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barbult's Discursion Thread

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  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    edited January 10

    I sent the photo of the raccoon in the tree to a friend who used to have a raccoon for a pet (I'm sure that must have been her husband's idea). She told me to stay away from it, because it is not natural for it to be out in the daytime. I hadn't thought about that. It is good that I went inside then, I guess.

    Post edited by barbult on
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    Yeah, be careful of wild life.

  • richardandtracyrichardandtracy Posts: 7,783
    I was once chased by a hedgehog with rabies in West Germany in the 1970's. It was frothing at the mouth and grunting and as soon as it spotted the family, it ran towards us as fast as it could. We all managed to escape by outpacing it with a medium speed walk. Regards, Richard.
  • backgroundbackground Posts: 908

    richardandtracy said:

    I was once chased by a hedgehog with rabies in West Germany in the 1970's. It was frothing at the mouth and grunting and as soon as it spotted the family, it ran towards us as fast as it could. We all managed to escape by outpacing it with a medium speed walk. Regards, Richard.

    Was it sqeaking 'Brains!"? 

  • richardandtracyrichardandtracy Posts: 7,783
    No. Don't think so. Regards, Richard
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    I have the perfect idea for a portrait of Richard. I think everyone will love him.

    I'll likely start the portrait after lunch on Saturday.

    smiley

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    Great!
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    I had an inspiration for Richard's portrait. I woke up at 5:30 AM and couldn't get back to sleep.

    I turned on the computer near where I do my acrylic painting. Immediately I was swamped with numerous calls for updates of various apps, and Windows 11.

    Then other things went wrong. I tried sketching Richard, but admitted I really don't know how to draw.

    I also had to admit that booze really keeps me confused.

    I hadn't had anything to drink for a couple days. I'll give away my remaining bottle of scotch and Coors Light cans this weekend.

    Maybe my head will clear up in another couple days,

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    That sounds like a responsible plan, Ron. I'm proud of you for putting your health first. I think your improved health has contributed to your overall satisfaction and enjoyment of life.
  • David RDavid R Posts: 502

    barbult said:

    I don't want to stray too far from the life of Richard Haseltine, but I was out in my backyard this afternoon with my camera, (it was about 80 degrees F.) I saw several critters.

    • A lizard was on the dirty porch screen.
    • A squirrel was roaming in the grass looking for food.
    • A hawk (I think) flew overhead. It was sudden and unexpected. My shutter speed was too slow to stop the motion.
    • Then I saw a raccoon. Then he saw me. Then he started running in my direction. But luckily he just ran up a tree and not up me! He did look poised to leap off at me, though, so I went inside!

    If you live in Florida, daytime raccoon sightings are fairly common.  I see them all the time out my office window.

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    edited January 17
    Yes, David R, I live in Florida. Our yard is 1 acre, and the back quarter is natural and unlandscaped. I think critters live back there and wander out from time to time.
    Post edited by barbult on
  • RainRain Posts: 354

    David R said:

    barbult said:

    I don't want to stray too far from the life of Richard Haseltine, but I was out in my backyard this afternoon with my camera, (it was about 80 degrees F.) I saw several critters.

    • A lizard was on the dirty porch screen.
    • A squirrel was roaming in the grass looking for food.
    • A hawk (I think) flew overhead. It was sudden and unexpected. My shutter speed was too slow to stop the motion.
    • Then I saw a raccoon. Then he saw me. Then he started running in my direction. But luckily he just ran up a tree and not up me! He did look poised to leap off at me, though, so I went inside!

    If you live in Florida, daytime raccoon sightings are fairly common.  I see them all the time out my office window.

    I live in Vancouver, BC. They're out here all day too.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    I gave away my scotch, beer, candy and other sweet stuff.

    My friends will enjoy it, and I'll get my sugar levels down to normal. Next, I need to give up the wonderful desert after lunch.

    Once my head clears, I'll try once again to do a portrait of Richard!

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105

    Ron Knights said:

    I gave away my scotch, beer, candy and other sweet stuff.

    My friends will enjoy it, and I'll get my sugar levels down to normal. Next, I need to give up the wonderful desert after lunch.

    Once my head clears, I'll try once again to do a portrait of Richard!

    Sounds good. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. It doesn't have to be an exact likeness (especially since we've never seen a photo of him). Go for your own style. I like it.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    Well, I'll tell you now, the portrait is of his feline identity.

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    Ron Knights said:

    Well, I'll tell you now, the portrait is of his feline identity.

    Of course! That is the only identity we know. Is there any other?
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631
    edited January 19

    This is a preliminary look at Richard's "portrait." As you can see, Richard is dropping toward a spot of trouble.

    I'm having some trouble doing this fun project. I started with Acrylic paint markers, but they proved woefully inadequate.

    I switched to acrylic paints. It's looking better, but it's lacking the fine details that Richard's fur deserves.

    I've been battling a terrible pain in my lower back. 

    It only hurts when I breathe, sneeze, laugh or move.... Incredibly intense.

    I am having fun. I wish I might have kept the alcohol.

     

    richard shark sm.jpg
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    Post edited by Ron Knights on
  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    edited January 19
    We know Richard can swim. I hope he can swim fast! I think his fur looks fine. I don't think you need to do anything more to it.
    Post edited by barbult on
  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 110,645

    Certainly looks like I will have an incentive - though sharkskin would probably be good for claw-sharpening.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    Barbult, thanks for the compliment. I did fiddle with it a bit more.

