals. Knowledge is power!

A local mountain

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 3, 2018:

It looks deceptively small. I haven't seen a mountain yet that I didn't want to climb.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@btroje I'm sure you've hiked it.

A trout i met trying to get cool in the mountains

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 3, 2018:

That's a better exposure.! Adjusted?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@btroje You can spot the fish quicker in this one.

I will never have pics because it is always to dark for a when they come out but I saw 2 beaver ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 3, 2018:

You live in the desert, between a stream (where you go fishing) and a river (where you see beavers). Sounds sort of like heaven!

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@btroje Of course, only where the best rivers are found!

I would really like to talk more with people, however, studying is my second job.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

What have you learned in your gender psychology class?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@flow Is forensic psychology similar to behavior analysis?

Can anyone guess what this is?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

A carpenter bee on some spearmint?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@Leafhead I knew that wasn't it. There must be monarch eggs or similar. My eyesight must be getting worse!

My 4 instar Monarchs.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

So cool. A steward!

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@Leafhead It's beautiful. I see how you could get hooked.

Should you use the word "sex" in your profile?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

If anything, you're being too flexible. Your profile is very enticing the way it is.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@LiterateHiker ask @Qualia, I'm sure she'll have a better answer.

I would really like to talk more with people, however, studying is my second job.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

What have you learned in your gender psychology class?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@flow I understand that as well. There are a lot of variables. And I'm sure generalities can assist up to a certain point. What else are you studying? 911?

Worst thing about divorce?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

Beer helps. Are you doing the jig?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@onlyduh I can imagine you held up your side of the conversation though.

Should you use the word "sex" in your profile?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

If anything, you're being too flexible. Your profile is very enticing the way it is.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@LiterateHiker Flatter him somehow and then tell him he isn't your type. If he writes back, don't reply.

Worst thing about divorce?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

Beer helps. Are you doing the jig?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@onlyduh ... as the story becomes a little less fogged!

I would really like to talk more with people, however, studying is my second job.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

What have you learned in your gender psychology class?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@flow Reading people is a good skill to have. I guess what I’m saying is that most people don’t ‘fit’ into those descriptions. Those are generalizations. I enjoy watching people interact. Guess that’s about as close as I can get.

Should you use the word "sex" in your profile?

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

If anything, you're being too flexible. Your profile is very enticing the way it is.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@LiterateHiker if you like the original better, you should go with what represents you the best. Maybe be prepared with a good smack-me-down line for the 6th graders.

I would really like to talk more with people, however, studying is my second job.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 2, 2018:

What have you learned in your gender psychology class?

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@flow do you have problems ‘reading’ people when they don’t fit into what you’re being taught?

Sigh.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Enjoy it! I love that feeling even though it doesn't often last. @LimeySteve gives good advice, but I see this site as offering a lot of resources to learn about whomever you're interested in. It might be time to move it a notch higher.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@onlyduh I guess that leaves me out. I just can't do bacon.

Sigh.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Enjoy it! I love that feeling even though it doesn't often last. @LimeySteve gives good advice, but I see this site as offering a lot of resources to learn about whomever you're interested in. It might be time to move it a notch higher.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@Petter Maybe, but her posts need to be read in sequence. That's alright, she doesn't understand me either.

Sigh.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Enjoy it! I love that feeling even though it doesn't often last. @LimeySteve gives good advice, but I see this site as offering a lot of resources to learn about whomever you're interested in. It might be time to move it a notch higher.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@onlyduh Your next posts explains it! You're a sequential kind of lady.

We have a new Mulberry Tree 3 Florida mangos trees and I also got a bunch of peach Pomegranate and ...

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 1, 2018:

That looks like a lot of work.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@Donto101 I'm exactly the same way. It's a disease!

Many great things on here to grow to stay healthy.

btroje comments on Jun 1, 2018:

have never eaten or seen soursop grown

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@Sheannutt Might if you ever go to the Caribbean.

