[Sophia M.]

General Discussion Thread 07.12.2025​

Greetings, GrayViners!

I hope this weekend finds you well, maybe with a little sunshine on your face, something warm in your mug, and a quiet moment just for you.

I’ve been wondering: What’s keeping you busy these days?

Image source: Unsplash

For some of us, it might be gardening, reading, painting, baking, or long walks with a dog. For others, it’s diving into something completely new, like robotics and artificial intelligence.

Our member GrayViner @Grayling55 recently shared how their Amazon kit turned into a whole new passion for learning. Since then, they’ve been exploring free AI courses from Harvard, Coursera, and Udemy, and even found that their local library offers free access to some of these platforms. Just goes to show: a little curiosity can go a long way.

As for me, I’ve been spending more time in the kitchen, trying new baking recipes and letting the scent of something sweet fill the house. It’s been a way to keep my hands (and heart) busy.

So now I’m curious, what’s filling your time lately, and how did you stumble into it? Whether it’s a new class, an old hobby, or just something that brings you peace, I’d love to hear all about it.

Warmly,
Sophia

 

[GaryBlake]

Good morning, Sophia! My garden and my nightly reading have kept me happily occupied recently. I have veggies, berries, and flowers in my garden. I am out every morning before 7:30 am to water, weed and harvest.
At night, I go to bed around 9:30 pm and read. I am currently reading a series entitled, "What Our Fathers Saw," by Matthew Rozelle. It is an 10 book series that contains actual interviews with WW ll veterans about both the Pacific and European Theater of Operations on land, sea, and air, and accounts of POW's that are astonishing. It has often moved me to tears, and made me close the book and take a deep breath and offer up a small prayer for those men. Lest we forget. A thought by one of the soldier's granddaughter runs throughout the series: "But dying for freedom isn't the worst that could happen. Being forgotten is.-- "
From a soldier: "For all of us to be free, a few of us must be brave, and that is the history of America."

Their endeavors will never be replicated. God Bless these men.

 

[Rusty Vale]

Cleaning out closets, drawers, and other "stuff" that needs to go away. I can't believe how much we have accumulated in 16 years.

 

[Arkie98]

My flowers keep me quite busy. The upper deck leaks horrible when rains have to move them up against my patio door, then move them back in AM. Been trying to grow Zucchini in a pot, not much luck. Lots of blossoms that just drop and produce nothing. Read alot and do cross words.

 

[Gayle B.]

Unfortunately the only thing we can do anymore is binge watching TV

 

[Hazeleyes]

I finished with my cat, Bruno’s stress treatment .All fine with that now. New problem is that he has entropion in both eyes. I went to the veterinary ophthalmologist on Friday and so far was given drops to put in his eyes. Need to call Monday to schedule the surgery for it.
I also have been gardening when the weather allows. On rainy days or too hot out I am still rearranging, organizing and cleaning out.

 

[NBSEE]

boating and fishing mixed with new locations.

 

[Cindy k]

I have the pleasure of watching my great grand daughter three to five days a week She is two and a high energy kid . She gives me a run for my money. Despite the sometimes difficult times with a two year old , I love her so much and would not change a thing.

 

[Sophia M.]

Good morning, Sophia! My garden and my nightly reading have kept me happily occupied recently. I have veggies, berries, and flowers in my garden. I am out every morning before 7:30 am to water, weed and harvest.
At night, I go to bed around 9:30 pm and read. I am currently reading a series entitled, "What Our Fathers Saw," by Matthew Rozelle. It is an 10 book series that contains actual interviews with WW ll veterans about both the Pacific and European Theater of Operations on land, sea, and air, and accounts of POW's that are astonishing. It has often moved me to tears, and made me close the book and take a deep breath and offer up a small prayer for those men. Lest we forget. A thought by one of the soldier's granddaughter runs throughout the series: "But dying for freedom isn't the worst that could happen. Being forgotten is.-- "
From a soldier: "For all of us to be free, a few of us must be brave, and that is the history of America."

Their endeavors will never be replicated. God Bless these men.

Hi Gary! Your garden sounds like such a peaceful way to start the day, and what a meaningful reading choice, too. That series sounds powerful. Thank you for sharing those quotes; they gave me chills. Remembering those who served is so important, and your words honor them beautifully.

 

[Sophia M.]

Cleaning out closets, drawers, and other "stuff" that needs to go away. I can't believe how much we have accumulated in 16 years.

It’s amazing how much stuff can pile up, isn’t it? Clearing out those spaces can feel so freeing though. Wishing you lots of momentum, and maybe a few good surprises along the way!

 

[Sophia M.]

My flowers keep me quite busy. The upper deck leaks horrible when rains have to move them up against my patio door, then move them back in AM. Been trying to grow Zucchini in a pot, not much luck. Lots of blossoms that just drop and produce nothing. Read alot and do cross words.

Sounds like your flowers are keeping you on your toes! I hear you on the zucchini; those blossoms can be so fickle. Fingers crossed they start producing soon. And nothing beats winding down with a good crossword! If you ever feel like showing off your blooms, we’d love to see them over in the Photography forum.

 

[Sophia M.]

Unfortunately the only thing we can do anymore is binge watching TV

That’s totally valid! Some seasons of life just call for cozy TV time. I hope you’ve found some great shows to keep you company.

 

[Sophia M.]

I finished with my cat, Bruno’s stress treatment .All fine with that now. New problem is that he has entropion in both eyes. I went to the veterinary ophthalmologist on Friday and so far was given drops to put in his eyes. Need to call Monday to schedule the surgery for it.
I also have been gardening when the weather allows. On rainy days or too hot out I am still rearranging, organizing and cleaning out.

Poor Bruno! I’m glad the stress treatment is behind you, and I hope the surgery brings him relief soon. He’s lucky to have such a caring human. And it sounds like you’re keeping your space just as well-tended as your garden!

 

[Sophia M.]

boating and fishing mixed with new locations.

Boating and fishing in new places sounds like the perfect blend of peace and adventure. Hope the weather’s been kind and the catches have been good! If you’ve snapped any scenic shots or proud catch moments, feel free to share them over in the Photography forum; we’d love to see them!

 

[Sophia M.]

I have the pleasure of watching my great grand daughter three to five days a week She is two and a high energy kid . She gives me a run for my money. Despite the sometimes difficult times with a two year old , I love her so much and would not change a thing.

Aw, that sounds like a joyful (and very active!) way to spend your week. Two-year-olds are definitely full of energy, but the love and memories you’re making together are priceless.

 

[Hazeleyes]

Poor Bruno! I’m glad the stress treatment is behind you, and I hope the surgery brings him relief soon. He’s lucky to have such a caring human. And it sounds like you’re keeping your space just as well-tended as your garden!

So Bruno will be having the eye surgery on Tuesday, July 22 . I hope all goes well with it.
I try my best to keep things organized and clean. Always something needs tending to with an old house. We have lived here 56 years. I do my best with doing whatever repairs I can. When I cannot do something i call in a professional.