    Right now I'm letting the paint dry.

    I might get back to my acrylic portrait of Marlin Fingle.

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105

    Ron Knights said:

    Looking great as usual.

    I'm letting the paint dry on Richard's portrait.

    I'll probably scan it in the morning. If you're interested, I'd be glad to get you a copy of the scan.

    Just tell me where you want to receive it.

    How about posting it in your Portrait Painting thread? I might grab it there and use it in a future render of your apartment, when Richard gets there to see those boxes, if that is OK with you. 

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    Sounds like a good idea.

    You have many other fine subjects for your story.

    I got a kick out of the bubble bath, and the talk with the kittens (adult cats?!)

  • richardandtracyrichardandtracy Posts: 7,783
    edited January 22

    This arc makes me think of a real event with our Albert (avatar cat).

    Albert wasn't snipped when he turned up at my wife's family home so it was conceivable that he was responsible for kittens. About a year later, after he'd been snipped, my MIL phoned my wife and said over a traditional analogue phone 'Which is your cat?' and then held the handset out to the two cats sitting next to her and swearing at the phone wanting food. Strangely, my wife couldn't see the difference.

    So she asked which was black & white: Both.

    Which had a red flea collar: Both.

    Which had a bell: Both.

    Which is a Tom? Both.

    Which had a stroppy attitude and swore at MIL: Both.

    Which had black & white markings like Albert: Both

    Which was heavyset: Both.

    Which had yellow eyes, pink nose leather, with one left chipped upper canine tooth: Both.

    Which hunched forwards and put ears out sideways as they swore: Both. What's more, they did it in time.

    Which had a black tail: Both.

    Hmm. Not much help so far. Which had a white ring on the end of his tail? It turned out one had a white ring (Albert) and one a white tip to the tail. It was so close in looks, build and colouration he must have been 'Son of Albert'. And he was a bit younger.

    Son of Albert got kicked out and no food. And MIL insisted we took Albert in immediately on pain of having him executed because MIL was intimidated by both Albert and Son of Albert. They were evil, apparently.

    Regards,

    Richard

    Post edited by richardandtracy on
  • barbultbarbult Posts: 27,105
    edited January 22

    That's pretty amazing that they were so similar, down to the chipped tooth and collar and bell. It sounds like your wife really knew the details of your cat's markings, too.
    Albert seems to be an unusual name for a cat.

    Post edited by barbult on
  • richardandtracyrichardandtracy Posts: 7,783
    edited January 22
    barbult said:

    That's pretty amazing that they were so similar, down to the chipped tooth and collar and bell. It sounds like your wife really knew the details of your cat's markings, too.
    Albert seems to be an unusual name for a cat.

    All I can say is that Albert (full name 'Teddy Albert Winston', named by my wife. Teddy for when he was cuddly, Albert for his normal blundering about and Winston for the few occasions he got all haughty) was very memorable in all sorts of ways. Some of them were even good ways. But not including the stealing of hot food, that was not good.

    Regards,

    Richard

    Post edited by richardandtracy on
  • SimonJMSimonJM Posts: 6,097
    edited January 23

    barbult said:

    That's pretty amazing that they were so similar, down to the chipped tooth and collar and bell. It sounds like your wife really knew the details of your cat's markings, too.
    Albert seems to be an unusual name for a cat.

    You may not wish to read The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett and Gray Joliffe then! ^_^

    Post edited by SimonJM on
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    You got me going. I'm doing a Royal Portrait of Richard.

    Just because.

    It may take a day or so. I hope to get the muscle relaxant meds tomorrow so I can move easier.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    Wow, I'm impressed, still. Yes, I know what you mean about the painting shirt. 

    I have two of them, each is a bit different,

    Nap time. Then I go to the painting class.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 2,631

    barbult, yes, of course.

    In my "real life," I've been thinking of getting another pet.

    I had my dog Bandit for 17 years. He passed away in 1991.

    I've always wanted another dog. But I just don't think I can handle walking a dog, when I use a walker. 

    When I was married, my wife had two cats and two dogs. The cats were a real joy.

    So yeah, a cat sounds appealing. You don't need to take them outside for a walk, etc. 

    "In the real world," I'm not ready for a cat. I need to take care of some financial concerns and give real thought to making room for a cat.

    I'm still surpised and delighted that anyone would be so interested in me.

    My life has changed so dramatically in the past 4 years since I moved to my current apartment building. I've really opened up to all my friends and neighbors, and it's paid off.

    I did an informal art show yesterday. I carried a bag of my portrait paintings, and showed them to my friends at lunch time. They loved my stuff.

    Sorry for rambling. I get like that in the morning. 

    To summarize: Yes, I'd love to have a cat. I'd have an anxiety attack trying to pick one. I'll let you make the choice.

     

  • richardandtracyrichardandtracy Posts: 7,783
    edited January 28

    Cats are not terribly hard to look after. Older, more staid, ones in particular - rescue cats can be good. Our current kitten (photo two days ago) is very bouncy, but likes his boxes..

    He's 8 months. Needs a dirt tray, LOTS of food - he is a  Maine Coon, after all - water, and somewhere to crash out. Our bed often does the job, or heaps of towels in the bathroom, or the sofa and once in a blue moon his cat bed is good enough. And most nights, at least 3 of the above. He likes to be out in the morning, but there are indoor cats.

    Have fun with one.

    Regards,

    Richard

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    2038 x 2200 - 2M
    Post edited by richardandtracy on
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