Many great things on here to grow to stay healthy.

btroje comments on Jun 1, 2018:

have never eaten or seen soursop grown

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

What is it? I've never heard of it. ... google time.

Lemon Haze and Skywalker progress!

Mooolah comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Your killing me. I am dry here in Wisconsin. My plants are 3 inches tall. I either can drive to Colorado, wait until harvest, or puchase illegally. Guess I'll have to visit Colorado & my friends there. No cannabis friends here with bud. I won't puchase illegally.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@Countrywoman It'd be faster if I could grow them.

People are insects too!

webbew1 comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Actually, we're highly developed primates. You get a zero on the test. Better luck next time.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

Doggone it! I didn't study. Give me a second go at it?

Lemon Haze and Skywalker progress!

Mooolah comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Your killing me. I am dry here in Wisconsin. My plants are 3 inches tall. I either can drive to Colorado, wait until harvest, or puchase illegally. Guess I'll have to visit Colorado & my friends there. No cannabis friends here with bud. I won't puchase illegally.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@Countrywoman Yea, I know. I don't grow any, but enjoy learning about the different named types. There are more and more since the West began playing!

People are insects too!

Katrik comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Not sure I get the joke here.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

There's not one, but you can LOL or L2m!

People are insects too!

moonmaid comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Trying to wrap my head around that...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

It's brain aerobics!

People are insects too!

NotConvinced comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Wouldn't parasite be more appropriate? How about the probiotics in the gut of the Universe or more likely an infection...

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

Bacterium would have been better. I was sitting on the patio, and I started thinking about animal rights activist (don't know why). Cat's are human kind of thing. They have PERSONalities, etc. And then I thought about flipping it since we share some common DNA. It was just a thought.

I just love my girl, Champagne. She’s at 6” now. I hope she gets to be at least 7”.

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 1, 2018:

That's a hairy baby!

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@graceylou Perfect!

Are you an "overlapper"?

Freespirit64 comments on May 31, 2018:

I'm a believer in finishing one chapter before starting another. And I'm not afraid to be alone.

AstralSmoke replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@Qualia He sounded more like a grenade launcher.

Are you an "overlapper"?

VAL3941 comments on May 31, 2018:

I love to overlap, cuts out the hurt feeling in between !

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

Sarcasm?

Are you an "overlapper"?

Freespirit64 comments on May 31, 2018:

I'm a believer in finishing one chapter before starting another. And I'm not afraid to be alone.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Qualia From Australia?

Are you an "overlapper"?

SilverDollarJedi comments on May 31, 2018:

I'm not going to lie I had to read several comments before I figured out what "overlapping" means. When did that become a word? I assume it means you are on the last legs of a relationship and go find something better before you have properly broken off the first relationship right? If I am wrong ...

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Qualia Window shopping?

Help.

MikeEC comments on May 31, 2018:

I just did a little research. Diatomaceous Earth sounds interesting. Two resources: https://homeremediesfor.com/fire-ants/ https://draxe.com/diatomaceous-earth/

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

In my limited experience, diatoms work great against slugs and snails. I've never heard it being used for ants before! I like @Krypto-Knight remarks as well.

Attempting To grow dragon fruit from seed

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

How many plants are you hoping to grow?

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Donto101 Looks like it'll work. I've never grown dragon fruit, but it works for almost anything. Are you putting them in pots after they sprout?

Attempting To grow dragon fruit from seed

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

How many plants are you hoping to grow?

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Donto101 Looks like you'll have a lot of them.

Attempting To grow dragon fruit from seed

Ellatynemouth comments on May 30, 2018:

My goodness! Good luck with that. It looks high tech.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Donto101 Where do you get round paper towels from?

"Jerry Garcia", Acrylic on Canvas, 30" X 40", $700

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

Is this looking up?

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@confidentrealm Yea, you're right.

This must be one of those days that it looks like nothing is happening then all of a sudden there ...

sassygirl3869 comments on May 31, 2018:

Angry and outraged today. Herr Trump destroying this country putting tariffs on Canada, Mexico and European Union.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

There will definitely be costs and suffering to yet unbeknownst segments of the workforce. We are going in a very bad direction.

This must be one of those days that it looks like nothing is happening then all of a sudden there ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

You must be a very popular lady.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Qualia Both of you ladies are freaking awesome!

This must be one of those days that it looks like nothing is happening then all of a sudden there ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

You must be a very popular lady.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@btroje I know. I'm following you anyway.

Watch "Introduction to Gyroplanes (Gyrocopters) by Dan Donley" on YouTube [youtu.be]

Marine comments on May 31, 2018:

What is the difference between these and helicopters?

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Marine It's a wonderful video! The short and the ugly: gyrocopters have blades that blow air around the rutter for sped and direction. It has a large prop overhead (like a helicopter) that turns freely when wind passes through it, giving the gyrocopter lift.

Where are you going on vacation?

5082gregory comments on May 31, 2018:

We want to go to Miami in nov because thats when the Jets play the Dolphins nov4. My wifes birthday is nov 8. We MIGHT go to Buffalo to see the JETS play the Bills in dec but we are not sure. She wants to see Niagra Falls.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@BucketlistBob There right next door to each other!

Watch "Introduction to Gyroplanes (Gyrocopters) by Dan Donley" on YouTube [youtu.be]

Marine comments on May 31, 2018:

What is the difference between these and helicopters?

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

Sorry, I'm not telling. You have to watch the video.

Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) are a day flying silk moth that create very distinctive ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 31, 2018:

Pipevine (center) and Passionflower growing up meshed pink dogwood tree.

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Insectra Yea, I'm not very knowledgeable about insects, but I want to make them comfortable.

Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) are a day flying silk moth that create very distinctive ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

I did a quick wiki lookup. The males are day moths and the females are night moths. They only have a few hours to mate. First come first serve boys. The male moth has been observed to 'smell' the pheromone release up to 23 miles, which is a several day fly time. The pretty one's the girl! The males ...

AstralSmoke replies on May 31, 2018:

@Insectra The Passionflower is popping up everywhere. It spreads by roots, so is a bit erratic.

Does this Group cover mainly temperate zones?

btroje comments on May 30, 2018:

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ this just deals with temperature variation

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

There should be something for Europeans as well.

Does this Group cover mainly temperate zones?

btroje comments on May 30, 2018:

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/temp-and-precip/us-maps/1/201804 information about rainfall I live in the high desert of New Mexico. 7000 feet 14 inches of rainfall in good years lot of wind US zone 7

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

Wow, I didn't know it rained so much there. Amazing!

Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) are a day flying silk moth that create very distinctive ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

I did a quick wiki lookup. The males are day moths and the females are night moths. They only have a few hours to mate. First come first serve boys. The male moth has been observed to 'smell' the pheromone release up to 23 miles, which is a several day fly time. The pretty one's the girl! The males ...

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

@Insectra I bought a pipevine this spring at a local native plant sale. It seems to be doing ok. If it survives this year it'll take off next. I hope. I'm growing it amongst a Passionflower. Don't know how that's going to work out.

Some people

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

Are there really people like this? That's quite an effort.

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

@Captnron59 Money to burn.

[rumble.com] you should check out the turtle's story

btroje comments on May 30, 2018:

http://tanktheturtle.com/index.html Here is his web page @astralsmoke

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

Cool story. Thanks.

[rumble.com] you should check out the turtle's story

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

He must have been hand-raised. That size of turtle can easily take your finger. He's very submissive. Wonder how he interacts with strangers?

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

@btroje I don't know how endangered snapping turtles are, but an unusual pet nonetheless!

Makes you think

Petter comments on May 30, 2018:

I might have swapped the military with the police, as it is the police who most often appear to follow a bent path.

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

Just rename them all. I don't want to be king though.

This is a great house plant to have.

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

Mother-in-laws' tongue

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

@Sheannutt It's more fitting and easier to remember. I like to write my comment and then I read all the other ones. It can make my comment pretty redundant, but it is spontaneous.

Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) are a day flying silk moth that create very distinctive ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 30, 2018:

I did a quick wiki lookup. The males are day moths and the females are night moths. They only have a few hours to mate. First come first serve boys. The male moth has been observed to 'smell' the pheromone release up to 23 miles, which is a several day fly time. The pretty one's the girl! The males ...

AstralSmoke replies on May 30, 2018:

@Insectra That one is beautiful. Can't be poisonous. From Wiki: "The males use mimicry of the poisonous pipe vine swallowtail butterfly as a form of protection from predators.[7]" I was wrong. I'm growing my first pipevine this year, Maybe I'll have visitors next year!

Telling children Santa Claus is real? Are you against it or for it?

AstralSmoke comments on May 12, 2018:

You can raise kids to be creative, witty, fun loving, and striving to be their best. Why destroy their respect for you by lying to them?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

I'm not a big holiday fan. There are two that I wouldn't mind celebrating, but they aren't even holidays. Our families were/are very different. There are only 6 kids in the 'family', everyone else is grown. Some people enjoy swapping presents. Since we have a large family, we draw names. To me, it is a waste of time, effort, and money, to give just to receive something you will never use. Call me a Scrooge, but I'm not into it. And I'm definitely not going to lie about it. Where do babies come from is a good question requiring different but honest answers depending on the age.

You got some hotty gnomes in your house?

AstralSmoke comments on May 29, 2018:

They don't look like gnomes that my gnomes would want to hang out with.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@BucketlistBob I don't have pics of mine. They've tried to steal my camera before.

Finally! Now it is America’s turn.

AstralSmoke comments on May 29, 2018:

Baby steps, but the world's still moving, just very, very slowly.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@Marine I think they'll use it as a ploy to 'walk on water.'

Just got back from a weekend away at a music festival, anyone else like going to music festivals?

FrayedBear comments on May 29, 2018:

Where did you go?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@psycheworks I know one guy I could drink a couple of pints with. Thanks!

Telling children Santa Claus is real? Are you against it or for it?

AstralSmoke comments on May 12, 2018:

You can raise kids to be creative, witty, fun loving, and striving to be their best. Why destroy their respect for you by lying to them?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@CrankyAntie Good points and I don’t disagree with them in theory. When I was a kid we celebrated Christmas (modestly, had to with 5 kids) and I enjoyed it. I don’t ever remember believing in Santa, but I had older brothers and we got stuff! I believe we see the same thing, just from different perspectives and that’s good, right? In my opinion, it’s better to not lie. If you lie then it becomes a habit and much easier to do. If you lie to kids, either they don’t believe you (yeah!), or they believe you and their reasoning becomes confused. I do my best to be honest with my kids. Their mom, on the other hand, manipulates with lies. It’s a constant battle trying to keep the ship upright, but somebody has to do it, right? Yes, I’ve been to several Renaissance fairs, just by happening across them. No desire to go to a Star Trek convention or Comicon. Music Festivals can be very enveloping. Play acting does not require a belief.

You got some hotty gnomes in your house?

AstralSmoke comments on May 29, 2018:

They don't look like gnomes that my gnomes would want to hang out with.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@BucketlistBob My gnomes are mean!

Another one near the reservation

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

Do you hunt for fossils as well?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@Charlene @btroje I'm a hunter. It must be genetic.

I would so much love to plant milkweed, been wanting to for a while.

AstralSmoke comments on May 29, 2018:

I would dig the blackberries out of ~3' diameter holes, scattered wherever. Sow the milkweed seed in the fall. Cover loosely with straw. Don't mow these circles in the spring, but mow the rest of the blackberries (if you choose). The blackberries will spread into these circles but not before the ...

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@hereinwhoseville You might even be able to do it by cutting the blackberries off and raking the ground. No digging!

Just got back from a weekend away at a music festival, anyone else like going to music festivals?

FrayedBear comments on May 29, 2018:

Where did you go?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@psycheworks I'll try to remember it the next time I'm in the UK at the right time of year. Sounds great! Free Camping!

My first kayak trip this year. Bald Eagle Creek in central PA.

JimG comments on May 27, 2018:

@RavenCT ; @JustKip Okay, I didn't take many pictures because I went upstream. I couldn't stop paddling too long, lol.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@JimG Any snake or turtle activity?

I would so much love to plant milkweed, been wanting to for a while.

MikeEC comments on May 28, 2018:

I grow common milkweed in pots. Because this type of milkweed has a long taproot, it is better to use a tall narrow pot as opposed to a wide, shallow one. Growing milkweed in pots has a of advantages. One is that you can place it right in among the flowers where the monarchs pollinate. Secondly,...

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

Thanks for the links.

Another one near the reservation

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

Do you hunt for fossils as well?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@btroje Safe or 'clever' place!

Everyone Is Missing A Key Reason The U.S. Birth Rate Is Declining | HuffPost

Kojaksmom comments on May 29, 2018:

A declining birth rate is a great thing.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@Kojaksmom Overpopulation is not an American problem; it's a world problem.

Everyone Is Missing A Key Reason The U.S. Birth Rate Is Declining | HuffPost

Boogey comments on May 29, 2018:

I always believed in 0 population growth there's too many starving in the world. I heard on the news that the affect it will have is there won't be enough people to cover the jobs needed in the future

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@Ella Optimism at its finest!

Another one near the reservation

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

Do you hunt for fossils as well?

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@btroje, @Charlene I hate hunting for stuff I've hidden from myself!

Boy and his dog

kenriley comments on May 29, 2018:

Ok I can't help it, I have to tell you about my dog Thor. He is very strong and his favorite game that he likes to play is I have this big stick, now take it away from me. Sometimes I will play his game, but I have to stop because he can be very rough with me, and I can only handle so much of that....

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

Your story made me laugh. Dogs + kids.

Boy and his dog

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

I've seen this before and I still think he's going to hit the dog by accident.

AstralSmoke replies on May 29, 2018:

@btroje Dogs might be, but kids?

A local cactus blooming.

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

It hatches Indians. Pretty ones.

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje Click your heels together.

My roo and some of his babes

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

He has some beautiful colors. What kind is he?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje better than half.

If you live anywhere near New Jersey, plan an outing to Grounds for Sculpture located in Hamilton.

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

Are you kin to Matisse?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse Delusions can be rewarding.

My roo and some of his babes

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

He has some beautiful colors. What kind is he?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje I've never heard of rehoming the spurs. Still have to catch them.

My roo and some of his babes

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

He has some beautiful colors. What kind is he?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje Those look like they could do some damage. I took a broom in with me. One farmer told me if I caught him and hung him upside down for a bit he'd learn to not charge. I never tried it though. Broom worked ok.

My native stick insect eggs have started to hatch! I had almost given up hope that they would.

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

They must stay up high in the oak trees because I don't see them very often.

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@Insectra http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-stick-insects/ Helpful, fun facts.

I just love those eye-spots! The first small-eyed sphinx (Paonias myops) and first io moth ...

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

I noticed you had butterfly wing dust on your fingers. How do moths produce the powder? Is it regenerative?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@Insectra Butterflies have the same sort of scales?

My native stick insect eggs have started to hatch! I had almost given up hope that they would.

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

They must stay up high in the oak trees because I don't see them very often.

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@Insectra I guess we both have some reading to do.

This is how good the night was yesterday.

AstralSmoke comments on May 27, 2018:

A wicked good brownie!

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@Petter With a slightly different accent.

Another photo of the thriving metropolis of Las Vegas NM

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

Where's the casino?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje That's probably a long walk.

My roo and some of his babes

AstralSmoke comments on May 28, 2018:

He has some beautiful colors. What kind is he?

AstralSmoke replies on May 28, 2018:

@btroje No, sorry, I didn't see those pics. I've had a rooster before. Not as pretty as yours. They can be 'cocky' at times.